Rollo David Snook wrote:
I don't understand how a tattoo pen is safer than a kid's craft pen.

When a mua did a no show once, I used craft pens and the results were good. I don't remember any issues or complaints about getting it off. I realize it's not a professional solution, but it did work well.

The worst thing I've seen is wet clay. This is tiresome and painful to remove from any body part that is hairy, messy to work with and takes a long time to do properly.

A tattoo pen is safer because it's created for usage on the skin whereas craft pens aren't.

Also just because the particular model you used didn't have an adverse reaction to the craft pens you used on her skin it doesn't suddenly make them safer or even as safe as products such as eyeliner. You got lucky that the model didn't have an allergic reaction.

Azimuth Arts wrote:
Here's a reason to use makeup and other products approved for use on skin:

Law-suits.  Most of the people posting in this forum live in the USA - I believe the most litigious country in the world.  In the event you use an unsafe product on a model and she has an adverse reaction you could be sued for damages.  Just causing a rash on some models could cause them to lose modelling work for several days.  If she happens to be an agency model that could mean thousands of dollars in lost bookings.

And to make matters worse - there is now evidence that everyone who posted in this forum has knowledge that use of certain non-approved products might be harmful to the model, and this can be used against you in a law suit.

Photographers can also be held liable for any injury that comes to a model (or anyone under their employ or direction) while on a photo shoot.  So if you bring them into an unsafe studio with unsafe equipment that hurts them - expect to pay damages as well.

I advise photographers to consult their insurance agents to see whether they are covered for applying stationary products to their models skin.

And at the very least, I suggest you direct the models to the forum before you write on them with a pen from Staples - let it be THEIR decision, not the photographer's.

Just my $0.02
Scott

An EXCELLENT post that covers the next thing I was going to say on this topic (but frankly did not have time to do justice.If common sense and protecting the model isn't enough...consider liability.

Look... I know that the risks of using "kiddy paints" are really VERY small. Hell, that is how I started 21+ years ago. But someone came and asked the "experts" and believe it or not... you found some. Lisa is an industry player and highly recognized in this field. She has discussed this issue with Doctors, manufacturers, and other highly qualified people. She is not simply parroting the industry line, and neither am I.

Lisa Berczel wrote:
Unequivocal NO to craft/stationary products.

Non-Toxic is NOT makeup.

My soap box is - we are making health care decisions for ANOTHER human being. And I commend the OP for asking makeup artist and body paint pros what to use - that shows respect for your model.

Look to inexpensive liquid eye liners with a fiber-tip brush for easy, crisp lettering. Easy cleanup with makeup remover.

Eye pencils for a more scribbled look.... also easy clean up.
Or water activated face paint for more extensive calligraphic script. Soap and water cleanup.

Tatoo pens (as mentioned above) are more expensive, but a good fit for projects with more extreme conditions. Alcohol required for removal.

I am really glad I read this entire thread.  Lisa you have opened my eyes for sure.  You see I go between two worlds.  One as a painter/sculptor in the holiday collectible industry and one as a freelance MUA.
My creativity can absolutely get the best of me and I can see where I would have (before this post) used less than desirable implements on my skin and possibly others just to get the desired look.
Thank you for opening my eyes.
Dani~

UK_Makeup_Artist wrote:
BRB I am just hopping over to the photographers forum to tell them all what lights to use....

Oh how I love this