Glow in the Dark Makeup

Learn special tips and the products used to make a glowing makeup look.

UV makeup is one of the most creative makeup looks around. The looks created using glow paints can be anything from a skull to a night sky, but there are so many other looks you can create.

Let’s dig into how to create some gorgeous UV glow-in-the-dark makeup looks. And let’s look at the differences between UV body paints (that glow under UV black light) and other glow-in-the-dark makeup that’s charged in the sun.

What is UV paint?

UV paint, or black light paint, is said to have been invented in the 1930’s by a couple of brothers with an interest in ultraviolet light. The brothers discovered natural ingredients that would glow under ultraviolet light.

Unlike ultraviolet paints and pigments that only glow under black light, daylight fluorescent paint is commonly called glow-in-the-dark paint and can glow after a charge from a light source like the sun or artificial light.

In most cases, the ingredients that actually make your face paint glow are non-toxic, but you should of course use caution to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

Special tip!

One really good secret to making your look have the most glow is using black. The glow effect of UV paints is made stronger when the paints are surrounded by black.

UV Makeup Inspiration

I think you’ll love seeing all the creative ways artists have used glow paints. I’ve gathered some of my favorite looks that I hope will inspire you to create your own (and add to the board!).

UV Makeup Tutorials

Here are a few tutorials that are packed with cool tips and secrets to getting a perfectly glowing look.

This first tutorial is a gorgeus dripping skull painted with UV makeup.

This next tutorial shows several design ideas for UV blacklight face paint.

I fell in love with this tutorial the second I saw it. Check out this splatter look.

Know of any other good UV makeup tutorials or tips? Leave them in the comments!