Face Paint & Halloween Make-up
Face paint turns a good costume into a great one. A few strokes of colour can make a tiger, a skeleton or a superhero, and it’s often cheaper and comfier than a mask.
Here you’ll find face and body paint palettes for kids’ parties, horror makeup and SFX sets with scar wax and liquid latex, plus fake blood, festival glitter and face gems. Planning something spooky? See our Halloween costumes to match.
Showing 17–19 of 19 results
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SFX Halloween Make-up Kit
£8.99 -
Snazaroo Halloween Face Paint Starter Kit
Original price was: £39.95.£27.50Current price is: £27.50. -
URAQT Face Paint Palette, 15 Colours
£8.99
Choosing face paint and make-up
Start with who’s wearing it and for how long. For kids and everyday parties, a water based palette is the easiest choice: it goes onto skin with damp sponges or brushes and washes off with soap and water. For horror looks, SFX kits add texture with scar wax, liquid latex and fake blood.
Cake face paints
Cake-style paints activated with a little water are what most face painting sets use, and many work on the body too. They give bold, flat colour and are great for detail work with a fine brush. They can smudge with sweat, so they’re best for parties rather than long sweaty days.
Cream and SFX products
Creams blend well for skull and zombie effects, and dark shades give a strong result. SFX kits let you build up cuts, wounds and scars. They take practice, so have a go before the big night.
Glitter, gems and neon
Chunky glitter, face gems and neon shades are made for festivals and UV parties. Face paint pens are handy for quick lines and fake tattoos, and a richer pigment means fewer layers. Use a skin-safe glue, never craft glue, and finish with some heart-shaped specs from our party glasses.
| Product type | Best for | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Paint palette | Kids’ parties, school events | Use a damp sponge for base colours, a brush for detail |
| Cream make-up | Skeletons, zombies, clowns | Set with powder to reduce smudging |
| SFX set with scar wax | Wounds and horror | Practise first and patch test on skin |
| Fake blood | Zombies and vampires | Can stain clothes, so test on fabric |
| Glitter and face gems | Festivals and hen dos | Remove gently with oil-based cleanser |
How to apply face paint
Start with clean, dry skin. Sponge on base colours first, let them dry, then add detail with a brush. Keep paint away from the eyes and avoid lips unless the product is designed for them. Kids’ looks are easier with a short list of shades and simple designs, like a butterfly or a superhero mask to go with their superhero costumes.
How to remove face paint
Most cake paints come off with warm water and a gentle soap. Creams and SFX products need a cleanser or baby oil first. Some bright colours, especially red and blue, can leave a temporary tint, which fades after a wash or two. Always do a small patch test on sensitive skin, and follow the instructions on each product.
Complete the look
Pair your paint with masquerade masks for a dramatic half-and-half look, or add a fancy dress wig for a full character. For kids, see kids’ fancy dress and World Book Day costumes. More inspiration in women’s Halloween costumes and shop by theme.
In this guide
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Questions people ask
Quick answers about face paint & halloween make-up: sizing, quality and what to buy. Still unsure? Our size guide and theme pages have more help.
Browse all themes →Will face paint or body paint come out of clothes?
Water based face paint usually washes out of most fabrics, especially if you treat it quickly. Fake blood and strong pigments like red can stain, so keep them away from your best clothes and test first.
Can face paint or body paint go on lips?
Only if the product says it’s designed for lips. Most face paints aren’t, so use a lipstick or lip-safe colour instead.
Is face paint safe for kids?
Face paints made for skin are generally fine for kids, but always patch test first and avoid broken or irritated skin. Keep paint away from the eyes and wash it off before bed.
How do you stop face paint cracking?
Use thin layers rather than one thick coat, and don’t overload the sponge with water. Letting each layer dry before adding the next helps it stay smooth.
Is face paint waterproof?
Most cake face paints aren’t, so they can run in rain or with sweat. Setting spray helps, and some professional products are more resistant, but none last forever.
What do you need for a scary Halloween face?
A black and white base, some fake blood and scar wax will cover most looks. Pair it with our Halloween costumes for the full effect.
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