Are you hosting a party for your kids? Why not splash some color on them with some cool face paints?
You don’t even need an occasion to buy face paints for your kids. They are an all-time fun activity for kids worldwide.
Choosing face paints for kids can be hard, with so many cheap and unsafe products around. We’re here to help point you in the right direction.
We’ll be looking at some great face paints and what you should keep in mind when buying them. Plus, we’ll see how your child benefits from engaging in face painting.
Are you ready for this color-splashing ride? Let’s go.
Top Considerations When Purchasing Face Paints
It’s easy to be lured by color, cool packaging, and possibly cheap prices, but don’t reach for that face paint yet. Not before reading about some important considerations you should keep in mind when shopping.
1. Safety
This is by far the most important consideration of them all. Avoid buying cheaply made paints or those that don’t indicate the products used on their labels.
Research conducted by the Breast Cancer Fund on cosmetics, including face paints, found cadmium, formaldehyde, lead, and other volatile organic compounds. These contaminants are associated with developmental delays, learning difficulties, and even cancer (1).
The FDA has set requirements that must be met by face paint manufacturers. Ideally, you should look for products manufactured in the United States as these do their best to comply with the set regulations.
European Union countries also adhere to strict regulations and buyers are advised to check for an EU address before buying the product. This will make it easier to trace the supplier if something goes wrong (2).
The same can’t be said of products manufactured in other countries. Be wary of products whose labels are written in foreign languages. It’s likely you’ll not understand what they are talking about and what’s in the product.
Remember
2. Types of Face Paints
There are various types of paints to choose from.
- Cake paints: These are the most common and they come in individual colors or multi-color palettes. They are easy to use — you just add some water, mix, and use a sponge or brush to apply to your children’s faces. Cake paints last a long time and often dry quickly.
- Crayons: These are cream based and are used to draw directly on the skin. They are an excellent choice for beginners and younger kids.
- Cream face paints or liquid face paints: This kind comes in bright colors that mellow slightly when applied on the face. These paints come off easily with soap and water.
To spice things up, you can finish off your painting with some glitter. You can use dry or gel glitter. Gel glitter is applied onto specific areas while dry glitter is blown onto the wet paint on your child’s face.
Older kids can also put on some face jewelry for a more glamorous look.
3. Previous History of Skin Irritation
Since face paints are topical products, they can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. Children with a history of eczema or teens who are being treated for acne are at a higher risk.
Experts advise you to avoid sensitive areas of your face such as the eyes or the mouth. This applies to children with normal skin as well. One of the ways to minimize skin reactions is to apply a fragrance-free barrier cream first.
Some of the signs of a reaction include redness and itchiness. If your child develops an irritation, gently cleanse the affected area and apply a moisturizing cream. If the symptoms don’t get better, consult your pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist (3).
Benefits From Face Painting
Children love having their faces painted, but is there any benefit that comes with this fun activity? Let’s look at what it can do for your child.
1. Boosts Creativity
Face paints encourage children to come up with their own designs or add their own touch to existing designs. This expands their ability to think outside the box and builds on their creativity. It’s an excellent way to foster a love for the arts.
Further, face paints allow kids to express themselves and how they perceive themselves or the world.
2. Improves Self-Confidence
A successful or beautiful face paint job that is applauded by family and friends will improve your child’s self-confidence. They can only achieve this by continual trials, goofs, and finally, successes.
Allow your kids to practice often, on your face even. The final results will be well worth it.
3. Helps Increase Fine Motor Skills
Face painting requires concentration, and with each stroke, your child’s motor skills will be improved. Their ability to concentrate will be increased and so will their hand-eye coordination.
4. Increases Their Social Interactions
The fun part about face painting is the kids trying out different designs on each other. Their social skills will improve immensely as they learn how to share and interact with others.
You and your family could use the time to bond as you try out different designs and colors on each others’ faces. There’s bound to be tons of laughter, love, and tissues going around.
5. Brings Happiness
Do you want to be Spiderman for a day? Face paints are a fantastic way for your kids to imitate their favorite superheroes.
They will get enjoyment as they go around looking and feeling like their superhero, and doing superhero stuff.
Safety Tips When Using Face Paints
Here are some useful tips to help you along (4):
- Buy from a trustworthy brand.
- Do a patch test before using the product on your child’s face. It will help check for allergic reactions.
- Keep the paints out of reach. Younger children may swallow them.
- Follow manufacturer’s advice on paint removal.
- Avoid leaving the paint on overnight to minimize irritation.
If you’re the DIY type or are worried about the ingredients in commercial face paints, you can opt to make your own.
The Best Kids Face Paints of 2019
With the information we’ve given you, we know you’re now better equipped to find high-quality face paint. So how about we now go shopping for some of our favorites?
1. Face Paint Kit by Kryvaline
Best Overall
There is only one word that can describe these paints — awesome. Kryvaline certainly went all out with these paints. Environmental enthusiasts will be glad to know this product features biodegradable glitter that is stored in a spill-proof bottle.
The kit features advanced split and single color cakes, professional brushes, and dermo jewels. You also get cool stencils and non-stain sponges. It’s the ultimate set for both professional and amateur use.
The paints are FDA-compliant, which is a top priority for sensitive skin. The stencils have rounded edges to prevent accidental cuts during application. This makes it suitable for older kids to create designs on each other.
Paint removal is easy and the manufacturer has provided instructions. The colors stand out, and your child should enjoy the beautiful transformation and creativity.
