Body paint - what is it?

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Body art has been common since ancient times, although, of course, then it was called and looked completely different. Naturally, for body art in its narrow sense - painting on the body - then other materials were used than now. Body paint was charcoal, ocher, and other natural dyes. How modern masters paint the bodies of their clients and where body art is in demand, you can find out from this article.

Specific colors for body art

Most often, special professional paints are used for drawings on the body. If the situation does not require it and a person applies a drawing for the first time at home, then he can purchase an amateur version for this. The main difference is, as always, in the quality of the material - there is less chance that professional body paints can not adhere well to the skin, curl or wear off quickly.

These paints are water-based in combination withglycerin, natural dyes and other components designed to ensure that the paint does not spread over the skin. Thanks to this composition, the paint can be applied in several layers. Face painting is often used in combination with other materials, such as rhinestones or glitter, to enhance the effect of the image.

Make sure it's safe

The main thing is that body paints do not cause allergies and do not harm the skin, so it is important to make sure that the products have passed dermatological control before buying. However, unfortunately, there is always the possibility of personal intolerance to the paint, before using it is worth checking its effect on a small area of \u200b\u200bthe skin.

Gouache and acrylic?

Trying to find out on the Internet what body paint is, you run the risk of discovering that modern artists use gouache and acrylic paints for body art, or rather body painting. Of course, this is not true. Now there are a large number of special paints for face painting. Considering that face painting is often painted on children, it is strange to suggest using such not the safest materials for their skin.

It is precisely because of hypoallergenicity that it is recommended to use special body paints, body art made with acrylic or gouache can cause a severe allergy attack. In addition, paints designed to work on surfaces other than human skin will not adhere well to it. Gouache can be easily washed off the skin, but the paint of some companies leaves bright spots.after yourself, but getting rid of acrylic is very difficult, in addition, it does not allow the skin to breathe normally.

Types of paints

There are two main types of body painting materials. This is paint on:

• Oil base (commonly used for theatrical makeup).
• Water-based (this is the paint that children paint on city holidays).

In addition, recently they began to produce body paints based on silicone and even on the basis of chocolate (this variety is quite edible). Materials can be sold as creams, liquids or compressed forms, and for the convenience of the artist - as felt-tip pens, glitters or crayons. Accordingly, depending on the form of release, such paints can be applied both with fingers and with the help of special brushes and sponges.

In addition, henna is also a paint, which masters use for mehendi, which is so common now - an Indian version of body painting. Now you can find henna from almost black to light brown. True, it cannot be called an easily washed off body paint. It can last up to three weeks, or even longer depending on the color saturation and consistency.

Popular paint brands

Among non-professionals, Aquacolor paints (manufacturing country - Russia) and Lira (produced in Germany) are popular. The first can be easily washed off with water and soap, as they are made from natural materials. The latter are available in the form of crayons and are also safe foruse, so these stamps are most often used with children.

Another one of the most famous brands of face painting paints is Kryolan. This German company produces paint in different forms - from felt-tip pens to cream. It also has a huge selection of colors, you can find fluorescent, glossy or matte paint in almost any shade.

Why do you need body painting

Traditionally, people from Eastern countries used body painting, and only from the 60s of the XX century it began to be used in the West. Now painted people can be found at a variety of events: from football matches to theme parties. Artists often use body painting in their actions and performances.

In our country, body art is most often used in two situations: on holidays, where craftsmen most often paint children's faces, and at photo shoots, where the image requires drawing a certain pattern on the face. Discotheques often use glow-in-the-dark body paint, which creates a very attractive look. In addition, painted faces and bodies can be seen at themed festivals.

And, of course, there are body art festivals and competitions, some of which have an international status. Their specificity is such that most often naked girls perform there, whose bodies are completely covered with drawings.

In general, body painting is perhaps the safest form of body art (it includes piercing, scarification, andtattooing, and many other more or less common practices), so it is reasonable to focus on it in your experiments on the body.