Halloween face painting tips from Disney World

A glitter-dusted tiara for a dainty princess… a bandana, eye patch and a scruffy beard for a pirate… whimsical wings for a fairy… brightly colored stripes and wispy whiskers for a not-so-ferocious tiger. Instead of buying additional costume accessories to create these looks, why not try painting them on? Face painting is popular with theme park guests of all ages, and it’s a great – and safe – way to enhance any costume. Not only can the looks be more customized to the child’s personality, the child’s range of vision is not affected as it could be in a store-bought mask.

Here is a video and some timely tips for applying face makeup from Rebecca Downin, one of the face painting artists in Mickey’s Toontown Fair in the Magic Kingdom:

• Always use a water-based theatrical makeup, one that is hypo-allergenic and non-toxic.

• Begin the design by using a soft, round sponge to apply the larger areas of color on the child’s face. Then, use thin brushes (smaller brushes from local craft stores will do nicely) to paint on details and lines.

• Once done with the design, use baby wipes and moist cotton swabs to clean up the edges. Then, make any needed corrections.

• For an extra-special, finishing touch, use the detail end of a small brush to apply a dab or two of non-metallic, round-cut glitter.