Face painting turns a regular afternoon into a magical adventure. Whether your child wants to be a tiger, a superhero, or a fairy princess, the right kit makes it happen.
But not all face paints are created equal. We’ve scrubbed enough stubborn red pigment off teary faces to know that quality matters. You need paints that pop with color, go on smooth, and, most importantly, wash off without a fight.
We tested the top options to find the safest, brightest, and easiest-to-use kits out there. Here is our list of the best face paints for kids to help you bring their imagination to life.
- Kit-specific video tutorials
- Multiple brushes
- Spill-proof packaging
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
- 15 bright colors
- Water based
- Bright colors
- Many options for embellishments
- Money-back guarantee
- Metallic colors included
- Less messy
- Longer crayons measuring 3.25 inches
- Odorless and non-toxic
- Reviewed by professional dermatologists
- Washes off easily
- Certified nontoxic
- 6 vibrant neon fluorescent colors
- Appeals to older children
How to Choose Face Paint for Children
It’s tempting to grab the cheapest kit with the coolest box art, but pause for a second. Your child’s skin is sensitive, and you want to avoid irritation. Here is what you need to look for.
Safety Standards
Safety is non-negotiable. Cheap, unregulated paints can contain nasty stuff like heavy metals (lead, cadmium) or formaldehyde. These are dangerous and can cause long-term health issues or immediate skin reactions (1).
Always look for FDA-compliant paints. While “FDA-approved” is a specific drug term, compliant cosmetics meet strict safety standards. Products made in the USA or the EU generally adhere to tighter regulations than those from countries with loose manufacturing laws.
If you can’t read the ingredients because they are in a foreign language, skip it. You need to know exactly what you are putting on your child’s face.
Remember
Types of Face Paints
Different paint styles work better for different skill levels.
- Cake paints: These work like watercolor sets. You activate them with a wet brush or sponge. They are great for detail, dry quickly to a smudge-resistant finish, and feel light on the skin.
- Crayons: These are essentially face-safe oil pastels. They are perfect for beginners or kids who want to paint themselves because they aren’t messy. However, they can feel a bit heavy or greasy.
- Liquid paints: These come in tubes and are ready to go immediately. They are vibrant but can take longer to dry.
If you want to add sparkle, use cosmetic-grade glitter. Never use craft glitter, as the sharp edges can damage eyes. For a finishing touch, older kids might enjoy sticking on face jewelry.
Skin Sensitivity
Face paint is a cosmetic, and like any makeup, it can cause reactions. If your child has eczema, acne, or generally sensitive skin, you need to be extra careful.
Avoid painting near the eyes or lips if your child is prone to reactions. A smart trick is to apply a light layer of fragrance-free barrier cream or moisturizer before the paint. This protects the skin and actually makes removal easier later.
Watch for redness or itching. If you see a reaction, wash it off immediately with gentle soap and water.
Benefits of Face Painting
Beyond just being fun, face painting actually offers some developmental perks.
Boosts Creativity
It is art on a living canvas. Face painting encourages kids to visualize a character and bring it to life. It helps them love art and express how they see themselves.
Improves Self-Confidence
There is a unique thrill in looking in the mirror and seeing a tiger staring back. It encourages role-play and bold behavior. Plus, if they paint your face, they gain confidence in their artistic abilities.
Refines Motor Skills
Holding a brush, dipping it in water, and making careful strokes requires focus. This helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Encourages Social Play
Face painting is often a group activity. Kids learn to take turns, sit still for a friend, and give feedback. It bonds the family together through laughter and shared silliness.
Pure Fun
Sometimes, you just want to be Spiderman for a day. Face paint is a low-cost, high-reward way to let kids live out their superhero fantasies.
Product Reviews
We tested these kits for vibrancy, safety, and washability. Here are our top 7 picks.
Kryvaline Face Paint Kit
Best Overall
Kryvaline hits the sweet spot between professional quality and parent-friendly usability. This kit feels substantial. It includes “split-cakes” (blocks with multiple colors side-by-side) which allow you to paint rainbows or multi-colored strokes in a single swipe.
