Mess-Cipes for Face Paint

 "Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas."

- Paula Poundstone

     What could be a more interesting canvas that a little one's own face? Here are several recipes for face paint that can all be removed with soap and water, or tissues and cold cream.  Let kids paint themselves or each other!

Shortening-Cornstarch Face Paint

1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening

2 tablespoons cornstarch

bowl and spoon 

separate cups 

food coloring

translucent powder

paintbrushes

     Mix shortening with cornstarch.  Separate into small portions and mix with different colors of food coloring.  Use small make-up brushes, paint-brushes, or Q-Tips to apply face paint.  Pat designs on face with trasluscent powder to "set."

Shortening-Flour Face Paint

1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening

1 teaspoon flour

1 drop of food coloring

muffin tin

spoons

     In one section of a muffin tin, mix together shortening, flour, and food coloring. Repeat to make several colors in the muffin tin sections.  Use a finger to paint the face.

Thick Face Paint

2 teaspoons solid vegetable shortening

5 teaspoons corn starch

1 teaspoon white flour

small bowl and spoon

4 drops glycerin (found at drug stores, laxative or "skin emollient.")

food coloring

powdered cocoa (for brown face paint)

     In a small bowl, mix shortening, cornstarch, and white flour.  Add glycerin.  Stir to a creamy consistency. Divide into small portions and color with food coloring or cocoa for brown face paint.  Apply with make-up brushes, paint brushes or Q-tips.

Cold Cream and Corn Starch Face Paint

1 tsp. cornstarch

½ tsp. cold cream

½ tsp. water

food coloring (variety of colors)

     Mix together cornstarch and cold cream until well blended. Add water and stir. Add food coloring one drop at a time until you get the desired color.

Baby Lotion Face Paint

1/8  cup baby lotion

¼ teaspoon powdered tempera paint

1 squirt liquid dishwashing soap

     Mix the baby lotion, powdered tempera paint, and dishwashing lotion in a small dish.  Mix each color separately.