Sep 28, 2021
Here are the answers to the questions that we get asked most often! There are more detailed answers to more specific questions from working painters in Aggie's Answers.
Q: How do I start to face paint?
A: The easiest way is to get a book about face painting from the library or you can buy one from Facepaint UK, we recommend either of the Usborne books if you are a beginner. Buy a few ‘proper’ face paints, some sponges and some good quality paint brushes. Look in our online shop under 'Starter Kits' for a selection of what you will need. There are hundreds of tutorials on You Tube if you need further inspiration. We also have lots and lots of useful information in our 'Painter Wiki' section.
Q: What sort of face paint should I look for?
A: Face paints are really water based make-up. Only buy professional quality paints, we recommend Grimas as a good all-round product, but all the main brands such as Grimas, Kryolan, Paradise, DFX are fine to use, and are all are sold here. The sort of palette sold in a blister pack is quite often coloured soap (or worse), not necessarily dangerous, but will not give the results so often illustrated. Don't be tempted by crayon sticks which tend to be grease based, drag on the skin, give a disappointing result and can be difficult to remove. Some cheap ‘paints’ produced for annual occasions such as Halloween have been known to contain products that are difficult to remove, stain the skin or even worse. It’s just not worth the risk when good products are available.
Q: Are face paints safe/can I get hypoallergenic face paint?
A: All the brands on this site are professional products made to strict cosmetic standards, and adverse reactions are rare. As with all cosmetic products, some people are sensitive to some ingredients. There are no standards for the term "hypoallergenic", it is simply an unsubstantiated marketing tool used by the cosmetics industry. However, the Grimas product called 'Pure' has no anti-bactericides and provides an alternative for those sensitive to parabens and chemical preservatives (chlorine, bromine etc.) and perfumes. Also, the colours used are from the strictest category -EEC/76/768. It is a great all-round product.
Q: Are face paints waterproof? >
A: Most face paints are water based and designed to be easy to wash off with water. So, no! They are also not sweat proof or rain proof. There are sprays that can help fix a product (Barrier Spray or Dermacolour Fixing Spray) or Fixing Powder, but none are 100% water proofers. If you need a waterproof product, please ask for advice and we can tell you about the Grimas Cream products.
Q: How do I remove face paint from skin?
A: Soap (or better still baby shampoo) and warm water on an old flannel! As the paint is water based, it needs to be removed with water. Oily or cream based removers tend to seal the colour onto the skin. Baby wipes are tempting, but contain oils and even alcohol and are not designed for the face, and there have been bad reactions to paint being removed with these. (Link to baby wipes article)
Q: How do I remove face paint from clothes?
A: Use a pre-wash treatment and soak in cold water before washing normally. Our daVinci brush cleaning soap also works well.
Q: How do I give feedback?
A. Simply send us an email and let us know what you think!
Q: When should a face painter say 'no'?
A: It is not advisable to face paint children less than three years old, babies and young infants may develop sensitivity to ingredients in the paint if it is applied too soon. Paradise (paint brand) states they are not suitable for children under three years old, any one using it on a child under three would invalidate their insurance.
A: If the child (or adult) has any serious food allergies or allergic reactions to soaps, skin creams, etc.
A: If the child (or adult) has any open cuts or sores on their face.
A: If the child (or adult) has a cold sore or any other infectious skin condition, or appears to have conjunctivitis or other contagious disease such as chicken pox.
A: You should not go to work if you are feeling poorly yourself; let the client know and do your best to find an equivalent facepainter who can cover your job. They will probably return the favour sometime.
A: If you are not offered the fee that you know you need and deserve unless there is a personal reason for wanting to support a cause. It does no one any favours in the long run.
