Hiring a face painter for kids' parties has become a must-entertainment option. We've partnered with some of the best face painters in Edinburgh, who can deliver a wide variety of styles and will transform kids into their favorite animals or characters.Read more
Face Painters in Edinburgh
Bring colour and excitement to your next children's party or event with Edinburgh's best face painters for hire! We have 8 fantastic face painters ready to transform little ones into their favourite characters, from superheroes to princesses, complete with glitter and vibrant designs. Our approved artists guarantee smiles all around, delivering truly unforgettable fun. Discover the perfect artist for your celebration today!
Every face painter in this list has been personally vetted by our team, ensuring they meet our high standards for artistic skill, professionalism, and client satisfaction based on their reputation and previous bookings.
The average price for hiring a face painter is £240 per event, with costs often varying based on the duration of the event and the number of children attending.
Our talented Edinburgh face painters have brought joy to 116 events in total, collecting 38 verified reviews with a fantastic average rating of 4.82*.
Professional Glitter & Glam Bar Provides the Glitz
5.0(7 reviews)
• 2 bookings
Professional Glitter and Glam Bar provides the glitz to any event and any age. Not only a Glitter Bar but can provide artistic eye designs in minutes.
Catering to all events - Weddings, Store openings, Car Launches, Nightclubs, Music Events, etc. Using Bio-Degradable Glitter for adult events only.
About supplier
Having over 15 years of experience in the field catering to high-profile clients in the Middle East, Spain to Scotland. Based in Glasgow but travel near and far. No event is too small or large!
from £125 / event
Why event planners love Poptop
Reviews for Face Painters in Edinburgh
Read verified reviews from real clients, who booked with Poptop in Edinburgh
K
Kelly Knight27 Jun 2025
Booked for Celebration
Zee was the consummate professional—punctual, polite, and exceptionally skilled. After seeing her third piece, I stopped calling it face painting and started calling it artwork. Her designs were precise, creative, and completed with impressive speed. Each one looked as though it had been done with a stencil—yet all were freehand. If you're looking to impress guests of any age, Zee is the artist to book. Truly outstanding work.
C
Christopher Clarke19 Sep 2024
Booked for Other Event
Esa was EXCELLENT!
Fantastic designs, and even went the extra mile to produce stencils of the climbing centre's logo and climbers :)
Highly recommend for any event :)
M
Monica Bermudez4 Dec 2023
Booked for Birthday party for kids
Megan was really good at her job also very sweet with the kids. We all enjoyed and definitely will recomend her 1000 times! Thank you so much.
What a great artist.!
F
Fanfan17 Oct 2021
Booked for Birthday party for kids
Mika was amazing, she arrived at the party early, worked extremely hard, her design was beautiful on every single child, they all loved her and the ballon models! We will definitely hire her service again, very impressed!
N
NATALIE TURNER6 Nov 2019
Booked for Birthday party for kids
Lily's face painting was fantastic, she was very professional and considerate, the guests all loved her art work! I would definitely recommend Lily and hopefully book her again for another party in the future!
S
Sarah Beckett4 Jul 2019
Booked for Birthday party for kids
Belinda was amazing. The girls loved her and her glitter tattoos and face glitter designs. Super friendly and professional. Would highly recommend
We delivered next level parties for exceptional companies
We also did more than 40,000 birthday parties. Probably, including your neighbour’s recent big bash.
Face Painters in Edinburgh: A Practical Guide to Booking the Right Artist
If you’re searching for face painters in Edinburgh, chances are you’re planning something worth celebrating. A birthday in a historic hall. A Fringe-inspired gathering. A festive Christmas market. Or a full-scale festival event with families queuing before you’ve even finished your coffee.
Whatever the occasion, the right face painter can transform your event from “nice” to “absolutely brilliant”. In a city as creative and characterful as Edinburgh, expectations are high. And rightly so.
We’ve put together this buyer’s guide to help you book with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and find a face painter in Edinburgh who truly fits your event.
Why Face Painting Works So Well in Edinburgh
Edinburgh isn’t just any city. It’s a place of castles, cobbled streets, and creativity on every corner. That makes face painting a natural fit here.
