Making your own Halloween costume can be fun, but it can also be a little stressful. You have to start from scratch and get extra creative with every little detail, including your makeup, which can really drive home a DIY get-up. That’s why using face paint can be a great option to for a more dramatic or pigmented makeup look.
Still, a lot of store-bought face paints are either way too expensive or not safe for the sensitive skin on your face (not to mention they can leave marks that last for days). So why not try DIY face paint instead? If that sounds like way too much work, don’t worry. It’s actually really simple to put together your own face paint so you know exactly what’s in it. With just a few key products and a couple of art brushes, you can take your Halloween costume up 10 notches. And the best part? It only costs a few dollars to pull off.
Here’s how to do it.
What You’ll Need:
- Corn starch
- Face lotion
- 1/4 teaspoon vegetable oil
- Washable paints, natural food coloring, or homemade dyes
- Small containers
- Small bowl
Directions:
- Start by making a base for the face paints by mixing together equal parts corn starch and your favorite face lotion until it forms a thick mixture. Add the vegetable oil, which helps keep the paint from caking. You want things to be smooth without being too watery.
- Now add a spoonful of the mixture to a small container and add a pea-size amount of washable paint. You can find packs of colorful washable paints at your local craft store for only a few dollars. Using washable paint instead of natural food coloring creates solid colors that won’t stain clothes — or your face. Most are nontoxic and, when diluted, are safe to use on skin. Just remember to avoid using around the eye and mouth areas. You can also swap for a few drops of natural food coloring or homemade dyes.
- Continue adding colors until you’ve got an entire set of face paints. For a bit of shimmer, sprinkle glitter eye shadow into containers or swipe over finished face paint for allover glitter.
- Apply using face sponges or lip brushes for creating details. Paint will dry creating a smudge-free look. For a smoother application, add a few drops of water to the paints. And as with any new makeup, rub a bit of the face paint on skin to check for a reaction before applying.
Don’t feel like picking up a set of washable paints? Substitute with a few drops of natural food coloring, which also creates vibrant face paints. Just be warned that using food coloring may stain skin and clothing.