From my previous Hallowe'en-related post, I realized I needed to promote one of my favourite art supplies: Snazaroo Face & Body Paint. Hopefully, this might help some JSVB readers (if any) before October 31.
Snazaroo is a hard tempera-style watercolour pigment. Just add a little water, and you can brush or sponge the paint directly onto skin. It comes in two 18 ml forms: one is a single large cake of paint in your chosen colour, and the other is a plastic "palette" of eight smaller colours. Currently, there is a "girl's" palette and a "boy's" palette available, although you'd probably want both for any decent project.
Snazaroo is one of my all-time favorite products. It's very easy to work with. Most of the colours go on well with just one coat. Although any cosmetic product can set off allergies, my experience with Snazaroo is that it is one of the gentlest skin products I have ever used. I have extremely sensitive skin, and Snazaroo always feels completely comfortable. There's no scent, either. Snazaroo is a durable body and face paint, in that it won't easily come off with sweat, rain, tears, etcetera. However, it is very easily removed with water plus soap. So you can wear Snazaroo confidently outdoors without worrying that it will run or come off on your clothes (if any).
The downside for all Snazaroo products is the packaging. The plastic container for the large cakes is very brittle and liable to break. The plastic palette for the small cakes is the cheapest unit possible. You also get a cheap, ineffectual brush, and a small plastic sponge that will collect dangerous mould almost instantly.
The price point for Snazaroo is also high. Each large cake will cost around $10, and the palettes are $15 - $20. It's easy to spend $100 on getting a good set of colours. However, the paint cakes themselves are extremely durable and long-lasting. You can paint dozens if not hundreds of faces off of a good set of paints.
I find Snazaroo available at better art and craft stores (such as Michael's), but you can also find it at costume shops or online. Snazaroo has been steadily becoming more popular worldwide, so more power to them.
Snazaroo has massive appeal for kids, but let's face it, Snazaroo is also fun for grown-ups as well!
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