- It’s an excellent choice for professionals, amateurs, and kids.
- Kit-specific video tutorials.
- Multiple brushes for variety and more enhanced finish.
- Spill-proof packaging.
- Kit doesn’t come with glue for sticking the gems.
2. Blue Squid Face Paint
Best for Professional Use
Are you looking to whip up some great looking face paint designs? This face paint is worth considering. It features 12 vibrant paints, one large black and one white cake, four sponges, two brushes, and 24 stencils.
You also get one fine gold glitter, one chunky silver glitter, and a tattoo sheet. The paints are made using non-toxic and FDA-compliant materials that can be used on sensitive skin. Testing is always advised before full application.
Being cake paint, you’ll need to wet it first before using it. The paint comes off with a soapy washcloth.
Besides getting the paint set, you’ll gain access to the manufacturer’s online guide that provides tutorial videos for cool designs. Whether you’re a professional or a momma out to have fun with your kids, this is a set to think about getting.
- Bright colors.
- Fantastic option for carnivals and birthday parties.
- Money-back guarantee.
- The paint may crack with time.
- Some buyers complain about the poor packaging.
3. Blue Squid Face Paint Crayons
Great for the Skin-Sensitive
Obviously, we’re fans of Blue Squid. These paint crayons are a fabulous substitute for cake paints. The crayons are easy to use and you’ll have your kids ready for the party in no time.
The crayons are FDA-compliant and are made using safe, hypoallergenic and non-toxic materials, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
The classic and metallic color combo gives this set an edge. Plus, if you own a cake face paint kit, you can combine it with these crayons for a heightened effect. You and your kids will have tons of creative fun.
- Metallic colors included.
- Less messy.
- Longer crayons measuring 3.25 inches.
- Access to online tutorials.
- The paint may melt in the sun.
4. Snazaroo Face Paint
High Safety Measures
Manufactured in the U.K., this product follows stringent qualifications set abroad and by the FDA. When you buy it, you know you’re getting quality stuff.
It’s skin friendly, easy to put on, and dries quickly. It’s cool for impatient kids who want to get their faces done in a jiffy. Cleaning up is a breeze — use soap and warm water and your little munchkin will be looking like themselves in no time.
The kit contains 12 vibrant colors, two brushes, four sponges, and two glitter gels. Need help to put on the paints? Not to worry, you also get a step-by-step guide to help you transform your little ones into whomever they want to be.
If you find cake paints messy and hard to work with, you can go with their face paint brush pens. They are simple to use and feature different themes, including fantasy, adventure, and jungle.
- Odorless and non-toxic.
- Reviewed by professional dermatologists.
- Washes off easily.
- The liquid glitter may cause your paint to bleed or smear.
5. Black Tie Edition
Diverse Designs
If you’re racking your brain for face paint ideas, why not consider this face paint? It comes with 32 stencils for you to choose from, plus a complimentary e-book showcasing face paint ideas. You’ll be brimming with inspiration.
This paint is made using safe and tested ingredients and is FDA compliant. All you need to do is add some water to suit your desired consistency and you’re good to go.
The paint dries pretty fast, which is a desirable quality when you’re dealing with kids. To wash off the paint, you’ll need to use a damp cloth and some soap. If the color doesn’t come off easily, you can use makeup remover or baby wipes.
With this set, you get eight vibrant colors and two glitter gels. You also get one double-sided foam application, two brushes, and two sponges. It’s a viable choice for beginners as well as mommas or daddies with a more skillful stroke.
- Money-back guarantee.
- Suitable for a large group of kids.
- User-friendly stencils.
- Darker colors may stain your hands and face.
6. Melissa & Doug Face Painting Kit
Perfect for Kid Crafting
When it comes to Melissa and Doug, you know you’re getting quality. Kids will have a wonderful time creating their own designs and painting each other’s faces. It’s a fantastic way to bring out the budding artist in them.
The kit features six water-based colors, one brush, one sponge, a mixing tray, and an idea book. Some parents have complained about the kit containing a limited number of face painting ideas. You may need to go online if you’re looking for more designs.
Being a pancake type of paint, you’ll need to wet it before use. It’s not messy and once all the fun is over, you’ll wash it off with water and a washcloth. One of the best things about this kit is that it packs well, so you don’t have to worry about storage.
- Easy to use.
- Perfect gift for creative kids.
- Convenient storage.
- The blue and black colors may be hard to wash off.
7. UV Neon Paint Glow
Fun Paints for Tweens
Do you have some tweens in the house who aren’t interested in “childish” face paints? These six vibrant neon fluorescent colors will spice up their evenings as they glow in the dark. A metallic option is also sold separately.
These high-quality cream paints are ideal for night-themed birthday parties, a Halloween scare, or a family fun night. The awesome effect is best viewed under black lights or with UV lighting.
The paints use non-toxic materials, are safe for use, and wash off easily. You don’t need to use much to get your desired effect. This is one set that you’ll use over and over.
- You can use it during the day and at night.
- Can be applied on the face and body.
- Appeals to older children.
- May stain clothes and other surfaces.
Time to Paint
There you have it. We have reviewed some great face paints for kids and they are worthy contenders for the top spot. If we had to narrow it down to just one, our pick would be the Face Paint Kit by Kryvaline.
It has everything you need to achieve the design of your choice, from fairy princesses to animal faces, and superheroes. What’s more, the colors are so vibrant they will look stunning on your skin.
What’s your favorite face paint? Let us know in the comments section, and remember to hit the share button.
