There are dozens of bodypaint brands out there. Some are applied with a brush, some a sponge, and others only with an airbrush.
Today we're going to focus on Airbrush Brands, because let’s be honest: if you want to look like a movie character and not a finger-painting project, you need an airbrush. It gives you the smoothest finish, the most realistic skin texture, and the longest wear time. All things that matter when you’re stuck in a convention hall for 12 hours.
(Side note, if you're just getting into bodypainting and don't have an airbrush, please check out my guide on beginner airbrush equipment to get you started!)
But before we get to the brands, we need to have a serious talk.
⚠️ Important Safety Warnings (Read This First!)
I see a lot of bad advice on the internet, so let me be crystal clear: No two people's skin is the same.
The Patch Test: What works for me might cause a reaction for you. Some people have oily skin, some have dry skin, and some have specific allergies. Before you paint your entire body, buy a sample size and paint a small patch on your inner forearm. Wear it for a few hours. If it itches or turns red, do not use it on your face.
PAX is NOT Bodypaint: You might see old tutorials recommending "PAX" (Pros-Aide glue mixed with Acrylic Paint). Do not use this. Unlike the cosmetic paints listed below, PAX blocks your skin's ability to sweat and breathe. Painting large areas of your body with PAX can cause overheating, heat stroke, and serious health concerns. Stick to products formulated for skin!
Ventilation: All the paints listed below are alcohol-based. That means they produce fumes. Do not spray these in a tiny, closed bathroom. Open a window, use a fan, and wear a mask!
The "Big Three" Bodypaint Brands
In the past, I’ve recommended brands like Reel Creations or Olive Branch, but the industry has shifted. A lot of brands I used to recommend either don't exist anymore, or no longer sell airbrush bodypaint like they used to. So this is an updated guide covering some of my favorites that I still use to this day.
These are the only three brands you really need to know about.
1. The Gold Standard: EBA Endura
- Type: Alcohol Based
- Best For: 90% of Cosplays, High Durability, Tattoos
- Removal: Coconut Oil (Easy!)
- Available on Amazon
If I could only use one brand for the rest of my life, it would be European Body Art (EBA) Endura. This is my daily driver. I use it for 90% of my costumes.
Why I Love It:
- Durability: This stuff is bulletproof. It is highly pigmented, meaning you use less paint to get full coverage, and it stays put. It resists rubbing on costumes better than anything else. I have worn it for 4 days straight with minimal touch ups. I have slept in it. I have done photoshoots in the pool & in the ocean in it. It always stays put.
- The Feel: It feels lightweight and breathable. However, because it forms such a durable shell, some people with very sensitive skin might find it feels a little "tight" after a full day.
- Removal: People are scared of Endura because they think it never comes off. False. You do not need harsh chemical removers. A simple jar of Coconut Oil from the grocery store melts this stuff right off. Rub the oil in, wipe it away, and you’re done.
2. The Comfort Option: ProAiir Hybrid
- Type: Hybrid (Alcohol/Water)
- Best For: Sensitive Skin, Easy Removal
- Removal: Liquid Soap (Lather before water!)
- Available on Amazon
ProAiir Hybrid is a fantastic alternative, and I always keep some in my kit. It is a "Hybrid" formula, meaning it uses alcohol to go on smooth, but it behaves a little differently than Endura.
Why You Might Choose It:
- Comfort: If you or your friends find Endura feels too "claustrophobic" or stiff on the skin, ProAiir is the answer. It is softer and more flexible.
- The Smell: It smells like apples! Much more pleasant to spray around your face than the chemical smell of other brands.
- Removal: You don't even need oil for this. You just need Liquid Soap. The trick is to lather the soap onto the paint before you get in the shower (water first makes it sticky). The soap breaks down the binder, and it rinses right off.
- The Trade-Off: Because it is easier to remove, it is slightly less durable than Endura. It’s great for a day, but maybe not for a 3-day weekend without touchups.
3. The New Contender: Narrative Cosmetics
- Type: Alcohol Based
- Best For: Reliability & Fast Shipping
- Removal: Coconut Oil / Oil-based Remover
- Available on Amazon
Narrative Cosmetics has stepped up as a major player recently. This is a brand I've only recently discovered, and haven't tested as thoroughly as the others yet. But their color selection is impressive, and they offer more than just airbrush paints (which is great for adding detail work by using their palettes overtop of the base airbrush layer)
Why I Recommend It:
- Performance: It sits right between the other two. It has the high durability of an alcohol paint (similar to Endura) and covers tattoos and dark hair effortlessly. Like Endura, you'll want coconut oil to take it off.
Final Tips
- If you are planning to paint your full body (arms, face, chest, back), do not buy the 1oz sample bottles. You will run out halfway through one leg.
- Minimum: Buy at least 4oz of your main color.
- Mixing: Generally speaking, don't mix brands together. ProAiir mixed into the same bottle as Endura creates gum. If you're trying to color match to something, consider picking up multiple colors from the same brand that you can mix & experiment with.
- Layering: You CAN layer one brand of paint over top of another brand of paint. Just be aware that this might make removing it a little trickier later! (When I cosplayed Darth Talon, the red came off just fine but I was stuck with the black stripes for a few days!)
Paint safe, and have fun!
