Costume Makeup and Face Paint Basics

Choose paint made for skin

Use face paint or cosmetic makeup that is made to go on skin. Craft paint, marker pens, acrylics and poster paint are not made for faces, so leave them in the craft box.

Check the label before you buy or open anything. Look for wording that says it is for face and body use. Read any warnings and the ingredient list, especially if the wearer has sensitive skin or known allergies.

Water-based paints are usually the easiest to apply and wash off. Makeup sticks and pencils are handy for small details like whiskers, freckles and scars. A few colours go a long way, so you do not need a big set.

A basic kit for most characters:

• White, black and red
• One or two extra colours for your character
• A couple of soft brushes, one flat and one fine
• A sponge for larger areas
• Cotton buds for fixing mistakes
• Baby wipes or a soft cloth for cleaning up

Do a small skin test first

Do a small skin test of face paint before the day. Put a little on the inside of the wrist or forearm, following the instructions on the pack. Leave it for the time the label suggests, then look at the skin.

If the skin looks or feels irritated, do not use that paint on the face. Wash it off. Try something else, or choose a costume that does not need makeup.

Do the test a day or so ahead, not in the car on the way to the party. Test each colour or product you plan to use.

Simple looks for common characters

Keep the design simple. Children often will not sit still for long, and simple shapes read well from across a room.

• Cat, such as the Cheshire Cat: a small pink or black nose, whiskers drawn outward from the cheeks, and a wide curved smile. Add stripes on the forehead if there is time.
• Wolf or Big Bad Wolf: a dark nose, grey or brown shading around the nose and cheeks, and a few lines for fur. Whiskers help.
• Pirate, such as Captain Hook: a thin moustache, a small scar on one cheek, and darker brows. Stubble can be dotted on with a sponge.
• Witch or villain: green or pale skin tone over the face, sharper dark brows, and coloured lips. Keep the eyes clear.
• Scarecrow: a red or orange nose, dotted freckles, stitch lines at the corners of the mouth, and a few small patches on the cheeks.
• Fairy or princess: soft colour on the cheeks, a small pattern near one eye, and a light touch of shimmer if the label says it is suitable for skin.
• Animals in general: nose, whiskers and cheeks. Those three details say most of it.

Practise on paper or on the back of your hand first if you are nervous. A simple look done neatly beats a complicated one done in a rush.

Applying gently

Start with clean, dry skin. Tie back long hair or use a headband so it stays out of the way.

Work from light to dark. Put down the big blocks of colour first, then add lines and details on top. Let each layer dry a little before the next, so colours do not smudge together.

Use a light hand. Dab or stroke rather than rubbing. Keep paint away from the eyes, the inside of the mouth and the nostrils. Leave a gap around the eyes, and ask the wearer to keep their eyes closed while you work close by.

Keep everything clean. Do not share sponges or brushes between people, and wash brushes between colours. Tell children not to touch or lick their painted faces.

Removing it gently

Follow the removal instructions on the label. Many face paints come off with mild soap and water and a soft cloth. Others suggest a specific remover or cleanser.

Take your time. Wet the cloth, hold it on the painted area for a moment to loosen the paint, then wipe softly. Do not scrub hard. Scrubbing can leave skin red and sore.

Stubborn colour, especially dark or bright shades, may leave a faint stain. Keep going gently, and stop if the skin looks or feels sore. Moisturise afterwards if the skin feels dry.

Do not leave paint on overnight unless the label says that is fine. Take it off at the end of the day.

Working around glasses and masks

Glasses are easy to work around. Paint the face first, then put the glasses on and check where they sit. Keep paint off the nose pads and the area under the lenses, where it can smear onto the glass. Simple cheek and forehead designs work better than anything around the eyes.

Wipe the lenses at the end of the day. Paint on glasses is easier to clean when it is fresh.

For a mask, decide which part of the costume is doing the work. If the mask covers the top half of the face, paint only the lower half, such as the nose and mouth area. Or skip the paint and let the mask do the job.

Full face masks and face paint do not mix well. Paint can rub off on the inside of the mask and the mask can smudge the design. Choose one or the other.

If a costume includes a hat, wig or hood, put it on after the paint has dried. Take care when pulling it over the face, and check that the paint has not rubbed off on it.