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How to Make a Clown Nose at Home (3 Easy Ways)

6 min read ยท The Costume Rack

To make a clown nose, cut a round red sponge or foam ball about 1.5 to 2 inches wide, slice a small slit or scoop a shallow hollow in the back, and gently press it onto the tip of your nose. Or sew two felt circles into a stuffed ball with an elastic band. All three methods take 10 to 20 minutes and cost a few dollars.

Got the nose but still guessing at the rest of the clown? The Costume Rack builds the whole party clown look from your closet, piece by piece: Start my costume.

What you need

Pick your method first, then grab only the supplies for that one.

Method Supplies Time Best for
Sponge ball Red kitchen sponge or makeup sponge, scissors 10 min Quick, soft, light
Foam ball Craft foam ball, red acrylic paint, craft knife 20 min plus drying Smooth, classic shiny look
Felt Red felt, thread or fabric glue, stuffing, thin elastic 20 min Comfort, reusable, strap included

Also useful for every method:

Safety note: Only use water-based paint and let it dry fully before wearing. Never put anything in or up your nostrils.

The sponge ball nose

This is the fastest homemade clown nose. Sponges are soft and light, so they stay put well.

  1. Pick a sponge. A red car-wash sponge, a red kitchen sponge (scrubber side removed) or a round makeup sponge colored with red washable marker.
  2. Cut a cube. About 2 inches on each side.
  3. Round it off. Snip the corners, then keep trimming small bits until it is a ball. Turn it as you go.
  4. Make the back. Cut a small slit, about half an inch deep, in the flat back. This lets it pinch gently around the tip of your nose.
  5. Test the fit. Press it on. If it falls, make the slit a little deeper.

Sponge nose tips

The foam ball nose

A painted foam nose gives you the classic glossy clown nose look that shows up great in photos.

  1. Choose the ball. A 1.5 to 2 inch craft foam ball. Bigger for a cartoony look, smaller for a cute clown.
  2. Hollow the back. Ask an adult to help with the craft knife. Scoop a shallow cup, about the size of your nose tip. Go slowly and test often.
  3. Paint it. Two to three coats of red acrylic. Let each coat dry.
  4. Add shine. A coat of clear nail polish on the outside only. Keep polish away from the inside.
  5. Dry fully. Give it at least a few hours before you wear it.

Fixing a loose foam nose

If the cup is too big, line it with a thin strip of soft felt. It adds grip and feels softer on skin.

The felt nose

The felt version is the most comfortable and the best pick for anyone who will wear it for hours.

  1. Cut two circles of red felt about 4 inches across.
  2. Stitch or glue them together around the edge, leaving a small gap.
  3. Stuff it with cotton balls or stuffing until it puffs into a ball.
  4. Close the gap and tuck the seam to the back.
  5. Add elastic. Sew or glue a thin elastic cord to each side, long enough to sit around your head behind your ears.

Pull it tight enough to stay, loose enough that you can breathe comfortably through your nose.

Keeping it on without glue

Never use craft glue, super glue or hot glue on skin. Here are safe ways to keep a clown nose on:

Once the nose is sorted, most people hit the same wall: what does the rest of the clown look like, and what do I already own that works?

The Costume Rack answers that for you. It builds the party clown piece by piece from your vibe and closet, lists where to find anything missing ("Find it" opens an Amazon or Target search), and gives a no-makeup version if face paint is not your thing. Start my costume

Finishing the clown look

Here is how to dress like a clown with mostly closet pieces. Mix and match based on the vibe you want.

Cute clown (clown costume girl ideas)

Classic party clown (clown costume men ideas)

No-makeup clown

Skip face paint entirely. Nose, bow tie, suspenders and bright colors do the job.

Clown group ideas

Clowns are great for groups because they are supposed to clash. Try a clown trio in clashing colors, or the "clown car" in Halloween costumes for 5 people teens will actually wear.

Build the whole clown in two minutes

Now you know how to make a clown nose, the rest can be just as quick. The Costume Rack matches your vibe and closet to the party clown (or one of fifteen other costumes) in about two minutes, lists every piece with a way to find it, and gives you a version from things you own plus a no-makeup build.

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FAQ

How do you make a homemade clown nose?

Cut a red sponge into a ball and add a slit, hollow and paint a foam ball, or stuff two felt circles and add elastic. Each takes under 20 minutes.

How do you keep a clown nose on without glue?

Use a slit in a sponge nose, a hollow cup in a foam nose, or an elastic cord around your head. Never put craft glue on your skin.

How do you make a clown costume at home?

Start with bright or mismatched clothes, add suspenders, a bow tie and colorful socks, then finish with a red nose and a hat or wig. Most of it is probably in your closet already.

How do I dress like a cute clown?

Wear a striped top, a tutu or skirt, bright tights and a hair bow. Add a small red nose and pink cheek circles instead of full face paint.

Can I do a clown costume without makeup?

Yes. A red nose, a bow tie, suspenders and loud colors are enough to read as a clown. Skipping the face paint also keeps it comfortable all night.

Put your group on one rail so nobody turns up as the same thing, and build each costume piece by piece from your own vibe and what you already own.

Start my costume

Keep reading

All The Costume Rack guides