Think about it:
Festival sites packed with families during the summer
Historic halls hosting elegant birthday parties
Christmas markets buzzing with excited little ones
Fringe arts events where imagination is practically mandatory
In Edinburgh, a simple butterfly or tiger isn’t always enough. Themes matter. Detail matters. Presentation matters.
Castle and royalty designs are always popular. Crowns, knights, dragons and regal flourishes work beautifully against the backdrop of this city. During Fringe season, more theatrical designs come into play. Glitter beards, avant-garde patterns, bold colours. It’s creative, playful and just a bit dramatic.
That’s why hiring an experienced local face painter in Edinburgh makes a real difference. They understand the vibe. They know the audience.
What to Expect When Hiring a Face Painter in Edinburgh
Let’s talk practicalities. For most events in Edinburgh, professional face painters typically charge between £55 and £110 per hour.
The exact price depends on:
The number of guests
The complexity of designs
Whether glitter or special effects are included
Travel to festival sites or city-centre venues
Peak times such as summer festivals and Christmas markets
If you’re planning a large festival-style event, booking multiple artists is often a wise move. Long queues can dampen the mood, and Edinburgh crowds do not enjoy waiting around in the cold.
For smaller birthday parties in historic halls or private venues, one skilled painter is usually perfect. A good artist can paint 10 to 15 full faces per hour, depending on detail.
Colourful Face Painting with Lots of Fun
5.0(8 reviews)
• 9 bookings
I am going to turn your event into an unforgettable time for your kids, lots of colours and fun vibes guaranteed. The price includes painting for up to two hours, paints, and other equipment including table, chair, etc. At the event I would provide examples of designs children could have, but also can replicate any picture given e.g. from a phone.
About supplier
With plenty of experience, I can create beautiful designs, using only professional high-quality paints and I can offer both speed and quality. There is no point in hiring an amateur at a cheaper hourly rate that takes longer. Besides, you surely want to have amazing photos and happy children!
from £140 / event
Shimmer & Shine with The Glitter Artist's Touch
5.0(8 reviews)
• 6 bookings
Our glitter art service turns everyday moments into sparkly, magical fun! We create beautiful glitter tattoos, face and body art, all customised to match your favourite themes or characters. Using colourful, high-quality glitter, we make sure every design shines bright and adds extra magic to any party or event. What makes us special is our creativity and fun designs that sparkle in the light. With us, you don’t just wear glitter, you become a glittery work of art, ready for a magical adventure.
About supplier
We’re the perfect supplier for glitter art entertainment because we combine creativity, passion, and experience to make every event magical. Our high-quality, safe glitter designs are personalised to each event theme. With attention to detail and fun, we create unforgettable, sparkly memories!
from £250 / event
Magical Face Canvas Creations
5.0(8 reviews)
• 6 bookings
Step into a world of colour, imagination, and smiles with our professional face painting service! Whether you're becoming a fierce tiger, a glittery fairy, or your favourite superhero, our talented face painters are here to transform your day into an unforgettable adventure. We use high-quality paints to ensure every design looks vibrant, feels comfortable, and is safe for all ages. Our creations are tailored to your theme, event, or personal style.
About supplier
We bring more than just face painting—we bring experiential magic. With a passion for creativity, top-tier professionalism, and a deep understanding of guest engagement in entertainment settings, we’re the perfect fit for a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
from £250 / event
Magical, Colourful Facepainting to Brighten Up Your Event
5.0(14 reviews)
• 31 bookings
My face painting services bring bold colour, flawless designs, and high-energy vibes to every event. From glitter-packed festival looks and fierce festival glam to adorable kids’ characters and fast, crowd-pleasing designs, every face is transformed into a mini work of art. Whether it’s a birthday party, festival, brand activation, or special event, I bring the fun, the wow-factor, and the confidence to make your celebration unforgettable.
About supplier
I use professional products, hygienic practices, and years of experience to deliver eye-catching results that last that keep guests coming back for more.
