Dive into the world of classic clown makeup, where timeless styles bring out the playful performer in you. Whether you’re aiming for the traditional charm of a vintage circus clown or the poetic elegance of Pierrot, these looks never fail to captivate.
Looking to take your Halloween costume to the next level this year?
Clown makeup is the perfect mix of spooky and fun, and it’s a great way to show off your creativity.
Whether you’re going for a classic jester look or a more modern, trendy clown, the key is in the details and colors you choose.
Need some inspiration? There are plenty of styles to try out.
You can go for an eerie, ghostly clown with white face paint and dark shadows, or opt for a whimsical, colorful character with glitter and vibrant eyeshadow.
And if you want to keep it cute, adding some gold accents to your nose and mouth can make your look stand out.
Don’t worry if you’re not a makeup pro—there are easy tutorials to guide you through the process.
From applying a solid white base to blending shades on your brow bones and cheeks, you’ll find that clown makeup can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be.
So grab your brushes, break out the face paint, and get ready to have some fun transforming into a clown this Halloween!
29 CLOWN MAKEUP IDEAS TO COPY
Prepping Your Canvas
To start, make sure your face is clean and dry.
This helps the makeup stay longer and go on smoother.
Use a moisturizer if your skin is too dry.
Apply a primer to give your face a smooth surface.
This helps the makeup last throughout your event.
Grab a makeup sponge for an even application.
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Foundation Fundamentals
For a classic clown look, you usually want a white base.
You can use either face paint or a white foundation.
Apply this using a makeup sponge for an even coat.
If you’re aiming for a more natural look, a regular foundation will do.
Make sure to blend well around the edges.
This is the base for your entire clown face, so take your time.
Clown Eye Makeup Techniques
Clown eyes are all about drama.
Use black eyeliner to create exaggerated shapes around your eyes.
You can draw large arches over your eyebrows and extend lines outwards for a more whimsical effect.
Add colorful eyeshadow for a pop. Bright red, blue, and yellow are popular choices.
Blend these colors with fluffy makeup brushes.
Don’t forget to add some chunky glitter for extra sparkle.
Colorful Clown Lips 101
The lips are the center of the clown’s face. Go for bold colors like red or blue.
Use lip liner to outline and make the color pop more.
For a classic clown, a red lip is the way to go.
Make sure to fill in the lips completely, leaving no patchy areas.
Adding a bit of shine with a gloss can make your lips stand out even more.
The Traditional Laughing Clown
The Traditional Laughing Clown is all about vibrant colors and exaggerated features.
Think bold red noses, big white face paint, and wide, joyful red smiles.
You can’t forget the large eyebrows usually painted black and arching high above your eyes.
Begin with a white base on your face. Only a thin layer is needed.
The next step is your unmistakable smile – use bright red for the lips and extend the corners upwards.
Emphasize your eyebrows with black paint, making them thick and expressive.
Red, blue, or green teardrops added on each cheek add a playful touch.
Don’t stress about perfection; asymmetry can make this look even more charming!
Vintage Circus Vibe
For a Vintage Circus Vibe, start by channeling those classic entertainers from the old circus days.
This look is about nostalgia and fun.
Begin with a white face base, but this time, opt for less coverage so your skin peeks through a bit.
Use black paint to create arched, thin eyebrows, and a smaller red or blue nose for a polished look.
Around the eyes, draw wide black circles or ovals to imitate the oversized glasses of the past.
For the finishing touch, add horizontal red lines on your cheeks to simulate rouged cheeks, giving you that old-school charm.
Voila! You’re ready to bring a touch of the past to the present.
Pierrot’s Poetic Presence
Pierrot is the epitome of poetic sadness.
This classic character is usually depicted in a monochrome palette.
Start with a white face but emphasize smoothness.
Draw thin black eyebrows high above your natural brows in a slight arch.
Black teardrops under one eye and a black, small mouth with downturned corners are essential.
For added drama, a single black star can be placed near the eye.
Pierrot is more about subtleness than exaggeration, so keep it simple and dramatic.
The look conveys emotion through minimalism, perfect for those deep theatrical moments.
Harlequin’s Dazzling Drama
Step into the dramatic world of the Harlequin!
This look is all about geometric shapes and color contrasts.
Begin with a white face, like all classic clowns.
Add bold diamond shapes above and below your eyes using two contrasting colors like black and red, or blue and yellow.
The Harlequin’s signature emphasizes symmetry and sharp lines, so take your time here.
Outline your lips in a deep red, followed with black lines extending from the corners of your mouth to create a pointed smile.
Highlight the center of your lips with white to make them pop.
Finish with a glittery touch for that ultimate dazzling effect.
Glam Circus Performers
Glam up your clown look with glitter and rhinestones.
Start by applying a shimmering base on your face.
Add bold and colorful eyebrows, using shades like gold or purple glitter.
