What makeup techniques work best for a Gothic clown costume?

When creating a makeup look for a Gothic clown costume, the goal is to blend the spooky elements of Goth with the exaggerated features of a clown.

Base Makeup

• Start with a very pale foundation. Goth looks often rely on a near-white complexion to create a ghostly or otherworldly appearance. Please make sure that you cover the entire face evenly, including the ears.
• Use a contour powder in a cool, ashy tone to define the cheekbones. Instead of the typical warm, bronzy contour, a cool shade will enhance the Gothic feel. Apply it just below the cheekbones to create a sunken-in look.

Eye Makeup

• Black Eyeliner: This is crucial. Create a thick, winged liner that extends far past the outer corner of the eye. You can also line the inner waterline with black eyeliner to make the eyes look more intense. For an extra-Gothic touch, smudge the liner slightly for a smoky effect.
• Dark Eyeshadow: Use a combination of black, dark purple, and dark gray eyeshadows. Apply the black in the crease and outer corner of the eye, blending it upwards and outwards. Then, add some dark purple or gray on the lid for a bit of color variation. Finish with a light dusting of black glitter over the eyeshadow for a bit of sparkle.
• False Lashes: Opt for long, spiky false lashes. They will make the eyes look more dramatic and contribute to the overall Gothic-clown look. You can choose lashes that are black or even ones with some purple or blue accents.

Cheek Makeup

• Instead of the bright red cheeks of a traditional clown, use a deep, dark red or even a plum - colored blush. Apply it in a more angular shape, starting from the apples of the cheeks and blending it upwards towards the temples. This will give the face a more angular and slightly menacing look.

Lip Makeup

• A dark, almost black lipstick is a classic Gothic choice. However, you can also go for a deep purple or a blood - red color. Outline the lips with a lip liner that is slightly darker than the lipstick for a more defined look. Add a bit of gloss to the center of the lips to create a wet - look effect, which can be both alluring and a bit unsettling.