Gratuity is not included in the face painting fee. While tipping is customary and appreciated for the face painters, it is at the sole discretion of the customer. For those who choose to tip a 10% - 20% gratuity is suggested.

Tipping for face painting in 2026 is considered standard etiquette if the service is provided at a public event, festival, or booth where you pay "per face." In these settings, a tip of $2 to $5 (or 20%) per child is appropriate, as it helps the artist cover the high cost of specialized, skin-safe professional paints and brushes. However, if you have hired a face painter for a private birthday party and paid an hourly rate, tipping is not strictly required but is highly appreciated as a "thank you" for their artistic talent and patience with the children; in this case, a flat tip of $20 to $40 at the end of the event is the norm. If the face painter is the owner of the business, a tip is less expected than if they are an employee or a contractor. Many 2026 artists now have "digital tipping" signs (Venmo or CashApp) at their booths, making it easy to show appreciation even if you aren't carrying physical cash.