makeup

Face and bodypainting supplies and tools

NOTE: Please do not use anything on humans that is not tested for, and safe for skin. All of these paints listed are cosmetic grade paints, with the exception of a few by Kryolan that are for use on prosthetics.

Products that are listed as "Non-toxic" are NOT approved for cosmetic use. 

Further, if you plan to use a product in the eye or lip area, it should be specifically approved for use in that area. 

Acrylic paint is not safe for human skin. Please only use skin-safe paints and do your research.

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Photo by Keith Dixon Studios, models D'yon Holmes and Brenna McBroom.

I get a ton of questions about what kind of paint and tools I use for bodypainting. So this is written with the intent of answering those questions, and giving people some links and information they may find helpful, whether you're interested in face/bodypainting, or just have a special photo shoot or event.

I'm going to start with the water-soluble cake paints I use. These are activated with water and a paintbrush or sponge. They are one of the paints I use most commonly, as I tend to basecoat with them even when airbrushing. I use these for facepaint most often as well.

The cake paints are not waterproof though, so any underwater or high-stress painting conditions (heat/performance/humidity), these will not work for. 

Favorite water-soluble cake paints in my kit:

Cameleon Paints based out of Europe, and with a US distributor. These paints come in regular colors, UV reactive paints, and shimmering metallics. I love the consistency for both base coating and line work. The brilliant pigmentation never disappoints. They also make some split cakes that are indispensable for face painting work.

Other products I adore by Cameleon, include their foaming soap for removal of body paint. It's an incredibly gentle soap that really helps loosen bodypaint when the day is over.

The US site also carries great paints, glitters, and face/bodypainting products made by other companies. I have several of their brushes and they are wonderful, low-cost brushes to keep in your kit.

Mehron Paradise AQ paints, based out of NYC are a staple in most every face/bodypainting kit. Most of their regular line is a very creamy, smooth paint that dries to a matte finish. They do carry some beautiful metallics as well though. These paints are utterly reliable for the most smooth base coats. They also carry several split cakes that are larger. The coconut smell is a bonus!

Other products by Mehron that I adore...the metallic loose pigments, combined with their liquid mixing medium for the most skin-safe metallic paint ever. We used this product combo on Seth Avett for the Avett Brothers Halloween 2014 concert in Asheville NC, when he was dressed as the tin man from "Wizard of Oz". This paint holds up under adverse conditions, looks like metal, and is cosmetic grade. Makes great accents over other paints as well.

My favorite brushes by Mehron are the Mark Reid series, as well as his gel "Glittermark" adhesive glitters. The gold and silver in that line are fabulous.

They also make a product called "Detailz" that allow for very quick, easy dots and fine detail work. It's a felt tip wand, soaked in paint in a small take-along bottle, which allows for the best dots you've ever made in seconds.

Be sure to browse around the Paradise AQ products as they carry both individual cakes, as well as pre-made palettes and kits.

Other excellent brands include Diamond FX, Kryolan, and FAB. All of these paints and more, can be found at one of my favorite distributors, Silly Farm.

Silly Farm is run by some of the most helpful, kind humans, who are movers and shakers in the face/bodypaint world. They offer up some great tutorial videos, as well as more products than you can fathom. 

Their Paint Pal brushes are the bomb! I also purchase all of my disposable thongs and pasties through them (Monster pasties are the BEST) and can count on them to be super helpful when I have any questions or special requests.

They sell any and all sponges you would ever need for any project, as well as beautiful glitters!

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Moving on to airbrush products!

Airbrushing is one of the best tools/techniques for bodypainting in my opinion. What it creates in frustration over maintenance of tools/equipment, it makes up for in control and beauty.

I have a lot to learn about airbrushing, but here is what I personally use. I highly recommend spending time learning about different artists and techniques as I tend to be a bit of an outlier regarding the kind of brushes I use. Most artists who are really skilled at airbrush techniques use siphon feed brushes, I prefer gravity feed and I just can't make myself love the siphon feed, though they definitely have their uses.

All of my airbrushes for bodypainting at this point, are Iwata Eclipse gravity feed. I have eight of them, with a quick-release system attached so I can easily switch brushes with one hose attachment. My compressor is the Aspire Pro by Badger.

