Looking to hire a face painter for an upcoming event? At GigSalad, we’ve connected thousands of people with the best artists in their area. Choose a city below to browse face painters for hire near you. We also have answers to your most frequently asked questions about booking a local face painter. Let us help you find the perfect entertainment to make your event unforgettable!
On average, face painters charge $150-$200 for about 2 hours of face painting services. This price can vary depending on your location, the number of faces to be painted, and the amount of detail requested for the face art. Most artists can handle 5-10 people per hour if they’re providing a fairly simple design. If you’re expecting a large crowd at your event, you may need more than one professional.
Face paint takes only a few minutes to dry, but this can vary depending on what kind of paint the professional is using and how many layers have been applied. Be sure to ask the face painter about their preferred products and specifications.
High-quality face paint can last up to 12 hours, depending on the type of face paint used.
The time it takes to have your face painted varies greatly depending on several factors. Some artists are more experienced than others, and therefore quicker with their designs. Simple cheek designs are often completed in 5-6 minutes. Full-face designs take longer to complete, depending on how elaborate and detailed the design is.
Before booking a face painter, be sure to tell them how many faces will need to be painted at your event. This will help you determine how many hours you will need their services.
Most cosmetic face paint is water-based, but that does not guarantee it won’t stain your clothes. To get face paint stains out of clothing, we recommend spot-cleaning the area with baking soda and cold water right away.
Face paint does not necessarily cause acne, but leaving face paint on for long periods of time can clog pores and potentially cause breakouts.
Water-based face paint can come off with sweat, but there are things you can do to prevent this from happening. Ask your face painter about setting sprays, powders, and primers to keep your face paint designs lasting longer in the heat.
Some face paints do contain latex, but most high-quality cosmetic face paint does not. A professional face painter will be using FDA-compliant cosmetics that are hypoallergenic and safe for kids, with popular brands including Mehron, Wolfe, Cameleon, TAG, and Global. Ask your artist about the products they use to ensure they are not using craft paint, acrylic paint, or anything else not made specifically for skin. See more questions to ask your face painter.
Professional face painters use high-quality cosmetic paint that is safe to use on your skin.
Professional face painters use non-toxic, hypoallergenic face paint that is safe for your lips, but it’s not recommended for children as it could be ingested.
Every face painter sets their own preferences for how far they will travel, so be sure to ask the professional about their travel radius and associated costs.
Halloween is the perfect occasion for face paint or body art! Keep in mind, that will be a busy season for most face and body painters so you will want to book them well in advance.
Looking for inspiration? Check out these 25 face painting ideas for Halloween!
Most professional face painters carry insurance for their services, and this is especially important for corporate parties or public events. Before booking a face painter, ask them about their insurance and what it covers.
Starting a face painting business can be very lucrative! Face painters are requested for birthday parties, festivals, community events, corporate events, and more. Professional face painters typically make between $150-$200 for two hours of work.
If you’re just starting out, you may need to start with lower hourly rates to get more experience, and then gradually increase your prices to meet your needs. Be ready to back up your rates with high-quality photos of your past work.
Just like any other skill, face painting takes practice. First, check out online face painting courses, instructional guides, and videos of professional face paint techniques. Next, gather all the necessary materials and try out your new skills on friends and family.
If you already have a natural artistic ability, you’re well on your way to becoming a face painter! If you still need a bit of practice, that’s okay. Keep at it until you’re comfortable and pleased with your finished work.
If you’re serious about becoming a face painter for parties, you should choose high-quality cosmetic face paint that is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and specifically made for skin. Never use acrylic or tempura paints on skin. Even if they are “non-toxic,” that does not mean that they are safe for face painting. The best face paints are water-based or water-activated, and are much more similar to cosmetic makeup than “paint.”
Face paint crayons can be a great option for new face painters. They are washable and easy to use for simple cheek designs. However, face paint crayons do not offer the same bold colors or design capabilities as standard face paint.
Insurance is recommended for face painters, but it’s not a requirement. Many professionals carry liability insurance to protect their business and to stay up-to-date with FDA regulations.
A criminal records check is not required to become a professional face painter. However, some clients may need this information before feeling comfortable booking your services, especially if they’re booking face painting for children's parties.
Columbus, OH 
Circus Entertainment / Face Painter
7 Verified Bookings Niyati S. said “You all are amazing!!!! We had a large children’s festival and the group truly brought JOY and SMILES to both the children and the adults! They are an…”
Columbus, OH
Face Painter
I’m a lifetime entertainer/artist, offering party planning, and event services such as; Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Henna, Mrs. Claus, Caricatures, Airbrush/Glitter…
Columbus, OH
Party Rentals / Face Painter
The M. said “Josh did such an amazing job at our party and it was an absolute blast!!! Not only is he talented but professional and entertaining! Thank you so much…”
Columbus, OH
Face Painter
13 Verified Bookings Kierra S. said “Our event turned out to be much smaller than planned, but we still had a great experience! Very friendly with both adults and kids. Took the time to talk…”
Face painting is a great entertainment option for all types of events, especially those with children. Consider a face painter for birthday parties, school fairs, holiday celebrations, community gatherings, or any other special event. You can also hire a face painter to create an amazing look for your next Halloween costume!
When booking a face painter, take the time to browse profiles to see photos of their previous work to make sure you like their style. Read reviews from past clients to learn more about their service and if they are easy to work with. Once you find a face painter you want to hire, get all the details in writing with a contract or booking agreement. When you book on GigSalad, your payments are handled securely through the site and are protected by our Worry-Free Guarantee.
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Using data from quotes sent through GigSalad, we’ve gathered average nationwide pricing for hiring Face Painters.
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