Dia de los Muertos

Brief Day of the Dead Face History & Skull Face Painting Tutorial

Demi's Transformation

Giuliana's Transformation

Model Shoot! :) 

The Tradition

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, originated in Mexico in indigenous communities as a time to celebrate family and friends who have passed on into the afterlife. It is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd in varying ways. It is believed that on November 1st at midnight children who have passed are allowed to reunite with their families. On November 2nd, adults reunite with their families. Traditionally, families will visit their loved ones where they are buried and will build altars to celebrate the deceased's life. These altars typically reflect pictures, favorite foods, fruits, flowers, pan de muerto, favorite items, and other items in memory. Even shots of mezcal are left for the adult spirits (YUM!). These ofrendas, or offerings, are believed to please the spirits and bring protection to the family. 

So, why paint faces? 

Some say that painting your face for this holiday tradition is a way to overcome your fear of death. We paint our faces because this holiday allows for us to feel closer to those who have passed. On these two days we are able to remember all of our loved ones and dress is festive attire to celebrate their lives. 

TIP: There is no right or wrong way to paint your face, just make sure that it is colorful! 

You can even pair your face painting in traditional Dia de los Muertos dress - that of El Catrin or La Catrina (Dapper Death and his dame). This means dressing dapper and fancy. :) We typically like to dress is bright and vibrant colors. 

8 Ways to Celebrate the Day of the Dead

Check out this Wiki Article, 8 Way to Celebrate Dia de los Muertos and learn how else you can celebrate. 

Supplies Needed

  • Paint Brushes - Any type of brushes that you feel comfortable using | Make sure that they are of varying sizes, you want to be able to easily draw on spiderwebs or be able to accent certain parts of your face | We got our brushes from various places like WalMart, Target, Michael's, Joanns. 
  • Acrylic Paint - Be careful with the type of paint you use on your face, some may stain | We found that if you use TOO much paint on your face it will begin to crack, be careful of that | We like to use Artist's Loft paint, can be found at Michael's and is not too pricey.
  • Eye Shadows - Using eye shadow as a tool to color your face is wonderful because this type of make up is made to go on your face - it has been tested to be safe | Be cautious of your own allergies to products when painting your face! 
  • Lipsticks - We also used cheap lipsticks as paint! | Try using Target's ELF product line, they work well and you can save your money for other things, like fake flowers for a beautiful Day of the Dead headpiece!
  • Glitter - For our face painting we used face safe glitter for an additional element
  • Q-Tips - These bad boys will help you apply, smooth out, or remove paint or makeup, have some on hand
  • Tissues/Wet Wipes - Also as a good idea to have, just in case! 

Instructions to Begin

  1. Google a design or create your own | It is helpful to have a design in front of you to guide your face painting. Google a design or design your own on a sheet of paper. You can also use our designs to inspire you!
  2. Make sure your face is clean | It is also important to make sure that you have tested the products you are going to be using on your face beforehand, nothing is worse than realizing you are allergic to a product AFTER you have completed your beautiful piece of work! 
  3. Prime your face | Use a white base paint for your face and paint it evenly around your face. Wait for it to semi dry and then add an additional layer of white
  4. Begin with the Eyes | Start with outlining a circle around your eyes/under eyes with one solid color. Fill in the outline with that color.
  5. Continue Outward | Continue your design outwardly from your eyes.
  6. Take lots of pictures! | Take pictures of your face masterpiece! Let us know how you did and send us your pictures! You can email us at craftingcompass@gmail.com or tag us on your social media @craftingcompass or #craftingcompass. You may be featured on our site!