Jester makeup is a simple look to complete, but what makes a jester different from a clown or a mime? Let’s find out!
Jester Makeup: History, Tips & Tutorials
A quick google search for jester makeup and the results show everything from a clown to mime and even the joker!
We’ve dug deep into clown makeup, and I can see the similarities, but there are distinct differences.
So, what makes Jester makeup look so similar to a clown? And what makes them different?
Let’s dive into creating an authentic Jester makeup look, perfect for Halloween or the theater!
What is a Jester?
During the medieval period, a jester was a person who was hired to entertain nobleman and fair crowds.
The costume worn by the jester was called a motley, which is often the word associated with the repeated diamond pattern found on the costume. Motley can also mean “a mixture,” so it is common to see a mixture of patterns in a jester makeup look.
Jesters were jokers, which explains why you’ll often find jesters pictured on the joker card in a deck of cards.
They often told jokes that mocked important people. They also sang, did magic tricks, and told stories.
Jester or Joker or Clown or Mime?
So what’s the difference between a jester or a joker or a clown or a mime or a harlequin or….
Well, the reality is they all share many similarities, the most obvious being their goal of entertaining audiences.
Today, it’s hard to find a jester makeup that doesn’t fit into the clown category, which is why pulling from medieval times will help to create an authentic jester makeup look.
Some of the most important elements to include in your jester makeup are:
- Bells. Jesters wore small bells on the ends of their floppy hats. Adding bells to your jester makeup look is a creative way of adding authenticity to your look.
- Patterns. Mixing patterns is a characteristic of medieval jesters. Diamonds are the shape most often seen in jester makeup.
- Colorful. I’ve found jester makeup tends to have 2 – 3 colors or variations of those few colors. The colors often stand out as bright or highly contrasting (i.e. red and black or black and white).
Pinterest Inspiration
Check out my Pinterest board with lots of jester makeup inspiration.
Jester Makeup Tutorials
Check out my playlist for jester makeup!