Face painting has been around for much longer than you might think! Defined as “the application of cosmetic paint to a person’s face,” face painting has been used for thousands of years.
 face paint by Guido Daniele |
 face paint by
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 face paint by Mark Reid |
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From hunting camouflage, to religious decoration, to military subterfuge, face painting has been applied to everyday living in many ways. In today’s society, it is used most commonly as entertainment.
Effects would be added to the decorations by using dust or feathers, or any number of other things that could be locally found. The evolution of body painting has now split off into various forms of decoration. Most noticeably you see the art of henna forming in India and the Middle East.
body paint by Jackie Green
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Beginning around the 1960’s, a more modern interpretation of body painting began to emerge. The liberal thinking that evolved during that era spurred a large amount of artists to become professional body painters, for artistic purposes as well as entertainment and product promotion. |
body paint by Mark Greenawalt
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The more skin that was bared, the more the artist could paint. Body painting today normally covers the whole body, instead of just the face or arms. |
body paint by Mark Reid |
Some artists utilize the natural contours of the face and body, while others simply use the body as they would any other canvas. |
Demi Moore, on the cover of Vanity Fair, by Joanne Gair
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There are body painting festivals held all over the world, including Austria, New York, and New Mexico, to promote this type of art form. |
body paint by Mark Reid |
military camouflage face paint
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Face painting in military situations is used not only to blend in with surroundings, but also to stop the reflection of the sun on exposed skin. Natural oils in the skin will reflect light, so paints are applied to dull the appearance of lighter skin against darker backgrounds. A two color combination of paints are generally used, with shiny areas (nose, forehead, cheekbones) painted darker colors, and naturally shadowy areas (under the eyes, chin) are painted with lighter colors. |
military camouflage face paint |
Additionally, the back of the neck, hands and arms are also painted. Research into paints used for the military has been extensive. Camouflage paints can withstand the rigors of sweat and heat, and can be used from the Arctic to the Desert. |
Kabuki theater face paint
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from the cast of Cats |
Face painting is an essential part of theater. One of the most famous theater productions to incorporate face paints is Cats Most of the actors in the show learned how to do their own makeup, from start to finish. Many musicians also incorporate heavy makeup and face paints into their performances. |
Gene Simmons of Kiss |
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Face painting can also be seen at sporting events. Fans will show up with their favorite team colors and logos on their face, or even over their entire body! |
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Professional painters use a variety of colors and paints that are made specifically for application to the face. The FDA has approved many different brands of paints, such as Snazaroo, Mehron and Kryolan. Painters can start with a small pallete of primary colors and mix and match to suit their needs. Various sizes of brushes and sponges can be used to create different effects. Special cosmetic glitter can also be used.
Airbrush face painting has come into vogue in recent years. Airbrush artists paint freehand or use stencils to create a detailed image on the skin in a few short minutes, with the use of an airbrush gun. Traditional brush paints can then be applied over the airbrushed picture to bring out details. Airbrushes can blend and smooth paints a lot quicker than painting by hand, and many professional face painters include an airbrush gun in their tool kit alongside their brushes and sponges.
Monster Makeup....
 face paint by Mark Reid |
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Holidays like Halloween and Mardi Gras mark popular seasons for face painters... |
 face paint by Andrea Garland
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face paint by Joanne Gair |
There are many different ways a person can spice up their party with face painting. You can go all out and get your whole face covered, or just get a little glitter here and there. Face paints are guaranteed to brighten up your day, at least until the next time you take a shower!
face paint by Pashur House
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face paint by Mark Reid |
 face paint by Katie Hunt |
 face paint by Mark Reid |
face paint by Guido Daniele |
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face paint by Oddzin Ends
