Clown make-up misadventures
- D. M. Wright
- Dec 15, 2025
- 3 min read
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COMMON MISHAPS
Smudges, smears and runny noses: no matter how long you’ve been clowning you will encounter some sort of make up mishap along the way.
Heat, humidity and the need to eat in costume can give need of a touch up here and there, but poor make-up technique can cause the biggest malfunctions.
PREVENTION IS EASIER THAN CURE
Our pre-makeup routine is the first line of defence to help eliminate some of the make up issues such as, cracks, creases and runny make-up.
Always start with a fresh clean face free of dirt and natural oils This ensures the make-up will take to your skin properly. Oily skin can also lead to the make-up not setting well
and become runny later in your performance.
Make sure to shave. Make-up does not go on well over beard stubble. The exception is if you colour your beard for a character.
If you tend to have dry skin... use a moisturiser before you apply your make-up. Dry skin can cause creases and cracks in the make-up.
If you have a tendency to sweat a great deal... try a product called 'No Sweat'. Apply to areas of the face that tend to produce more sweat, like right at the hairline. This will help reduce the likelihood of sweat ruining your make-up.
USE QUALITY PRODUCTS
The proof is in the pudding... or clown make-up in our case.
Make up from 'Mehron', 'Jim Howle' or 'Ben Nye' are among the top professional brands available that will deliver the best results for a good clown face.
Remember, you need to find the brand that best works for you. Some make-up may not agree with your skin type.
The same rule applies for clown noses and adhesives; quality products deliver the best results.
COMMON PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
My make-up does not stick to my skin.
Even though you washed your face, you may need to use an astringent, like witch hazel to remove excess facial oils. You also may wish to try a barrier spray prior to applying make-up. This is similar to 'No Sweat'.
My make-up always smears off where my wig touches it.
Make sure your wig is trimmed properly. After doing all the hard work on your eye make-up, you don’t want to cover it with a wig. Pat and powder your make-up so it sets well.
Smudges and smears of any kind...
may be due to you not patting and smoothing your make-up properly. Some clowns use a thick course bristle brush to pat the make-up into the skin and then smooth it with the fingers.
Proper powdering techniques...
are crucial in setting make-up and reducing smears. Use products meant for the face. Foot powder is not effective. Never use a powder with corn starch as this can cause unwanted clumping or unusual texturing. You may, though, find a need to re-powder if you are working in the heat or are going to be in make-up for several hours. You may also wish to a product called 'Final Seal' to lock in the freshness and help prevent smearing.
My make-up looks bumpy and weird when I put it on.
Did you cover your make-up the last time you powdered? If powder falls into the open make-up cases, it can cause it to dry and become clumpy. You may be able to use a damp towel to wipe the surface of the make-up and restore it to original consistency.
A CLOWN'S GOTTA EAT
At some point, you may be in your clown gear for several hours and, of course, you will have to eat in costume. This can cause an issue with make-up around your mouth and lips.
Try cutting up your food into smaller bites to avoid smearing your make-up.
Stick with simple things that aren’t too messy. A big plate of lasagne is not a sensible meal as a clown unless it's a part of your act!
Using a straw when drinking minimises any wear on your make-up.
ALWAYS BE PREPARED
Always have a touch-up kit on hand to freshen up your face. Misadventures happen; meals happen.
Furthermore, keep your small kit in a cooler for touch-ups. This way, if you are in a hot environment, the make-up won't melt.
REFERENCES
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