Top 10 Best Face Paint Kits in 2020 (CCBeauty, Mehron, and More)

Here's a list of our favorite face paint kits sorted by their base ingredients, colors, included tools, and more.

Did you know that face paint kits are not all the same? The paints have different base ingredients, varying levels of staying power, consistencies, activation methods, purposes, and finishes. The buying guide below will help you find the best face paint kit that will meet your expectations. 

The base ingredients in a face paint kit are crucial in deciphering various aspects, like how the product will react with your skin or the paint consistency. Nowadays, there are many bases used for face paints, but we will cover the most commonly used. 

Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based ingredient used in makeup that stays solid until it melts at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. They may not do well in warm weather, but popular brands use this ingredient since it's known to dry quickly. They can be activated with water, and they have a somewhat glossy finish.

Wax-based paint gives you good coverage when used as a foundation or first layer in a design. With a fine-tip brush, you can also create thin and intricate details since wax-based paints don't tend to bleed or mix into other colors. 

One thing to consider with this ingredient is its tendency to clog pores. So if you have acne-prone skin and are using this for more than just Halloween makeup, then you might want to go for a different base.

Another popular base ingredient that's often paired with water is glycerin or glycerol. It is a humectant (moisturizing agent) that pulls water to your skin's outer layer from deeper within your skin or the air. Glycerin is a natural compound derived from plants or animal fat. Face paints that use this as one of their base ingredients are more hydrating.

Glycerin is softer than paraffin wax and can withstand higher temperatures before its consistency is affected. Paraffin tends to get sticky with heat, but glycerin will take on a creamier texture. 

Because they're easy to blend, are flexible, and quite stable against hot environments, glycerin-based face paints are often used as a foundation for a design, like the bottom layer of a canvas, to ensure whatever goes on next stays. All the while, your face will not feel dry or taut because of glycerin's humectant features. 

Another naturally-occurring and vegan compound is Acacia Senegal gum, which comes from hardened tree sap. These paints are thinner than paraffin, yet not as creamy as glycerin. 

Acacia Senegal gum paints are excellent to use for line work and give you crisp and detailed designs. They also have a nice shine and glossy finish. Although not as capable of resisting hot temperatures, it doesn't smudge easily. You will often find this ingredient mixed with glycerin or water as they compliment each other. 

If you're after a reliable face paint that can withstand water, sweat, smudging, and long hours of wear, then one with an alcohol or castor oil base is recommended. You'll get an opaque and smooth finish, much like a matte foundation. They are known to stay on the face through active and long-winding events. 

Blending on the skin might be an issue with this kind of face paint, though, because they stick to the skin and dry very quickly. It's recommended to blend colors beforehand for more efficient application. It's also advised to keep alcohol-based face paints away from the eye area as it could result in mild stinging or tingling as they dry. 

Because of their long-wear capabilities, this face paint is known to be challenging to remove. Those with sensitive skin should do a patch test first to ensure that no allergic reactions will occur. It's also worth noting that these paints are often activated with alcohol instead of water.

Up next is applying and removing the face paint. Products require different tools to get the desired effect, while their base ingredients require a particular removal process to minimize scrubbing and elbow grease. 

Not all face paints come in paint palette form. Some look like crayons or oil pastels for direct application, while others have varying consistencies and require different tools. Grease paints are usually used for clown or theater makeup. These are very thick and applied with a sponge, and they don't need water to get activated.

Some look like a pressed powder makeup palette and require a smooth blender applicator instead of a typical brush. These work great for stenciling since you dab the product onto the skin for detailing. Check the product description for more information on what liquid is needed for activation, if any, among other application instructions.

If you're a beginner, you might want to consider grabbing a kit with an instruction manual or guide included. These are often filled with tips and tricks to getting the right finish and creative designs to try!

Once the fun is over, removal is another crucial aspect of face paint that is often overlooked. When you're working with water-based paints, simple soap and water will perform just fine. However, the more wax and oils in the product, the more challenging it will be to remove without more help. 

Makeup removers are often the go-to solution in this scenario; however, ensure that the product's ingredients do not contain possible skin irritants such as sulfates (like sodium lauryl sulfate), mineral oils, alcohol, parabens, and fragrances.

If you aren't too keen on using products that aren't guaranteed to be safe for a child or those with sensitive skin, there are other ways to remove face paints that don't require as much elbow grease. Try using coconut oil, baby wipes, Vaseline, or warm water to loosen up the paint faster before using soap.

When it comes to face paints that require brushes, the bristles' quality is crucial to achieving a masterpiece. Plus, it's important to consider children's sensitive skin when it comes to the brush material. One way to tackle finding the safest brush is to choose well-known, trusted brands. 

Makeup users with sensitive skin have often approved brushes made with natural hairs that are hand-tied. However, this might bother those who prioritize animal rights. You can get high-quality synthetic brushes as an alternative. 

Go for soft bristles that won't irritate skin. Reviews on brushes will confirm if they have been given a thumbs up by those with sensitive skin! There are times when you will need to provide better brushes than the ones included in the package for safer application and better results.

Other items that might be missing from a face paint kit are mixing containers, palettes, or storage containers for mixed paints. You may also need other instruments like sponges, foam applicators, or stencils to achieve a particular look. Check the product details to confirm if you'll be needing extra tools for your projects!

To top it all off, head on over to the reviews section! This is where you will discover essential information that could save you from making an unsatisfactory purchase. Reviewers will often share if the paint stains when removed, is difficult to wash off, can paint multiple faces, or dries up. 

You can also get information on the colors. Reviewers will let you know if the shades are vibrant or dull and if they stay on the face without smudging or fading. 

Whether you're hosting an event or attending a party, here are a few more suggestions you might be interested in looking over! 

Consumers have set the bar higher for face paints in recent years. Now, face paint is expected to be safe, opaque, sweat-resistant, and highly-pigmented. This gives us more reasons (and peace of mind) to try the fun activity of face painting, whether you're at home or a party! 

Author: Hana Otsuka

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