Hello, I'm Carolina The Doodler! I've been a professional face painter for over 20 years and I've consistently used the same essential supplies to run my business efficiently. There are lots of amazing products you COULD get for your face painting business, but truth is, you only need some key items to get going.

To make it easy for you I've listed all my favorite supplies here. And the best part? you can find it all on Amazon! (wooohooo!)

These are the super duper most essential supplies to get started:

Face paint: Of course, this one is a no-brainer! You need high-quality face paint that is specifically designed for use on skin. I love WolfeFX face paint because it's vibrant, long-lasting, and easy to work with. I've been using WolfeFX since 2009.
Brushes: The brushes you use can make a huge difference in the quality of your designs. I recommend investing in a set of high-quality, synthetic brushes, like the Royal & Langnickel Majestic brushes. They're durable, easy to clean, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit all your face painting needs. I've been using Royal & Langnickel (round brushes) since 2008. I also use other brands of brushes that I love, but I recommend these because they're awesome and for the sake of keeping your shopping on Amazon
High-Density Sponges: Sponges are great for applying base coats and blending colors together. I prefer using high-quality makeup sponges because they're soft and gentle on the skin. I use the WolfeFX high density round sponges (cut in half) but I also use the Kryvaline black sponges.
Glitter: Adding a touch of glitter to your designs can really make them pop! I love using cosmetic-grade, polyester loose glitter because it's safe for use on skin, has no sharp edges and is easy to apply. I use Mama Clown's white glitter dust, but I also use Mehron Glitter Dust...and YES, I only have ONE color of glitter in my kit.
Cellulose Sponges: I use cellulose dish sponges instead of paper towels for wiping my brushes when I'm painting. It looks cute (because they're colorful), they are durable and can be reused or disposed of depending on the level of use. I use compressed cellulose sponges bc they come dehydrated and are easy to store and transport.
Mirror: I use an easel mirror that looks like a little ipad. Over the years I've tried handheld mirrors but they are inconvenient, they break easily and are too bulky for my kit. So I keep it nice and simple. The easel mirror is light, easy to clean, easy to transport and I dont have to hold when I'm in full face painting action because I keep it open on my table for guests to take a peek at their faces anytime they want.
Baby wipes: Yes, I love baby wipes and buy them in bulk because they are a SUPER convenient part of my kit. I do my best to use each wipe as much as possible, but having them at hand allows me to keep my hands, my station and my kit clean. I use Huggies Natural Care Sensitive & Fragrance Free Wipes.

These are essential supplies that you'll need if you want to run a face painting business. These supplies are mainly to transport, hold and protect your supplies:

Containers/Trays w/Lids: I use slim Tupperware to hold and transport my paint and sponges. These trays protect my paints, keep them organized and allow me to transport my paints without their lids so I can setup and breakdown at gigs quickly. I've been using the container setup since I started face painting in 2002.
Brush Holder/stand: I use a round brush stand that can hold 40+ brushes. Now, I don't ever use 40+ brushes at a gig, but I like to see all the brushes I have available and using this allows me to easily grab and put down brushes while staying organized. Plus, it's easy to collapse and clean.
Grippy Liner: Grippy liners are awesome for lining both the bottom of my paint trays as well as my table. The liner keeps all my supplies from moving or sliding around when I'm in full face painting action. I love the Gorilla Grip liners because they're high quality, durable and easy to clean.
Trash bin: If you use baby wipes or paper towels, you're going to need a trash bin. Yes, you could just use a plastic bag, but if you want it keep it professional, a collapsible bin is convenient and looks nicer than an old grocery bag.
Backpack: I use a backpack to transport my supplies. Over the years I have tried it all, but nothing compares to the convenience of just wearing my supplies on my back to easily maneuver my way in and out of gigs. I use a MATEIN carry on backpack with lots of compartments and storage space.
Chair: I paint standing up, it's easier on my back and it works well for me. I use a lightweight, tall director's chair by E-Z UP. The chair is collapsible and comes with a carrying canvas bag. I love the height because it allows me to give guests a "show" while painting. I've been using the E-Z UP chair since 2010.
Table: I use my own table because I prefer to be completely self-sufficient at gigs. I use a 4-foot Lifetime telescopic, folding table. It has a carrying handle on it so I can easily transport it and it allows me to adjust the height to match my tall chair. Plus, the height is awesome to keep curious little hands off my supplies.
Tablecloth: I use a black spandex fitted tablecloth. It looks super sleek, covers my table seamlessly and looks very professional. I used to use flat tablecloths, but they slide around and kids could pull them easily, causing a disaster on my table at times. So Spandex it is!
Business Cards: Business cards are not going anywhere yet. Yes, there are digital options, but there's nothing like handing someone your card or having them take one off your table while you're in face painty action. I design my business cards on CANVA and get them printed on Vista Print.
Business Card Holder: I use a clear, acrylic, heavy duty business card holder. It's durable and protects my cards from the elements (especially the wind for outdoor gigs).

Now you know my secrets, I keep it simple, compact and maintain a professional look by having consistent supplies with minimal branding. Having this setup for so many years has allowed to me to be highly efficient and adapt to any type of event without having to make any major adjustments to fit my clients' needs.

With these essential supplies in your kit, you'll be well on your way to building a kit and a business that you and your clients will love!

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Hey, just so you know, I only recommend products that I personally use and absolutely love. If you decide to make a purchase through my affiliate links, I'll earn a small commission - so thank you in advance for your support!

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