Books and Resources to Start Strong
Reading about face painting business fundamentals before you launch helps you avoid costly mistakes and understand what customers actually want. These books cover the practical side of running a face painting operation, from technique to pricing to marketing your services effectively.
The Business of Face Painting by Elise MacKay
This book addresses the business structure side of face painting—how to price your services, manage bookings, build a client base, and handle the administrative work that keeps operations running. MacKay covers everything from licensing requirements to booking systems to calculating your actual hourly rate after expenses. It’s direct and focused on the money side, not just the art.
Shop The Business of Face Painting on Amazon →
Face Painting Step by Step by Suzanne Woolcott
A technical reference that walks through actual face painting techniques, designs, and application methods. You’ll use this as a how-to manual for learning specific designs, color mixing, and working with different face types and ages. It’s practical enough to reference before client events and builds your design confidence.
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The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Even though it’s not face-painting-specific, this book teaches you how to test your business idea quickly without spending heavily upfront. You’ll learn how to validate what customers want, iterate on your offerings, and grow sustainably. The methodology applies directly to starting small, measuring results, and scaling only what works.
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The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
This focuses on launching a service business with minimal capital, which matches face painting perfectly. Guillebeau shows you how to identify what you’re good at, who needs it, and how to validate demand before investing heavily. The book emphasizes testing your idea fast and finding your first paying customers quickly.
Shop The $100 Startup on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Face painting requires surprisingly little gear to start—most costs come from quality supplies rather than large equipment purchases. Below is what you actually need, organized by category, with realistic recommendations for starter budgets.
Face Paints and Pigments
- Water-based face paint sets: The most common choice for beginners and events. Water-based paints are easy to apply, safe for sensitive skin, and wash off easily. Start with a multi-color palette that includes basic colors and skin tones.
- Cream-based paints: More durable than water-based and better for detailed work. Useful for designs that need to last longer or handle sweat and movement.
- Glitter and shimmer paints: Adds appeal for children’s events and themed designs. Buy separate shimmer products rather than built-in glitter paints—they perform better.
- Face paint palettes: Disposable or reusable palettes for mixing colors during application.
Shop water-based face paint sets on Amazon →
Brushes and Application Tools
- Face paint brush sets: You need various sizes—small detail brushes for fine lines, medium brushes for color blocking, and larger brushes for coverage. Natural hair brushes work better than synthetic for cream paints.
- Sponges: Wedge sponges or makeup sponges for base application and blending. Get both dry and slightly dampened versions.
- Stencils: Pre-made designs for common requests like butterflies, stars, and flowers. Stencils speed up your work and help with consistency.
- Applicator pens: Useful for precise lines and details without brush streaks.
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Preparation and Removal
- Face primer or barrier spray: Helps paint adhere better and protects sensitive skin. Reduces the need for heavy paint application.
- Makeup remover wipes: For quick cleanup and removing failed designs. Essential for events where you’re painting multiple people.
- Setting spray: Keeps painted designs intact during movement and sweat. Especially important for outdoor events or active participants.
- Moisturizer or barrier cream: Protects skin before application and hydrates after removal.
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Portable Setup and Display
- Portable makeup case or tackle box: Keeps all your supplies organized and transportable. You’ll visit events, so everything needs to fit in one place.
- Adjustable mirror: Lets clients see their design and helps you work from different angles. A lighted mirror is better but not essential starting out.
- Folding table: Provides a workspace at events. Lightweight aluminum tables are cheaper and easier to transport than full-size versions.
- Chair or seat cushion: You’ll be sitting during most bookings, so comfort matters for your back and legs during multi-hour events.
- Portfolio or display board: Shows past designs to potential clients and builds confidence in your work. Start with printed photos or a digital portfolio on your phone.
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Business Supplies
- Business cards: Still the most effective way to get repeat bookings. Include your name, services, and contact information.
- Liability insurance documentation: Many venues require proof of coverage. Keep copies on hand.
- Booking system or calendar: Even a shared Google calendar or simple booking app prevents double-bookings and keeps you organized.
- Contract template: A simple one-page agreement covering deposit requirements, cancellation policy, and service scope.
What to Buy First vs Later
Don’t buy everything at once. Start lean and add based on actual demand.
- Month 1: One quality water-based face paint set, basic brush set, sponges, makeup remover wipes, and a portable case. This covers $60–$120 depending on brand choices.
- Month 2–3: Add cream-based paints once you land regular bookings, stencils for designs you paint repeatedly, and a lighted mirror if you’re doing events regularly.
- Month 4+: Invest in a portable folding table, additional specialty paints (metallics, glitter), and replacement brushes as your first set wears out.
- Later: Professional-grade airbrush equipment, high-end makeup chairs, and expensive display setups. Wait until your income justifies these expenses.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new paint and brushes. Used cosmetics carry contamination and hygiene risks. You’re putting products on people’s faces, so don’t compromise here.
For business infrastructure—cases, mirrors, tables, chairs—used equipment is fine. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local thrift stores for portable cases and folding tables. These items hold up well used and cost half the price new. Just inspect for damage and cleanliness before buying.
Brushes do wear out, but quality new brushes last longer than cheap alternatives. Invest $25–$40 in a decent brush set upfront rather than replacing cheap brushes every few months. Natural hair brushes last longer for cream paints but synthetic brushes work for water-based paints and cost less.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fastest delivery, easy returns, good for brush sets and paint palettes. Use the links above for specific items.
- Mehron Makeup and Snazaroo direct sites: Two major face paint brands that sell directly. Often have bulk discounts and specialty products not on Amazon.
- Sally Beauty: Carries professional makeup supplies including face paints, brushes, and removal products. In-store pickup available in most areas.
- Local costume shops: Carry face paint and specialty supplies. Building a relationship with a local shop can lead to discounts for regular orders.
- Theater supply stores: Often stock professional-grade face paints and specialty products. Call ahead to confirm inventory.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used cases, tables, and chairs. Inspect carefully for damage or stains.