Face painting is a fun and safe activity that children can enjoy. If your child's birthday is coming up soon or you're planning on joining a carnival celebration, face painting can be a quick, inexpensive, and easy way to entertain kids. Most importantly, you don't have to rush to the store to buy face paint – you can make it quickly from a few simple household ingredients!
Ingredients
Base paint
more watery; suitable for a variety of events. Recipe for one color of paint
- 1 tbsp gentle body lotion
- 2 tbsp starch/corn flour
- 1 tbsp water
- Food coloring
Clown Face Paint
More viscous; similar to oil paint for a clown's face. Recipe for one color of paint
- 2 tbsp white fat/butter
- 5 tbsp starch/corn flour
- 1 tsp flour
- 1/8 tsp vaseline
- Food coloring
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making Corn Starch Base and Lotion
Notes: While these recipes use mild ingredients that should be safe for most children, it's always a good idea to make sure that no one is allergic to these ingredients before using paint.
Step 1. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, lotion and water
Face paint consists of two parts: base paint and color paint. First, we're going to create a neutral base paint to which we can add any color we want. Mix all ingredients until smooth.
- For information, in the UK, corn starch is called "corn flour" - the ingredients are exactly the same as corn starch.
- Ideally, you need a white lotion so it won't affect the color of your face paint. If you don't have lotion, you can use any gentle skin cream, such as cold cream, shea butter, and so on.
Step 2. If you want, add more ingredients to change the texture of the base paint
The above recipe should work for pretty good paint. However, if you don't like the end result, you can add more cornstarch to thicken the texture, or add more lotion to make it runny – both are up to you!
Step 3. Put the base paint mixture into a small container
When the primer is to your liking, use a clean spoon to transfer it to a small container. Ideally, have several containers ready, so when you make different colored paints, you can store them in separate containers.
- An inexpensive and creative way to store face paint is to use egg carton containers. Put a little primer into each part of the egg carton container until it's half full so it doesn't spill when mixed with the colored paint.
- Another good option for storing paint is to use a container to store leftover baby food – these containers are usually the right size for holding face paint.
Step 4. Add food coloring
Add a few drops of your favorite food coloring to the base paint. Stir to mix until the color is smooth and even. You may need to add a little more food coloring than previously thought would be enough – note that this paint will spread into a thin layer when applied.
- Not sure how to make paint the color you want? Look for color blending guides, which are common on painting and design sites like this one. You can also try the WikiHow color blending guide.
- If in doubt about using commercial food coloring on your child's face, don't worry! There are a variety of natural ingredients that can be used for face paint color – see the section below for more information.
Step 5. Make another primer and repeat the steps
At this point, you can repeat the steps above, using different colors, to create the rainbow colors. Remember, keep each color in its own container so it doesn't mix with other colors.
To apply face paint, use a cotton ball, cotton pen, or soft brush
Method 2 of 3: Making a Clown Face Paint
Step 1. Mix solid fat, vaseline, and food coloring
Compared to the recipe above, this face paint is much thicker. This means that if color is added in the final stages, the result will be difficult to mix with the base paint. Alternatively, at this stage, first of all, we will supplement it with “wet” ingredients. Stir until combined so that the dough has a smooth and even color.
Step 2. Gradually add corn starch and flour
Next, add the powdered ingredients little by little. Stir while adding the two so that the colors are evenly mixed. When you're done and you find the color too pale, feel free to add more ingredients and keep stirring.
- After mixing the fat and powdered ingredients, the texture should be thick or even chalky. It's a good texture – like oil paint for a clown's face paint, this recipe should be dense enough to work with.
- Note that this recipe calls for a teaspoon of flour – not a tablespoon.
Step 3. Save the paint as above
Once this recipe is complete, you can place and store it just like the liquid face paint above. Again, egg cartons and baby food containers are perfect for keeping each color separate from the others.
Apply the finished face paint with an unused makeup brush, cotton pen, or a light, clean sponge
Method 3 of 3: Using Natural Paints and Colors
This table shows some common ingredients that can be used as substitutes for commercial food coloring. All of them are safe to apply to the skin unless your child has allergies.
| Desired Color | Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Turmeric | You need to add a little extra liquid to balance this dry powder. |
| Red | Cranberry juice | |
| Pink | Pureed and filtered raspberries | Strain the mashed raspberries through a fine sieve to remove the seeds. |
| Green | Spirulina (blue-green algae), spinach | |
| Light green | Avocado | |
| Purple | Blackberry | Use the raspberry filter technique to remove blackberry seeds. |
| Chocolate | Cocoa powder, chocolate | |
| Black | Squid ink |
Warning
- While these recipes are non-toxic, you need to use them with care – they can sting if they get in your eyes.
- As mentioned above, for safety, always make sure whether children are allergic to paint ingredients before using it.
