Knowing how to paint faces is an excellent skill for birthday parties and around Halloween. If you have never painted faces, you will need to gather all the appropriate supplies, such as face paints, brushes, and a mirror. When you have all the painting equipment, you can use the tools to paint a design on a person's face. With a little practice and patience, you can start painting beautiful face designs very soon.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Gather the Materials
Step 1. Find an assortment of face paints
Make sure they are not toxic. The label should state that they are made specifically for face painting. If you're just starting out, pick up a vivid color palette and a neutral color palette.
You can search for face paints online or at your local arts and crafts store
Step 2. Stock up on brushes and sponges to apply face paint
Use round, thin-tipped brushes to make the smallest details and wide, flat brushes to create the largest details. You should have at least three brushes of each size in your face painting kit: one for applying the black paint, one for the white paint, and one for the colored paint. If you have different brushes for the different colors, it will prevent them from mixing.
Step 3. Get a plastic cup for the water
You should have water to mix with the paints and to rinse the brushes. You can use any plastic drinking glass.
Step 4. Find a couple of cloths to clean the brushes
Look for some cheap cloths because they will get stained frequently by paint. Cloths are great because you can wash them and reuse them when you want to paint faces.
Step 5. Have a mirror handy to show people what their painted face looks like
You can use a small hand mirror. If you are painting faces at a large event or party, bring two mirrors in case one breaks.
Step 6. Don't forget the glitter
Purchase a non-toxic cosmetic glitter from a craft store and add it to your face paint kit. Apply glitter over the paint to make it shine and stand out.
Make sure to use cosmetic glitter, as it won't hurt anyone if it gets in their eyes
Part 2 of 3: Painting a person's face
Step 1. Ask the person how they want their face painted
If he doesn't know, show him some pictures of the different designs he can choose from. Just make sure you can do whatever design you show her so she won't be disappointed with the result!
Step 2. Use a photograph as a reference
Don't be afraid to look at the photo every so often to make sure you paint the design well. If you don't have printed photos, search the Internet for some with your phone. Look for something like "lion face paint" or "butterfly face paint design."
Step 3. Apply the base of the design with a sponge
Dip the tip of the sponge in water. Do not soak the sponge, you just have to add a few drops of water. Rub the wet tip in a circular motion over the paint of the color you want to use. Dab the tip of the sponge over your face to apply color.
If the color doesn't look strong enough, add more water and paint to the tip of the sponge
Step 4. Add a second color to the base to create a more elaborate design
Use another sponge or clean the one you used to apply the first color. Choose a color that can blend in well with the former. Note that opposite colors on the color wheel contrast very well, but don't blend well.
- For example, if you want to make a butterfly and you painted the base of the wings purple, you could mix it very well with a blue, but not yellow.
- Apply the second color with the moistened tip of the sponge, but use a dry area of the sponge to blend the colors.
Step 5. Let the first coat of paint dry
After a few minutes have passed, lightly touch the paint with your fingertip to see if it has dried. If you have paint left on your finger, let it finish drying. When it has completely dried, continue painting.
Step 6. Add details to the design with the brushes
Dip one of the brushes in the water and run the bristles into the paint of the color you want to use. Make sure the brush is not dripping because the paint could smear on the person's face. To make the details smaller, make a few light strokes with the thin end of the brush. Use the flat side to make the lines thicker and darker.
- When you're done with one color, clean the brush or grab a new one to use with a new color.
- Use a thin brush to create the shadows and highlights with black and white paint.
Step 7. Correct mistakes with a wet wipe
Gently wipe the washcloth over the area you want to erase. You can also use a washcloth to round the edges of the design.
Step 8. Show the person the design in the mirror
Ask him if he likes it. If she seems upset or disappointed, offer to spruce up the design or add more details.
Part 3 of 3: Make People Comfortable
Step 1. Place a cushion on the chair where the person will sit
If you don't have a cushion, you can use a pillow. The person will be less likely to move in the seat if they are comfortable
Step 2. Distract the person while you paint their face
Tell him a story. Explain what you are painting at the time and tell him how you do it. Ask him some questions about his life. Distract the person so time passes faster and they don't feel anxious.
For example, if you paint children's faces at a party, you can ask them some questions, such as "Are you having fun with your friends today?" or "What games do you want to play later?"
Step 3. Paint simple designs on the children's faces
It is difficult for children to sit for long, so paint some easy designs to reduce the time they will have to sit and prevent them from fidgeting.