I always follow a strict scent regime when I bow hunt. In the past couple of years I have tried several brands of face paint and they all stink badly. The multi colored packs of clay like sticks all stink like a box of crayons. I just want an easy to apply black covering that washes off when I am done. Most of the warriors on hunting shows seem to have found something that works. What is it? Mrt.
Archery
Face Paint
Rawlings baseball eye black works well (looks like black lipstick and is $2 at WalMart or any sporting goods store)...but I prefer the Hunter Specialties three-color face pain sticks (basically green, brown and black chapstick all in one holder). I believe anything that breaks up the white 'moon' of your face in low light will help. I also play the wind and believe you cannot fully eliminate human scent. It works for me, but may not work for everyone. I have also used burnt cork (make sure it is REAL cork, not artificial), but it doesn't seem to stick to my face and stay on as long. There is no way face paint smells more than human odor or your breath to a deer. Just find what works for you and gives you confidence and use it...I don't like face masks because it interferes with my anchor point when I shoot my bow.
Just grow a beard, natural face mask. In all honesty I quit wearing face masks and never noticed a difference. I think sometimes a guy does something all the time and just assumes it's necessary. Deer are like a T-rex, its more about the movement.
I worry more about my overall silhouette. I don't want them to see the shape of a human or something odd hanging off a tree. If they pick that out, it won't matter how good your face is covered.
No face paint for me, firm believer in Hecks. I've been wearing Hecks for 4 years now and when combined with a good scent regimen, I now get the pleasure of killing deer up close. I shot the last 5 deer at distances under 20 yards. I've had squirrels sit on my tree stands and birds literally land on my rifle. totally amazing.