Hi, I'm Mark and I'm the owner of Comic Expressions, Montana's premiere face painting and party entertainment company. I'm able to provide one or multiple face painters or glitter tattoo artists for your event in Kalispell, Polson, Missoula, Helena, or anywhere within driving distance of those cities (milage charges may apply).
Myself and my partners use only non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, FDA-compliant makeup products. No itchy, painful, rash-causing craft store paints! Ever!
We also offer one of the hottest trends around - glitter tattoo parties! These glitter tattoos are also made from cosmetic makeup products, are water-resistant, and last 3-5 days. Call me today - 406-314-0362 - to book your next party or event and let us help you make it a blast!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Glitter Tattoos!
Hey guys, guess what's HOT this summer? Glitter tattoos! These temporary tattoos made with glitter or black mica (which looks like a real tattoo) as well as cosmetic glue last 3+ days and are water-resistant, and totally pool party cool! Call me at 406-314-0362 to book a glitter tattoo party today!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
"What Paint Do You Use?" (aka Thoughts On Safety)
Hey guys, one of the most common questions I get is "what paint do you use?" My normal response is simply "none." Then I explain I do not use any type of "paints" in the sense they're wondering - craft paints, acrylic paints, tempera paints, etc. While commonly used for face painting, these products are not hypoallergenic, and may cause potentially severe allergic reactions. I deal with it all the time, the kid, adult, parent, etc who thinks them (or their child) is allergic to face paint. If I get the chance, and I know of this, I politely say that they're almost certainly allergic to craft paints, not to the water-based makeup I use. Some give it a try, usually if their kid is begging - some don't. That's business I lose because others face paint with unsafe products. I take that very seriously - both for my own business, and even more for the sake of those kids missing out on something fun. Make sure that any face painter you hire is using professional makeup products, not paint!
So what do I face paint with? I use professional makeup designed for face painters with safety in mind. These products are anti-bacterial to prevent spreading germs when used as directed, they're water-based for easy application and removal, and they're hypo-allergenic. Specifically, I use Kryolan Aqua Color and Mehron Paradise most of the time. I also usually have some similar products from other companies such as Snazaroo and Wolfe FX that I use in certain designs. All the products I use can be bought from Silly Farm Supplies and Heather at Silly Farm is amazing to work with and only sells top-quality, safe products.
In the three years I've been face painting, I've only had two cases of people who came back to me reporting allergies (and I would encourage ANYONE to do so! It helps me figure things out, and any report that seems like a real allergy WILL be sent to the manufacturer of the makeup). One was a young girl whose entire face turned red after washing off the makeup. That is immediately suspect because the makeup wasn't on her entire face, the design contained several brands and colors of makeup (further limiting the area an allergy to one ingredient would have), and she was fine until washing it off. I asked her what she washed it off with. It was at a camp and she told me the foaming soap from the dispenser in the camp's restroom. I told her I was almost certain that caused her allergy since the symptoms didn't seem like a face paint allergy, and that made sense to her as well. The soap they have in the restrooms at that camp burns my hands - I can't imagine it on the face!
The other report I received was one of eye irritation from the product. This was from the young granddaughter of a vendor next to me at a fair, and I received the report the next morning from the girl. Again, no symptoms until removing it. The girl did remove it as I suggest - with baby shampoo. However, this was more local irritation and she said that she did scrub pretty hard to get it off. This case I explained I was pretty sure the redness was irritation from rubbing her eyes too hard. She still got me to paint her face again, but asked that I avoid her eyes, which I obviously did. She chose a design not involving the eye area. Her eyes were better by lunch time. I'm pretty sure she just rubbed them red trying too hard in removing the makeup.
My point? In three years of face painting I've had two allergy reports, both of which I'm almost certain were related to removal technique. I'm VERY confident in the safety of the makeup I use. Whenever you're looking to hire a face painter, it is okay to ask what we use. In fact, I'm glad when people do. Nothing is more important to me than this being a fun, enjoyable activity with fond memories for years to come - not memories of rashes and itchy paint. To the people who act like they're worried they're stepping over the line when you ask me what I use - you're not, I'm glad you asked. :)
Have a wonderful Christmas, and I hope to see many of you this coming year!
