The first face painting was done hundreds of years ago by American Indians. Whenever they would go hunting, they always adorned themselves with paint and tattoos. During war time, the males in the tribe would also have their face and bodies painted in order to scare off their enemies. It was part of their strategy. Tribal leaders also had their own special designs painted on their faces to signify their authority and leadership. Body face painting has been around a long time. And it has evolved much over the years.

Hundreds of years ago, before face paint ever came into existence; paint was made by crushing and pulverizing clay or stones. The crushed pieces would be then mixed with either animal fat or oil. To produce various colors, different types of plants would be used. You had to be careful in choosing which plants to use because different plants produced different colors. Either the roots would be ground and mixed with oil, or the leaves would be boiled in water, dried and then crushed to produce fine powder which is then mixed with oil. Compared to our ancestors, we have it pretty easy. All we have to do is buy face paint and we are good to go. We are fortunate because it is now so much easier to acquire the materials needed for face painting. You can find everything you need at just the click of your finger.

Over the years, face painting has evolved. If before it was used for camouflage during warfare or tribal recognition, now it is done more for fun and recreation. Face painting has now become a popular activity for children. Psychologists consider this a good thing since it is a way for them to express themselves and to get in touch with their creative side. Face painting can be an avenue for children to express through art what they cannot verbalize. But this activity is not limited to children only. Many adults too now engage in face painting as a form of recreation. Some have even made a career out of it. Events like children’s parties and Halloween are an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills in face painting. As the primary face painter in affairs like this, you should be creative and inventive enough to make fun and attractive designs. If you do this, you will surely never run out of clients.

Whatever one’s stature in life may be, everybody loves to have their face painted. Because no matter how ordinary or commonplace you think you are, within each soul lays an untamed spirit. Being painted as a wild tiger or a tempestuous witch gives us the opportunity to set this spirit free – if even just for a few hours. After all, one great thing about face paint is that it easily washes off with water. Who would not want to break free from everyday routine once in a while? If you have not tried face painting, try it now. Who knows? You may discover something about yourself you never thought existed.