Regarding the issue of using other colours. In the 19thc these lads were right at the bottom of the economic ladder and their antics were more in line with earning a bit of money or festive cheer than celebrating an annual festival, whatever their earlier origins with those further up the economic ladder. They wouldn't have been able to afford to buy greasepaint so in order to effect the essential disguise they went for the cheapest option, carbon. Nowadays we can be any colour we want so I agree with those suggesting and using other colours. More aesthetically pleasing as well IMO, and it shuts up the PC lobby.

As for 'dazzle paint' I thought that had already come in. The pic of the side in the Times certainly looked like some had gone in for this effect.