The paint that I use is a non-toxic acrylic it lasts 1-3 days. The paint lastes longest on areas without much abrasion, or flexing. Acrylic has the benefits of being safe, easy to apply, and relatively inexpensive.

There are many missconceptions out there that skin needed to "breath" and that bodypainting is therfore dangerous. This is simply not the case, the outermost skin layer is dead, and needs to breath no more than your table does.

For those of you interested in a more durable coating, and willing to put up with the with additional hassle and expense, science has come up with some additional alternatives.

Latex
This is a shiny rubber like coating. It dries quickly and looks great, but be careful of latex allergies, which 10% of people have.

Makeup
This is what most theater/dance companies use it's a little harder to work and more expensive than paint, but it stays on better.