Clown Makeup and Tips for Application

Each person must develop his or her own makeup to suit the personality of the character portrayed. We feel that makeup is one of the most important parts of the clown character and is quite often not well done. The application of clown makeup requires much practice and, at times, even trial and error. After each makeup, take time to evaluate your clown face, and try to find ways to improve it. We do not try to tell you how to apply your clown makeup, but we do make some suggestions that may make the application of your makeup easier. Some suggested items for your own makeup kit are:

Clown Makeup Kit
clown white greasepaint (Mehron, Steins, etc.)
color palette with red and one or two more colors
eyeliner pencils for outlining
powder rouge with brush applicator
small baby oil or cleansing creme
powder socks
soft brushes
mirror
roll of paper towels
spray bottle with water
sponge or rubber nose (if desired)
box to carry supplies/kit

Naturally, you will want to personalize your own makeup kit. However, we have found that the above mentioned items come in handy, especially when dressing and undressing away from home. Take everything you might need with you in a small, compact kit.

Makeup Application Procedure

1. Clean face and neck.
2. Apply coat of clown white over all exposed areas of neck and face. Do not apply too thick (gummy) or too thin (can see flesh through).
3. Powder with sock by patting all areas covered.
4. Brush off excess powder, spray with fine mist, and dab dry.
5. Place mouth, eyes, and other features on top of the white makeup-using Q-tips, eye shadow applicators, or your finger for application.
6. Powder with other sock, brush off excess, spray with mist, and dab dry.
7. After all colors are finished, outline the features and make accent marks with the eyeliner pencil.
8. Glue on the nose with liquid latex.

Note: Auguste clowns (flesh tone) and character clowns (Tramp) use the same techniques except that they start with the lightest color and only cover certain areas with color. Where flesh is to be, use flesh makeup. Do not leave it blank.

Tips for Makeup Application
1. Never exaggerate designs applied to the face because your natural facial movements will be lost.
2. Follow your facial lines.
3. Do not put color on the top lip.

a. Always cover the top lip with white.
b. A single color permits more of a smile.

4. Do not allow the mouth design to go beyond the width of your eyes.
5. Avoid using too many colors on the face.

a. Use white, red, black, and maybe blue.
b. Do not use purple, yellow, or green.

6. Make the design simple and neat.
7. All exposed flesh must be covered with makeup, especially white-faced clowns.

a. The ears and neck are also covered.
b. Gloves are worn.

8. If an artificial nose is used, make sure to paint one on your face in case the false nose falls off or is broken.

a. If you have a large nose you can just paint your nose.
b. An artificial nose is used for Tramp and Auguste clowns.
c. The size of your nose will depend on the individual clown.
d. Rubber or latex noses must be trimmed to fit the contour of the natural nose.
e. Have spare noses available.
f. Nerf balls or sponge balls may be used.

9. Glitter and rhinestones can be used if character calls for it or if the individual has designed them on the face. Use only basic glitter colors: red, blue, or dark green.
10. Avoid temperature changes for makeup.

a. Do not allow makeup to get cold because it can freeze and break down.
b. Never leave makeup in the sun or in the car, since it will melt and lose body.
c. When traveling, keep makeup inside the car rather than in the trunk.
d. Let the makeup reach room temperature before using it.

11. Order of application is lightest color first.

a. White
b. Blue (white-face clown)
c. Flesh
d. Red
e. Black

12. Men must be clean-shaven since the natural contour of the face is needed.

Adapted from two articles in the 1993 National Resort Ministries Conference notebook.