Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, understanding the business fundamentals will help you make smarter purchasing decisions and avoid expensive mistakes. These resources cover everything from makeup application techniques to running a profitable service business.
The Professional Face Painter’s Handbook by Linda Wylie
This book is the technical foundation you need. It covers application techniques, color theory, design creation, and how to work safely with different skin types. For a face painting business, knowing proper technique directly affects customer satisfaction and repeat bookings—it’s worth your time upfront.
Shop The Professional Face Painter’s Handbook on Amazon →
The Knot Guide to Wedding Etiquette by Carley Roney
Face painting is often booked for events, weddings, and parties. This guide helps you understand event dynamics, client expectations, and how to position yourself as a professional service provider. Understanding the event world makes you a better vendor.
Shop The Knot Guide to Wedding Etiquette on Amazon →
The Small Business Start-Up Kit by Peri Pakroo
You’ll need to understand licensing, insurance, contracts, and basic tax structure. This book walks through exactly what a solopreneur needs to handle legally and financially. It’s practical, not intimidating, and saves you from costly oversights.
Shop The Small Business Start-Up Kit on Amazon →
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Face painting is event-based work with seasonal fluctuations. This book teaches you how to structure income so you actually keep money for taxes, growth, and your own salary. Many service businesses fail because owners don’t pay themselves—this fixes that.
Equipment You Need
Face painting requires specific products and tools. Quality matters here—cheap paints can cause skin irritation, and poor brushes make designs look sloppy. Start with professional-grade supplies designed for face and body painting.
Face and Body Paints
- Cream-based face paint palettes: Water-activated or cream-based paints are the standard. They blend easily, stay on longer, and are gentler on skin than oil-based alternatives. Brands like Snazaroo and Kryolan are industry staples.
- Glitter and shimmer additives: Kids especially want sparkle. Safe, cosmetic-grade glitter designed for face painting is essential—never use craft glitter on skin.
- Makeup setting spray: Keeps designs from smudging during active play or dancing.
- Makeup primer: Helps paint adhere better, especially on oily skin or outdoor events.
Shop professional face paint palettes on Amazon →
Brushes and Applicators
- Round brushes (sizes 4-12): For fills, base colors, and large shapes.
- Flat brushes (sizes 6-14): For broad strokes and blending.
- Detail brushes (sizes 0-2): For fine lines, eyes, and intricate designs.
- Sponges (wedge and round): For base application and blending larger areas quickly.
- Makeup sponges: Disposable wedges for sanitary application on clients.
Shop professional makeup brush sets on Amazon →
Cleansing and Sanitation
- Makeup brush cleaner: Keeps brushes hygienic between clients. A spray cleaner lets you work faster at events.
- Makeup remover wipes: For quick client removal at the end—better than forcing them to wash off at a sink.
- Hand sanitizer and disposable gloves: Non-negotiable for hygiene standards.
- Brush cleaning mat or palette: Speeds up brush cleaning during back-to-back clients.
Shop makeup brush cleaner on Amazon →
Storage and Organization
- Tackle box or art supply organizer: Keeps paints, brushes, and tools organized and portable. You’ll carry this to events constantly.
- Brush holder or cup: Keeps brushes upright and protected during transport.
- Makeup palette or palette paper: For mixing custom colors and managing multiple paint colors during a session.
- Apron or smock: Protects your clothes—face paint stains are permanent.
Shop storage organizers on Amazon →
Additional Supplies
- Stencils: Speed up design application and ensure consistency, especially for themed events.
- Eyeshadow and highlighter: For adding dimension and sparkle to designs.
- Face gems and temporary tattoos: Upsell items that clients will pay extra for.
- Water cups and towels: For wetting sponges and wiping brushes during work.
Shop face painting stencils on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
Your initial investment should focus on core supplies that directly earn you money. Add premium or supplementary items as your business grows and you have consistent bookings.
- First: One quality cream-based face paint palette (primary colors plus black and white), six essential brushes (two rounds, two flats, two detail), makeup sponges, and a tackle box for storage.
- First: Makeup remover wipes, hand sanitizer, and brush cleaner spray—hygiene is non-negotiable from day one.
- First month: Makeup primer, setting spray, and a basic set of stencils to speed up your work.
- After 10+ bookings: Additional paint colors, specialty brushes, face gems, and glitter additives once you understand what designs clients actually request.
- As you grow: Professional liability insurance (critical for protecting against injury claims), a portable mirror or stand so clients can see their design, and backup supplies for events.
New vs Used Equipment
Face painting involves direct contact with skin, so sanitation matters. Never buy used brushes, sponges, or applicators—bacterial contamination risk isn’t worth saving $10. Used paint can dry out or separate, and you won’t know its history. Buy new here.
Storage boxes, aprons, and mirrors can be purchased used if they’re in good condition. You can also save money on tackle boxes or organizers by repurposing art supply containers from thrift stores. Test them first to ensure they’re clean and properly sized for your supplies. The core principle: anything that touches skin should be new or professionally sanitized.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Convenient for brushes, storage, and basic supplies. Good for comparing brands quickly.
- Kryolan or Snazaroo official websites: Direct access to professional paints and official product specs. Sometimes run promotions for bulk purchases.
- Local art supply stores: Let you inspect brushes in person and get personalized recommendations. Staff often understand professional-grade differences.
- Beauty supply wholesalers: Some offer bulk pricing on makeup products if you have a business license. Worth checking for repeat supplies.
- Etsy: Small sellers often offer custom brush sets or curated starter kits designed specifically for face painters.
- Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: For storage boxes, mirrors, and stands only—not sanitation items.