Face & Body Painting Tips for Festivals, Cosplay and Events

Whether you're gearing up for a music festival, bringing a costume to life or turning little faces into butterflies and tigers at a party, face and body paint is a fun and creative way to make an impact. A few colours, the right tools and a bit of imagination can transform your whole look.

At Eckersley’s we’ve helped thousands of Australians find the right products to express themselves whether it’s for art, performance or pure fun. With a wide range of skin safe paints available online and in store, you’ll find everything you need to create bold, beautiful designs that hold up through dancing, playing, parading or face pulling.

What Makes Face and Body Paint Different?

Unlike your typical tube of paint, face and body paint is designed to be safe for skin. That means it’s made with cosmetic grade ingredients, is easy to apply and remove, and won’t leave behind irritation or stains. It’s flexible too, designed to move with your skin not crack or flake off after an hour.

Choosing the Right Face and Body Paint

With several trusted brands available at Eckersley’s, choosing the right face and body paint depends on what you're using it for, who you're painting and how much coverage or staying power you need.

Snazaroo

Snazaroo is one of the most popular face paint brands in the world, and for good reason. It’s gentle on skin, fragrance free and easy to remove; ideal for children’s parties, school events or anyone with sensitive skin. Snazaroo paints come in a wide range of colours and are water based, so they’re quick to apply and even quicker to wash off. If you’re face painting kids or want something foolproof for beginners, Snazaroo is a go to.

Global Colours

If you’re looking for bold pigments and professional-grade finishes, Global Colours offers a versatile range of face and body paints used by artists, performers and cosplayers alike. Their colours are intense, long lasting and perfect for designs that need to hold up through hours of wear. You’ll find neon, pearl and metallic shades in their collection, giving you lots of creative freedom for standout looks.

Derivan

Australian-made and known for quality, Derivan provides a solid selection of face and body paints that are non-toxic and suitable for a variety of projects. Whether you're doing community events, school fairs or theatre productions, Derivan's range gives you reliable coverage and a smooth finish. Their paints are great for group activities and workshops where easy application and clean-up matter.

No matter which brand you choose, all face and body paints stocked at Eckersley’s are clearly labelled, skin safe and trusted by creative professionals and parents alike. If you’re unsure which one suits your needs, pop into your local store or browse the full selection online for more detail.

Application Tips for Bold, Long Lasting Results

You don’t have to be a makeup artist to get great results. Just a bit of prep, the right tools and a few tricks can make all the difference.

1. Prep the Skin

Start fresh. Clean dry skin gives the best base for any paint. Avoid moisturiser or sunscreen underneath as it can make the paint slide.

2. Use the Right Tools

At Eckersley’s we stock brushes, sponges and stencils designed specifically for face and body painting. Sponges are great for smooth even coverage. Brushes help with crisp lines and detail. If you’re working with kids or large groups, stencils can be a lifesaver.

3. Work in Layers

Apply light colours first and let each layer dry before adding the next. If you’re using water based paints, a bit of water can help reactivate them and improve blending.

4. Lock It In

A dusting of translucent powder or a setting spray can help cream and oil based paints last longer without smudging. We carry artist accessories at Eckersley’s to help complete your kit.

5. Touch Up Tips

Out and about? Keep a few essentials in your bag: a sponge, a brush and a small palette can save the day if you need to freshen things up mid event.

Safety First (Especially for Kids)

When it comes to face painting especially for children, safety is key. That’s why we only stock safe face paint at Eckersley’s products that are non toxic, skin safe and made specifically for face and body use.

It’s always a good idea to patch test first just to be safe. Stick to the cheeks, forehead or arms and avoid painting too close to eyes or mouths. And never use craft paint on skin no matter how bold the colour, it’s not worth the risk.

Removing face paint is simple with our water based formulas. A bit of warm water and gentle soap usually does the trick. We also recommend moisturising afterwards to keep skin soft and happy.

Where to Find Trusted Face and Body Paint

Everything you need for your next event or performance is in the face and body paint category at Eckersley’s. Whether you’re building a full character look or just adding sparkle for a night out, we’ve got the colours, finishes and formats to bring it all together.

You’ll find:

Need a hand choosing the right option? Drop by your local Eckersley’s and talk to someone who knows the gear. Many of our staff are artists too and they’re always happy to share their tips.

Create stunning face and body art with our premium paints.

Whatever your next event or project, Eckersley’s has the paints, tools and expert advice to help you create something amazing. Browse our full face and body paint range online or in store and make your next design your best one yet. Shop now at Eckersley’s.