I’ve pretty much just used dry face paint, which is activated with water. That way I can control it. For example, if a kid is sweaty, you’ll want it really dry, so it’ll stick and not run. I use Wolfe face paint for my color. (Here’s a link to a blue Wolfe paint. All the links in this post are Titus2’s Amazon Affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy.) But I use Diamond FX for white and black. I think they’re pretty similar though, so I have no idea how it ended up like that.

Investing in your brushes is totally worth it. I have middle-of-the-line brushes. I went to Michaels and got their highest end (I think about $10 per brush), but they would be an art store’s middle line. Dad has taught me how to very thoroughly clean them, and the time is well worth it to make them last longer. Some face painters use sponges, but I haven’t done much with them. But they are a good way to apply a lot of paint in a short amount of time.

See the picture below for some of the brushes I use. I was very overwhelmed when I went shopping for them and had no idea what I needed! My favorites (and I have multiple of each of these for ease and speed of changing colors) are: 1/4 and 3/8” angled, 6 rounded edge, 14 round, and 4 round.

A funny thing that’s become a necessity in my face paint tub is baby wipes. A lot of kids eat candy at events and sticky is everywhere. Keeping a bit of sanitation is handy. I use an inexpensive brand from WalMart.

I started with this kit from Amazon, and now purchase the bigger, individual colors as I need them, expanding my palette here and there when possible, which is really great!

Mary

“And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
and declare his works with rejoicing.”
Psalm 107:22