Carnival 2026 Costume Guide: Face paint and Body Makeup
Carnival 2026 Costume Guide: Face paint and Body Makeup
Carnival is the perfect time to transform into something dazzling — whether you’re dressing up adults, kids, or planning a full party look. Face paint and body makeup can take a costume from good to unforgettable: think bold colours, shimmering highlights, and safe products that hold up through dancing, parades and photos. In this guide you’ll find practical advice, inspiration and product options to help you choose the right materials for every skin type and age.
AI-generated image. Tool: OpenAI GPT Image
Before we dive into product types, a few framing tips: decide how detailed your designs will be (quick masks vs full-face art), consider the wear time and exposure to heat or water, and always prioritise skin safety — especially with children. Below are five key product categories to help you build your Carnival makeup kit, with quick pointers for use and care.
Face painting for kids
Face painting for kids is all about bright, non-toxic, easy-to-remove formulas and playful designs. Look for water-based paints that wash off with soap and warm water, and choose sets with simple brushes or sponge applicators for fast coverage. Keep designs age-appropriate — small faces look great with bold shapes like butterflies, pirates, animals or superhero masks. Let children pick colours and motifs to make the experience part of the fun.
If your Carnival plans include water rides, humid weather, or long parade days, waterproof face paint sticks are a brilliant choice. They glide on smoothly, reduce smudging, and are often favoured for bold lines and face contouring. Because they can be harder to remove, always bring a gentle remover or cleansing oil and test a small area first. Sticks are also convenient for quick touch-ups on the go.
THE TWIDDLERS 3 Piece Rainbow Flag Face and Body Paint Sticks - Waterproof LGBTQ Make Up Accessories for Pride Celebrations, Festivals, and Parades
£7.99
2.66 GBP/1.0 count
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Delivery from £4.49
Face and Body Paint Stick - Long-Lasting Waterproof Sweat-Proof Football Theme Twistable Face Paint Marker Sticks | 3-Color Cream Body Stick, Blendable Painting Supplies for Adults and Kids
£2.64
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Free Delivery
Face Paint Pens | 2026 Sticks,Long-Lasting Waterproof Sweat-Proof Full-Coverage Sports Body Foundation Makeup - 3-Color Cream Body Stick, Blendable Face Painting
£2.05
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Delivery from £0.99
Face Paint Pens - Long-Lasting Waterproof Sweat-Proof Football Theme Twistable Face Paint Marker Sticks - 3-Color Sports Body Foundation Makeup for Adults and Kids
£2.79
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Free Delivery
Face and Body Paint Stick - Long-Lasting Waterproof Sweat-Proof Football Theme Twistable Face Paint Marker Sticks | 3-Color Body for Sports
£3.49
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Free Delivery
Hypoallergenic face paint for sensitive skin
For sensitive or reactive skin, hypoallergenic face paint is essential. These formulas avoid common irritants like fragrances, certain preservatives and harsh dyes. Look for products labelled dermatologically tested, fragrance-free, and suitable for sensitive skin. Patch-testing a new product 24 hours before Carnival is a simple step that prevents red faces and spoils the fun.
