Butterflies, cats, dogs, fairies, ghosts, witches, wizards ... kids of all ages love having their faces painted. Here are a few tips to help. Tip 1: Value Your Paints Professional face paint and stage makeup can be expensive, particularly if you're painting a whole kids party's worth of faces. Don't leave them around where people can get hold of them and try them out for themselves. Try out different types of paint to see which you find the best for working with, such as paint in tubs or paint in stick form. Tip 2: Sponge Don't Brush If you're wanting to cover a large area or put on a base color, use a sponge to apply the paint rather than a brush, it'll be quicker. Having a different sponge for different colors eliminates the necessity of washing out the sponge during a painting session (the same applies to brushes). Tip 3: Be Patient and Think Thin Let the first color dry before applying a second. If you don't, they'll mix and you'll probably have to wipe it off and start again. Also, rather than applying one thick layer of paint, which may crack, apply a thin layer, let it dry, then apply another. Tip 4: Visualize the Finished Face Know what you're going to paint before you start, don't make it up as you go along. Kids aren't known for their patience and won't be able to sit still why you ponder what to do next. Have a basic face design fixed in your mind; you can always add special touches to this once you're finished. Tip 5: Special Effects The paint you're using will work as a basic glue. To create bumpy noses or big eyebrows, soak a bit of cotton wool in the paint, place on face, cover with a piece of tissue, and paint. Puffed rice or wheat make ideal warts; simply cover with a bit of tissue and paint. For an extra-ghostly effect, apply a light dusting of flour once you've finished painting the face (be sure to get your subject to close their eyes tightly). Tip 6: Use Stencils If you're not confident painting freehand, or are short of time, why not use a face painting stencil? Stars, hearts, flowers will all stencil onto a cheek. Have stencils in a few sizes to hand, to allow for small and larger faces. Tip 7: Getting a Decision If you've got a row of kids lined up to have their faces painted, ask the next kid in line what they'd like a few minutes before you've finished the face you're currently painting. This way they've a little time to try to decide and you don't lose painting time. You may suggest a few faces, to try to limit the choice to one you're confident painting. Consider creating a chart of designs for kids to choose from; it makes it much easier for the kids to make up their minds. Include simple things such as hearts or balloons, as many kids love these. Tip 8: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who's the Most Beautiful of All? Remember to take a mirror so the person whose face you've just painted can see the result. Also bring a high stool for kids to sit on; not having to bend over for so long will save you from back ache. Tip 9: Stock Up on Tissues You’ll probably use more tissues or wipes than you think for wiping your hands, brushes, etc. Face painting can be messy, but it's fun! Baby wipes work fast and easy for 'mistakes'; you can also be assured they are safe to use on faces.
