Face paint

File:Red face paint.jpg

A painted face

Face paint is an artistic application of paint to a person's face.

From ancient times, it has been used for hunting, religious reasons, and military reasons (such as camouflage and membership in a military unit).

Especially in modern times, it is a common entertainment at county fairs, large open-air markets (especially in Europe and the Americas), and other locations where children and adolescents are.

There are two basic kinds of face paint.

• Designs that include the emblems of favorite sports teams, cartoon characters, and other designs that are 'cute' or otherwise appealing to the young.
• Designs that endeavor to color the face in such a way to indicate solidarity with a cause, usually the outcome of a sporting contest or membership in a group.

Most theme parks have booths scattered around where a person can have a design painted on their face.

A similar activity is the application of 'instant tattoos', which are paint or ink-based designs that are put on as one unit and removed by means of water, alcohol, soap, or another mild solvent.

Use in military

Face paint is commonly used by soldiers in clandestine operations. The face paint disrupts the skin's natural shine, and the color is used to help blend in with one's surroundings. This makes it ideal for hiding.

Famous people with facepaint

• David Bowie

• Blue Meanie

• The Insane Clown Posse

• KISS (band)

• Keiji Mutoh

• Road Warrior Animal

• Road Warrior Hawk

• Sting

• Ultimate Warrior