My set-up is thoughtfully designed to be professional, vibrant, and visually engaging, creating an inviting space that stands out an any event.
from £120 / event
Marvellous Magic Show & Funtastic Face Painting
4.9(69 reviews)
• 202 bookings
Get the best with our Professional Stage Magic show followed by balloon modeling for every child, whilst our Amazing Facepainter turns your children into walking works of art. The whole service is designed to fit into a 2-hour party to make sure every child that wants to get painted can get painted.
About supplier
Gary is our magician, an entertainer of 20 years he's has entertained on holiday parks, at festivals, and many many parties. Sarah our face painter has done make-up for film and theatre! And once again has been at festivals and parties galore.
from £180 / event
Fun & Inspiring Face Painting & Balloon Modelling Party
4.9(69 reviews)
• 202 bookings
Our entertainer will come and do face painting and balloon twisting. Our Face painter has many years of experience and can paint you to be anything your heart desires whether you have a little princess or a budding superhero. We will come and have some fun with you and your family and friends as we paint silly faces and create wacky balloon creations.
About supplier
Gary our host has 20 years of experience as an entertainer with Pontins, Butlins, Park Resorts, and Park Holidays plus various private parks. Sarah our Face paint and tattoo artist has a fantastic flair and imagination, Sarah also joins in with the games and is an excellent party dancer!
from £170 / event
Put A Smile On Every Face When You Hire Our Face Painters
4.26(80 reviews)
• 305 bookings
Looking for a fun and memorable addition to your event? Our skilled face painters are sure to bring a smile to every face at your party or special occasion. Plus, our eco-friendly glitter adds some extra sparkle to make your event stand out to your guests.
About supplier
We are a premier event staffing company offering a wide range of performers and entertainers to choose from.
Whether you're throwing a wedding, corporate event, or private party, we have something to suit every occasion, from stilt-walking showgirls and face painters to balloon artists.
from £220 / event
Unique & Stylish Professional Face Painting
5.0(7 reviews)
• 2 bookings
Cherry Face Painting Glasgow provides Professional Face Painting and Glitter Bar to add unique and fun entertainment to any event! We can produce the most beautiful faces in a matter of minutes, far faster than most amateurs. No need to copy from a book. And since we can paint more faces, we offer more value for money. We are adaptable, experienced and prepared for most eventualities.
About supplier
Glasgow based Cherry Face Painting Pro Painters CLIENTS - Edinburgh Castle, M&S, AUDI, F1 Grand Prix, Buchanan Galleries, H&M, Dubai Marina, Honda, Ralph Lauren, Hampden Stadium, British Airways, John Lewis, IKEA, Nickelodeon, Hilton Group, Hamleys, Murrayfield Stadium to name but a few.
from £120 / event
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Matching the Face Painter to Your Event Type
Different events call for different styles. Here’s how we approach it.
Festival Events
Edinburgh festivals are lively, fast-paced and often outdoors. That means speed and durability are key. Look for artists who can:
Work efficiently without compromising quality
Handle high footfall
Offer bold, eye-catching designs
Adapt to unpredictable Scottish weather
Glitter designs and half-face options can help keep queues moving while still delivering impact.
Birthday Parties
For children’s parties, personality matters just as much as painting skill. You want someone friendly, patient and confident with kids. A good face painter will:
Chat comfortably with children
Keep nervous guests relaxed
Adapt designs to suit individual requests
Stay calm in lively environments
In Edinburgh’s historic halls, where acoustics can echo and excitement levels rise quickly, a warm and engaging manner goes a long way.
Christmas Markets and Winter Events
Cold weather brings unique challenges. Paint behaves differently in lower temperatures. Hands get chilly. Glitter sticks less effectively. An experienced face painter in Edinburgh will know how to manage this. They’ll bring appropriate equipment and adapt designs accordingly.
Festive favourites include:
Snowflakes and icy patterns
Reindeer and penguins
Holly crowns
Subtle sparkle for adults who want something seasonal but not theatrical
Winter events also benefit from efficient queue management. Clear signage and visible design boards make decisions quicker.
