How to Face Paint

Face painting is a fun activity that you can indulge in, be it with kids or adults, in a get-together or a party. Even when you are meeting up with a group of friends, for a lazy afternoon together, face painting can be quite a fun option to spend time. There are many themes and designs you can choose from, right from scary Halloween masks to funny clowns to something abstract and intricate, for the same. However, in case you are completely clueless about face painting, read on. We have provided instructions on how to face paint, in the following lines. Along with them, you will find some easy and simple tips on face painting. What are waiting for? Go ahead and show them who the next Picasso is!

Face Paintings

Things Required

Brushes
Face Paints
Lots of Water
Mirror
Moisturizer
Paper Towels
Plate
Sponges
Towel or Washcloth

Instructions

Cleanse the face with water and a mild soap. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer or a cream on the face, to make dry patches supple. This will not only make the paint spread around easily, but also help you remove the paint smoothly, later on.
Apply the base paint on the face first. Don’t do it with a brush. Put some paint on a plate and add some drops of water, to make it a bit runny. Now, take a sponge and dip one corner in the paint. Lightly squeeze out excess water and apply it evenly over the face, like foundation. The base paint should usually be a light color, as it makes other colors stand out.
Now, draw an outline of the design or pattern you have in mind. Do it with a very thin brush and the desired color. Usually, outlines are done in black but you may choose dark blue or brown as well.
Be careful when you paint the area around the eyes. While painting the eye lids, the eyes should be closed and while painting the area below the eyes, the person should look up. Avoid using yellow and red around the eyes as they contain oxides, which are quite toxic.
Fill the face in a sequence and follow an order. Fill in the lighter colors first and draw fine lines with a thin brush. In case you are planning to use glitter, make sure the powder is mixed with a bit of water first, to avoid it from flying and spreading all across the face.

Some Tips

If the person whose face is being painted complains of itching or irritation, immediately remove the paint with a mild face cleanser. Ask the person to clean the face with water and a medicated soap and apply a moisturizer.
Always make sure to give enough time for the first color to dry, before applying the second one. Otherwise, they would end up mixing together, ruining your entire design.
If you feel that you would not be able to draw the basic outline with free hand, there is always the option of using stencils. Make sure to have a number of stencil designs and sizes handy.

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