HALLOWEEN AND BONFIRE NIGHT

Halloween face paint ideas for kids 2023

Last modified on Friday 27 October 2023

No matter whether you're throwing a Halloween party for your kids and their friends, or just want to do something fun to make the occasion special at home, getting creative with face and body paints is always an enjoyable activity for the whole family.

What's more, you don't have to be much of an artist in order to create our easy, eye-catching face painting ideas.

Just get yourself a starter set (including the essential Halloween colours of black, white, red, orange and green), and you're ready to start!

Grab a matching fancy dress costume for the kids too, it'll look great when matching their face paint.

Be sure to check out our Halloween Hub, with pumpkin carving tips, Halloween costume ideas for babies and children, party games and recipes!

For the best results, it always helps to follow an online tutorial, especially if you're a beginner and new to face painting. You can view the process step-by-step and get an idea of the best tips and tricks for painting.

PRO TIP: Try to follow videos that use actual face paint, as opposed to those done by beauty vloggers.

Always keep wet wipes, water and a towel handy, in case of any accidents - like getting face paint in guests' eyes!

Luckily though, most water-based face paints are safe for the face and body, so no need to stress if a little product does go in a child's eye. Just wipe or wash away as soon as you can.

If there's another adult that can help you with the face painting on the day, even better. Especially if you've got a few kids attending the party.

Wondering at what age you can face paint your child or baby? Most face paint brands suggest from three years and up, and always advise doing a patch test on their skin first.

Don't worry about spending loads on a super professional face painting kit, there are plenty of products out there for a reasonable price - including starter sets from brands such as Snazaroo. See more details here at Amazon. Some retailers even offer free or next day delivery, if you've left it a little late ...

Face paint kit essentials

We'd advise going online or heading to a shop to stock up on the following:

  • a selection of new paint brushes
  • a small bowl for water
  • a selection of water based face paint in different colours including black, white and red
  • sponges - a couple in different sizes (makeup sponges are fine)
  • face wipes
  • a towel
  • hair bands or hair clips to keep hair out of little ones' faces when painting
  • extra bits to add for decoration if you fancy it - sequins, stars, glitter and so on

It also helps to have a good face painting station set up, like a table with a paper tablecloth covering, and a comfy chair. Just line up all your products and other bits and pieces, pop a tutorial on and you're ready to go!

For more Halloween face painting ideas, check out these step-by-step video tutorials from Snazaroo:

Evil but totally cute devil face tutorial...

Super scary pumpkin face tutorial...

The cutest wicked witch face you'll see this Halloween...

Spooktastic skull face tutorial...

Run for your lives – Here's a frightening vampire face tutorial...

Always wondered how to create a cut finger, dripping with (fake) blood? Find out right here ...

Expert face painting tips

Facepaint experts Snazaroo recommend ...

  • only face painting for children 3 years old and over- When painting younger children, we recommend a small motif on their cheek, hands or arms.
  • doing a patch test before you start- All Snazaroo face paints are specially formulated to be fragrance-free and friendly to the most delicate skin. However, we recommend that before you start, you swipe a small test area on the inside of the arm or elbow.
  • only using non toxic, kid-friendly face paints- Face paints such as Snazaroo products are manufactured to be compliant with EU and US Toy Safety and cosmetic regulations.
  • using water-based makeup- Snazaroo face paints are water-based and will wash out of most fabrics. However, please remember that due to the high pigment content, some colours may stain.
  • taking it off before bed- Always remove paint from your child's face or body before going to bed. If it goes in their eyes, wipe or wash out immediately.
  • throwing away old face paints- Use your face paints within 18 months of opening. If older, shop around for a new set.
  • washing off face paint gently- If you've used a water-based face paint, then they should be as easy to take off as they are to put on. Simply remove with soap and warm water; there is no need for scrubbing or harsh removers. Gentle face wipes are appropriate for face paint removal as well.

Are you planning on celebrating Halloween with the kids? Need some ideas? Chat to other parents in our Forum below:

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