How to Remove Face Paint Without Irritating Your Child's Skin
The saddest part of the day is when the face paint comes off. After hours as a butterfly, a superhero or a unicorn, nobody wants to say goodbye to the character, and nobody wants a tearful scrub-down at bedtime either.
The good news: Removing face paint is easy when you use the right method for the right paint. Here's how to do it gently, whether your child got regular face paint or waterproof face paint at their event.
Start with one last photo
Make removal part of the fun. Snap one final picture, let your child say goodbye to their character and then head to the sink. It turns the end of the day into a little ritual instead of a battle.
How to remove regular face paint
Regular face paint is water-activated, which means it comes off with water.
Wet a soft washcloth with warm water.
Add a small amount of gentle soap or a mild facial cleanser.
Hold the warm cloth on the painted area for a few seconds to soften the paint.
Wipe gently in one direction. Don't scrub.
Rinse with clean water and pat the skin dry.
Bright colors like red, blue and purple can leave a faint tint behind. It usually fades after another gentle wash, so there's no need to scrub harder.
How to remove waterproof face paint
Waterproof face paint is made to hold up against Texas heat, sweat and long outdoor events. The waterproof paint I use, Body Color Cosmetics, is silicone-based, which is exactly why water alone won't budge it. You need oil to break it down.
Apply an oil-based makeup remover or coconut oil. Regular vegetable oil works too.
Rub the oil into the paint with your fingers until it turns into a muddy mess. That's how you know it's working.
Wipe the paint and oil away with a paper towel.
Follow up with a good soapy scrub to remove any oily residue.
Rinse and pat dry.
Keep oil and soap away from the eyes. For designs close to the eye area, use a cotton pad and work slowly from the outside in.
Tips for sensitive skin
Be patient. Letting the water or oil do the work is gentler than rubbing.
Pat, don't rub, when drying.
Moisturize after, especially after using soap on young or dry skin.
Check for allergies. If your child has a known sensitivity to an oil, choose a different oil or a makeup remover you've used before.
Watch for redness that lasts. Mild pinkness from washing fades quickly. If redness, itching or a rash sticks around, contact your pediatrician.
What not to use
Skip anything harsh. Rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, household cleaners and rough scrub brushes can irritate skin and aren't needed. Baby wipes can help with regular face paint, but they won't remove waterproof paint on their own.
Safe paint makes removal easier
Easy removal starts with the right products. I use cosmetic-grade, skin-safe paints at every event and don't paint over broken or irritated skin. That way, your child's day ends with happy memories, not a rash.
Planning a party, festival or company event in Brazoria County or the Houston area? [Start your quote] and let's bring the characters to life.
