30 minute face only painting competition

Free to Enter​- maximum 20 entries

Theme: Fantasy Colourparty is a celebration of pure colour, movement, and creative energy.

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1st Place: Goodie Bag
2nd Place: Goodie Bag

3rd Place: Goodie Bag
 

This theme is unapologetically bright, bold, and vibrant, designed to burst with life the moment it’s seen. Artists are encouraged to push colour to the forefront, using confident combinations, striking contrasts, and dynamic placement to create fantasy designs that feel joyful, expressive, and alive.

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This is not a subtle category.

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Think colour explosions, high-impact palettes, and fantasy concepts brought to life through fearless use of pigment rather than realism or fine detail.

 

Creative Direction & Inspiration

Artists may draw inspiration from:

• Fantasy creatures imagined through colour rather than character

• Magical energy, light, and movement

• Rainbow blends, ombrés, and colour layering

• Neon-inspired fantasy moods (using cosmetic-safe alternatives)

• Whimsical, surreal, or abstract fantasy concepts

• Festival, celebration, and party aesthetics with a fantasy twist

Designs should feel energetic and intentional, not chaotic — bold choices made with confidence.

 

What Makes This Theme Stand Out

• Colour is the hero of the design

• Strong contrasts and saturation are encouraged

• Brushwork should be confident and decisive

• Movement, flow, and rhythm across the face are key

• The design should read instantly from a distance

This competition rewards artists who can commit fully to their colour story and deliver maximum impact within a short timeframe.

 

What Judges Will Be Looking For

• Fearless and effective use of colour

• Strong palette choices that work together cohesively

• Clean application despite high saturation

• Confident lines and intentional shapes

• A fantasy concept that feels celebratory and expressive

• A finished look that feels complete within 30 minutes

Brightness alone is not enough — colour must be controlled, purposeful, and well-executed.

 

Competition Overview

• Theme: Fantasy Colourparty

• Duration: 30 minutes

• Category: Face only

• Eligibility: Open to registered CAP Expo face painters

• Entry limit: One entry per delegate

• Model limit: One model per artist

• Assistants: Not permitted

 

Competition Schedule

• Date: 23rd March 2026

• Competition time: 30 minutes

• 10:30 - 11 am - time subject to change if required 

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This is a strict timed competition.
Painting must stop immediately when time is called.
No extensions will be granted.

 

Judging & Voting

• Entries will be judged by a panel of professional judges

• Judges will be announced prior to the competition

Judging decisions are final.

 

Category Focus

This competition evaluates the artist’s ability to deliver a complete, high-impact fantasy design in a limited timeframe.

The focus is on:

• Speed and efficiency

• Confident brush control

• Strong colour selection

• Clean application under time pressure

• Overall visual impact

Overworking or unfinished designs may impact scoring

 

Area Judged

Judging is limited strictly to the face only.

Any paint or design elements extending onto the neck, ears, hairline, or décolletage will not be judged.

 

Judging Criteria

Artists will be assessed on:

• Interpretation of the Fantasy Colourparty theme

• Effective and confident use of colour

• Creativity and originality

• Brushwork and line quality

• Clean blends and transitions

• Completion and overall impact within the time limit

 

Theme Restrictions

Licensed, trademarked, or copyrighted characters or designs are not permitted.

This includes recognisable characters from:

• Film and television

• Games, comics, anime, or fantasy franchises

All designs must be original creations.

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Permitted Preparations (Before Competition)

The following may be prepared in advance:

• Hair styling

• Wigs

• Decorative accessories worn on the head

No paint, base, or cosmetic colour may be applied to the face prior to the official start time.

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Materials & Safety Requirements

• Any brand of face paint may be used, provided products are cosmetic grade and compliant with UK cosmetic regulations

• Only cosmetic-grade products may be applied directly to the skin

• Fluorescent or neon pigments are considered SFX and must not be applied directly to the skin

• All supplies must be provided by the artist

CAP Expo is not responsible for lost or faulty materials.

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Permitted & Prohibited Techniques

Permitted:

• Decorative eyelashes

• Loose or spray glitter

• Hair accessories and headpieces

Not Permitted:

• Masks or mask components

• Prosthetics or SFX pieces

• Glued-on facial elements

• Airbrush techniques

Use of prohibited materials may result in disqualification.

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Workplace Hygiene & Conduct

Artists must maintain professional standards at all times:

• Brushes and sponges must be clean and hygienic

• Water must be clean and changed regularly

• Workspaces must remain tidy and safe

• No products may be placed directly on the floor

• Waste must be disposed of appropriately

• Artists must ensure the comfort and safety of their model

 

Model Requirements & Consent

• Artists must provide their own model

• Models must be 18 years or older

• Artists and models must sign a consent form allowing photography and video recording for promotional use

 

Competition Area

Each workspace will include:

• One table

• Access to water

• Protective plastic covering

Artists must supply all additional tools and materials required.

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The results of the competition will be announced on Monday 23rd March at 1500