Camouflage is useful for some outdoor sports and games, like hunting and paintball. Although it is not difficult to paint yourself with camouflage, it is very important to pick colors that match your surroundings. For more complete effectiveness, wear clothes that are also camouflaged.
Colors
Pick your colors. Keep in mind that the point of camouflage is to use it to blend in with your surroundings. If possible, pick a palette of colors from your surroundings. The most commonly used camouflage colors are browns, olive greens and black.
Preparation
If you are painting camouflage on your face, or the face of someone else, it is easiest to have three or four brushes--one for each color. Set out your paints and place your subject in front of you--or, if you are your own subject, place yourself in front of a mirror.
Shapes
If you can pick a specific type of shape that resembles the shapes in your surroundings, your camouflage will be most effective. For example, if you are going to be hiding among pines and pine needles, small diagonal streaks are appropriate. Otherwise, camouflage is made up of small organic shapes of no particular nature, resembling nothing specific. Begin by painting just one. It is important that the shape is random and devoid of hard corners and totally straight lines. Pick another color and paint another shape, placing it flush against the first. It should be of approximately equal size. Repeat this step until the area is covered, with all shapes placed in a way that they are flush against each other. Try to disperse the colors evenly across the surface.
Alternatives
Painting camouflage on other surfaces besides skin is much the same. It is important to choose the paint appropriately for the surface being painted. The paint should be able to adhere to the surface, even throughout whatever exterior conditions it will be subject to. Clean the surface before beginning to paint. Make organic shapes with earthy colors to match the surroundings.
Safety Colorization
Although camouflage colors are often used for hunting, most states require hunters to wear a bright orange safety vest. Most game animals are actually colorblind, or have a limited ability to see color. Bright orange safety vests are meant to prevent hunters from mistaking a fellow human for a target. Check your local state laws for the requirements where you live.
