Nothing says “let’s party” like happy faces painted to look like princesses, animals or Spiderman. Sure, you could buy a face paint kit and D-I-Y it, but spare yourself the party horror of ten identical unhappy faces when butterfly turns out to be the only design you can manage, and go with a pro. When you hire any one of these amazing and vetted experts you’ll have the happiest (and most colorful) party crew in town!
photo: Shahrzad Warkentin
Peppermint Mill
Even the name of this face painting company is beautiful, but not nearly as gorgeous as the work they do. Founded by a mom of three, the company is very aware of the importance of using safe paint products and never uses any they wouldn’t use on their own kids. No request is too challenging for the talented face paint artists and you’ll soon have everyone from Elsa to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in attendance at your party.
Face painting rates start at $100 per hour with a two-hour minimum. You can add on other services for an additional rate or purchase a package of two services for $215.
Extras: Besides face painting they also offer airbrush, glitter and metallic tattoos, henna and nail art. Peppermint Mill also teaches workshops on face painting so if you really do want to do it yourself, you’ll actually wow the kids with Mom’s prowess.
Online: peppermintmill.com/
Phone: 626-709-6468
photo: JSamarge S. via Yelp
By Karina
Party like a pro with the face painting artist to the stars, Karina Konupek. With painting experience in movies and television, even the oldest kids at your shindig will peel their eyes away from their phones when they see her stunning face paint designs come to life. Karina transforms little faces into everything from beautiful butterflies to ferocious lions. As a mom herself, Karina uses only the highest-grade professional make-up products and is happy to explain the safest and easiest way to remove the paint at the end of the day—that is if your tiny tiger doesn’t refuse to wash it away.
Karina’s rates start at $125 for an hour of face painting, which can accommodate an average of 10-15 intricate designs. (And hooo-boy, is she more than worth it!)
Extras: Additional services include body painting, temporary tattoos, henna and nail art.
Online: bykarina.com
Phone: 888-682-7852
Happily Ever Laughter
What’s better than having your face painted at a birthday party? Having it done by a magical faerie. Decked out in full faerie attire, wings and all, your entertainer will never break character and always accommodates any painting request. Even when you call to set up your party you’ll be greeted by a proper “SecreFaerie” who is more than happy to assist you in creating an amazing experience for all of your little party-goers.
For the base package price of $185 you can choose from a faerie or other magical character who will paint faces for up to 15 kids for 90 minutes. Add-ons for an additional fee include balloon animals, puppets, a magic show and more.
Extras: In addition to a magical face painting experience, Happily Ever Laughter also offers “Faerie Good Advice”, which is an option to have the faerie give a magical pep talk of your choosing to your birthday babe. Need help transitioning to a big kid bed, for example? The faeries will dispense some sage advice that might help with the process. You’ll definitely believe in the magic of faeries if your face painter can wave away your little ones sleep troubles.
Online: happilyeverlaughter.com
Phone: 213-261-0079
photo: Amy K. via Yelp
So Cal Princess Pro
Throwing a princess party? Then only an icy princess painter will do. More than just pretty face paint, this is an all-in-one party package. Your pint-sized snow queens will be wowed as Elsa and Anna belt out a perfect medley of “Let It Go” and “Do You Want To Build A Snowman.” They’ll pal around with their fellow party princesses as they paint some glittery snowflake-inspired designs on their faces.
Elsa and Anna will make your party shine for $340 for one hour, which includes face painting, games and a sing along. You can also invite just one princess for $175, which includes light princess make-up application in addition to the activities.
Extras: Snow queens aren’t their only specialty. Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell and more are also available.
Online: facebook.com/SoCalPrincessPro
Phone: 562-234-3491
Rainbow Painted Smiles
Your little party-goers will definitely be grinning over their beautifully painted kitten and dragon faces. Rainbow Painted Smiles is a great choice for any party, but especially those with tiny tots. Face paint artist, Miho’s designs are fantastical and fast, so even the squirmiest partiers and antsiest little ones who don’t like to wait, will be pleased. Face painting isn’t just for kids, however. With time to spare, even the grown-ups at your party will want to take a seat in her chair and she’ll be happy to oblige.
For $150 you’ll get two hours of face painting services at any location within 20 miles of LAX. Miho brings along a big board of designs making it easy for even the youngest to make their design picks.
Extras: For an additional fee you can also request body painting, airbrush and glitter tattoos and balloon animals. If you’re planning a baby shower or have some expecting mamas in attendance, ask about Belly Art, aka “baby bump painting.”
Online: mihoh.wordpress.com
Phone: 310-570–6446
photo: Ofelia F. via Yelp
Have you had a magical experience with an LA face painter? Recommend your favorites in the comments.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
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