In a world of red carpets, sequins, and bedazzled jumpsuits, there stands a pop queen who has elevated face paint to an art form. No, we’re not talking about the Joker, though he’s probably jealous. We’re talking about the Chappell Roan, the 26-year-old “Hot to Go” star who’s turning heads, raising eyebrows, and making face-paint fashion statements that would make a mime weep with envy.
Chappell is a woman who refuses to be tamed by traditional beauty standards. Take the 2024 MTV VMAs, for example—where some celebrities went for “glam” and others chose “understated elegance,” Chappell boldly went for “ghost chic.” Her boldest, most eye-catching look? A face whiter than a frightened marshmallow in a horror movie. And it’s not just for the aesthetic—there’s meaning behind the makeup.
During a stop on her aptly-named Midwest Princess Tour (because nothing screams princess quite like the Midwest), Chappell took a moment to drop some knowledge on her Manchester audience. No, she didn’t explain how to pull off white face paint without looking like you just took a wrong turn at a haunted house. She explained why she wears it.
Cue the plot twist: this isn’t just makeup, people—this is clown couture with a cause. In a viral video that’s blowing up faster than a toddler’s balloon animal on X (the app formerly known as Twitter, because apparently letters are too mainstream), Chappell revealed that her look is a big ol’ middle finger to small-minded bigots from her hometown. Apparently, some less-than-enlightened individuals used to call members of the LGBTQ+ community “clowns,” so Chappell decided to turn their insult into a literal fashion statement. “Like b-tch, I’ll show you a clown,” she said, with the kind of sass that could launch a thousand makeup tutorials.
But the face paint isn’t just a diss track in cosmetic form—it’s also a way of creating a safe space for her fans. At her shows, Chappell isn’t just painting her face; she’s painting a picture of inclusivity and community. “I really needed this when I was 15,” she shared with her audience, probably making half the crowd burst into nostalgic tears about their own awkward teenage years. Her concerts, she explained, are a place for people to feel seen, heard, and maybe a little fabulous.
In the most heartfelt mic drop moment of the night, Chappell left her fans with a message that had everyone feeling like they’d just been wrapped in a warm blanket of glittery acceptance: “Thank you for showing up, and know that this is a place where you belong.”
So, the next time you see Chappell Roan serving up face paint realness, just remember—it’s not just makeup. It’s a statement, it’s a rebellion, and it’s an open invitation to join the coolest clown club you never knew you needed.
“People in my hometown call gay people clowns, that’s why I actually wear my white face… Like b**ch, I’ll show you a clown.”
— Chappell Roan at her ‘Midwest Princess’ tour show in Manchester pic.twitter.com/2nV45vobho
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 13, 2024