For the eyes, you can’t go wrong with dramatic lashes and shimmering eyeshadows that extend out like wings.
Use a combination of palettes to achieve the right mix of colors.
Draw exaggerated eyelashes below your eyes for extra flair.
Finish off with a splash of rhinestones around your eyes and cheeks.
Think of yourself as a walking, sparkling canvas under the big top lights!
Quirky Neon Delights
Neon colors are your best friends for this look.
Start with a white base to make the colors pop.
Paint neon triangles under your eyes and extend them towards your cheeks.
Highlight your features with bright greens, oranges, and pinks.
Use a fluffy makeup brush to blend the colors smoothly.
Don’t forget to add some neon on the lips, maybe a bold pink or electric blue.
Finish it off with neon face paint accents on your nose and around your eyes.
This look is perfect for standing out in a fun and quirky way.
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Into the Avant-Garde
This style lets you break all the rules. Think gothic clown with a twist.
Use dark, bold colors and avant-garde patterns to create a unique look.
Start with dark eyeshadows, maybe from an Urban Decay palette.
Draw intricate designs around your eyes and mouth, blending traditional clown features with something more abstract.
Use black liquid liner to outline and add sharp details.
Add touches of purple glitter for an unexpected sparkle.
This look takes the clown aesthetic and turns it into high art.
The Terrifying Pennywise Transformation
Pennywise is your go-to for creepy clown vibes.
Start with a white base for your face to capture that eerie glow.
Add striking red lines that run from the mouth to the eyes, creating a sinister smile.
Smoky eye shadow and vibrant red lipstick are keys to nailing this look.
To top it off, don’t forget the orange wig and those chilling yellow contact lenses.
Perfect for scaring the socks off anyone who crosses your path.
Joker’s Sinister Smirk
Channel your inner villain with the Joker’s makeup.
Use a white foundation spread evenly across your face.
Apply black eye shadow heavily around your eyes, extending outwards for that chaotic look.
A deep red lipstick smudged into a large, exaggerated grin will seal the deal.
Green hair spray or a temporary hair dye for that unmistakable Joker hair color completes the appearance.
This look is all about controlled chaos and unpredictability.
Harley Quinn’s Eccentric Charm
For a playful yet edgy clown style, Harley Quinn is your gal.
Begin with a pale foundation to achieve that signature pallor.
Use blue and red eye shadows on opposite eyes for an asymmetrical effect.
Add black heart shapes under one eye and apply red lipstick to half of your lips, blending into your natural color.
Pigtails dyed in matching blue and red hues and a touch of glitter around the eyes can enhance the fun and rebellious vibe.
Cute and Spooky Characters
Mixing cute and spooky can be a fun twist on traditional clown makeup.
Start with lighter pastel colors like pinks and blues for the eyes and cheeks.
Use a small, rounded nose painted pink or red and add some glitter for extra sparkle.
Cute, exaggerated eyelashes drawn on with eyeliner can make your eyes pop.
Consider adding tiny hearts or stars around your eyes for a whimsical touch.
The goal here is to balance cuteness with a hint of eerie charm.
Scary Clown Halloween Faces
Scary clown makeup is all about the creepy details.
Start with a white base to give your skin a ghostly, pallid look.
Use black eyeliner to draw exaggerated, sinister smiles extending from the corners of your lips.
Don’t forget the menacing eyebrows arched high above your eyes.
Fake blood adds a terrifying touch.
Splatter it around your mouth and eyes for that just-finished-a-meal look.
Use dark eyeshadows to create hollow, haunting eyes, and finish with a wild, disheveled wig.
Cute Clown Costumes and Makeup
Cute clown makeup can be simple and endearing.
Begin with a bright, colorful base.
Pink blush on the cheeks adds a sweet, youthful glow. Use heart shapes, stars, or polka dots with vibrant eyeshadows around your eyes and cheeks.
Create a tiny button nose using red face paint.
Add a pair of oversized, colorful lashes.
Pair with a matching, cheerful costume and a wig with fun colors like blue or purple.
Comfortable and cute!
Glamorous Horror for the Haunt
Glam clown makeup is a mix of spooky and fab. Think glitter and glam!
Start with a shimmering white or silver base.
Smokey eyes in dark, dramatic shades make your eyes pop. Use a mix of rhinestones or glitter around your eyes and lips for that extra sparkle.
Add highlighter to your cheekbones to give a sharp, defined look.
A sleek, blood-red lip contrasts perfectly with the glitter.
Top off your look with a classic clown costume that’s a bit more fitted and stylish than your average clown suit.
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Blood-Curdling Details
For the most intense, blood-curdling look, go bold and over the top with horror elements.
Start with the classic white base and deep, dark eye makeup to make your eyes look hollow.
Long, jagged black lines for tears or cracks in your face paint enhance the terror.
