Face Painting Examples

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Most kids I know love to have their faces painted.

I love watching face painters at work. Recently my daughter, the artist in the family, decided she wanted to try it. Of course I had to find the most frugal way for her to get started.

photo credit: Richard BH

Since it was a "new thing" for us, I didn't want to spend a bunch of money right out of the gate. I found that it doesn't cost much to get started face painting. And lots of the more simple designs don't require that you be an "artist" to do them.

This page is full of face painting photos that will give you a look at some simple designs that you and your kids can experiment with, and some fancy designs that you can use as inspiration.

Whether you let the kids try this fun hobby on themselves or each other; or you try it yourself, use these face painting examples to start exploring a new way to have some frugal fun.

Face Painting Examples - Easy

These designs are labeled "easy" because they're fairly simple to reproduce yourself. (My 9 year old tried each one and did pretty well.)

photo credit: Tom@HK

photo credit: AndrewR

photo credit: jakesmome

photo credit: DNAMichaud

photo credit: hoyasmeg

photo credit: basykes

photo credit: Ryan Baxter Photography

photo credit: LittleMissSilly

photo credit: Peter Rivera

photo credit: Dan4th

Kids can practice designs on the backs of their own hands or on the hands of their friends. The forearm is another good practice "canvas".

Face Painting Examples - Fancy

These are labeled as fancy because they are a bit more challenging. You can use these looks as inspiration or try to make similar designs with the help of a kit.

Fairy eyes are great to try and can be simple or intricate.

photo credit: Alaskan Dude	photo credit: Alaskan Dude	photo credit: Alaskan Dude

photo credit: Alaskan Dude

Fairy Eyes Face Painting Kit

photo credit: Megyarsh

photo credit: cogdogblog

Video Face Painting Examples

Disney Pirate

Using Stencils and Jewels (Martha Stewart)

The peel-and-stick paper he is using is label maker paper that you would use in your printer.

If you would like to try these techniques using stencils of your own, I found this cool resource for FREE face painting stencils.

Easy Spiderman

Easy Tiger

Adorable Butterfly

Face Painting Tips

Here are some face painting tips that will come in handy whether you're just learning enough to get you through the next birthday party, or considering being a face painter for pay in your spare time.

1. Use face paints that are approved for use on the face and are labeled as makeup. Just because something is labeled non-toxic doesn't mean it's OK for use on the face.
2. When using brushes use enough water to make the paint flow easily.
3. When using a sponge to apply face paint use as little water as possible. Apply the face paint in short strokes then pat to blend.
4. Whenever you can work with your paint colors from light to dark. Face paints blend together easily, but you will get a sharper effect if you paint black over white versus white over black.
5. Keep your tools in an upright position and keep them from touching each other. Poking the brush handles into a thick dry sponge works well. You may have to cut some small slits into it with a sharp knife.
6. Do not let anyone touch your paints or tools.
7. If a child has a runny nose, a rash or open wound on their face do not paint their face. Instead offer to paint their arm or put a cool design on the back of their hand.
8. Take your time and practice a lot. If you think you want to face paint for local or school events make sure you learn how to do at least 10 to 20 face painting designs well without needing more than few minutes to complete each one.
9. Learn how to make face paint yourself from simple recipes that will give you plenty of paint to practice with that you can whip up whenever you need it.

More Face Painting and Other Fun Party Stuff

• Want to try face painting right now? Gather up some face paint supplies from things you probably already have at home.
• If you're face painting for Halloween take a click over to our Halloween Activities page to find all the Halloween fun, and foods we have for you.
• If you're face painting for a birthday party or any other event take a look at all the pages at fun party games.