Face painting is great fun! Here are some tips for the amature and semi-professional face painter, from my ebook, Face Painting Tips and Designs.

17 Tips Found in The Book

Even if you don’t get paid, you can have a terrific professional quality to your work. The following is an overview of some of the ideas covered in greater detail in the downloadable book.

1. Use cosmetic paints, products specific to be used on faces and skin. “Safe and non-toxic” evidently means you can eat it, not put it on your skin. Get face paints, and powders approved by the FDA.

2. Use only cosmetic grade glitters, those found in the make-up section of the store.

3. The most popular face paints are “cakes.” They are very hard, then feel like soft butter when you get them loosened up with water.

4. Get a variety of cosmetic sponges and paint brushes, from #2 sizes to at least 3/4 inch wide. Those little brushes that come with the inexpensive face painting kits are useless. The bigger brushes and sponges will put the paint on fast and easily. At a minimum you will use: 2 sponges (one for black), a wide brush, a medium round brush (size 3 or 4), and a tiny detailing brush. Professionals carry 10 – 40 brushes and a variety of sponges with them.

5. Bring hair bands to pull their hair away from the face when you paint. Remember where the bangs went and plan your design around that.

6. Use fresh, clean rinse water.

7. Bring a roll of paper towels. Remember, if the brush is too wet, the paint will run. Use the paper towels to pull excess water out of the brush.

8. Keep unscented high quality baby wipes at your table. Use these to clean those faces that are dirty, and then wipe off your paint cakes when they get dirty.

9. After each child, clean your hands so you don't spread germs. You can use antibacterial wipes or gel.

10. If you are new to face painting, avoid the eyes and the lips. These areas are the most delicate, prone to infection and allergies. You can create great designs, and not touch these spots.

11. Put the back ground colors on first, then finish with the outlines and details.

12. Have cheat sheets, photos or sketches of what you want to create. Put about 6 ideas up where people can see them and choose what they want before they get to your work area.

13. Always obtain the parents consent before you do face painting or any type of work on children.

14. Make sure to bring a mirror, so they can see your finished work.

15. Always carry your camera. Take photos of them, and ask parents to take photos of you.

16. If you want to go professional, paint whenever you can, until your calendar is full of paid dates. It is better to do something for nothing, than nothing for nothing.

Download Lilly Walters' book
Face Painting Tips and Designs:
A Beginning Face Painters Guide
to Go from Amateur to Professional

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Tips for Beginning Face Painters

Download Lilly Walters' book
Face Painting Tips and Designs:
A Beginning Face Painter's Guide
to Go from Amateur to Professional

    Download now, $12 Add to Cart

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Face Painting and body art in Claremont, La Verne, San Dimas and Upland for Children's Parties

Face Painting and body art in Claremont, La Verne, San Dimas and Upland for Children's Parties
Face Painting and body art in Claremont, La Verne, San Dimas and Upland for Children's Parties
Face Painting and body art in Claremont, La Verne, San Dimas and Upland for Children's Parties