Choosing a Theme That Suits Edinburgh
One of the best things about booking face painters in Edinburgh is the opportunity to lean into the city’s personality.
Here are a few themes that work particularly well:
Castle and royalty designs
Scottish folklore inspiration
Fringe arts creativity
Gothic elegance
Classic party favourites with a twist
If you’re hosting near iconic landmarks or in a historic setting, themed designs elevate the whole experience. Guests love a sense of place. When speaking to potential artists, ask whether they can tailor their designs to your theme. The best suppliers go beyond standard templates. They’ll adapt colours, add custom details and create something that feels uniquely yours.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
We always recommend asking a few straightforward questions before confirming your booking.
How many faces can you paint per hour?
Do you carry public liability insurance?
What paints and products do you use?
Have you worked at festival sites or historic venues before?
Can you tailor designs to my event theme?
Clear answers reduce stress. Vague ones increase it. And stress is the last thing you need when planning an event.
Planning Without the Headache
Let’s be honest. Organising an event in Edinburgh can feel overwhelming. Between venue restrictions, parking permits, guest lists and unpredictable weather, your to-do list grows quickly.
That’s why we believe booking your face painter should be simple. When you use a reliable event marketplace, you don’t spend days chasing quotes. You enter your date, number of guests and postcode, and instantly see available face painters in Edinburgh with clear pricing. No back and forth. No mystery fees. No waiting around. Your time is valuable. We respect that.
The Importance of Friendly, Professional Artists
A technically brilliant face painter who barely smiles can change the atmosphere of your event in seconds. In contrast, a warm and engaging artist transforms the whole experience.
Guests remember how they felt. They remember the laughter while sitting in the chair. They remember the little conversation about their favourite animal or their dream of being a knight.
Professionalism matters too. A tidy setup. Clean brushes. Clear communication. Punctual arrival. The right supplier creates memories, not just painted faces. That’s why we only work with face painters who combine skill with genuine warmth. It’s not just about artistry. It’s about experience.
Safety and Peace of Mind
If you’re hiring face painters in Edinburgh for a public event, safety is non-negotiable.
You should expect:
Cosmetic-grade, skin-safe paints
Clean water and hygienic practices
Clear allergy guidance
Insurance documentation available on request
Booking through a trusted platform adds another layer of reassurance. Suppliers are vetted. If any issue arises, you’re supported. And with a money-back guarantee in place, your investment is protected. That means you can relax and focus on enjoying your event.
Creating Something That Feels Personal
No two events in Edinburgh are the same. Your vision matters. Perhaps you’re planning a Fringe-inspired birthday with theatrical flair. Maybe it’s a royal-themed party near the castle. Or a Christmas market stall that needs to stand out from the crowd.
The best face painters adapt. They’ll build design boards around your theme. Adjust colour palettes. Offer simpler designs for younger children and more intricate options for older guests. That flexibility ensures your event doesn’t feel generic. It feels like yours.
Making Your Event Truly Memorable
In a city known for creativity, your event needs something special. Face painting does more than entertain children. It sparks conversations. It encourages photos. It keeps guests engaged for longer.
At festival events, it draws families towards your space. At birthday parties, it becomes the highlight. At Christmas markets, it adds warmth and sparkle on chilly days. When done properly, it’s not just decoration. It’s atmosphere.
Bringing It All Together
Finding the right face painters in Edinburgh doesn’t need to be complicated.
Start with your event type.
Consider your venue.
Think about your theme.
Set a realistic budget within the £55 to £110 range.
Ask clear questions.
And most importantly, choose a supplier who understands Edinburgh’s character and your personal vision. We’ve made it our mission to make event planning straightforward and stress-free. Everything you need is in one place. From a single face painter to full event support, it’s all easily searchable and instantly bookable.
You don’t need to be an event planning expert. You just need your date, guest numbers and postcode.
Ready to Book Face Painters in Edinburgh?
If you’re organising a birthday party, festival event or Christmas market in Edinburgh, now’s the time to secure your artist. Popular dates during festival season and winter events fill quickly. Tell us your event details and we’ll help you find trusted, professional face painters in Edinburgh who match your style and budget.
