Probably in over my head ...

Looking for some advise on how to get started minimally. I am sure face painting is something I will enjoy and want to take further, but right now I need a crash course in what to buy in order to do bunny cheek art and masks for a 4 day stint at a small County fair for our 4-H rabbit club.
I know ideally I should begin with a good selection of colors and a few split cakes (still learning the terminology) but if I keep it simple can I squeak by with maybe a $50 or so investment? This is out of my pocket not the club's treasury and is pro bono so at best a tips jar that any money would go to the kids' club. I hate to sound cheap this is just not a good financial time for us but as the leader of the club I am trying to do my best foe the kids.
I keep jumping back and forth TAG and Wolfe colors ... any preference or is it strictly personal? I am thinking I will need white, black, brown, pink, dark green for 4-H clover for sure, maybe gray? If I only offer the bunny mask and a bunny cheek art in addition to the 4-H clover can I get by with just those colors? I am planning on using the Lisa Joy Young tutorial for inspiration so ...?
What do I need for brushes/sponges? A couple 3/4" flats and a couple rounds? What size on the round for outlining? Do I need a sponge for each child? Or each color? Or?
I know I don't want to go out and buy inferior paints and chance making a kid break out. And if I'm getting the good quality paints I want to make sure I have brushes that will work well with the paint and not shoot myself in the foot by using crap.
So, with all that said, I am all ears for any advise! Thanks in advance.

Mel

For one event I think $50/$75 can work in your favor.

1. TAG/Wolfe:
Both are your best friends in terms of good colors! Tag has amazing rainbow cakes and split cakes (but I don't think you will need them for this one event, wouldn't hurt to have one to do quick rainbow eye designs though). Wolfe is amazing for line work. You can buy black/white in the smallest size for $14 (and this shop is doing a 10% off items deal right now).
I suggest checking out Starblends (holds up well in heat), or just Snazaroo (cheap, blend able, and gives you a good idea of how to apply paint to the face). Snaz is great for kids as it doesn't dry as "hard" as the other paints and often feels like you aren't wearing anything. It's also available at the local craft stores (Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc..)

2. Only offering bunny mask/cheek art...
This is good. That way children won't be able to ask for designs that you don't know or don't have the colors for. You can buy the colors you need for a set array of designs for the kids to choose from. Check out tutorials on YT for design help and to get color ideas. Often times the person giving the tutorial will list exactly what they used in the design and you can go purchase those colors.

3. Brushes/Sponges:
Depends on what you prefer, you will need a few brushes, flats, angles, rounds. I would suggest going to Michaels and buying the cheap brush pack in their brand that gives you all of the above. That way you can see which type of brush and which size brush you like more and you can go from there in terms of buying the more expensive brushes in the future. As for sponges, you can buy whole circles and cut them into 1/2s and/or 1/4s. One half sponge per face. Have a proper system in line for cleaning and sterlizing brushes in between faces.

I'm sure others will answer your questions too! If you can any other questions don't hesitate to ask!!

thank you!

Check out my blog... I have a lot of info there and ran excerpts from my book all last year. Link is in my signature.

thank you, Shannon, I'm headed to your blog now!

And Shannon didn't you just have a big Easter Bunny event? Lots of bunnies if I recall.

PrairiePainter wrote:And Shannon didn't you just have a big Easter Bunny event? Lots of bunnies if I recall.

Oh god yes... nothing but bunnies...

For sponges, you can go to the dollar store and get big sponges to cut up. While you're there, pick up some dishtowels in whatever color you like (I use black) and baby wipes. I agree with Katurah about Michael's for brushes -- you want to get taklon brushes, not natural -- and don't forget the coupon. You'll need a brush bucket (preferably one with at least two water compartments) and a spray bottle. Snazaroo has a beginner palette in most the colors you're wanting for around $30. You can make your own simple splits by cutting and repotting these yourself. Or, if you want to go the coupon route again, Michael's carries Snaz.

I love Wolfe and Tag paint, but I wouldn't recommend it for what you're describing. Snaz is viewed as the safest non-staining paint and it's available locally. Wolfe or Tag will be a larger initial investment and they are more prone to staining. If you're dead set on it, Wolfe offers a sampler palette with a bunch of colors for around $30.

Lastly, don't forget glitter! You want to get an iridescent white or clear that will go with everything. Metina has the best kind in the Forum shop, but sometimes beauty supply stores will carry it. Make sure it's COSMETIC glitter.

Lots of Glitter. My first gig I got that book with the wolfe paints at the bottom. I can't remember the name of the book, but I used a 40% coupon and got it from Michaels, it had the basic colors white, black, red, yellow, green and blue. You can start with that, I might also pick up the Snaz princess pack from Michaels, and maybe four sponges cut into fours and a pack of the yellow snaz brushes. That should get you through the event. I think wet and wild has cosmetic grade glitter, it's fairly inexpensive. Have fun... smile, breath.