A "Glow Up" MUA Explains How to Use Face Paint in Everyday Makeup Looks
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- Face paint isn't just for Halloween — you can absolutely wear face paint as everyday makeup.
- If you're a beginner, start out with Suva Beauty Hydra Liners and Merhon face paint, which are ideal for integrating into your everyday makeup routine.
- We spoke to Eve Jenkins, a long-time professional makeup artist and a contestant on Netflix's "Glow Up" for tips.
From a face-framing contour to bold cat eyes, you probably already have experience using makeup to create striking looks. So why not take it just a small step further and try out face paint for your every day makeup looks? You don't need to be creating an elaborate look to integrate face paint, either, and it doesn't have to read like Halloween makeup (no clowns or tigers in sight). With just a few key products and a couple of art brushes, you can make your everyday look just a little more glam.
To learn about the world of face paints, we talked to professional makeup artist Eve Jenkins. She has been in the industry for 12 years, and you may recognize her from Netflix's "Glow Up." "If I had to describe my makeup style, I would say it is creative with a touch of glamor," she says. While her looks range from full-on Halloween gore to bridal glam, she has tons of experience using face paints.
Below you'll find Jenkins' recommendations for getting into face paints, plus some tips for how to apply, set, and wear them like a pro.
Tools You'll Need for Face Paint Makeup Looks
- Hydra Liners: Jenkins loves Suva Beauty's Hydra Liners because they're a nice mashup of face paint and day-to-day makeup. "These liners are highly pigmented, long-lasting, and have a smooth finish and don't crumble off throughout the day."
- All-Over Face Paint: For all-over face paint, Jenkins uses Mehron face paints since they're super creamy and don't dry out or crack. They set nicely and won't break apart when you emote — which is important.
- PLouise Bases: If you're looking to enhance your eyes, try PLouise bases. They come in a variety of colors and don't require any water to get going. Jenkins says they're highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way. "Use this as a base and then set it with your favorite shadow."
- Small Paint Brushes: Instead of makeup brushes, Jenkins recommends using a range of little art brushes for details and makeup sponges for larger areas.
How to Apply and Set Face Paint, Step by Step
Step one: Wet your paints. To apply face paints, generally you'll mix it with water, but Jenkins warns against using a glass of water to dip your brush into. Instead put some water in a spray bottle and spray it directly on the face paint. A pro tip: "Sometimes I use a hydrating setting spray to dampen the face paints instead, which can keep the paints from drying out and cracking off your skin."
Step two: Apply your paint. Use small paint brushes or sponges to apply your makeup, depending on whether you're working on a small space, like your eyes, or are looking for full coverage.
Something to keep in mind: When you use water-activated paints, you can't do any layering. (When you apply a wet layer of the top, it reactivates the bottom layer and ends up rubbing off.) If you do want to create blends and gradients, try a cream-based face paint and make sure you set it with setting powder.
How to Remove Face Paint
Face paints are water-activated, which means all you need to remove them is water. Eve recommends hopping in the shower for body paint and using a damp flannel or sponge for face paint. "My eyes are super sensitive and I have eczema, so I love to use coconut oil to remove stubborn makeup. I would avoid makeup wipes or micellar water, since this can increase the chances of the makeup staining your skin."
To get rid of your face paint and regular makeup together, she likes Laura Mercier's eye makeup remover, noting that it has the same pH as your tears, so it won't sting your eyes.