Face Paints – how to pick safe paints for kids

By Spramani Elaun

Face Paint is so much fun for young kids to experience. There’s something magical about getting your face painted. Kids don’t need to know how to make detailed designs to enjoy painting themselves, another face or their own body. Face painting is great for dress-up play or dressing up an existing costume. Body painting actually comes very natural to kids; I’ve witness this many times in my classes. Set-up a child in front of a large mirror so they can see the paint go on their own face. Inspiration is sure to come! Even letting your child paint you can be exciting. If you are a parent or teacher you can learn some basic designs that will impress any child. A simple rainbow, snake or insect will be a crowd pleaser if you will be the face painter.

Most modern Face Paints are made with safe waxes, lotions, lanolin and cosmetic colorants. Use only water-soluble, non-toxic, FDA approved face paints made for kids.

Child grade face paints are usually dermatologist and toxicologist tested, however I recommend doing a small test on your child’s arm or torso for any reactions before fully face or body painting.

Face paints  are very thick and sticky and need firm pressure to be spread on skin. Kids can use fingers, a sponge or paintbrush to apply paints. Some are greaser than others.

Be sure to have plenty of napkins near by for sticky fingers. Face paints are water-based and usually washable. Most face paints can be cleaned off with just warm soapy water.

Some face paints are high in pigment concentration and may stain clothes. So I recommend wearing an artist smock, cover-up or play clothes.

Todays face paints  come in an array of color choices, even safe shinny glitter colors. Kids can paint images with just a few color choices. Face paints come in round cake pans and sticks similar to lip stick form.

You can find face paints at most super stores, craft stores, Halloween costume stores or online.

You can also make your own homemade face paints recipes found online. Face paint designs can also be found easily online.

Watch a couple of face painting YouTube videos to learn some basic skills. Professional face paint artist usually set designs with baby powder or talc powder to last longer.

I do not recommend young kids doing this step.

Be sure not to leave young kids unattended with face paints, you might get more than faces painted! Below are some fun face paint design ideas.

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