Hire Face Painter in London

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.

The Ultimate Guide to Hiring Face Painters in London

There's a certain magic that happens when a child looks in the mirror and sees a tiger, a princess, or a superhero staring back. That gasp of delight is what turns a good party into a truly unforgettable one. As event professionals with years of experience under our belts, we’ve seen it all, and we can tell you with absolute certainty: a brilliant face painter is one of the best investments you can make for your celebration.

But where do you start? The thought of trawling through websites and sending off countless enquiry emails can feel a bit daunting. Fear not. We're here to give you the inside scoop on hiring the best face painters in London. Consider this your complete guide to adding a splash of colour and a whole lot of sparkle to your next event, without any of the faff.

More Than Just a Bit of Paint

Let's address the elephant in the room. You might be thinking, "I've got a few paints left over from that school project, how hard can it be?" While we admire the can-do spirit, hiring a professional face painter is about so much more than avoiding a wobbly, slightly terrifying-looking butterfly.

• Safety First, Always. Professional artists use professional-grade, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic cosmetic paints and glitters that are designed for use on skin. They adhere to strict hygiene practices, using clean sponges and brushes for each child to prevent any cross-contamination. It’s peace of mind you simply can’t put a price on.
• Speed and Skill. A seasoned pro can paint a detailed and beautiful design in just a few minutes. When you have a queue of excited children, this speed is absolutely essential. They can transform an entire party of little guests into a menagerie of animals or a league of superheroes before the first slice of cake is even cut.
• The Wow Factor. The quality is simply on another level. From intricate linework to masterful blending and a creative use of colour, a professional face painter is a true artist. They don't just paint a face; they create a character, sparking imagination and making every child feel incredibly special.

Where Does a Face Painter Fit in? London Events Sorted

Face painting isn't just for kids' birthday parties in your back garden (though they're brilliant for those, too). The versatility of a skilled face painter makes them a fantastic addition to a huge range of London events.

• The Classic Kids' Birthday Party. Whether you’re in a flat in Islington or a community hall in Richmond, a face painter is the perfect centrepiece for children’s parties. It’s an activity that keeps them happily occupied and provides the most wonderful photos.
• School Fairs and Community Festivals. A face painting stall is always the most popular spot at any fete or festival. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere to school playgrounds and local parks across the city.
• Weddings with a Kids' Corner. Planning a wedding? Worried about keeping your smaller guests entertained during the speeches? A dedicated kids’ corner with a face painter is an absolute godsend. It allows the parents to relax and enjoy the moment, knowing their little ones are having the time of their lives.
• Brand Activations and Corporate Events. Looking to make an impact? A branded face painting or glitter bar station at a product launch or in a shopping centre is a fantastic way to engage with families and create memorable, shareable content for social media.
• Teen Parties with a Twist. Think face painting is just for little ones? Think again. A UV or neon face painter for a teen disco or party adds a cool, festival-inspired vibe that they will absolutely love.

From Glittering Unicorns to Gritty Superheroes

Long gone are the days of choosing between a simple flower on the cheek or a dodgy-looking spider. Today’s face painters are masters of countless themes, able to tailor their designs to your party’s specific style.

• Glitter Bars. Less about full-face designs and more about festival-chic sparkle. Perfect for hen parties, milestone birthdays, and even stylish corporate events. It’s all about adding a touch of glamour with expertly applied cosmetic glitter around the eyes, on the arms, or in the hair.
• Unicorns & Rainbows. An absolute favourite that’s not going anywhere! Think pastel rainbows, shimmering horns, and a whole lot of sparkle. It’s pure, colourful joy.
• Superheroes. From Spiderman's intricate webs to the Hulk's green scowl or Batman's iconic mask, a skilled artist can bring any superhero to life, empowering every child to feel like they can save the world.
• Princess & Fairy. Delicate, swirly designs with floral motifs, gems, and a touch of magic. It’s the stuff of fairy tales and perfect for any aspiring royalty.
• Animals & Jungle. A timeless classic! Whether it’s a fearsome tiger, a cute puppy, or a colourful parrot, animal designs are always a huge hit with children of all ages.

The All-Important Question: The Cost

Right, let's talk brass tacks. You need to know what to budget for. For a professional face painter in London, you can generally expect to pay somewhere in the region of £120 to £170.

Typically, this fee will cover a two-hour booking, which is usually enough time to paint around 20-25 children with reasonably detailed designs. This price includes all their professional materials, their artistic talent, and often their travel time within a specific London zone. For longer events or more complex requests, the price will adjust accordingly. It’s always best to be clear about your needs to get an accurate, all-inclusive price.

Your Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you click that 'confirm' button, it's wise to have a quick natter with your potential artist. Having these questions answered will ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.

• Are you fully insured? Always check for Public Liability Insurance. It’s the hallmark of a professional and protects you, your guests, and the artist.
• What specific products do you use? They should be able to confirm they only use professional, FDA-compliant, and hypoallergenic cosmetic paints.
• How many faces can you paint per hour? This helps you manage timings and guest expectations, so no one is left disappointed.
• What do you need from me on the day? Usually, they just need a small table and two chairs, preferably in a well-lit area with a bit of space for a queue to form.
• What's your policy if I need to cancel or change the date? Life happens! It’s always good to know what the procedure is.

Planning Your London Party Without the Stress

We know that organising an event, even a small one, involves a lot of moving parts. Finding a reliable supplier shouldn't be the stressful part. That's precisely why we created Poptop. We’ve streamlined the whole process to make it not just easy, but genuinely enjoyable.

Effortless Planning, Exceptional Results

Forget endless searching and waiting for replies. Our platform is designed to give you back your valuable time. Just enter your event date, guest count, and postcode, and you’ll instantly see a curated list of London’s finest face painters who are available for your event. You get transparent, all-inclusive pricing right away, so you can plan your budget in minutes, not days. It's the one-stop shop for all your event needs, bringing everything together in one convenient place.

Book with Total Confidence

We believe that planning should be exciting, not anxiety-inducing. Every supplier on Poptop is carefully vetted by our team, so you can trust you’re hiring a reliable and talented professional. We keep you in the loop with clear communication every step of the way, and our money-back guarantee means your investment is always secure. You can relax and look forward to the party, knowing you're in safe hands.

Our suppliers are chosen not just for their skill, but for their wonderfully friendly attitude. They excel at tailoring their service to your vision, ensuring the final experience is uniquely yours. This is how you create a celebration that stands out, one that your guests will be talking about for years to come.

Ready to add a splash of colour to your celebration?

Browse our brilliant selection of professional face painters in London today, and get an instant quote for your event. Let's make it one to remember!