Holly designs are some of the most charming and festive looks you can paint during the holiday season. The mix of bright red berries and rich green leaves instantly creates a cheerful Christmas vibe, making holly face paint a favorite choice for winter parties, school events, and seasonal photo shoots.
Today, I’ll walk you through every step so you can master this festive look with confidence.
Tools You’ll Need
- Professional One Stroke Face Paint Kit – Rainbow Explosion, or the following individual shades: Red one-stroke “Rose”, Green one-stroke “Green Carpet”, Black and white face paint
- Finger sponge
- Angle brush (08)
- Script liner brush (00)
- Round brush (04)
Step-by-Step Holly Face Paint Tutorial
Step 1: Paint the Red Holly Berries
Start by loading a finger sponge with the red Rose one-stroke paint.
Gently tap the sponge on the temple area or just behind the outer corner of the eye to create three round holly berries.
Because you’re using a one-stroke gradient, each berry will naturally have shading—no extra blending needed.
Step 2: Create the Holly Leaves
Load your angle brush (08) with the Green Carpet one-stroke.
Begin by painting two soft curved lines to establish the direction of the leaves.
Then, using the brush’s angled edge, paint the holly leaves along the curves.
Make the edges slightly jagged to mimic the natural serrated shape of holly.
Keep the leaf veins flowing outward so they look organic and lively.
(a small leaf breakdown diagram)
Step 3: Add White Decorative Strokes
Using your round brush (04) and white paint, add short decorative strokes beneath the berries.
Brush upward with light pressure so the strokes look airy and delicate, almost like falling snow.
Vary the length and spacing to give the design movement.
Step 4: Outline and Add Highlights
Use your script liner brush (00) with black paint to outline the stems and connect the berries to the leaves.
This step gives your holly face paint design definition and helps everything stand out.
Next, use the round brush to place a small white highlight on the top of each berry.
This tiny detail instantly makes the berries look glossy and dimensional.
Step 5: Add Snow and Finishing Touches
Dip the round brush in white paint again and dot small snowflakes around the design.
These tiny white dots create a beautiful winter effect and complete the festive theme.
Step 6 (Optional): Add Glitter for Extra Sparkle
A touch of glitter can elevate the entire look.
Gold works beautifully with the red berries, but green, silver, or red glitter also complement the design perfectly.
Apply the glitter carefully around the edges of the holly or on top of the berries for a magical holiday glow.
Tips for a Perfect Holly Face Paint Look
- One-stroke paints help create natural shading with little effort.
- Use gentle pressure when painting leaves—let the brush shape do most of the work.
- Keep your highlights small and bright for a realistic effect.
- For beginners, practice berries and leaves separately before combining them.
- Always use skin-safe, cosmetic-grade paints for children and sensitive skin.
When I first started learning holly designs, it took time to get the shapes and flow just right. But like any face painting skill, the secret is simple—practice, practice, and a little more practice. With the right one-stroke paints and a few reliable brushes, creating a beautiful holly design becomes so much easier.
With these steps, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and festive holly face paint design that instantly brings holiday cheer. Whether you’re painting at a Christmas party, winter fair, or simply at home for fun, this look is quick, eye-catching, and beginner-friendly. Keep practicing, experiment with glitter and color placement, and enjoy the magic of holiday face painting!