Look for body paints that are dermatologist tested, include moisturizing ingredients, and are labeled as non-toxic. Low-quality paint can dry out or irritate skin. Make sure you verify the quality of the ingredients if you’ll be applying body paint to large areas of your body, have sensitive skin, or plan to apply body paint to children. Far less paint is required to do the job. Pricier body paints that are densely pigmented tend to pop on skin. A color like white, in particular, may require several layers to build color intensity.

While these paints might look great in the tube, the results on the skin can be dull or faded. Inexpensive body paints usually contain less pigment. This is especially true if the paint will be applied to children, who may easily smudge an oil-based or alcohol-based paint that takes longer to dry.

Personal use: For personal use, a quick-drying, easily removable water-based body paint is ideal. A richly pigmented oil-based or alcohol-based paint is often the best choice in this situation. Professional: For professional use, you likely want something that photographs well, stands up to sweat and heat, and stays put for extended periods while weathering a lot of physical movement. Beware of cheap water-based paint that goes on smooth while wet but cracks or crumbles once dry. It doesn’t typically stain clothing, and it’s easy to remove with soap and water. Water-based body paint: Water-based body paint is more vulnerable to sweat and heat but has a short drying time. Notably, it shouldn’t be used anywhere near the eyes or nose because its harsher ingredients can irritate mucous membranes. Alcohol-based paint is vivid and attractive under stage lights. However, it takes a while to dry, may stain clothing, and requires makeup wipes or a special solution for removal.Īlcohol-based body paint: Like oil-based body paint, alcohol-based body paint has a longer drying time but excellent staying power against water and sweat.

It stands up to sweat without smudging or running. Oil-based body paint: Oil-based body paint has an exceptionally smooth finish and rich, vibrant color. When choosing body paint, three key considerations revolve around the paint base, use case, and ingredients. However, some professional paints require a special mixative. The majority of body paints are ready to use right out of the tube or palette.

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