DIY Joker Halloween Costume

We’re big super hero fans in our house, but we also like the villains. John decided he wanted to be the Joker for Halloween and this is our DIY Joker Halloween Costume.

My kids are so different. Conor likes to be dashing and charming. The super hero. The army soldier. The Top Gun. John, on the other hand, likes dramatic and creepy costumes. Last year, he was a giant creepy crow. The year before he was an Ood from Dr. Who.

He thought long and hard about what he wanted to be this year and then decided on The Joker. Not the new Joker, but the Heath Ledger Joker.

He’s so much like me, in that he likes piecing Halloween costumes together from thrift stores and charity shops.

This post contains affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure policy here. If you purchase via a link I may receive a portion of the sale but it will not increase the price you pay. Thank you for supporting my blog in this way.

DIY Joker Halloween Costume

The make-up is key to creating this look. So far we’ve done the make-up twice, practicing for Halloween. I consulted some friends who are very good with make up and also asked Julia over at Cuckoo 4 Design, I always love her daughter’s costumes.

The Joker has a Chelsea smile so to create this look we used Liquid Latex. On my first attempt I used tissues and liquid latex. On the above attempt I used cotton balls.

Creating Scars or Chelsea Smile

Start with a clean face and no make-up. Apply Liquid Latex with a brush to the skin. Then apply pieces of the cotton ball going up the area. Then apply several layers of the liquid latex. Allow to dry.

Special tip – You can use a hairdryer smooth out the liquid latex and shape it.

Applying Joker Make Up

I used this face paint as recommended by Julia. John has sensitive skin and he’s also prone to breaking out so wanted to go with something gentle. Once the latex is completely dry, apply a coat of white face paint with a face sponge.

Around the eyes I used this black eye shadow and eye liner. Then I used this lipstick and pencil to create the Joker’s smile. The great thing about the Heath Ledger Joker is the make up doesn’t have to be perfect. We actually smudge it to make it look more like the film.

For the Costume

We found the velvet eggplant blazer, tie, and shirt at Savers. I really couldn’t believe we found a blazer that was nearly purple. The black gloves and wig were from Spirit Halloween.

A recap of everything you need for this costume and also some Joker costumes if you don’t want to thrift them:

John is hoping for rain because he thought it would make his costume more authentic. Well, I’m hoping it doesn’t.

Hope you enjoyed seeing his costume this year. We’re all getting really excited for Halloween and Trick or Treating in the Harbor.