Looking to hire a face painter for a kids’ party, Halloween or other event? Here, you’ll find all sorts of tips to help you determine the right person to hire. If you have a question about face painting, we have the answer! At GigSalad, we have connected thousands of people with awesome face painters.
Many people allot about 2 hours for face painting services, which typically costs between $150-$200. This price could vary depending on your location, the number of faces that will need to be painted, and the amount of detail requested for the art. Most face painters can handle 5-10 people per hour if they’re providing a fairly simple design. If you’re expecting a large crowd at your event, you may need more than one professional.
Face paint takes only a few minutes to dry, but this can vary depending on what kind of paint the professional is using and how many layers have been applied. Be sure to ask the face painter about their preferred products and specifications.
High-quality face paint can last up to 12 hours, depending on the type of face paint used. However, it’s important to remember that leaving face paint on for long periods of time can clog your pores and cause breakouts.
The time it takes to have your face painted varies greatly depending on several factors. Some face painters are more experienced than others, and therefore quicker with their designs. Simple cheek designs are often completed in 5-6 minutes. Full-face designs take longer to complete, depending on how elaborate and detailed you want the final look to be. Before booking a face painter, be sure to tell them how many faces will need to be painted at your event. This will help you determine how many hours you will need their services.
Most cosmetic face paint is water-based, but that does not guarantee it won’t stain your clothes. To get face paint stains out of clothing, we recommend spot-cleaning the area with baking soda and cold water right away.
Face paint does not necessarily cause acne, but leaving face paint on for long periods of time can clog pores and potentially cause breakouts.
Water-based face paint can come off with sweat, but there are things you can do to prevent this from happening. Ask your face painter about setting sprays, powders, and primers to keep your face paint designs lasting longer in the heat.
Some face paints do contain latex, but most high-quality cosmetic face paint does not. A professional face painter will be using FDA-compliant cosmetics that are hypoallergenic and safe for kids, with popular brands including Mehron, Wolfe, Cameleon, TAG, and Global. Ask the face painter about the products they use to ensure they are not using craft paint, acrylic paint, or anything else not made specifically for skin.
Professional face painters use high-quality cosmetic paint that is safe to use on your skin.
Professional face painters use non-toxic, hypoallergenic face paint that is safe for your lips, but it’s not recommended for children as it could be ingested.
Every face painter sets their own preferences for how far they will travel, so be sure to ask the professional about their travel radius and associated costs.
Yes, Halloween is a great time to hire a professional face painter! Keep in mind, this holiday is a busy season for most face painters so you will want to book them well in advance.
Most professional face painters carry insurance for their services, and this is especially important for corporate parties or company events. Before booking a face painter, ask them about their insurance and what it covers.
Absolutely! Face painting is requested for birthday parties, festivals, community events, corporate events and more. Professional face painters typically make between $150-$200 for two hours of work. However, if you’re just starting out, you may need to start with lower rates to get more experience, and then gradually increase your prices to meet your needs. Be ready to back up your rates with high-quality photos of your past work.
Just like any other skill, face painting takes practice. First, check out online courses, instructional guides, and videos of professional face paint techniques. Next, gather all the necessary materials and try out your new skills on friends and family. If you already have a natural artistic ability, you’re well on your way to becoming a face painter! If you still need a bit of practice, that’s okay. Keep at it until you’re comfortable and pleased with your finished work.
If you’re serious about becoming a face painter, you should choose high-quality cosmetic face paint that is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and specifically made for skin. You should never use acrylic or tempura paints on skin. Even if they are “non-toxic,” that does not mean that they are safe for face painting. The best face paints are water-based or water-activated, and are much more similar to cosmetic makeup than “paint.”
Face paint crayons can be a great option for new face painters. They are washable and easy to use for simple cheek designs. However, face paint crayons do not offer the same bold colors or design capabilities as standard face paint.
Face painting patterns and stencils can be purchased at any craft store, but we recommend Snazaroo’s beginners guide for detailed instructions and patterns for various face paint designs.
Insurance is recommended for face painters, but it’s not a requirement. Many professional face painters carry liability insurance to protect their business and to stay up-to-date with FDA regulations.
A criminal records check is not required to become a professional face painter. However, some clients may need this information before feeling comfortable booking your services, especially if they’re planning a children’s party.
Washington, DC 
Costumed Character / Face Painter 
33 Verified Bookings Jessica K. said “Kiddy's arrived on time and gave a great show. We will definitely use them again!”
Offers Virtual Services
Bowie, MD
Children’s Party Entertainment / Face Painter
188 Verified Bookings Philomina N. said “Thanks for being part of my daughter's birthday celebration. We look forward to more celebrations with you in the future.”
Silver Spring, MD
Children’s Party Entertainment / Face Painter
42 Verified Bookings Marissa M. said “Thank you so much!! The children had a wonderful time!! The magic, glitter, tattoos, balloon animals & games kept the children entertained all afternoon!…”
Offers Virtual Services
Baltimore, MD
Children’s Party Entertainment / Face Painter
114 Verified Bookings Sarah M. said “Ms. Tracey was awesome! She did all the things you'd expect: showed up early, was prepared, professional, and friendly. And she did the things you hope…”
Who knew that adding a little paint could make such a difference in a party? Kids and adults alike love face painters. Whether it’s a full-fledged facial transformation or just a little star on a cheek, face painters can bring sparkle to any event. From fairies to tigers to pirates, they allow your guests to be something different for a few hours. Not to mention the great photo ops!
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Using data from quotes sent through GigSalad, we’ve gathered average nationwide pricing for hiring Face Painters.
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