Whether for a Halloween party or a birthday bash, face painters can take a kiddo’s special day to a whole new level of awesomeness. Bonus: Many of these local artists often double as balloon twisters, airbrush tattoo appliers, clowns, and even princesses!
The Pirate Girl Painter
The Pirate Girl Painter is Irene S. Sitoski, and she’s a one woman show of face painting, balloon twisting, glitter tattoos, and henna (OH MY!). Besides having an awesome company name, Irene has worked with big names including the George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, The Washington Capitals, The Baltimore Orioles, and the US Army! Not to mention, countless kiddos on their big day.
Cost: $125+
443-805-1304
Online: thepirategirlpainter.com
Jolie Faces
Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, this family owned face painting business is run by Aurélie, an artist with a bachelor degree in Graphic Design. Also included on her team is Rod, the balloon twister and temporary tattoo artist, and Zahiris, the body painter and glitter tattoo artist. Not only do they serve the DMV, but they also travel to York, Pennsylvania (random…but just in case) for gigs.
Cost: $100-$150/hour
301-660-1323
Online: joliefaces.com
Fun Faces DC
You know you’re going to have a great time with a company whose slogan is “We bring the fun to your face.” Not only can owner-artist Kay paint faces, but if you’re looking for someone to paint a nursery or a mural on your kid’s wall, she’s the woman to talk to. Fun Faces DC offers face painting, balloon twisting, henna, temporary tattoos, and even princess visits! Good to know: If you live 30 miles outside of their zip code (20906), you will incur a travel fee and may have a two-hour minimum.
Cost: $175+
240-370-6418
Online: funfacesdc.com
Faces by Arla & Company
If you want to give Arla’s skills a test before you hire her, you can see her working at Ledo Pizza in Falls Church every first and third Monday of the month (6 pm-8 pm), and at Red Hot & Blue in Kingstowne on Tuesdays (6 pm-8 pm). In addition to many of the tattoo options offered at other face painting companies, Arla’s team includes caricature artists, stilt walkers, and even Santa and his elves!
Cost: $175+
703-901-2752
Online: facesbyarla.com
Big Grins Face Painting and Body Art
Big Grins is dedicated to making your child’s party as safe and fun as possible. They use FDA compliant/cosmetic-grade makeup and hygienic practices, and have methods for controlling anxious kiddos waiting in line so there aren’t any arguments. Victoria Squire, the owner, has been painting faces since she was a teen, and has been honing her skills in other art forms ever since. In additional to the usual offerings, Victoria offers party crafts as well, which should keep your children busy while you try to contain the chaos.
Cost: $125+
240-668-4746
Online: biggrinsfacepainting.com
Heavenly Face Designs
This company offers many theme options, including princess, pirate, fairy, super hero, and Star Wars, as well as UV reactive glitter and body paints for parties with black lights. Check out their site for an adorable pumpkin belly pregnancy shoot, with pictures taken by Bonnie Velazco, an associate of Heavenly Face Designs. It’s never too early to get a fun Christmas card photo of the whole family!
Cost: $100+
703-969-9608
Online: heavenlyfacedesigns.com
Have you booked any of these amazing face painters? Tell us what they painted for you or your kids in the comments section below.
—Kelly Ann Jacobson
Photos courtesy of Jolie Faces via Facebook, Fun Faces DC via Facebook, Faces by Arla via Facebook, Big Grin Face Painting via Facebook, Heavenly Face Designs via Facebook, Pirate Girl Painter via Facebook
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