Face painting is the art of applying bright, water-based cosmetic makeup products to the face for decoration and fantasy play :) I do a wide variety of designs and most take five minutes or less. If you are looking general information on my services, I suggest viewing my other pages, linked on the top menu. For those more curious about some of my thoughts on face painting, I decided to write a page with some of my thoughts on the art of face painting.
The first issue I'd like to talk about for a minute is the use of acrylic paints, or other non-makeup products in face painting. Almost every time I face paint I have someone tell me "that looks amazing but I'm allergic to face paints," "will this hurt?," or "how hard is this to get off?" In the vast majority of these cases, ten seconds of friendly conversation with the kid (or their parents) will reveal that the kid has had their face painted by a well-meaning adult at a school function or party who used acrylic craft paints, unaware of the products for this use. Just because something is "non-toxic" does not mean that it is hypo-allergenic, tested for intentional application to the skin, comfortable on the skin, or easily washable. It only means that the product won't kill you if you eat a bit of it.
Every product that I use is professional makeup intended for the purpose I am using it for. Most face painting is done with Mehron Paradise, Kryolan Aquacolor, or Snazaroo water-based face and body painting makeup. These products are water-based, hypo-allergenic, very lightweight and comfortable on the skin, and easily washable. Most colors can be removed with plain water. Paradise green, Snazaroo red, and most of the Kryolan Aquacolors do require some mild soap (baby shampoo works great!) to remove completely. Nothing further is required unless the makeup has been left on the skin a very long amount of time, such as overnight. In this case, a bit of lotion helps a lot. I do *not* recommend sleeping in the makeup as part of it will transfer to sheets and pillows and I can't guarantee it will wash off as easily as it does from skin!
I use glitter products and some powdered makeup as well, these products are also all washable, and all glitter is fine polyester glitter safe for use around the eyes. I *never* use craft glitter - craft glitter is not considered safe for use around the eyes and may cause scratches or other problems if it gets in the eye! The glitter I use will not harm your eyes because it is very fine, non-metallic, and cut in a hexagonal shape that will not scratch the eye.
Face painting is a fun art that can be incredibly safe and enjoyable when appropriate products are used. You can avoid the expense and the headache of sourcing these products yourself, missing part of your kid's party, and learning how to face paint (which takes many hours of practice) by hiring a professional face painter or entertainer for your next party or event. If you have any questions, always feel free to contact me.
Blessings,
Mark
Comic Expressions Face Painting
406-314-0362
Serving Kalispell, MT and the Flathead Valley of Northwest Montana including Whitefish, Somers, Lakeside, Columbia Falls, Hungry Horse, West Glacier, Bigfork, and Polson. Creating goofy giggles, silly smiles, lasting memories and lots of happy times for all!
