Transform yourself into a vibrant pot of gold, a leprechaun, or even a gloriously green unicorn with these fun St Patrick’s Day face paint ideas!
A pack of face paints is a fantastic thing to have in the house — not only can it turn a rainy day into something a lot more fun, it can also be a lifesaver on playdates, at birthday parties, or for those last-minute dress-up days at school.
Incorporating little green shamrocks, four-leaf clovers, the tricolour flag, or a vibrant rainbow gives you lots of seasonal looks to choose from — and the ideas below take things a step further. Whatever you pick, the kids are sure to enjoy these St Patrick’s Day face paint ideas!
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St Patrick’s Day Face Paint Ideas
Irish Flag
The Irish flag is the simplest — and most effective — idea for face painting this St Patrick’s Day. Green, white and gold (orange is often used instead of gold) from left to right are the colours to go for. You could go for a simple design on each cheek, or a full-face look for real impact!
Simple Shamrock
Image: Pinterest
Even a simple shamrock design can be highly effective, especially with a bit of glitter to really make it stand out!
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Leprechaun Face Paint
Image: Bodypainting by Belinda Wurmitzer
This is one of our favourite looks! Turn your little one into the ultimate St Patrick’s Day leprechaun thanks to inspiration from Belinda Wurmitzer.
Leprechaun Hat
Image: AJ Works
Recreate the symbolic leprechaun hat with this classic look from AJ Works, using the colours of the Irish flag.
Celtic Princess
Image: Tinker Magic
This is a great example of a St Patrick’s Day showpiece. Tinker Magic combines lots of four-leaf clovers with a strong rainbow and plenty of sparkle to make it all pop!
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Four Leaf Clover
This great four-leaf clover face paint tutorial from Snazaroo will help you learn how to create depth and shade, and how to paint a simple four-leaf clover with just a brush.
Leprechaun Rainbow
Image: Paintertainment
This St Patrick’s Day rainbow design from Paintertainment really pops — particularly with red lips — and would suit a range of ages.
St Patrick’s Day Combination
Image: Paintpal
Combine rainbows, a pot of gold and plenty of lucky shamrocks for this look from Paintpal. A glittery red lip is the final pop of colour, while glitter in the pot of gold makes it really stand out.
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Green Butterfly
Image: Tinker Magic
All the shades of green combine to create this beautiful butterfly face paint look from Tinker Magic.
St Patrick’s Day Butterfly
Image: Snazaroo
Here’s another butterfly face paint idea from Snazaroo that uses the Irish colours to create a fun look.
St Patrick’s Day Unicorn
Image: Abby’s Colorful Creations
Isn’t this green unicorn from Abby’s Colorful Creations just adorable? The green really pops, especially with the neon ombre eye and glitter.
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Rainbow
Image: Barbara Breitung / Tappy’s Face Painting
Combine some classic favourites for this St Patrick’s Day face paint idea — classic rainbows, love hearts, shamrocks and a glittering red lip!
Pot of Gold
Image: Facepaint.com
Use white to create sparkle on this St Patrick’s Day rainbow, with step-by-step instructions from Facepaint.com. It ends with a traditional leprechaun pot of gold, and you could add a leprechaun design on the other cheek.
Shades of Green
Image: Swish Face and Body Art
Swish Face & Body Art created a variety of St Patrick’s Day ideas, from gorgeous green butterflies to a green cat! All of them work well, and including little shamrocks and four-leaf clovers gives everything a real Irish twist.
Kiss Me I’m Irish
Image: Abby’s Colorful Creations
Abby’s Colorful Creations designed this St Patrick’s Day look, complete with shamrocks, gold glitter and even a lipstick kiss!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What face paint is safe to use on kids?
Look for face paints specifically labelled as suitable for children’s skin, ideally cosmetic-grade or FDA/EU-compliant products from a reputable craft or party supplier. Always do a small patch test on the arm beforehand if your child has sensitive skin.
How do I remove St Patrick’s Day face paint easily?
Most face paints come off with warm water, a gentle cleanser or baby wipes. Avoid scrubbing — a soft flannel and a bit of patience usually does the trick.
Do I need to be a professional to try these designs?
Not at all! Many of these looks — like the simple shamrock or the Irish flag — are easy enough for parents to recreate at home. The more detailed designs are lovely inspiration even if you only borrow elements like the colour palette or glitter finish.
What’s an easy St Patrick’s Day face paint idea for younger children?
A simple shamrock, a few dots of the Irish flag colours on each cheek, or a small rainbow are all quick, low-fuss options that still look festive.
Related Articles
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- 8 Fun St Patrick’s Day Crafts Kids Will Love to Make
- St Patrick’s Day Jokes for Kids That Guarantee a Giggle (or Groan!)
Save These Ideas
Love these looks? Bookmark this page or pin your favourites so you have them ready when St Patrick’s Day rolls around.
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Have your say! Will you be trying your hand at any of these St Patrick’s Day face paint ideas? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
