Face Painting Tutorial - Tiger, Fairy, Superhero, Butterfly

I have made a very basic tutorial for anyone who may be interested in learning Face Painting. These are just my personal tips but if you would like to take it to a professional level there are multiple online classes.

Face Paint is waterbased make-up. Some of the most popular brands are TAG, Kryolan, Snazaroo. My personal favourite is TAG as the colours are nice and vibrant. You have plain or with pearl sheen and also metallic colours. Many people starting out make the mistake of buying too much. I would start with your basic plains, buy a few empty palettes and make your own rainbows and invidual sets. You will need to always have plenty of Black and White.

Powder makeup can also be used in place of face paint. I tend to use these near and around the eyes.

Sponges most commonly used are high density half round but you can always buy whatever shape you like and cut them up. You will need copious sponges. You can never have enough so that you have fresh clean sponges per child.

Brushes I recommend to get in your beginner set include Petal/
Flora, Filbert, Flat in size 1/4, 1/2 and 1 inch and Round in sizes 8, 6, 1.

I find having two large filled water bottles and empty bottles to pour the dirty water into works well. Also two cups to cleanse and change the water between each child.

Glitter! My favourite part of the design is to bling it up. Chunky Festival glitter is popular as it is set in a gel so it doesn't easily fly away and get into everything. There is also fine glitter but unless you are planning on doing glitter tattoos I would just buy a neutral crystal, maybe a pale pink/blue and silver/gold. Then there are the Mehron shimmers which are a great alternative. You can also use these with Powder makeup like Starblend or Elisa Griffith powder palette.

Stencil are handy and can make a design look more complete in a shorter amount of time. I bought waaaayyy too many at the start and then found when I had a busy line, I was fumbling through them. Now I keep it basic. I actually make my own - Stars, Hearts, Animal print, Fairies and some Patterns. I find applying the paint or powder using a Finger Dauber helps avoid 'bleed' via an overly wet sponge.

Bling can be bought or you can make your own. Apply with cosmetic adhesive. To remove the adhesive I found just plain oil worked well.

You will need Mirror, Sponge Bags (non-transparent because nobody wants to see the dirty sponges). A Picture Board to show your designs to save on time. If you laminate the individual picture and stick to a laminated board, you can change them up for each different party or festival you do. You can clean them down and if they get caught in the rain they won't ruin. A lightweight plastic sandwich board is easy to carry. Unscented wet ones, tissues, a hair band to keep wispy hairs out of the way. Table covering. Signage.

Travel light as much as possible. A roller case, a small foldup table, an aluminium high chair and plenty of elastic straps to secure will make your life much easier. Many times you will have hills and stairs and it can get heavy and awkward.

You will need Public Liability Insurance and a Working with Children Card. Personal choice on whether you wear a uniform or costume.

Have fun!! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Kathleen :)