Blessings,
Mark
So what do I face paint with? I use professional makeup designed for face painters with safety in mind. These products are anti-bacterial to prevent spreading germs when used as directed, they're water-based for easy application and removal, and they're hypo-allergenic. Specifically, I use Kryolan Aqua Color and Mehron Paradise most of the time. I also usually have some similar products from other companies such as Snazaroo and Wolfe FX that I use in certain designs. All the products I use can be bought from Silly Farm Supplies and Heather at Silly Farm is amazing to work with and only sells top-quality, safe products.
In the three years I've been face painting, I've only had two cases of people who came back to me reporting allergies (and I would encourage ANYONE to do so! It helps me figure things out, and any report that seems like a real allergy WILL be sent to the manufacturer of the makeup). One was a young girl whose entire face turned red after washing off the makeup. That is immediately suspect because the makeup wasn't on her entire face, the design contained several brands and colors of makeup (further limiting the area an allergy to one ingredient would have), and she was fine until washing it off. I asked her what she washed it off with. It was at a camp and she told me the foaming soap from the dispenser in the camp's restroom. I told her I was almost certain that caused her allergy since the symptoms didn't seem like a face paint allergy, and that made sense to her as well. The soap they have in the restrooms at that camp burns my hands - I can't imagine it on the face!
The other report I received was one of eye irritation from the product. This was from the young granddaughter of a vendor next to me at a fair, and I received the report the next morning from the girl. Again, no symptoms until removing it. The girl did remove it as I suggest - with baby shampoo. However, this was more local irritation and she said that she did scrub pretty hard to get it off. This case I explained I was pretty sure the redness was irritation from rubbing her eyes too hard. She still got me to paint her face again, but asked that I avoid her eyes, which I obviously did. She chose a design not involving the eye area. Her eyes were better by lunch time. I'm pretty sure she just rubbed them red trying too hard in removing the makeup.
My point? In three years of face painting I've had two allergy reports, both of which I'm almost certain were related to removal technique. I'm VERY confident in the safety of the makeup I use. Whenever you're looking to hire a face painter, it is okay to ask what we use. In fact, I'm glad when people do. Nothing is more important to me than this being a fun, enjoyable activity with fond memories for years to come - not memories of rashes and itchy paint. To the people who act like they're worried they're stepping over the line when you ask me what I use - you're not, I'm glad you asked. :)
Have a wonderful Christmas, and I hope to see many of you this coming year!
Blessings,
Mark
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Hey folks, in wishing everyone a VERY Merry Christmas any private party packages booked before December 25th mentioning this post will receive $30 off!
Also, for businesses, bookings made before December 25th will not require a booking fee. Unfortunately, a couple of businesses (who I will not name as it's not in my nature to tear down others) booking events then making last minute cancellations have made it the reality that I have to join the rest of the entertainment world and require a non-refundable advance booking fee for all new business/commercial clients. To my many *wonderful* business owner friends out there, how do you deal with this? I love face painting and entertaining people; but I'm not so good at the business side of things. I prefer to just believe that everyone out there has good intentions. I know most of y'all do! It's been such an amazing blessing just meeting many of the people I've met through this business!
Also, for businesses, bookings made before December 25th will not require a booking fee. Unfortunately, a couple of businesses (who I will not name as it's not in my nature to tear down others) booking events then making last minute cancellations have made it the reality that I have to join the rest of the entertainment world and require a non-refundable advance booking fee for all new business/commercial clients. To my many *wonderful* business owner friends out there, how do you deal with this? I love face painting and entertaining people; but I'm not so good at the business side of things. I prefer to just believe that everyone out there has good intentions. I know most of y'all do! It's been such an amazing blessing just meeting many of the people I've met through this business!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Of Christmas and Holidays
Hey guys, how's it going out there? Here in Montana, we don't have a whole lot to do for winter parties for kids. There's skating and bowling. And that's about it. There's a few more cool things coming to town soon from what I've seen, but still. The same old, same old. How about something cool and exciting anywhere you're at? Face painting! Let our art be the highlight of your event for guests of all ages. Winter party packages are 20% off for all bookings made through December 15th, just mention my website when you call - 406-314-0362. Blessings!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Blacklight Parties!
Blacklight parties are a great idea for indoor and home parties in the middle of the winter! Pricing is only $100 over a standard party. Fee includes blacklight rental, setup, and consultation on how to get the most out of your blacklight party!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Fall Is The Season Of Scary!
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