Face Paint Crayons,16 Pack Face and Body Painting Crayon Kits Non-Toxic Face Paint Sticks for Kids Children Halloween Makeup Party Play Safe for Sensitive Skin
£3.79
3.79 GBP/1.0 count
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Delivery from £4.49
Blue Squid Face Painting Kit for Kids - UV Neon Glow Colors Ultimate Face Paint Kit, Stencils, Book - Safe for Sensitive Skin, Non Toxic Face Painting Kit Professional - Kids Party, Glow in the Dark
£16.99
0.85 GBP/1.0 count
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Delivery from £4.49
Blue Squid Face Paint Crayons for Kids - 42pcs XL Non-Toxic, Washable Body Paint Crayons - Our Face Painting Kit Makeup Sticks are Easy to Use, Safe for Sensitive Skin and Perfect for a Kids Party
£11.99
0.29 GBP/1.0 count
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Delivery from £4.49
BioKidd Natural Face Body Paint Washable Cream Kit for Sensitive Skin - Halloween Party - Face Painting Set Makeup for Kids - 10 Water Based Colours + 2 Brushes
£26.90
2.69 GBP/1.0 count
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Free Delivery
Glitter body gel — cosmetic grade
Glitter adds instant Carnival sparkle but choose cosmetic-grade options designed for skin application. Cosmetic-grade glitter is cut and coated to avoid sharp edges and is often suspended in a skin-safe gel for easy application and removal. Use adhesive gels sparingly around the eyes, and avoid loose craft glitter — it can irritate skin and eyes and is hard to remove. For a lasting shimmer, apply glitter gel over a cream base or primer.
Classic Chunky Face & Body Glitter Gel by Moon Glitter - Lavender - Cosmetic Festival Glitter Face Paint for Face, Body, Hair, Nails - 12ml
£3.99
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Delivery from £4.49
Body Glitter, Face Gel Sequins , 11.8x6.8x1.6cm, Cosmetic Grade Loose Powder, Shimmer Pigment Pot, Water Resistant Glitter Gel, for Concerts Festival Party Prom Carnival
£2.88
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Delivery from £3.98
Mystic Chunky Face & Body Glitter Gel by Moon Glitter - Valentines - Cosmetic Festival Glitter Face Paint for Face, Body, Hair, Nails - 12ml
£4.99
415.83 GBP/1.0 l
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Delivery from £4.49
Body Glitter, Face Gel Sequins , 11.8x6.8x1.6cm, Cosmetic Grade Loose Powder, Shimmer Pigment Pot, Water Resistant Glitter Gel, for Concerts Festival Party Prom Carnival
£2.86
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Delivery from £3.98
Biodegradable Eco Chunky Glitter by Moon Glitter - Pink - Cosmetic Bio Festival Makeup Glitter for Face, Body, Nails, Hair, Lips - 3g
£5.99
1996.67 GBP/1.0 kg
Go to shop
Amazon-marketplace.co.uk
Delivery from £4.49
Children's makeup
Children’s makeup ranges from simple stick foundations to themed kits (fairy, pirate, zombie). When shopping, prioritise products formulated specifically for children: softer pigments, hypoallergenic bases, and easy removal. Kits that include step-by-step guides or stencils are especially helpful for adults who are new to face painting. Always supervise application and removal, and keep wipes and mild cleanser handy.
Helpful tip: Always do a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before full application — even products labelled hypoallergenic can cause reactions. For removal, use gentle oil-based cleansers or micellar water followed by a mild soap to avoid drying out the skin. Keep a small first-aid kit with moisturiser and antihistamine cream just in case.
Carnival Makeup Checklist
Patch test new products 24 hours before use
Choose water-based paints for easy removal; waterproof options for long wear
Use cosmetic-grade glitter and skin-safe adhesive gels only
Pack extras: sponges, brushes, cotton pads, and a small mirror
Keep kids’ kits separate and supervised — include hypoallergenic options
Plan simple designs for quick application and touch-ups on the go
Looking for costume ideas to match your makeup? Check our broader Carnival 2026 Costume Guide: Best Fancy Dress Ideas for Adults, Kids & Party Accessories for outfit inspiration, accessories and complete looks to pair with the makeup styles above. Have fun, stay safe, and let your creativity shine at Carnival 2026!
How well did the information meet your expectations and assist you further?
Not at allNeutralVery much
Thank you very much for your feedback!
Update information
On Pricehunter.co.uk prices are updated within minutes of a shop informing us of a change in their product
catalogue. Next to each price on our pages you will find a date and time corresponding to the last price update.
We regularly check our merchant's prices but please be aware that between your visit to our page and that of the
shop a product price may have been updated.