The main paint I use for airbrush is the Olive Branch Skincare hybrid paint. I've tried others, but nothing compares to their durability, opacity, pigmentation, and color selection.

This is the paint used exclusively for our underwater work, including all of the Serenity project (for Metavivor Research and Support) paintings/underwater photo shoots.

This airbrush liquid can also be applied by hand, but give yourself time to adjust to the consistency and remember that you always clean waterproof/hybrid paints with 91 or 99% rubbing alcohol! No water!

There is a high opacity waterproof cake paint created by artist Tiffany Beckler now available at Body Color Cosmetics. I especially love the "Ren Yellow". ;) This is an extremely durable product activated by the mixing medium they also sell. Definitely check these out.


That's a quick synopsis of products and tools I use....remember to experiment and try new things always. If you're looking for information about techniques, there are loads of videos out there and great support/videos/education at Faba TV.

Leave a comment if you have any questions, and happy painting!
 

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This ad by Proaiir features artist John Allen Poppleton (UV light/dolphin art) and my art (top right) on model Angela Rene Roberts, photographed by Keith Dixon Studios.

 

UV/Blacklight bodypaints


The important thing to know is that while there are UV reactive paints, there are not glow-in-the-dark paints that are safe for skin/cosmetic grade. People ask about these frequently, but I do not know of anything safe for human skin at this time. I recommend using fabric paint and painting bodysuits if these effect is needed.

Just keep in mind that glow-in-the-dark paints need to be charged up with bright lights for a period of time, and then  they will slowly lose their glow after that. They also look best in complete dark, which is not ideal for most performance/event uses. Color differentiations are very subtle as well, and the most common paint has a light green glow effect. 

In order to get the glow effect of a UV/blacklight paint, you will need UV/blacklights. Any regular lighting nearby will cut the effect, so surrounding the bodypaint with blacklight is your best option.

In regular light, some of these paints add a fluorescent accent, or bright pop of color, but you will only get the glow effect under blacklights. Many UV bodypaints look washed out or plain under regular light, but have a wonderful effect when lit properly.

My favorites include cake paints by Cameleon, Fab, Tag, and Kryolan. Many of these can be purchased at the Sillyfarm website linked above.

The airbrush paints I use are all by Proaiir. There's are the brightest/most intense under regular light, out of all the blacklight paints I've worked with.

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Serafina and the Black Cloak short film book trailers; behind the scenes

I have gathered these photos for the purpose of sharing with a 6th grade classroom this week. All photographs are by Destinee Blau Photography, other than a couple (which are labeled) by Keith Dixon Studios and 1, or 2 phone shots I took. 

They are in no particular order at this point in time and yes, there are more photos of me than there should be, strictly as the talk is about being the key makeup artist. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing these with students at Greeneville Middle School! They are some of the most dedicated fans EVER!

For those interested, the book trailers are Serafina and the Black Cloak, Serafina and the Twisted Staff, and Serafina and the Splintered Heart.

Produced by Bonesteel Films in Asheville NC.
Author Robert Beatty. 
Books published by Disney Hyperion.

A pause during the shooting of the ballroom scene in "Serafina and the Splintered Heart". Actors from left; Camille Beatty playing the sorceress, Bode Lizarralde playing Braeden Vanderbilt, and Genevive Beatty playing Serafina.

A pause during the shooting of the ballroom scene in "Serafina and the Splintered Heart". Actors from left; Camille Beatty playing the sorceress, Bode Lizarralde playing Braeden Vanderbilt, and Genevive Beatty playing Serafina.

From the set of "Serafina and the Splintered Heart", touching up actor Bode. 

From the set of "Serafina and the Splintered Heart", touching up actor Bode. 

Actor Genevive, checking out a phone shot by publicist Scott Fowler on set.

Actor Genevive, checking out a phone shot by publicist Scott Fowler on set.

Setting up a shot for "Serafina and the Splintered Heart". 

Setting up a shot for "Serafina and the Splintered Heart". 

Close up of the face paint for the Sorceress on "Serafina and the Splintered Heart." I created this look entirely with Proaiir Hybrid paints.