Don’t hold back on the fake blood.
Use it to create gory wounds or have it dribbling from the eyes or mouth.
White or red contact lenses will elevate this look from scary to utterly horrifying.
A creepy costume with tattered edges completes the effect, making this a truly unforgettable Halloween appearance.
From Glitter to Gems
Adding glitter and gems can make your clown makeup truly sparkle.
You can use glitter on your cheeks, eyelids, or even as a highlight on your cheekbones.
Pro tip: Use a makeup adhesive to stick the glitter and gems on your face.
Stars and stickers can also make fun additions.
Draw stars with colorful eyeliners or even stick on some star-shaped stickers. It’s like bedazzling your face!
Don’t forget about red lipstick for that classic clown look. It can also double up as face paint if you’re in a pinch.
Wigs, Noses, and All the Gimmicks
A good wig can be the crown jewel of your clown costume.
Bright colors like red, blue, or green are always a hit.
You can go for curly, straight, or afro wigs depending on the look you’re aiming for.
Clown noses are a must-have.
You can choose from the classic red foam nose or even a shiny metallic one for a futuristic clown vibe.
And who could forget the gimmicks?
Carry around a squeaky toy or magical props.
These fun accessories can add a playful touch to your character.
Shoes and Socks Spectacle
Your clown shoes and socks are like the cherry on top of your costume.
Oversized, colorful shoes are a classic choice.
Look for pairs with polka dots, stripes, or bold colors.
For socks, the wackier, the better! Stripes, mismatched colors, or even socks with fun patterns can perfectly complete your look.
Consider investing in some high-quality, comfy clown shoes if you plan to be on your feet a lot.
This small detail will make a big difference in your comfort and performance.
So, glitter up, wig out, and step into your oversized shoes for a clown look that’s sure to entertain and delight!
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Basic Clown Makeup for Beginners
Start with a clean and moisturized face.
Step 1: Apply a white face paint using a dense, flat brush all over your face.
Step 2: Next, draw and fill in exaggerated eyebrows with black eyeliner.
Step 3: Create a red nose using red face paint or lipstick applied directly on the tip of your nose.
Step 4: Outline and color lips with red lipstick in a large, exaggerated smile shape.
Step 5: Add colorful accents using face paint such as blue or green shapes around the eyes.
Pro Tip: Lightly dab on some face glitter for an extra sparkle!
Artistic Clown Creations
If you want something more creative, start with the same white face base.
Step 1: Use different eyeshadow shades to create colorful designs on your eyelids and around your eyes. Use fluffy brushes to blend colors well.
Step 2: Outline the shapes with black eyeliner for added definition.
Step 3: Use a bright blush on your cheeks for a pop of color. Apply it in circular motions.
Step 4: Draw additional fun shapes like stars or teardrops on your face with colored face paint.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different colors and designs to make your look stand out!
Advanced Spectacular Schemes
For advanced looks, start with the white face base.
Step 1: Use highly pigmented face paints to create detailed, intricate designs. Think along the lines of harlequin diamonds or florals.
Step 2: Utilize stencils if needed to help with precision.
Step 3: Apply false eyelashes for dramatic eye emphasis. Use colors to match or contrast your overall design.
Step 4: Add 3D elements like gems or rhinestones for extra flair. Use skin-safe adhesive to ensure they stay put.
Pro Tip: Practice your design beforehand to make sure everything is perfect on the big day!
The Right Way to Exaggerate Features
To get those big, exaggerated clown features, you need to use highlighting and contour like a pro.
Use a lighter color to highlight areas you want to pop, like the cheeks and forehead.
Then, use a darker shade to contour areas you want to recede, like under the cheekbones and around the jawline.
Eyeliners and eyeshadows are key. Use bold colors for the eyes to make them stand out.
Extend your eyeliner beyond the natural lash line for that dramatic effect.
Don’t fear the big, bold eyebrows either—draw them on thicker and higher for more expression.
Maintaining Makeup Under the Big Top
Working under the big top means sweat, lights, and a lot of movement.
Start with a good primer to keep your makeup in place.
This creates a base that helps your makeup stick.
Use a setting spray once your look is complete.
This locks everything in place. If you don’t have setting spray, a light dusting of translucent powder does the trick too.
Carrying blotting papers can help keep the shine down during performances.
Secrets for a Long-Lasting Look
Long-lasting makeup is crucial. Oil-based makeup is often preferred by clowns because it can withstand heat and sweat.
Apply a thin layer using your fingers or a sponge, and set it with a setting powder.
When creating your look, layer the colors.
Start with light layers and build up for rich, vibrant hues.
This adds depth and ensures the makeup holds up. For the final touch, use setting spray and bring a small makeup kit with you for touch-ups.
By addressing each detail, from exaggerating features to keeping your makeup intact, you’ll ensure a standout performance under any conditions.