The set comes with professional-grade brushes, stencils, and sponges. The pigments are rich and opaque, so you don’t have to keep layering paint on a wiggly child. We also love that the glitter is biodegradable and comes in a spill-proof bottle.
Safety is top-notch here. These are FDA-compliant, wax-based paints that sit comfortably on sensitive skin. Removal is straightforward with soap and water, though darker colors might need a second rinse. It’s a fantastic all-in-one kit that makes you look like a pro painter instantly.
Pros
- Split-cakes create instant rainbows and patterns.
- Includes high-quality brushes, not cheap plastic ones.
- Biodegradable glitter is eco-friendly.
- Excellent coverage with vivid pigmentation.
Cons
- Does not include skin glue for the gems.
Our Ratings
Zenovika Professional Face Paint Palette
Perfect for Kid Crafting
If you need a kit for a birthday party or a playdate, Zenovika is a solid choice. It comes with a massive variety of 60 stencils, which means even if you can’t draw a straight line, you can still create cool designs.
The water-activated paints are easy to control. You just wet your brush, swirl it in the pot, and paint. The formula is cosmetic-grade and hypoallergenic, so it is safe for most skin types.
The kit includes 15 colors, glitter, and even hair chalk, giving kids plenty of ways to customize their look. Cleanup is simple, just use a washcloth and warm water. It’s a great entry-level kit that provides hours of entertainment.
Pros
- Huge selection of stencils helps beginners.
- Includes hair chalk for a full makeover.
- Hypoallergenic and gentle on skin.
Cons
- The white color can be a bit translucent.
Our Ratings
Blue Squid Face Paint
Best for Professional Use
Blue Squid offers a comprehensive kit that feels very complete. You get 18 vibrant colors, including larger pans of black and white since those get used the most for outlining and highlighting.
The pigmentation is impressive; the colors show up bright even on darker skin tones. The kit includes stencils, gem sheets, and distinct glitter pots. It is fully FDA-compliant and paraben-free, making it a safe bet for delicate faces.
We found that these paints dry quickly, which prevents smudging when kids inevitably touch their faces. Removal is easy with soapy water or a baby wipe. You also get access to online video tutorials, which is a nice bonus for parents learning the ropes.
Pros
- Larger black and white pans are very practical.
- Excellent vibrancy and opacity.
- Includes gem stickers for extra flair.
Cons
- Packaging can be a bit flimsy for long-term storage.
- Some red/pink pigments may leave a faint stain.
Our Ratings
Blue Squid Face Paint Crayons
Great for the Skin-Sensitive
Let’s be honest: brushes and water cups can be a disaster with toddlers. Blue Squid Crayons solve that problem. These are twist-up sticks that let you draw directly on the face, no water required.
Because they are oil-based crayons, they don’t dry out and crack like cake paints can. They are incredibly easy to apply and perfect for younger kids who want to try painting themselves. The formula is nontoxic and fragrance-free.
The hard plastic casing keeps hands clean during application. While you won’t get fine detailed lines like you would with a brush, these are unbeatable for fast, fun, mess-free play.
Pros
- Zero mess application; no water needed.
- Twist-up hard case prevents breakage.
- Longer barrel length than most competitors.
- Includes metallic colors.
Cons
- Oil-based formula can smudge if rubbed.
- Difficult to do fine details or sharp lines.
Our Ratings
Snazaroo Face Paint for Kids
High Safety Measures
Snazaroo is widely considered the industry standard for safety. Made in the UK, these paints adhere to strict European cosmetic regulations and are suitable for sensitive skin.
This “Ultimate Party Pack” is water-based and fragrance-free. It dries rapidly to a matte finish that doesn’t feel tight on the skin. If you are worried about reactions, Snazaroo is the brand dermatologists often point to.
The colors are buildable, meaning you can do a light wash or layer it for a deeper color. They wash off incredibly easily, usually just water and a little friction is enough. For parents prioritizing safety above all else, this is the pick.