Close up of the face paint for the Sorceress on "Serafina and the Splintered Heart." I created this look entirely with Proaiir Hybrid paints.

Author Robert Beatty confers with his daughter about a shot during the ballroom scene of "Serafina and the Splintered Heart."

Author Robert Beatty confers with his daughter about a shot during the ballroom scene of "Serafina and the Splintered Heart."

The face paint being applied on set.

The face paint being applied on set.

Ballroom scene from "Serafina and the Twisted Staff"

Ballroom scene from "Serafina and the Twisted Staff"

Ballroom scene from "Serafina and the Splintered Heart."

Ballroom scene from "Serafina and the Splintered Heart."

Being goofy with director Paul Bonesteel, and actor Genevive Beatty during the filming of the first book trailer, "Serafina and the Black Cloak." Her hair ribbon was the bane of my existence during that film, as I could not get it to stay in place.&…

Being goofy with director Paul Bonesteel, and actor Genevive Beatty during the filming of the first book trailer, "Serafina and the Black Cloak." Her hair ribbon was the bane of my existence during that film, as I could not get it to stay in place. 

On the Biltmore Estate, during the filming of "Serafina and the Black Cloak."

On the Biltmore Estate, during the filming of "Serafina and the Black Cloak."

The crew observing Genevive during the filming of the stairway scene, in Biltmore Estate during "Serafina and the Black Cloak."

The crew observing Genevive during the filming of the stairway scene, in Biltmore Estate during "Serafina and the Black Cloak."

My cat girl! During the premiere party at the NC Arboretum to celebrate the release of the book trailer for "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

My cat girl! During the premiere party at the NC Arboretum to celebrate the release of the book trailer for "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

Bryan Fowler of Fowler Films, working those camera angles!

Bryan Fowler of Fowler Films, working those camera angles!

Actors Camille Beatty and Bode Lizarralde, during the filming of "Serafina and the Twisted Staff." The dog walked off, dragging Bode behind him more than once!

Actors Camille Beatty and Bode Lizarralde, during the filming of "Serafina and the Twisted Staff." The dog walked off, dragging Bode behind him more than once!

My tools remain the same, but the makeup studio changes moment by moment when on a film set. One must always be prepared for anything! Portability and flexibility are a must.

My tools remain the same, but the makeup studio changes moment by moment when on a film set. One must always be prepared for anything! Portability and flexibility are a must.

Last minute touch-ups before putting the wig back on actor Genevive Beatty during the filming of "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

Last minute touch-ups before putting the wig back on actor Genevive Beatty during the filming of "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

A Luna Moth? Nope, that was added post production. Chris Durfee does his best to stand in for a moth, along with some help from a light.

A Luna Moth? Nope, that was added post production. Chris Durfee does his best to stand in for a moth, along with some help from a light.

The crew waits patiently, while I try to get tears streaming down Genevive/Serafina's face for a scene in "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

The crew waits patiently, while I try to get tears streaming down Genevive/Serafina's face for a scene in "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

Serafina nervously watches the massive flock of birds, not flying overhead. Also a post production effect in this case during the filming of "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

Serafina nervously watches the massive flock of birds, not flying overhead. Also a post production effect in this case during the filming of "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

Last minute touch-ups and a quick chat with director Paul Bonesteel of Bonesteel Films, producer of all three book trailers.

Last minute touch-ups and a quick chat with director Paul Bonesteel of Bonesteel Films, producer of all three book trailers.

Instructions for Camille, from director Paul Bonesteel, during the filming of "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

Instructions for Camille, from director Paul Bonesteel, during the filming of "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

 Assistant Patti Peters helps out for a bit during the filming of "Serafina and the Twisted Staff." 

 Assistant Patti Peters helps out for a bit during the filming of "Serafina and the Twisted Staff." 

Director Paul Bonesteel, and best-selling author Robert Beatty, having a chat during playback.

Director Paul Bonesteel, and best-selling author Robert Beatty, having a chat during playback.

Genevive patiently getting hair and makeup for a scene during "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

Genevive patiently getting hair and makeup for a scene during "Serafina and the Twisted Staff."

Patti Peters and myself during the Premiere party for "Serafina and the Twisted Staff." Jennifer and Robert Beatty in background with their youngest.

