Kids' Face Painting in NYC for Parties & Events
✨ About Our Face Painting Services✨
Kids face painting NYC is what we do best and we've been doing it since 2009. At Illuminated Faces, our professional face painters transform children ages 3 and up into butterflies, tigers, superheroes, unicorns, princesses, and anything else their imagination can dream up. We work fast, keep the line moving, and make every child feel like the star of the show.
The paint we use is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, water-based, and safe for sensitive skin. FDA-compliant products only, never craft paint. Our team is fully insured, professionally trained, and trusted by thousands of NYC families for birthday parties, school events, block parties, holiday parties, and festivals across all five boroughs.
We typically paint 12–15 children per hour. For larger parties, we bring multiple artists so the line stays short and the energy stays high. We serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, and the Hamptons.
Learn the best practices for keeping your tools clean and safe with our guide on how to sanitize face paint brushes.
🎨 Face Painting FAQ — Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know
At Illuminated Faces NYC, we create unforgettable face painting NYC experiences for events of all sizes — from private birthday parties to large-scale festivals and corporate activations. Whether you’re planning a party, festival, brand activation, or just looking for easy face paint ideas, we get a lot of great questions about the art (and science!) of professional face painting in New York City.
Here are answers to the most common questions we’re asked:
🎨 What is the history of face painting?
Face painting has been practised for thousands of years across many cultures for ceremonial, spiritual, and artistic expression. From ancient tribal markings to modern festival art, it has evolved into a creative form of entertainment enjoyed at events worldwide. If you’d like to explore more, read our full guide on the history of face painting.
🖌️ What kind of paint is used for face painting?
We only use professional, cosmetic-grade face paints that are FDA-compliant and designed specifically for use on skin. They’re water-based, hypoallergenic, and gentle — never acrylic or craft paint. Our team relies on a short list of trusted professional-grade, cosmetic face paints. For a full list of approved brands, contact us directly.
🌈 How do I remove face paint after the event?
Our face paints wash off easily with warm water and mild soap. For stubborn colors like blue or red, gently rub with lotion. (And while it’s tempting after a big day, it’s never recommended to sleep in face paint!) Read More on our blog
💧 Is face paint safe for sensitive skin or kids?
Yes! All of our products are dermatologically tested, vegan, and free from common allergens, making them safe for both children and adults. In all our years of painting, we’ve never seen a bad reaction. For extra comfort, we can paint on the arm or hand instead of the face.
🎭 How many faces can you paint per hour?
Our artists typically paint 6–15 faces per hour, depending on design complexity. Quick, classic designs help keep lines moving, while full fantasy or brand looks take longer. We tailor our setup to your event flow.
🌤️ Is face paint sweatproof or waterproof?
Traditional face paint is water-activated and can smudge in heavy rain or heat. For long-lasting, sweatproof results, we recommend airbrush tattoos — a fan favorite at outdoor NYC events and festivals.
🧴 How do you sanitize your face painting kits?
Cleanliness is everything. We disinfect all brushes between uses and thoroughly sanitize kits before every event. Our artists follow NYC health standards, so every application is safe, professional, and worry-free.
🎨 Can you customize face paint designs for a theme or event?
Absolutely! We tailor every design to your event, whether it’s a birthday, corporate function, festival, or holiday theme. From princesses to superheroes, our artists bring your theme to life with creative, professional designs.
🎭 Do you provide glitter or Special FX?
Yes! All glitter is 100% biodegradable, and we are committed to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Everything we use is vegan, cruelty-free, and completely safe for your skin and the environment. Ask about custom special FX and airbrush effects for television and movies.
🎉 Do you do corporate events or adult parties?
Yes! We specialize in NYC events of all kinds — from family festivals and corporate activations to elegant galas and nightlife experiences. Our work is designed to elevate your brand experience, not just entertain kids.
🌟 Can you provide face painting for large events?
Yes! Our artists work in teams for large-scale NYC events, painting multiple children or adults simultaneously while maintaining high-quality, detailed designs.
⏰ How far in advance should I book?
Holidays and weekends book fastest, so plan ahead! Monday–Thursday generally offers the best chance for availability. Pro tip: a Sunday evening can be a hidden gem. Booking early ensures you secure your face painter near me for NYC events.
🚫 Who shouldn’t get painted?
We love painting faces of all ages, but some guests should wait. Children too young to ask for what they want, or too young to understand face painting, should skip it for now — they’ll have a better experience next time. Comfort and consent are always our priority.
📅 How do I book?
Reach out through our contact form with your event date, location, and estimated guest count. Our team will follow up with custom package options and availability. NYC events fill quickly, so secure your spot with one of the top face painters NYC has to offer. Book Now
she has a warm and engaging energy that makes kids flock to her"
Maureen p., Brooklyn Mom
"Tommi May is FABULOUS!! We hired her for face painting and balloon twisting for my daughter's 8th birthday party and were AMAZED by her level of skill, energy, and professionalism. She's not only a phenomenal (and fast!) face painter and balloon twister, she has a warm and engaging energy that makes kids flock to her. Her balloons are adorable and complex, like nothing we've ever seen before. Scheduling and communication was straightforward and easy. She arrived EARLY and seems to truly love what she does. She was the highlight of the party and a great conversation piece!! Everyone loved it."