This Santa face painting tutorial is designed especially for beginners. With just three simple steps, a few basic colors, and one round brush, you can paint a cheerful Santa hat that works on children and adults alike. It’s fast, forgiving, and perfect when you need a quick design during busy holiday events.
Let’s get started.
Why Choose Santa Face Painting for Christmas?
Santa is a timeless holiday symbol. Even a small Santa element—like a hat painted above the eyebrows—instantly feels festive. This santa design focuses on the Santa hat only, making it ideal for:
- Beginners learning face painting basics
- Children who don’t want full-face coverage
- Events where speed matters
- Sensitive skin, since fewer products are used
Because the design sits above the eyebrows, it also works well for kids with bangs or those who prefer lighter face painting.
Supplies You’ll Need
You only need a few essentials to complete this design:
- Face paint colors: Red, white, and black (Professional Face Paint Classical Palette)
- Brush: Round brush size 04
- Optional: Glitter cream or gel
Make sure all paints are skin-safe and designed for face painting, especially for children.
Step 1: Paint the Red Santa Hat 🎅
Load your round brush 04 with red face paint. Start just above the eyebrows and gently outline the shape of a Santa hat. The hat can be curved or slightly tilted for a playful look.
Once the outline is complete, fill in the shape with red. Don’t worry if the edges are not perfectly smooth at this stage—you’ll refine them later. Keep your brush strokes soft and even to create a solid red base.
Tip: A slightly oversized hat looks more fun and cartoon-like, especially on children.
Step 2: Add the White Fluffy Trim and Pom-Pom ❄️
Clean your brush thoroughly, then load it with white face paint. Using small tapping or dotting motions, paint the fluffy trim along the bottom edge of the red hat.
Next, add a white pom-pom at the tip of the hat. Use the same dotting technique instead of smooth strokes. Uneven dots help create a soft, fluffy texture, which makes the santa face painting look more realistic and charming.
There’s no need to make everything symmetrical. The imperfect texture is what gives Santa’s hat its cozy, festive feel.
Step 3: Define the Shape with Black Details ✏️
Using black face paint on your round brush, lightly outline the edges of the Santa hat. This step adds contrast and makes the design stand out, especially in photos or from a distance.
Keep the black lines thin and subtle. The goal is to define the shape, not overpower the red and white. You can also add a few small lines to separate the fluffy trim from the red hat if needed.
At this stage, your santa face paint design is complete and clearly recognizable.
Optional: Add Glitter for Extra Holiday Sparkle ✨
If you want to elevate the design, lightly apply cosmetic-grade glitter over the red hat or along the white trim. Glitter reflects light beautifully and adds instant holiday magic.
This step is optional but highly recommended for Christmas parties, as kids and parents both love the extra sparkle. Always use professional face glitter and apply sparingly.
Tips for Best Results
- Keep a damp towel nearby to clean brushes between colors
- Use light pressure for softer edges
- Work quickly, as water-based paints dry fast
- Always test paints on skin before use
Practicing this santa face paint design a few times will help you gain speed and confidence.
Perfect for Kids, Parties, and Busy Events
This three-step santa face painting design is ideal for:
- Christmas school events
- Holiday markets
- Family photo sessions
- Beginner face painters building confidence
Because it’s quick and uses minimal paint, it’s also easy to remove at the end of the day.
Final Thoughts
When the holiday season arrives, nothing spreads cheer faster than a classic Santa Claus design. Santa face painting is one of the most popular Christmas looks for kids’ parties, school events, winter festivals, and family gatherings. The good news? You don’t need advanced techniques to create festive magic. With just red, white, and black paint, you can master a cheerful santa face painting look that brings instant holiday joy.
Simple, fast, and beginner-friendly, this design proves that sometimes less really is more. Grab your brush, add a little sparkle, and let Santa spread smiles wherever you paint.