If you have never painted a face before, paint a skull. It is the most forgiving full-face look there is. The shapes are big, the colours are two, and a wobbly line reads as character rather than a mistake.
A skull is not a hundred details. It is four shapes, and everything else is shading.
White everywhere else. That is the whole look.
A black and white split cake does the base and the shadow from one product. Load the sponge across both colours and you get the grey transition for free, which is the part people usually get wrong when they try to mix it themselves.
Translucent powder over the white once it is dry. Skull makeup lives on the parts of the face people touch most, and unset white will be on your collar within the hour.
Black and white mini split cake, black shader, #0 round brush, blender brush, petal sponge. The cheapest way into a full face, and the one we hand beginners.
Twelve pieces for a proper calavera: trick palette, red/white/black split cake, sugar skull eye stencil, scarlett lip liner, red liquid lipstick, black eyeliner pen, #2 round brush, Alcone sponge, petal sponge, dauber, lashes and lash glue. The stencil does the intricate work so you do not have to freehand it.
A note on the tradition. Sugar skulls come from Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican celebration held 31 October to 2 November honouring people who have died. It is not Mexican Halloween. Wear it with that in mind.
For cheeks, foreheads and arms rather than a full face. White and black mini split cake, skull layer stencil, dauber and obsidian black glitter mix. Designed by Yolanda and Myrthe for getting through a long queue of kids quickly.
Shop the Skull Layer Stencil Pack
All kits are made to order. We hand-pack every one, so allow an extra day before it ships.
It is the one we recommend first. The shapes are large and forgiving, there are only two colours, and uneven lines make it look better rather than worse.
About 20 minutes for a full face once you have done it once. The stencil version takes under five.
Yes. Everything in these kits is cosmetic-grade face paint made for skin. We do not sell craft paint.
Warm water and a flannel. Water-based face paint lifts without a remover.
Order before 2pm on a business day and it ships the same day. Auckland is usually next business day, the rest of New Zealand 2 to 4 working days. Free shipping over $80.