Pastel Clowncore Makeup for a Bold Halloween Look

Pastel Clowncore Makeup for a Bold Halloween Look

Clowncore is about reclaiming joy, individuality, and self-expression, reflected in bold color, whimsical patterns, and over-the-top makeup. In this step-by-step, vibrant purple becomes the center of a look that combines artistry with the spirit of the internet-born aesthetic.

Use these techniques for cosplay, Halloween, or whenever you want to channel that unapologetic clowncore energy.

What is Clowncore?

Makeup is central to clowncore’s visual impact. Dramatic blush, exaggerated eyeliner, and overlined lips are used not to mask but to amplify emotion, joy, and individuality. It’s beauty as performance and protest all in one.

Key aesthetic themes include:

  • Color overload: Primary colors, pastels, and neons collide without rules.
  • Playful nostalgia: Think 90s raver meets Harajuku street style meets vintage Pierrot.
  • Inclusivity: All skin tones, all gender expressions, all identities welcome.
  • Maximalism: Layers on layers. Makeup is art. Clothing is costume. Expression is everything.
  • Freedom: No “right way” to wear clowncore. It’s about breaking free from rigid beauty standards.

Revlon Products You'll Need

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Base/Prep

  • Apply ColorStay™ Full Cover™ Foundation for clowncore base coverage that stays true through every layered look. For a more theatrical finish, opt for a lighter shade. 
  • Apply concealer under the eyes, around the nose, and on the high points of your face. This adds brightness and helps exaggerate the cartoon-like glow that defines clowncore makeup.

2. Eyes / Statement Artistry  

This is your chance to go big. No subtlety. No rules.

  • Prime lids with concealer.
  • Create a custom eye look using the lavender and deep purple and plum tones from the So Fierce!™ Prismatic Eye Palette – Clap Back
  • Add the darker tones to the inner and outer corners of the eyelid saving the lighter tones for the middle of the lid.  
  • Line your eyes dramatically with ColorStay™ Micro™ Easy Precision Liquid Liner into a subtle cat-eye shape. 

3. Cheeks & Clown Nose 

In clowncore, blush isn’t just a flush, it’s the feature.

  • Use pink shadows from ColorStay™ Day to Night™ Eyeshadow Quad – Seductive as blush, creating oversized round spots on the apples and blending towards temples. 
  • Contour the sides and tip of your nose with the pink shadow.
  • Create a white heart-shaped clown nose using the ColorStay™ Micro™ Easy Precision Liquid Liner in white. 

4. Lips & Smile

Your lips are your loudest expression. Overdraw. Exaggerate. Embellish.

  • Map out a heart-shaped or broad overdrawn smile with liner or angled brush and shadow.
  • Fill in with ColorStay Limitless Matte Liquid Lipstick in a bold purple. Lighten the center or edges for a clownish ombre.
  • Using the ColorStay™ Micro™ Easy Precision Liquid Liner in white, add highlights to the tips of your cupid's bow. 

5. Clowncore Details, Go Maximalist

Now it’s time to personalize. Add layers of whimsy, detail, and visual storytelling.

  • Using the purples shades from the ColorStay™ Day to Night™ Eyeshadow Quad – Seductive draw triangular shapes from the center of your bottom eyelid down to the center of your cheeks and another point from the middle arch in your brow. 
  • Add white dots at the tip of the bottom points. Get creative with the white eyeliner pencil adding dots around your nose, eyebrows and eyes. 
  • Create a two small hearts at the tip of your smile with the white eyeliner. Once the white dries, add an outline with the black eyeliner.

6. Finish & Set 

Lock in with ColorStay Lock Setting Mist for all-day color and detail hold.

Shop the full Halloween makeup collection on Revlon.com. 

Need another Halloween Look? We've got you covered! 

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