How to Paint a Face (Face Painting) (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Face painting is fun on any occasion, whether it's painting faces for a birthday party or preparing carnival costumes. It can be a hobby for some, or even a career for other talented artists. Whatever your goals, the possibilities for original and beautiful compositions are limited only by your imagination! Follow these steps to learn how to paint faces.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Collect the Materials

Step 1. Purchase suitable face paints

Getting the right paints should be your first concern. You will need to pay attention to safety, variety and quality to paint the face of your dreams.

• Put safety first. Use safe colors that do not harm the skin of the people you are painting. Inappropriate face painting can cause breakouts, allergic reactions, or even permanent damage in the most extreme cases. Avoid the following items:

  • Water-based pencils, markers, or pens. Just because you can wash them off your clothes doesn't mean they're skin-friendly.
  • Acrylic paints. They can be non-toxic, but that doesn't mean they're suitable for face painting.
• Avoid oil-based paints. They are difficult to remove and drool easily.

• Get a variety of colors.

  • At a minimum you will need black, white, red, blue and yellow. You will be able to mix these colors to create each color in the spectrum.
  • If you don't have time to mix colors, choose a color palette that contains at least 8-14.

  

  Step 2. Get the right brushes

  Without the right brushes, the hard work you've done to pick the perfect colors won't be worth anything. The right brushes can help you a lot in painting a face with the utmost precision and detail.

  • Variety is important. At least three types of brushes are essential for a balanced look:

    • You should use a round # 2 brush for the finer details.
    • You should use a round # 4 brush for larger details.
    • A 2.5cm flat brush can help you pick up more colors.
    • As you expand your repertoire, brushes of different thicknesses can help you refine your work.

    

    Step 3. Purchase makeup sponges

    Make-up sponges are useful for quickly applying color over a large area, or for adding a background color.

    • Start with at least three sponges. You can cut them in half to have six.
    • Having different sponges for different colors can help you avoid washing the sponge during a painting session. The same goes for brushes.

    

    Step 4. Purchase some glitter to add sparkle to your artwork

    Gel glitter is recommended for its ease of use and the ability to control applications. Remember that glitter can be difficult to groom and can easily reach places on your face you didn't want to touch.

    Remember safety. Make sure the glitter is also suitable for use on the skin. The only glitters that are safe for face painting are made from polyester

    

    Step 5. Purchase stencils, stamps and temporary tattoos to add variety

    Having these extra tools can add an extra flair to your finished product.

    • Stencils are perfect if you are not confident in your skills as a painter, or if you are simply short on time. Some classic ones include hearts, flowers, and moons. Make sure you get different sizes for all faces.
    • You can use face stamps and fill them with glitter and paint and they can be a great addition to a painted face.
    • Temporary tattoos can be used even faster than stencils. However, some people's skin doesn't react well to them, and they can take longer to remove.

    

    Step 6. Get other special effects materials

    In some cases, the perfect look requires structure or something that face painting alone cannot provide.

    • To create an aquiline nose, dip a small cotton ball into the paint, place it on your face and cover it with a handkerchief before painting on it.
    • For warts, simply cover some cereal or puffed rice with paint.
    • For a ghost-like look, apply a light coating of flour to the subject's face when you're done painting it.

    

    Step 7. Get the right furniture

    It is important to have the right furniture to store your paintings and make sure you and your subject are comfortable.

    • Use a flat surface, such as a table or desk for painting materials.
    • Also get two chairs, one for the painter and the other for the person being painted, so that both of you are comfortable during the process.

    

    Step 8. Get ready to clean

    Being ready to clean is as important as getting the right materials.

    • To prevent the subject from being stained with excess paint or water, you can use a plastic bag with a head hole for protection. Cut the bag at the end of the work to avoid ruining your work.
    • Get some bags and towels to clean while you paint.
    • Prepare towels and make-up removers for your customers.
    • Provide access to a sink or water so that you can wash your hands between clients to prevent the spread of disease.
    • Prepare soap and water or disinfectant to clean brushes and sponges.

