Day of the Dead face painting: How to and what it means
Even though people may observe Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, in cemeteries, there is nothing morbid about this holiday.
For the first two days in November, death isn’t something to be feared. Instead, death is seen as a natural cycle of life. And Dia de los Muertos helps the living celebrate the loved ones who have died.
In the past, participants and dancers used careteas, or masks, to scare the dead away at the end of the festivities.
But in modern-day celebrations, people paint their faces to look like skulls, decorating it to represent a deceased loved one or an expression of themselves.
Annalisa Rios, a Phoenix Friedas artist and face painter, said she always celebrated the holiday with her family, but she understood the deeper meanings behind Dia de los Muertos when she got older.
“I think the most important things to know is that (people usually associate it with) Halloween, but it’s not,” Rios said.
What colors, symbols mean
Dia de los Muertos is known for its vibrant colors. Here are meanings behind some of the colors and symbols you’d see on Dia de los Muertos, according to Rios.
Yellow – Represents the sun and unity, because under the sun, we’re all the same.
White – Using this color in decorations represents spirit, hope and purity.
Red – Represents blood and life.
Purple – For this holiday, purple represents mourning, grief and suffering.
Pink – The bubbly color signifies happiness.
Marigolds – People spread petals from these round, yellow-orange flowers to guide spirits of loved ones to the celebration.
Ofrendas – Altars that are festively adorned with decorations, candles, food and photographs.
Calavera – Sugar skulls that are created to resemble the deceased.
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Try face painting
Do you want to try face painting? Rios has some advice. “There’s no right or wrong way,” she said. “As long as it’s a representation of yourself or a loved one.”
Use paint that is well-pigmented so that the bright colors can be seen clearly. Rios normally uses Snazaroo and Ben Nye brands for her paint.
When applying paint to larger main areas of the face, use a big brush. Have smaller paint brushes on hand for the intricate details.
Traditional tip: Write a deceased loved one’s name who you’re representing on the forehead. It’s traditionally seen on sugar skulls during Dia de los Muertos.
Supplies list from videos
Brown eyebrow pencil
Face primer or concealer
Black eyeliner and thin eyeliner brush
Clear eyelash adhesive
Fake eyelashes
Pink compressed eye shadow (Product in video from Easley’s Fun Shop)
Dark eye shadow (Product in video from Urban Decay ‘Busted’)
White water-based face paint (Product in video from Easley’s Fun Shop)
Cosmetic sponge wedge
Black water-based face paint (Product in video from Easley’s Fun Shop)
Pink blush (Product in video from Sephora)
Large blush brush
Flat, square eyeshadow brush
Jewels/stickers
Loose glitter
Flower hair clips (optional)
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