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It's summer, and time to indulge in that ever-present amusement available at all fairs, festivals, carnivals, and street parties: face painting.

Ah, face painting! I love watching little kids sport butterflies, kitten noses, and tiger stripes as they race around in the heat. Some even have fairies, or bats, or superhero masks applied. Whatever the design, kids love having something special on their faces.

As someone who painted up her own face in clown makeup for several years, here's how to make the most of your kid's face painting.

If the face painters don't powder the design after it's done, you should. Powder sets the makeup and keeps it from melting, smudging and running off the little faces. Nothing spells disappointment and weeping like a smudged butterfly!

It's easy to do. Fill a small cotton sock with baby powder and store it in a small plastic bag. To apply, tap the sock lightly on the design, and blow or brush off the excess. (A makeup brush is perfect for this.) You can even repeat this during really hot days.

Voila! You have just ensured that your child's beautiful face painting will stay put until you decide to take it off.

"But how do you get the stuff off?" I hear you cry.

Easy-peasy. Rub on a little baby oil or vegetable oil into the painting until it turns into a smeary mess. (Your child might even enjoy this step!) Wipe it off with tissue, then wash.

Enjoy your summer!