Pros
- Extremely gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Reviews by dermatologists and toxicologists.
- Washes off easier than almost any other brand.
Cons
- Colors are less opaque than some other brands; requires layering.
Our Ratings
Create-a-Face Painting Kit for Kids
Diverse Designs
Create-a-Face focuses on getting you started quickly. The kit includes 32 stencils and a complimentary e-book, so you never run out of ideas.
The water-based paints are non-toxic and FDA-compliant. We like the consistency; it isn’t too runny, which helps prevent drips when painting a moving target. The set includes eight main colors, which you can mix to create custom shades.
It comes with a double-sided foam applicator, which is great for covering large areas quickly (like a Hulk face). It removes easily with a damp cloth, though using a little baby shampoo helps with the darker colors.
Pros
- Great instructional e-book included.
- Quick-drying formula.
- Good starter set for parties.
Cons
- Brushes provided are basic quality.
Our Ratings
Midnight Glo UV Neon Paint Glow
Fun Paints for Tweens
If your kids have outgrown butterflies and puppies, try Midnight Glo. These are UV-reactive neon paints that glow intensely under blacklight. They are perfect for sleepovers, glow parties, or Halloween.
Note that these are cream paints, not water-activated cakes. They come in squeeze tubes and have a thicker consistency. They are bright neon in daylight but truly shine (literally) in the dark under UV light.
They are non-toxic and safe for skin, but be aware that they can stain fabrics more easily than water-based cakes. They wash off skin easily enough, but keep them away from your white carpet.
Pros
- Incredible glow effect under blacklight.
- Ready to use from the tube; no water needed.
- Cool factor appeals to tweens and teens.
Cons
- Can stain clothes and porous surfaces.
- Doesn’t dry down completely matte; stays slightly tacky.
Our Ratings
Safety Tips When Using Face Paints
Here is how to keep the fun safe and reaction-free (2):
- Source matters: Only buy from reputable brands with clear ingredient lists.
- Patch test: Paint a small dot on the inner arm. Wait 30 minutes to check for redness before painting the face.
- Watch the mouth: Keep paint away from the immediate eye area and lips to prevent ingestion.
- Wash it off: Never let your child sleep in face paint.
- Don’t improvise: Never use acrylics, markers, or watercolor craft paints on skin. They are not safe.
If you are the DIY type, you can make your own skin-safe paints at home using cornstarch, lotion, and food coloring.
FAQs
What Is the Best Face Paint to Use for Kids?
The best face paint for kids is non-toxic, FDA-compliant, and water-based for easy removal. Brands like Snazaroo and Kryvaline are top choices because they are specifically formulated for sensitive skin and wash off with soap and water.
How Do You Paint a Child’s Face for Halloween?
Start with a clean, dry face. Use a sponge to apply a base color, then use a brush for details and lines. Stick to simple designs if you are a beginner, and always use cosmetic-grade makeup, not craft paint.
How Do You Do Glitter Face Paint for Kids?
Apply the face paint first. While it is still slightly damp, tap cosmetic-grade glitter onto the paint using a brush or your finger. Never use craft glitter, as it is made of metal or glass and can injure the eyes.
What Age Do Kids Like Face Painting?
Most children start enjoying face painting around age three. However, toddlers may not sit still long enough for complex designs. Simple cheek art is best for younger ones, while elementary-aged kids enjoy full-face transformations.
How Do You Get Kids Face Paint to Stay On?
To extend the life of the paint, use thin layers and let them dry completely. You can lightly dust the finished look with a translucent setting powder or use a setting spray designed for sensitive skin to prevent smudging.
How Long Can You Leave Kids Face Paint On?
Remove face paint after a few hours and definitely before bed. Leaving it on too long can clog pores and increase the risk of skin irritation or acne breakouts.
How Do You Remove Stained Face Paint?
If water and soap don’t work, try using a little baby oil, coconut oil, or makeup remover. Massage it gently into the stained area to break down the pigment, then wipe away with a warm cloth.
