Our customer service staff frequently gets questions about face paint bases across different brands. We have tried to put together some basic info that might help aspiring face painters get an idea of which type of paint will work best for them depending upon specific application requirements.

Most of our face paint brands are glycerin based, which generally stay very comfortable on skin after application compared to wax base. They are ideal for blending and not widely used for line work. Second commonly found paints are wax based, which tend to dry faster and stay longer than glycerin based paints and are popular for line work and layering. Acacia Senegal Gum base found in brands like Global and Kryvaline Creamy line, is known to provide adhesive and skin conditioning effects.

Cream based paints are easy to apply directly, stay smooth on skin, and have longer drying time. Powder based paints can be applied dried or wet depending on specific application. When applying dry, apply a very thin layer of primer on skin before applying powder. An alternative for primer is to wipe the area with a wet wipe, which will leave enough residue to hold the powder. Mix with a mixing liquid and apply for durable applications resistant to sweat.

Alcohol based paints are popular for professional applications, outdoor events etc as they tend to be waterproof and sweatproof and can be used in pool parties etc. Alcohol based paints are mostly intended for airbrush applications.

Grease basedpaints are extremely durable formula used by professionals and clowns. Harder to remove than face paints, grease makeup is not generally used by face painters. Grease paints do not dry and should be set with a setting powder and after use requires oil based makeup removers for removal.