Who doesn't love being a clown? It's a great costume idea for both adults and children. It looks like a lot of work to do clown makeup, but it's actually quite easy. Here are the steps to create that classic whiteface clown:

First of all, get an idea of what clown design you'd like, whether it be the traditional white face, auguste, or hobo. Smile so you can see the apples of your cheeks, where your red paint will go. Decide what type of nose and eyebrows would look good on you. If you're already wearing your costume, cover it up with a towel so you don't get any makeup on it.

Get your makeup accessories ready: a palette of colors with clown white face paint, black and red grease paint, eye pencil, powder and a puff, a dusting brush, a makeup brush, and some face wipes to clear off mistakes. It's good to use cream based makeup so it doesn't dry out. Consider using mehron brand makeup, a well-known company that specializes in Halloween makeup.

Be sure your hair is pulled back out of your face, and begin with painting your face and neck with the white clown paint. Once you're done, use the face wipes to clear off the areas that you want painted red or black. Powder your face.

Next, do the facial details: use the black and red face paint for your cheeks, mouth, nose and eyebrows (of course, some clowns prefer plastic noses). Trace the design you want with your finger or the eye pencil. (vegetable oil comes in handy to soften the paint) Once finished, powder your face again.

There you have it! To remove the makeup, just use vegetable oil, soap and water. That wasn't so hard, was it? To be the best clown you can be, make sure you complete your costume with a bright wig, a hat and a really big, oversized tacky suit. Include little accessories, such as the water-spurting flower, and the loud horn. Master walking around in the big red feet, because you've got a long, fun filled night ahead of you!

About the author: Maria is the the author of "1st In Halloween Costumes" available at http://www.1st-in-halloween-costumes.com. A great source for Halloween Makeup online! You can easily find and compare halloween sites offering a wide variety of clown makeup, gothic makeup, geisha makeup, zombie makeup, witch makeup, and many more costume makeup, and halloween face painting tips available in one convenient location.