Applying glitter

Applying glitter to a design can add that perfect finishing touch when applied in a careful way. Avoid covering the face in thick glitter dust – less is more. When using tip crème, dab the glitter onto points of the face which catch the light: the cheekbones, the top of the forehead, the nose, the chin and just above the brows. This way, you can avoid the delicate eye area, whilst catching the light with a subtle hint of sparkle. Mix and match your colours. Gold glitter on top of gold paint does look pretty but don’t be afraid to make a statement. Green glitter on top of Kryolan gold looks stunning, and adding blue glitter on top of black line work on those key areas brings out the black beautifully.

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Paint selection

A brilliant brand of paint which I can’t get enough of is Wolfe. The Wolfe white and black are fantastic on top of any base and are always true and bold. They flow well, however, you need practise getting the consistency right, as it’s easy to add too much water, in which case it runs. The UV range is brilliantly luminous to add to a butterfly, for example, either as the compliment colour or as a statement lipstick for that ‘wow’ factor.

Try different brands of paint to find the best one for you. Better still use a selection of quality paints for different applications.

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Learn how to become a professional face painter.  Expert tuition by Hazel Wood. Find out more:

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The base

Taster tips from Hazel’s Face Painting Course

The most important aspect of a face painting is the base. If this is not right, whatever you put on top of that base will look worse. Make sure colours are nicely blended, that you use colours which compliment each other and that a white base isn’t too wet or dry or patchy.

Face Painting Course

Training

Learn how to become a professional face painter.  Expert tuition by Hazel Wood. Find out more:

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Holding your subject’s attention

Taster tips from Hazel’s Face Painting Course

Whilst painting, talk to the children. Talk to them about what they’ve been doing that day, or if they are having a dog painted, for example, ask if they have any pets or tell them about your dog at home. This will put the child at ease and listening to you could distract them from wriggling around! Don’t ask questions when you are about to paint a delicate line, though! Tell younger children constantly how well they are doing and how nicely they are sitting still (even if they
are not, this could work as reverse psychology, and they may enjoy the praise and start staying still!).

Face Painting Course

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Learn how to become a professional face painter.  Expert tuition by Hazel Wood. Find out more:

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Keeping your subject still

Taster tips from Hazel’s Face Painting Course

When painting, place your free hand on top of the child’s head. This will steady them, particularly if they are young and wriggly! Some painters like to hold the chin, but holding the head enables you to swivel their head to whichever position you want for easier painting. Tell smaller children to sit up (some have a tendency to lean further and further back away from you!) and ask them to put their hands on their knees. This relaxes the shoulders and helps them to sit up straight.

Face Painting Course

Training

Learn how to become a professional face painter.  Expert tuition by Hazel Wood. Find out more:

Face Paining Courses by Hazel

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Choosing a face

Taster tips from Hazel’s Face Painting Course

When a child sits down in front of you, it is so easy to ask the child what they would like to be. But be warned, children have vivid imaginations and if they come out with something that you know you can’t do, or that simply wouldn’t work as a face painting, it may show you up. Instead, roll off a quick list of what you can do and tell the child to choose which design they like the sound of. If they can’t decide, ask what their favourite colour is and suggest that you paint them a surprise.

Face Painting Course

Training

Learn how to become a professional face painter.  Expert tuition by Hazel Wood. Find out more:

Face Paining Courses by Hazel

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Cleanliness

Taster tips from Hazel’s Face Painting Course

Keeping your table and kit clean and presentable is key to looking professional. Organize your table. Use small baskets to house your sponges and glitters and line up your paints in neat lines, in colour families, e.g. blues and purples together, oranges, reds and yellows together. Wipe your table cloth, the paint pots and the handles of your brushes with a baby wipe every now and again. Have fresh water and a slop bucket under your table to hand so that you can change your water regularly.

Face Painting Course

Training

Learn how to become a professional face painter.  Expert tuition by Hazel Wood. Find out more:

Face Paining Courses by Hazel

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