I'm officially changing my "Removal Instructions" ...thanks Lilly!

I've been trying out the method that Lilly Walters suggests for removing face paint and it has worked extremely well, EVEN ON GREEN!! Thank you Lilly! It really does work better than any other method I've tried. I'm going to change the removal instructions on the back of my card and on my website. Here's her method:

Do not RUB the paint to get it off. Use a safe soap (make-up remover, no-tears baby shampoo, face wash, etc.) Make a paste with the soap and the paint. Let the soap and paint mess sit for 30 seconds, then rinse it off.

...I will add something about eye make-up remover for the eye area and moisturizer for any color that remains but that shouldn't even be necessary.

Yes, this is what has been working for me lately. I use a moisturizing soft soap from B&BW and I think maybe the moisturizing agent helps also. Mine is not a face-safe soap though; I've been painting only on my arms and legs so didn't worry about that.

It does look very scary though, when you smoosh it around into a paste, especially if there is a lot of black paint!! You think, oh my gosh I just made it worse! - but you didn't.

Rather than just rinsing with water, I do use a warm washcloth. But as you say, do not rub - just gently wipe the soap/paint mixture away and it all comes off.

I use this method also...it looks like a real mess..but it works!

I think it's logical to suggest a makeup remover (and/or the other suggestions).

When you think about it, women wear flesh coloured make-up & use special products to remove it, so I don't think it's going to come as a shock that for coloured make-up they're going to need something a little stronger than water or a wipe to get the best result.

I like Lily's wording. I used to sell AVON, I might get some of the cheap/teen cleanser for my kids rather than using my good stuff like I do now

memoryfairy wrote:I like Lily's wording. I used to sell AVON, I might get some of the cheap/teen cleanser for my kids rather than using my good stuff like I do now

Thanks memoryfairy! It's actually my wording for what she said.

This is what I have on the back of my cards, a combination of many sources which turns out to be a combination of what Lilly and Gina say and Isabelle (the dark wash cloth)

Directions for Removing Face Paint

-Apply mild soap or baby shampoo to paint.
-Lather gently with fingers in circular motion to loosen paint.
-Wipe off with a damp, warm (dark) wash cloth.
-Repeat if necessary.
If color remains, gently rub baby oil or moisturizer with cotton wool.
-Please DO NOT sleep in face paint.
-Baby wipes are not recommended for removing face paint.

I have used this method very successfully with my super sensitive 2.5 y/o and the baby oil works wonders around the eyes (though I never put heavy/black paint near her eyes).

Glad it is working for you! I got it all together after talking with Therese Burch and Anabel Rodas, I combined what those two were doing. So, the thanks really goes to them )

Hugs,

- Lilly Walters, 909-398-1228
Face and Body Painting http://www.funfacepainting.com
Books and Face Painting Classes http://www.funfacepainting.com/book.html

Well worded! I hope no one minds if I use close to that wording with a couple of adjustments!!

Mehndi Masala wrote:Well worded! I hope no one minds if I use close to that wording with a couple of adjustments!!

Please share what you come up with

I do something similar. I wet a wash cloth with warm water & press it into the design & "lift" off the paint. I wring out the cloth & do it again till it's mostly gone. Then I go with Lily's method. The reason I do this is I have a few interesting pores that will stain with the other method(I end up looking like I have a black head only it's green, or blue or pink....

I do the same thing...it works magic. I def dont recommend the warm wash clothe because the steam will open your pores and make things worst...

I do the same..but i soap up the wash rag and let it sit on the painted area for a few minutes to activate the paint and it comes off pretty easy..I have not trouble on my self..and tell others to let the rag stay on a little bit...

Psalmbook wrote:... The reason I do this is I have a few interesting pores that will stain with the other method(I end up looking like I have a black head only it's green, or blue or pink....

...glad to hear I'm not the only one with a pore like that! I had a "green head" the other day. LOL! Well, I guess I'm lucky it's just one (for now) and it's under my bangs.

Thank you for sharing. I was looking for instructions to give my clients and customers.

I feel that LillyW's removal advice is the best, and causes the least amount of possible skin reaction. I am allergic to so many "Make Up Removers". I have tried a few "Eye Make Up Removers" that sting my eyes. They burn my eyes and my skin gets red and raw. I would NOT recommend using something to remove an adult's make up from a face painted child.

This is so helpful! I am still a newbie, thank you!

It's funny. Now I do this mostly as a hobby and for friend's birthday parties, so I don't have a "Pro" set up. But I kinda giggle every time because it seems like no one ever asks how to get the makeup off. Or, it will be the parent of the 15th person I paint. To which I usually just keep a straight face and reply "it wears off in about 3-5 days..."

but, hey, you're actually kind of right, if you're using Wolfe black..