Patti Peters and myself during the Premiere party for "Serafina and the Twisted Staff." Jennifer and Robert Beatty in background with their youngest.

First scene, from the first day of filming, from the very first book trailer. None of us had any idea what would happen with "Serafina and the Black Cloak." What an amazing journey it's been!

First scene, from the first day of filming, from the very first book trailer. None of us had any idea what would happen with "Serafina and the Black Cloak." What an amazing journey it's been!

August FbR newsletter

So after a terribly disappointing afternoon spent on the creation of an email blast on Square, and losing all of the content after hours of effort, I realized that newsletters could be a regular feature on the blog right here, and I'll send the link out in an email blast instead!

So check back regularly for monthly updates on classes, behind-the-scenes, and upcoming projects as well. Thank you for your continued support and for being here.

Please check out the form at the end, so you can give me some feedback on events and classes you'd like to see happen!

Upcoming community events

Faces by Ren is proud to be one of the vendors for the Women-owned business expo in Kingsport later this month. Stop by my booth, plus see over 20 other local entrepreneurs and the wonderful businesses they run. Only 5.00 and drinks/appetizers are included!

It's been a long time since I've done a bridal show! But I'm getting back into the swing of it at this intimate, small town show in Jonesborough on September 10th. Simple Elegance Bridal Show boasts a fashion show and some outstanding vendors. 12-3pm at the Jonesborough Visitors Center.

Class schedule for fall

All classes are posted as Facebook events on the Faces by Ren business page. All details, including pricing and registration information can be found there. Here is a brief synopsis; 

Monday, August 14th 6-7:30pm; Basic eye techniques. This is a demonstration style class so you can get a lot of information in a short time! Learn how to blend that perfect crease, get that crisp eyeliner, and feel empowered with your makeup routine. 

Sunday, August 27th, 1-5pm Intro to airbrush; Airbrush makeup is one of today's hottest trends. It sounds difficult, but with a bit of instruction you can access this amazing art form. Flawless and long wearing foundation isn't just for pros! No experience needed. Bring your system if you own one. Please let me know if you'd like to use one of my systems. I highly recommend doing so if you aren't sure about investing in an airbrush system but would still like to learn.

Saturday, September 2nd 1-3pm; Color Theory; This is one of the most fun classes! Understanding the relationships between colors can help you make better decisions about makeup and it's uses. Plus, we get to play with pigments and PLAY-DOH. Leave with a better understanding of tints and shades, complimentary and analagous color schemes, and why your eyeshadow turned to mud that one time. 

*I will continue to add classes for fall, so please check the FB page often. Thank you!

 

The Serenity Project

Images are now rolling out monthly through Metavivor Research and Support via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We are thrilled to partner with them to shine a spotlight on people living with Metastatic Breast Cancer and to help share their stories.

Please check out the valuable work that they do, and support in any way you can. 

It was an honor to help bring this project to life with their help, and with the incredible talents of Keith Dixon Studios.

Recent bodypainting commission

Teagan Bentley is an amazing ballerina (teaganveganballerina on IG). I was so excited to have her come all the way from the Pacific NW to get painted. What an amazing model!

Limited edition signed prints of "athena revisited" will be available soon. You can email me if you'd like to be placed on an interest list; facesbyren@gmail.com

 

 

Please feel free to fill out this brief survey when you have a minute. I value your input and look forward to creating events and classes tailored to this feedback. Thank you so much!

Bristol Train Station styled shoot

This sweet and elegant styled shoot was conceptualized and photographed by the brilliant Rachael Wilbur of Rachael Wilbur Photography. 

Every detail was so beautiful and well thought out. I absolutely loved doing the hair and makeup for this real-life couple. 

Styling assistance by Steve Curd of both Garic Stephens fashion designs and Lavelle denim.

Models; Abigail Hill and Ben Whiles

Cake; Mary Heath

Flowers; Deni Peterson of Blue Door Garden

Calligraphy; Natalie Kay of "Off the Beaten Press"

Venue; The Historic Bristol Train Station

Macaroons; Amy Horsch Smith

Enjoy these images, and check out the amazing vendors who brought Rachael's vision to life!