Roll up, roll up – Get your circus themed makeup and hair right here…
Suffice to say we were dancing round the office when Bestival released their theme as ‘The Circus’. Since Britney’s 2008 album (how was that 15 YEARS AGO and how did ‘If You Seek Amy’ not make it to NO.1?) we have seen the theme embraced by many an event including raves, boat parties and even weddings. Now we have a 4-day festival to look forward to and the tagline ‘The Most Colourful Show On Earth’ provides the perfect opportunity to get especially creative with your festival fashion.
For those who are as giddy as us about like, the best festival theme ever, and looking to go full on circus with face paint, costumes and props, we’ve sourced an array of Bestival-worthy inspiration to get those creative juices flowing.
The Clown
Keziah wears The Extra Large Purple Afro Wig and Yellow Troll Doll Wig. Lola wears the Pink Extra Large Afro Wig. Sam wears the Kylie Wig. Sara wears the Green Lauren Wig, Wilde Pink Wig and Black Blunt Bob Wig. Lucii wears the Unicorn Rainbow Wig.
Likely the first character that comes to mind for the circus theme and one of the easiest to adopt. There are no rules for clowns (they have free rein to lurk in drains and fold themselves into refrigerators) and no rules concerning hair and makeup. Whether you’re into bright and bold, pretty pastel, classy vintage or the phobia inducing variety, you’ll find inspiration aplenty to create your own imaginative design.
The Ringmaster
Via Instagram @raven.george
A top hat is the only prop needed to cement a ringmaster costume, allowing for serious scope with your interpretation. The awesome Raven George shows off 2 contrasting ringmaster makeup designs, embracing both the traditional and down right creepy.
Animal Magic
Julia wears the Peach Angel Lace Front Wig. Kim wears the Beyonce Afro Wig.
The perfect companion to the Ringmaster character – convince your bff or boyf (even better) to let you loose with face and body paints plus matching wig for the best festival selfie ever. (Whip and hoop are entirely optional)
The Fortune Teller
Isabelle wears the Red Fairytale Fantasy Wig. Kristine wears the Merida Wig.
One of the more feminine characters associated with the circus and conveniently on trend in regards gypsy hair jewels and flower crowns. Could there be a more perfect look for a summer festival?
The Mime
Via Instagram @faerie_blossom
For lovers of monochrome everywhere and with the added benefit of needing to fit only a couple of face paints in your festival case (space saving is always a priority), tweak the mime look for a cute, modern take on the circus theme. Get it right and you have a showstopper. The Incredible @faerie_blossom absolutely nails it.
The Showgirl
Isabelle wears the Orange Bombshell Wig. Simone wears the Smooth Supermodel Clip In Ponytail. Emily wears the Flamingo Fizz Wig. Mira wears the Purple Kylie Wig. Sarah wears the Very Veronica Wig. Yasmin wears the Rose Gold Angel Lace Front Wig.
Sure to be popular among festivalgoers with ample choice when it comes to colour and interpretation. Opt for glitter embellishments, pearls or lace and mix and match with a distinctive hair shade or block coloured wig. Have fun with clashing corsets, bustle skirts and oversized collars.
For a more subtle, sultry look, allow your makeup to be the focal point with bold, exaggerated shading or coordinate makeup effects with darker hair. The super talented Isabelle created these 4 stunning looks with the Retro Betty Wig, ideal for the showgirl theme.
The Acrobat
Via Instagram @samantha_vonviper
Take inspiration from Cirque du Soleil and the super talented Samantha opting for neon bright colours, avant-garde makeup designs and clashing feather hair additions.
Freak Show
Julia wears the Autumn Orange Wig, Blonde Bob Fashion Wig, Silver Lauren Wig and Orange Bombshell Wig. Mili wears the Blonde Fashion Afro Wig. Nastia wears the Rose Gold Rebel Lace Front Wig.
Ideal for horror buffs, get your freak on and get your face paints out for some optical illusion designs sure to impress. Along with acrobats and high wire acts, Bestival promises ‘bearded freaks’ and ‘mutant jugglers’ – something we are particularly excited about.
Outside The Box
Via Instagram @amelie_makeup and @angieladebrouillarde
Via Instagram @judesamyn
A more eccentric character may be in order for the extra creative, extra imaginative or anyone who is just extra. Think Strongman, Bearded Lady, Unicyclist and if you’re feeling ultra brave, Conjoined Twins!
Via YouTube Julie Samyn
Via YouTube Ta'a Beauty
For heaps more circus themed inspiration, check out the fabulous featured makeup artists on Instagram and tag us in your wonderful wig pictures @star.style.wigs
Keziah - @artbeautychaos
Lola - @lola_von_esche
Sam - @samshineart
Sara - @sara_strange_art
Lucii - @suezochan
Julia - @metamorphosia_fx
Kim - @witteartistry
Isabelle - @isabelle_makeup_
Kristine - @pigeon_pie_art
Simone - @simone_cleary
Emily - @vanityvenom
Mira - @mirandavanr
Sarah - @itsgottabesarahc
Yasmin - @solatice_
Mili - @reallymili
Nastia - @akalyna_ne_verba