Easy Butterfly Face Paint - A Step by Step Guide for Beginners
- Valinda Voogt
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Face painting butterflies is vibrant, magical, and an all-time favorite among children! But where do you start if you're new to face painting? No worries! In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to create a beautiful butterfly using just a few basic materials and simple techniques. Whether you're adding a special touch to a children's party or just practicing for fun, this guide is designed for beginners who want quick and impressive results. Grab your brushes and discover how fun face painting can be!
What You Need for Butterfly Face Painting
Before you begin, it's important to have the right materials. You don’t need an extensive collection of face paints—just a few essentials will help you achieve stunning results. Here’s what you need for butterfly face painting:
Yellow Face Paint
The inner part of the butterfly wings will be yellow.
Pink Face Paint
We paint the outer part of the butterfly pink.
Purple Face Paint
Use purple face paint for the linework of the butterfly.
White Face Paint
Using white face paint for the accents of the butterfly.
Face Painting Brush
Brushes are used for the butterfly's linework and for creating dots.
Face Paint Sponge
We use a sponge for the base of the butterfly.
With these simple face painting supplies for butterfly designs, you're ready to get started. Make sure to use high-quality materials so the paint applies easily and lasts longer. In the next section, you'll learn step by step how to use these supplies to create a beautiful butterfly face painting!

Stap voor stap een Vlinder Schminken
Vlinders schminken lijkt misschien ingewikkeld, maar met de juiste aanpak en wat oefening wordt het een stuk eenvoudiger. Deze gids helpt je stap voor stap een vlinder te schminken, zelfs als je net begint.
Step 1
To create the base of the butterfly, we start with the inner colors. Use a sponge and a vibrant yellow face paint for a bright, radiant foundation. Follow these steps:
Applying Color to the Inner Corner of the Eye
Dip the sponge lightly into the yellow face paint and gently dab the color onto the inner corner of the eye. Make sure the paint is evenly distributed on the sponge for a smooth application.
Creating the Shape
Dab the yellow color upwards at approximately a 45-degree angle, extending to the middle of the eyelid. This forms the inside of the upper wing.
Working Below the Eye
Apply a small amount of yellow below the eye, from the inner corner to the middle of the lower lash line. This creates the base of the lower wing.
Tip: Use light pressure on the sponge to apply a soft, even layer of color. Repeat if needed for a more intense shade.
With this step, you establish the foundation for the wings. In the next step, we'll add the outer wings with contrasting colors!

Step 2
Use a sponge to widen the wings with a pink color. Work at an angle of about 45 degrees, starting from the inner corner of the eye and blending outward. Make sure the wings reach their highest and widest point just slightly beyond the eyebrows to create a well-balanced, natural look. Apply a small amount of pink under the eyes as well to keep the design cohesive.
To achieve a smooth transition between colors, use the sponge with yellow again. Gently dab over the area where the yellow and pink meet, allowing the colors to blend seamlessly without harsh lines. This will create a soft, professional finish!

Step 3
Use a brush with purple face paint and draw an elegant, slightly curved line from the highest point of the wing to the inner corner of the eye. Make sure the line flows smoothly and complements the shape of the wing to create a natural look.

Step 4
Now, create an elegant S-shaped line with purple face paint, starting from the top of the wing. Gradually make the line thinner as you work towards the inner corner of the eye.

Step 5
We repeat step 4 a little lower.

Step 6
The final part of the upper wing forms an elegant C-shaped line that runs from the curve of the S (from step 5) to the outer corner of the eye.

Step 7
Still using purple face paint, draw a horizontal line from the outer corner of the eye as the base for the lower wing.

Step 8
Now, we complete the lower wing by drawing a smooth, wavy line downward using purple face paint. Extend the line about 2 to 3 cm and then curve it gracefully upward. Make sure the line gradually becomes thinner as it moves toward the inner corner of the eye.

Step 9
We also paint the butterfly's body and antennae with purple. Make the antennae intentionally asymmetrical so that any slight asymmetry in the wings is less noticeable.

Step 10
With white face paint, add the finishing touch by applying small dots or highlights to the butterfly's wings. This gives the design extra depth and a sparkling effect.

Get started yourself
This butterfly is a great base for countless variations, such as the green-blue butterfly below. Experiment on your own and discover new color combinations that match your children's preferences, like their favorite colors!

With this simple guide, you now have all the tools you need to paint a beautiful butterfly step by step, even if you're just starting out. By practicing basic techniques and color combinations, you'll soon be able to create designs that make children light up with joy. Whether you're face painting for a children's party, an event, or just for fun, your butterflies are sure to impress!
Want to take your face painting skills to the next level? In our beginner face painting course, you'll learn all about techniques, materials, and designs so you can confidently create even more magical looks. Join us and discover just how fun face painting can be! Sign up today and let your creativity take flight!
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