Our Top 10 Tips for Facepainting
Some fantastic face-painting tips from the Professionals
Top Tip # 1
Always use clean sponges on every face for hygienic reasons, We use round sponges, cut in half! It's also a good habit to get into so that you do not contaminate your paints.
Top Tip # 2
When using sparkles make sure they are non-metallic so that in the event that they get into the eyes there is no risk for scratching.
Top Tip # 3
Use water-based face paint as opposed to oil-based. It is much easier to work with (especially for beginners) and is easier to fix mistakes. Some great water-based paint brands we recommend are Grimas and Kryolan as well as Snazaroo.
Top Tip # 4
We do not recommend using paint crayons because they are difficult to draw with and don't offer the nice results you can get when using brushes and sponges.
Top Tip # 5
Most faces can be done in a basic three step-process. Step 1: Apply your base colour/colours with a wedge sponge (working with lighter colours before darker ones can be helpful). Step 2: Draw the picture or details of your face with your brushes and colour them in. Step 3: Add finishing touches and details, such as sparkles.
Top Tip # 6
To get excited children to calm down long enough to be painted, we usually find that telling the children a story as you work is a good distraction.
Top Tip # 7
Always clean brushes and water between faces - there should be no double dipping in the paint with a dirty brush.
Top Tip # 8
Made a mistake? Don't panic. Here are some tricks to help you recover in no time. Since lines usually start out thin, you can simply thicken them to incorporate or cover up your error. You can also try adding more colour to the area. If all else fails, bring on the wet wipes! Carefully wipe the paint from that area of the face and repaint with your brushes (avoid using sponges at this point because they are too big and may further smudge the face).
Top Tip # 9
To clean your child's face when they no longer want to be a clown or cat, We suggests using unscented wet wipes. They are gentle on the skin and will save you from staining towels and clothes.
Top Tip # 10
Very important to remember this one, have your camera on hand so you can quickly snap a picture of your masterpiece before your little one starts scratching his itchy nose!
Bonus Tip
Always put your child's costume on BEFORE you start to paint! It will save you from unwanted smudges or worse, having to re-do the whole face!
