Knowing how to paint faces is a great skill to show off at parties or on Halloween. If you've never painted a face before, prepare a kit with the right tools, such as face paint, brushes, and mirrors. Once you've got all the painting supplies, you can use your tools to paint someone's face. With practice and patience, you can start painting beautiful designs on someone's face in no time.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Obtaining Equipment
Step 1. Get a paint set designed for painting faces
Make sure the associated paint is non-toxic. Read the paint's packaging to make sure it's made specifically for face painting. If you're still new, get a color palette and a neutral palette.
You can buy face paint online or in book and art supply stores
Step 2. Prepare a brush and sponge to paint the face
Use a round, thin-tipped brush for small details, and a wide, flat brush for larger details. Have at least 3 brushes in each size in the face painting kit; one for black paint, one for white paint, and one for color paint. Having multiple brushes for different colors will prevent the colors from mixing.
Step 3. Get a plastic cup for water
You will need water to mix with the face paint and rinse the brush. A regular plastic drinking cup will suffice.
Step 4. Prepare some rags to wipe the brushes
It's best to get a cheap washcloth because it will continue to be stained with paint. A washcloth is perfect for this project because you can wash and reuse it whenever you want to paint your face.
Step 5. Provide a mirror to show your painting to people
An ordinary handheld mirror will suffice. If you're painting your face for a big event or party, bring two mirrors in case one breaks.
Step 6. Don't forget the glitter
Purchase non-toxic cosmetic grade glitter from a book or art supply store and include it in your face painting kit. The addition of glitter will make your painting sparkle and stand out.
Make sure you use cosmetic grade glitter. This grade glitter won't hurt if it gets into someone's eyes
Part 2 of 3: Painting Someone's Face
Step 1. Ask what kind of face painting people want
If she's not sure, show her photos of various face painting designs to choose from. Just make sure you're able to replicate the design shown so that she's not disappointed in the end result!
Step 2. Use the photo as a reference
Don't be afraid to look at the photos every now and then to make sure you're painting the design just right. If you don't have a printed photo, look at it using your phone. Look for something like “lion face painting” or “butterfly face design.”
Step 3. Dab the base of the design with a sponge
Dip the tip of the sponge in the water. Don't soak the sponge, you just need to take enough water to get a few drops out of the sponge. Rub the wet corner of the sponge into the paint of the color you want to use in a circular motion. Pat the tip of the sponge against someone's face to color it.
If the color isn't bright enough, add water and paint to the tip of the sponge
Step 4. Apply a second color to the base for a more elaborate design
Use another sponge or clean the sponge after applying the first color. Choose a color that will blend in with the first color. Keep in mind that colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel will contrast well with each other, but don't mix them up.
- For example, if you paint a butterfly and make the base of the wings purple, the blue will blend in well, as opposed to the yellow.
- Apply a second color with the wet end of the sponge, but use the dry part of the sponge to blend the colors.
Step 5. Let the first coat of paint dry
After a few minutes, lightly touch the paint with your fingertips to check for dryness. If the paint transfers to your fingers, wait for the paint on your face to dry completely. If so, continue painting.
Step 6. Use a brush to add details to the design
Dip one of the brushes in the water and rub the bristles against the color of paint you want to use. Make sure the brush is not soaked to the point of dripping water so as not to seep the paint on the person's face. For smaller details, brush lightly with the thin edge of the brush. Use the flat side of the brush to make thicker lines.
- When finishing a color, clean the brush or take a new brush to apply a new color.
- Use a thin brush to add shadows or highlights with black and white paint.
Step 7. Fix the error with baby wipes
Gently wipe the baby wipes on the area you want to remove. You can also use baby wipes to dull the edges of your design.
Step 8. Show your work using a mirror
Ask him if he likes it. If he seems disappointed or doesn't like it, offer to improve the design or add details.
Part 3 of 3: Making People Comfortable
Step 1. Place a cushion on the chair so that the person sitting on it is comfortable
Use a sleeping pillow if you don't have a seat cushion. People tend to move in their chairs not feeling comfortable.
Step 2. Distract people when you paint their faces
Explain what was painted and why you did it. Invite him to chat. People who are distracted will not feel bored and move restlessly.
For example, if you're painting children's faces at a party, ask questions like "Wasn't it fun playing with your friends?" or “What are you going to play next?”
Step 3. Paint simple designs on the children's faces
Children tend to find it difficult to stay still for long periods of time. Choose simple designs for kids so they can be painted quickly and he doesn't have time to get nervous.
