When it comes to Halloween face painting, there's no rule that says spooky can't be pretty! Professional face painter Pam Kinneberg recently joined us for an incredible webinar where she transformed traditional Halloween characters into glamorous works of art. From sparkly black cats to metallic bats and neon ghosts, Pam showed us how to elevate Halloween designs with techniques that make them shine—literally!
About Pam Kinneberg
Pam Kinneberg is one of the most organized and talented face painters in the industry, known for her beautiful line work and innovative design approaches. She's taught at prestigious events including FABAIC, the Ace Convention, and the Max Convention in Saint Louis. Her ability to combine traditional face painting techniques with glamorous elements has made her a favorite among both artists and clients who want something special for Halloween celebrations.
Featured Products from the Webinar
- Kraze FX White and Black Face Paint - The foundation for all designs
- Kraze Royal Family One-Strokes (Nefertiti) - Perfect for elegant eyelid details
- Kraze FX Metallic Deep Purple - Adds shimmer to black designs
- Mama Clown Iridescent White Glitter Spray - Quick sparkle application
- Liquid Bling by Amerikan Body Art - Creates gem-like accents
- Elisa Griffith Color Me Pro Palette - Metallic powders for stunning effects
- VIVID Gleam Glitter Cream (Harvest) - Beautiful finishing touches
- Ooh! Stencils Ghost Face (C-18) - Quick face details for ghost designs
Design 1: Glamorous Black Cat
Pam's black cat design proves that Halloween face paint can be both spooky and sophisticated. Starting with a white muzzle created using a petal sponge, she builds the classic cat shape with careful attention to proportions. The key to keeping it flattering? Never paint below the upper lip and curve those ears for a natural flow.
What makes this cat special is the metallic purple overlay technique. By applying Kraze FX Metallic Deep Purple over the black base, the design transforms from ordinary to extraordinary. The addition of spider web details on the forehead and Liquid Bling accents on the whisker dots creates a design that's perfect for face painting classes or clients who want something unique.
Pro Tips for the Black Cat:
- Use a drier sponge when working on practice boards versus real faces
- Apply iridescent glitter spray while the black paint is still wet for maximum adhesion
- Skip the traditional whiskers for a more artistic, modern look
- Use disposable lip brushes or Q-tips for hygienic lip application
Design 2: Metallic Bat with Floral Accents
The bat design showcases how stencils and metallic powders can create depth and interest in what might otherwise be a simple black design. Starting with a tribal-inspired bat outline, Pam demonstrates how to create an asymmetrical design that flows with the natural contours of the face.
The magic happens when Elisa Griffith's metallic powders come into play. Using blue on the wing edges, purple in the middle sections, and pink underneath for dimension, the bat appears to glow and shimmer. The Tink's Flower diva stencil adds an unexpected feminine touch that transforms this Halloween staple into something special.
Design Tips:
- Paint your weaker side first for better symmetry
- Let black paint dry completely before applying stencils
- Layer metallic powders for a gradient effect
- Use Liquid Bling to outline and add wing bone details
Design 3: Neon Ghost with Pumpkin Accent
This quick design is perfect for busy Halloween events. The ghost design uses an asymmetrical approach, positioned off to one side for visual interest. Pam's secret to creating neon colors that actually show up? Mix regular paint with neon paint to increase opacity while maintaining that bright glow.
The ghost features a simple stenciled face (using Ooh! Stencils C-18) and is accompanied by a tilted pumpkin painted in neon orange. The entire design is outlined in neon pink, creating a cohesive look that practically glows under party lights. White dots and VIVID Gleam glitter cream finish the design in under five minutes.
Speed Painting Tips:
- Fade edges with a dry sponge for ethereal effects
- Mix neon and regular paints for better coverage
- Use stencils for quick face details
- Keep designs asymmetrical for visual interest
Bonus Design: Quick Glitter Spider
Perfect for teenagers and adults, this spider design uses a split cake technique with Susie Amaro's Pirate Red for the dramatic backdrop. The spider itself is painted with simple but effective leg strokes—push down for the joint, then pull up for a tapered leg.
The showstopper element? A glitter-covered body created with Art Factory's glitter stick and Cherry Bomb glitter. This combination creates a spider that's both creepy and glamorous, perfect for Halloween parties and face painting events where you need quick but impressive designs.
Essential Techniques from the Webinar
Working with Metallic Powders
Metallic powders over black face paint create stunning effects that regular glitter can't achieve. Apply them with small lollipop sponges for precise placement and blend colors where they meet for seamless transitions.
Lip Painting Solutions
Pam shared several hygienic options for lip painting including disposable brushes, Q-tips, and deerfoot sponges. For busy events, she recommends setting expectations upfront that touch-ups won't be available due to time constraints.
Glitter Application Methods
From spray bottles for quick coverage to glitter creams for targeted sparkle, having multiple glitter application methods in your kit allows you to adapt to different design needs and time constraints. Remember to apply spray glitter while paint is still wet for best adhesion.
Stencil Integration
Stencils aren't just time-savers—they add professional polish to designs. Whether using ghost faces, floral patterns, or custom designs, stencils help maintain consistency while allowing for creative placement and color choices.
Building Your Halloween Face Painting Kit
Based on Pam's recommendations, here are the must-have items for creating glamorous Halloween designs:
- Quality black and white face paints (Kraze FX recommended)
- Metallic face paints in purple, blue, and pink
- Neon paints for glow effects
- Various sponges including petal shapes
- Round brushes (sizes 1 and 3) and 3/4" flat brushes
- Spray glitter bottles (have backups!)
- Metallic powders or eyeshadows
- Liquid Bling for detail work
- Halloween-themed stencils
- Disposable applicators for hygiene
Time Management Tips for Halloween Events
Pam emphasized that these designs can be modified based on your time constraints. For the black cat, skip the mouth area for a 3-minute version. The ghost can be done in under 5 minutes, and the spider takes just 2-3 minutes with practice. Having a variety of quick and detailed options ensures you can accommodate both long lines and clients wanting something special.
Finding Design Inspiration
During the Q&A, Pam shared her creative process: she collects inspiration from various sources, creating mood boards with colors, shapes, and themes. She then sits down with practice boards to develop original designs that combine these elements in new ways. This purposeful practice approach helps develop a unique style while building a repertoire of go-to designs for busy events.
Take Your Halloween Face Painting to the Next Level
These glamorous Halloween designs prove that spooky season doesn't mean sacrificing beauty. By incorporating metallics, glitter, and creative color combinations, you can offer clients Halloween face painting that stands out from the typical options. Whether you're working at a busy festival or taking your time at a private party, these techniques will help you create memorable designs that clients will love sharing on social media.
Ready to try these techniques yourself? Visit FacePaint.com to find all the products Pam used in this webinar, from Kraze FX paints to specialty glitters and stencils. With the right supplies and these professional techniques, you'll be creating glamorous Halloween designs that wow your clients all season long!