    

    Step 9. Don't forget the mirror

    Your subject will want to see what it looks like - a mirror is vital not only for exhibiting your work, but it will also help your subject monitor progress.

    Part 2 of 2: Painting

    Step 1. Ask the person who will be painted what design they would like

    It is essential to understand the client's wishes before starting. Good communication regarding your requests will be the secret to success.

    • Prepare boards that show what you can offer. This will help people make decisions and save time, as well as show off your skills.
    • If you work with children, you should be ready to offer them ideas in case they are undecided.
    • If you work with a large group, you should be sure that the next person in line knows what they want to avoid delays.

    

    Step 2. Imagine the finished work already

    When your subject makes their decision, it will be important to have an idea of what their face will eventually look like.

    • If you plan on using glitter, special effects, or tattoos, make a note of this so you don't add them too late in the process.
    • Think fast. Children are impatient and may change their minds if it takes too long.

    Step 3. Prepare your canvas (the person's face)

    Make sure you clean your skin of makeup and any products.

    • Never paint someone with cuts or bruises on their face, as this could cause them pain and spread disease among your clients. Offer to paint the arms instead.
    • Gather your hair and secure any strands that could interfere with application.
    • Beware of long earrings or other jewelry that could interfere with your work.
    • Exercise your subject to sit still while you clean his face. If it's a child, you can help by placing a hand behind their head.

    Step 4. Work light to dark

    It is much easier to paint on light colors than on dark colors.

    This will make it easier to add lighter colors as you go, and avoid having to start over

    Step 5. Start with larger areas and gradually go to the details

    Apply a solid color base before moving on to the finer details of the face.

    • Use a sponge to cover your face with a certain color before starting with the details.
    • Thick brushes are best for big strokes of color.
    • Thin brushes work best for fine details.

    Step 6. If necessary, add lumps and warts

    Don't forget to add these special effects soon so you can paint over them.

    

    Step 7. Wait for the paint to dry after each coat

    With patience you will avoid confusing and smudging the colors that you have applied with difficulty.

    • Let the first color dry before applying a second. If you don't wait, the two colors may mix and you'll have to start over.
    • Fill in the colors slowly after you've waited, making sure you don't mix them, so as to avoid smudging.
    • Instead of a thick coat of color, apply several thin layers to avoid cracks.

    Step 8. Apply extra elements as needed

    If you are going to use glitter or stamps, be sure to reserve their space in the project.

    • Glitter can be mixed with color and applied at any time.
    • If you are using stamps or tattoos, be sure to leave space for them on the face.

    

    Step 9. When done, let your face dry

    All the time you took to create the perfect look will be wasted if you don't wait long enough for it to dry.

    • Suggest to the person you painted not to touch their face for five minutes so that it dries.
    • Alternatively, use a hand fan to dry the paint faster.

    

    Step 10. Hold a mirror to show your client the results

    He will be impressed with your prowess and ready to show off his new look.

    • Take a picture of your subject to show to future customers.
    • Have him show off the new look for your customers or prospects. This will help you gain credibility as a face painter, whether it's your career or if you're looking for other subjects just for fun.

    Advice

    • Always practice a new drawing before painting it on someone, to make sure you can do it quickly and accurately.
    • Look at the works of other face painters on the internet and sketch a simplified version of their drawings with a pencil.
    • If you intend to paint faces as a profession, it is advisable to take out insurance that will protect you from any accidents.
    • Mixing the colors with a little water will make it easier to apply.
    • Experiment with different painting tools such as sticks and cotton balls to get different effects.

    Warnings

    • Only use specific face paints. Acrylic, oil, or DIY paints are not safe for use on the skin.
    • Very young children usually don't like the feeling of face painting, because it's cold and can be ticklish, so just apply a drop of red paint on their noses, and you'll have a clown!