Costume Makeup & Face Paint

Why makeup often beats a mask

A painted face moves with its wearer, does not restrict vision, and does not get hot. For a long event, particularly outdoors in spring, makeup is very often the more comfortable choice — and it is still on at the end of the night, which a mask rarely is.

It also allows detail a mask cannot: expression, shading, and effects that follow the shape of the actual face.

Types of product

Water-activated paints are the standard for face painting. They apply with a damp sponge or brush, build in layers, and wash off with soap and water.

Cream and grease makeup gives heavier, more opaque coverage and needs setting with powder to stop it transferring. Best for full-face character looks.

Special effects products — wax, latex, blood, prosthetic pieces — build texture and dimension for wounds, scars and creature looks.

Applying it well

Start with a clean, dry face. Work base colours first with a sponge, then detail with a brush once the base is dry. Build in thin layers rather than one thick one, which cracks as the face moves.

Set cream products with translucent powder or they will end up on collars, car seats and everyone hugged during the evening.

Testing first

Try any product on a small patch of skin a day or two ahead, particularly with children and particularly with latex and adhesives. Discovering a reaction the morning of the event is a bad time to find out.

Removing it

Water-activated paint lifts with warm soapy water. Cream and grease need an oil-based remover or cleansing balm first, then soap. Scrubbing at stubborn colour irritates skin — dissolve it rather than rubbing it off.