I have to admit I was totally freaked out by my girls using face paint themselves the first time they did it. They begged and begged and eventually I couldn’t think of a good enough reason why they shouldn’t be able to try it themselves. That was about a month ago. Now, we’re addicted. Turns out face painting is the ultimate process art experience for kids. I highly recommend this art activity for kids, even if you’re freaking out at the thought of this right now. Keep reading.
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We’re actually wo Snazaroo Face Painting Set
The Set Up
1 Snazaroo Face Painting Set
1 cup or jar of water
2 brushes (thanks for introducing us to this perfect little 2 dollar brush set
1 mirror
a table easel (if you don’t have one Art Bar has a great tutorial on how to make a cardboard easel)
some baby wipes
some space to be left alone, mom : )
Set the Ground Rules First
Feel free to borrow ours.
1. They must take a bath immediately after. No arguing.
2. You must stay in the designated face painting area.
3. You can only paint from the belly up. No legs or feet.
4. Have fun.
5. Don’t paint mommy. (This rule was broken several times. My kids are not perfect after all. Nor is their mother.)
*TIP* You might also want to take a minute to demonstrate how to use the face paint. Dip your brush in water, you can wipe it on the little sponge they give you, and then gently dab your brush on the paint. You don’t need a lot of paint and you don’t need to push your hard on the face paint. Be gently. A little goes a long way.
The first time we did it, almost an hour later and I barely heard a peep from these two. Unless it was to eaves drop on conversations that sounded like this. “Gig, will you do my face? Can I have a rainbow?” “Sure Didi. Sit down here. I’ll make yours beautiful.” They kept painting each other, wiping off what they didn’t want with a wipey and doing it again.
My girls are just about 3 and 4 years old. It’s been a long haul of a lot of crying, whining and holding over the past four years. It is such an absolute pleasure to see them working together, collaborating, and learning together while they explore an engaging and imaginative activity. Over and over again.
Like I said, this wasn’t a one time experience. It’s been about a month and we just purchased our second face painting kit. We even had a few play dates where everyone painted each others faces and then we jumped in the pool. That was a great one. No one has had any allergies so far so that’s been really great too.
If you dip the brushes in water the paint goes on super smooth. I tried it too and was immediately sucked in. I made both my girls into Hello Kitty while my youngest gave me an arm tattoo.
I want to do this for Didi’s 3rd birthday coming up. How cool would it be to have ten mirrors set up and all the kids working on themselves and each other? I just don’t want the parents to freak. Would you be okay with a face painting birthday party?? Would love to hear your thoughts on that one.
Thanks for reading along everyone! If you want to see a list of my favorite art supplies for kids just click here. Happy face painting. xo Meri
One of them is going to grow up to be a famous make-up artist, you just know it. What a brilliant idea!! I love the photos, too. xo
Thanks Bar! That would be fun. They can help me my “look.” : )
Oh I LOVE this and I know even my big kids would love this… especially my big kids! LOL
I’m totally going to steal your rules, but I’m wondering – why no painting of legs/feet?
Oops, did I forget to clarify that? Because it gets all over the house!! : ) Their little legs end up rubbing up against everything and look out, suddenly this wasn’t such a good idea after all. Thanks Kate! Your family will love this I think!
These are beyond adorable photos- I love how completely mesmerized they are with the whole process. And you know, I find it hard to find art projects Beckett likes to do, but I think this will majorly float his boat.
Yay! Tell me if you do it. I want to see that pic!!!
Have you read Ain’t Gonna Paint No More? It’s a must before this activity 🙂 I’m almost brave enough to try after reading this 😉
Oh, I hope you do it! I do know of that book but I don’t think we’ve ever read it. I will check the library. Thanks for the suggestion!!!
Just discovered your blog, and ……. Wow! I am SO INSPIRED 🙂 You make everything look easy, or at least do-able. I am in the process of decluttering my house and one of my goals is to find enough space in our basement to make a little art center for myself and the kids. My kids are 2.5 yrs old and 9 mo old, so I will start them doing art young. This face painting post, is so wonderful it practically brought tears to my eyes! I looooooove it.
Hi Carolyn! Wow, you are really in the thick of things with your young ones. I think ours are about the same age difference. So glad to hear you are enjoying my blog and are going to make an art space for your kids. Sounds great. And in regards to it being easy, don’t be fooled! I just take pictures of the happiest moments : ) Good luck with everything and glad you found me! xo Meri
Yes! Do it for a birthday party. We sometimes let kids go crazy with the face paint at preschool — we use qtips and disposable makeup sponges for each kid so there’s less danger of spreading things like pinkeye, and the adult supervising changes the water and wipes down the makeup every once in a while with a paper towel/tissue/wipe.
How cool! Sounds like my kind of school. I’ll check out the pencils. They sound great! Thank you!!
We also love the Lyra body pencils. You can buy them in a kit with a book from Klutz press or by the box. They can be wiped off with a tissue or wipe between kids, or sharpened.
I actually let my 4 year old paint my face. It felt kind of nice, like a little facial massage. I just kept repeating “don’t touch my eyes!” and (stay calm, it will be okay).
Question: how do you remove the paint after its dried? I have a lot of trouble getting the stuff off to the point where I am ready to ban face paint.
Thank you!