Step-by-Step Face Painting Ideas

You don't need to be a professional makeup artist to transform your child into a clown, monster, pirate, or other character. Our easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step photographs will guide you through the process!

Designs by Julia Joseph and Pam Moody

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Bryan McCay
Dog

If your child is set on dressing up like her favorite four-legged friend, an easy paint job can make your pup stand out from the pack. Start with white face paint to enhance the look, and add basic black eyeliner to get tails wagging
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the dog.
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Bryan McCay
Skeleton

This classic costume is a great choice for the kid who puts the trick in trick-or-treat. The white and black face paint can be as complex or simple as you'd like, creating a wide range of looks on Halloween night.
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the skeleton.
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Bryan McCay
Superhero

Girl power! Show the world your true skills with this fun and fresh take on a standard. Bright colors and a painted-on headband will make sure your crime fighter stands out.
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the superhero.
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Bryan McCay
Vampire

For vampires, the fun begins at sundown. Painted-on fangs complete the look but don't get in the way of chowing down on candy.
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the vampire.
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Bryan McCay
Fairy

Who says you need a scary costume? This fairy look is perfect for the inner girlie-girl. Soft colors add a whimsical touch and sparkles give the look magical appeal.
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the fairy.
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Bryan McCay
Witch

An enchanting take on everyone's favorite frightful costume, this witch adds a touch of glam with purple eyes and a creepy green face. Don't forget the nose wart!
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the witch.
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Scott Little
Monster

Who doesn't love pretending to be something that goes bump in the night, especially when it's Halloween? Cast your own child as a green ghoul by disguising him in a painted mask complete with piercing fangs, menacing horns, and spiky hair.
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the monster
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Scott Little
Clown

Half the fun of being a clown is undergoing the painted face transformation and having friends and neighbors wonder just who's underneath it all! This timeless clown face design is easy to create with just four colors of paint -- and will leave everyone grinning ear to ear.
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the clown
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Scott Little
Pirate

Ahoy thar, mateys! Sure, your child could wear an eye patch, a bandana, and fake facial hair for Halloween and call himself a pirate, but painted-on accessories are not only less cumbersome to wear, but they also feel pretty realistic. This eye patch is especially great because it surrounds the eye rather than cover it, allowing your child to see normally and without restriction.
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the pirate
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Scott Little
Bunny

Rabbit ears may be an obvious choice to turn your child into a hoppy bunny, but painting on a nose, whiskers, and teeth pushes the ensemble to a new level of playfulness without the need for excess accessories. Start by sponging on a basecoat of gray and white paint, then simply add rosy cheeks and details around the mouth.
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the bunny
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Scott Little
Butterfly

If you have a little girl who's into all things that flutter, she'll love becoming this feminine butterfly that spreads its wings with bejeweled flair. Dusted with a sprinkling of glitter and dotted with gems, the painted wings and body are a breeze to re-create.
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the butterfly
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Scott Little
Tiger

Elevate a boring painted nose and pair of whiskers into a stunning, artistic tiger design that is sure to draw rave reviews. Sectioning off parts of the face with areas of orange and white creates the illusion of a muzzle, and extra flourishes give the design a playful, instead of scary, look.

Copyright © 2011 Meredith Corporation.
- Download step-by-step instructions and photographs to create the tiger
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How to Make Halloween Licorice Trees
Get kids in the spooktacular Halloween spirit with this candy-coated centerpiece craft.
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Dog

Skeleton

Superhero

Vampire

Fairy

Witch

Monster

Clown

Pirate

Bunny

Butterfly

Tiger

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