Face painting is a fun activity that is sure to attract children. Be it any fun fair, a school gathering, or a friend's party, face painting booths fetch the maximum crowd. It indeed involves a whole lot of creativity but as it involves kids and paints, it can get messy if not handled properly. Face painting is something the kids thoroughly enjoy. That's because it makes them look different, and gives their face a totally different look. And then, there's that special excitement about flaunting their favorite animal or cartoon character on their face. Kids gain pleasure in face painting because a painted face fetches them the crowd's attention and they can make themselves look the way they want to. They can play their favorite animal or be a dragon or ghost and scare their friends. ▸ It is important to take the necessary safety measures while planning face painting for kids. ▸ Make sure you use colors that are made for application on skin. The chemicals in paints can prove to be harmful to the delicate skin of children. ▸ Remember to use clean brushes and sponges. ▸ Do not use metallic craft glitters on the face. ▸ Children with certain skin conditions or those having open wounds should not get their faces painted. Those painting the kids' faces are advised to take certain precautions. They may have to stand for hours. They may be exposed to children with skin infections. They would have to handle different kinds of paints. This may invite health problems as also stress and fatigue. Here are some tips that can help you paint well. A well-painted face pleases the kids and the painter alike. To see your kids yell with joy on looking in the mirror, follow these tips on face painting.

• It is very important for the painter to visualize the completed face from the beginning. After applying one color, it is advisable to wait until it dries so that you do not end up merging the two colors and having to start again.
• For children with a sensitive skin or for those who do not prefer getting their faces painted, arrange for stickers or temporary tattoos. They can serve as very good alternatives to face painting.
• While choosing schemes and patterns, cater to what the kids would like. Create some interesting designs to paint the kids' faces.
• Keep a cloth or tissues ready to wipe your hands and the paintbrushes.
• To cover a large area of the face, use a sponge instead of a paintbrush. For painting a relatively larger portion of the face or for drawing thick lines across the face, dip a ball of cotton or sponge in color and use it to apply color onto the face.
• Dust the face with flour for that ghostly look.

It is children who you are experimenting on. They are bound to be impatient; some might be restless and fidgety. But as a face painter, you need to keep your cool. Take utmost care while painting their faces. Paint something really creative so that your clients - the little ones, would be pleased.