Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for coating the skin wherein the composition forms a water-proof flexible film on the skin. Preferably, the flexible film is durable and is capable of remaining adhered to the skin for 1 to 3 days. The composition may include (i) one or more pigments and/or dyes, or (ii) one or more sunscreen agents or (iii) one or more therapeutic agents for preventing or treating disorders of the skin. The coating composition comprises resin and flexibilizer (platicizer). Any suitable type of natural or synthetic resin may be used, preferably the resin is shellac or other natural gum derivative. A suitable flexiblizer is an animal, vegetable, mineral or synthetic oil, preferably castor oil, pine oil, rosehip oil or soya bean oil or mixture thereof. The composition optionally includes a diluent such as ethanol, a cellulosic preparation such as ethyl cellulose, an anti-agglomerating or dispersing agent and a thickener.