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Clown Makeup Tutorial

Just as there are many types of clowns, there are many styles of clown makeup. Three of the most popular styles of clowns are traditional, hobo and mime. All three styles require very different looks, but when done correctly, they are instantly recognizable. Before applying your makeup, think about what kind of clown you want to represent. Once the makeup is in place, you will be ready to put on your costume and begin entertaining.

Things You'll Need

  • Cream-based makeup
  • Makeup brushes and sponges
  • Neutral powder
  • Powder puff and brush
  • Blush
  • Stipple sponge
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Instructions

  1. Traditional Clown

    • 1

      Cover your face, neck and ears with white makeup. You can use a sponge or foundation brush, whichever you feel more comfortable with.

    • 2

      Set the makeup with a neutral powder using a powder puff. Press the powder into the makeup; don't just dust it on top. Brush off the excess with a powder brush.

    • 3

      Paint on a large red mouth, outlined in black.

    • 4

      Paint stars, circles or other shapes over your eyes in brightly colored makeup.

    • 5

      Darken your eyebrows with black makeup.

    • 6

      Add heavy blush to your cheeks.

    • 7

      Powder all of the makeup to prevent it from smearing.

    • 8

      Complete the look with a colorful wig and red ball nose.

    Hobo Clown

    • 9

      Apply a foundation color that is close to your own skin tone.

    • 10

      Powder the foundation.

    • 11

      Paint the area around your eyes and mouth white.

    • 12

      Darken your eyebrows and raise them in the center, making you look sad.

    • 13

      Create stubble by patting black makeup onto your beard area with a coarse, black stipple sponge. A chunk of fish tank filter also works for this.

      You can also paint a beard in using solid black.

    • 14

      Apply light blush to your cheeks.

    • 15

      Paint on a tear falling from one eye if desired.

    • 16

      Powder the makeup to set it.

    Mime

    • 17

      Paint your face white, but leave your neck and ears unpainted.

    • 18

      Powder the foundation to set it.

    • 19

      Paint your lips red or black.

    • 20

      Line your eyes with black makeup and add a black line extending down from the center of each eye onto your cheek. The lines can end with a dot if desired.

    • 21

      Draw thin black eyebrows over your own.

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