Our Favourite Clown Halloween Makeup Looks

It’s that time of year again – where those neglected black, green, red, and purple hues in your fave eyeshadow palette finally get their moment in the spotlight.

Previously, you’ve rocked that classic Halloween cat look, attempted sugar skull makeup, and have most definitely turned up at a party as a half-arsed-looking vampire (we’ve all been there, don’t worry). This year, it’s time to try something that can be spruced up or down to your personal taste, all the while looking super cute…or super scary.

Whether you’re a Harley Quinn kinda gal or a die-hard Pennywise fan, we’ve got something for you. And, if the fandom world isn’t really your thing, we’ve got plenty of cute clown makeup looks to choose from, as well as easy clown makeup that still packs the scare-factor. So keep scrolling for plenty of clown makeup ideas that'll see you through this Halloween.

1. Pennywise makeup:

There's only one way to kickoff a line-up of clowns, and that's with an IT clown makeup look. He might terrify you in the movie, but as a Halloween costume, Pennywise is ideal for those that want a scary clown makeup look that's also a little sexy. With Pennywise, you get to rock a classic red lip whilst styling out a super smoky eye – what’s not to love?!

Get the look:

2. Traditional circus clown makeup:

An iconic and unmistakable style. @aaliyahjay combines high-shine shimmers with bold shapes to create clown makeup that's simple yet effective. This look will have you taking selfies all night long; bonus points if you dedicate yourself to painting your neck and chest, too.

Get the look:

3. Candy clown makeup:

Halloween meets Katy Perry’s California Gurls music video. If you’re a girlie-girl and have some serious time and patience on your hands, this is for you. While we have you sorted for all of the pink and purple eyeshadow shades, you may want to pop down to your local Tesco for those sprinkles and macaroons…and we wish you all the best in removing them once you’re done!

Get the look:

4. Easy clown makeup:

Eyeliner? Check. Red lipstick? Double check. You’re all good to go!

If you want to make this basic clown makeup a little more mime-like (they're technically clowns, right?), just pop on a striped shirt, beret and some pale face powder.

Get the look:

5. Harley Quinn makeup:

We know, this look has been done to death – but there’s a pretty good reason for that. Harley Quinn (aka Margot Robbie) is a bit of an icon, and if we can recreate her legendary look whilst going IN with the pink and blue hair dye, then of course we’re going to obsess over such a look.

Get the look:

6. Scary clown makeup:

Sick of the cutesy, sweeter-than-sweet Halloween tutorials? Well, this creepy clown makeup will be right up your street. If you’re actually wanting to scare people this year, then be prepared to dedicate a lot of time and effort into creating this masterpiece. It may take you all afternoon (and multiple YouTube videos) but trust us, the result is worth it.

Get the look:

7. Psychedelic clown makeup:

We love a trippy clown makeup look for Halloween. The psychedelic detailing will require a steady hand, a lot of neon face paint and the most dramatic lashes you can find. But hey, at least the hair is easy to do!

Get the look:

8. Cute clown makeup:

Not a fan of the heavy black and purple shades that Halloween usually brings out? Go a little girlier and experiment with glam clown makeup looks like this white and pink ensemble. Pink is the new black, after all…

Get the look:

9. The Joker makeup:

Whether you're team Jared Leto, Joaquin Phoenix or Heath Ledger, the Joker's iconic painted smile and green hair is an instantly recognisable makeup look you can easily pull out of your back pocket this Halloween. The look is purposely pretty messy, too, so you don't even have to worry about your makeup's longevity while you celebrate the night away.

Get the look:

10. Rainbow Clown

This clown makeup idea allows you to get colourful. Dabble in every single shade of eyeshadow, liquid liner and glitter you've got and put them together any which way for this ultra-vibrant look that just screams 2023 maximalism. You've probably even got a trippy-coloured piece of clothing like this one in your wardrobe already! With your outfit covered, you'll probably want to spend a good chunk of time on the makeup just letting your creativity (and the face gems) flow.

Get the look:

11. Colourful clown makeup:

If you don't have the patience for the crisp lines of the rainbow clown look we just discussed, this is the choice for you. Go wild with the face paints and hair dye to discover a new type of clown makeup that we guarantee will be taking over Instagram.

Get the look:

12. Glam clown makeup:

Hands up if you shamelessly love glitter? Yeah, us too. Luckily, Pinterest has not failed us when it comes to delivering a range of glitter-inspired clown makeup tutorials. This pink and black look is to die for, literally.

Get the look:

Looking for even more Halloween inspo? Head on over to our Halloween page for the best (and spookiest) product picks as well as other Halloween makeup tutorials!