As you know, if you are a cosplayer, little details can make or break a costume design. Every little aspect of your costume is just a piece of the puzzle you are trying to create (i.e. props, accessories, including makeup). If you are a cosplayer that hasn't considered using makeup before to enhance your cosplay, just think about it. Do it little by little and remember... practice makes perfect. I will be including TONS of AFFORDABLE makeup product suggestions because I know how much costumes can be. Why spend more money on makeup than you have to?
I first want to talk about the absolute base of all makeup applications, character or beauty: your skin. Makeup isn't a magic wand that can make every blemish or imperfection go away; it can only mask it and do so much. This is where a basic (if you aren't using a skincare routine already) is a very important step in perfecting makeup and your skin on the daily! Always remember to wash your makeup off fully at the end of the day (especially cosplay makeup since it's a lot of layers!). I find using a combination of both makeup remover liquid and wipes are helpful! You also want to introduce a daily cleanser to your routine that is recommended for your skin type as well as a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and non-flaky.
The Key to Long-Lasting Convention Makeup
Priming your face and eyes before applying the makeup is a very important step if you want long-lasting smooth makeup. Primers help makeup stay put and also help the product go on easier. My recommendation for a face primer would be a matte, pore-filling finish primer (I use Rimmel Stay Matte, you can also use NYX Matte Primer, or Benefit Porefessional).
Another step you do not want to miss is setting your face makeup with a face powder. I recommend something translucent and matte-finish without any flashback. If you do not know, some powders cause a white cast which is calling flashback when photographers use flash photography. It's definitely not a look you want to go for when doing your makeup, so if you aren't sure if a powder is going to flashback, test it using your phone and flash. Stay away from the Make Up For Ever translucent powder, as I know from experience this product definitely causes a white cast. Instead, try using RMCA Loose Translucent Powder or Ben Nye Translucent Powder. When applying the powder, you want to use a 'dabbing' motion, NOT a swiping motion, to ensure you are setting the foundation securely.
Last but not least, makeup setting sprays are excellent ways to help ensure your makeup stays put all day, especially during warmer weather/outdoor cons. You want to spray a decent amount of spray once you are done with your entire makeup to set it. I would also say to bring it along to the convention if you have a bag you are bringing or if someone can hold it with them to touch up throughout the day if you feel like your makeup is 'melting'. Amazing makeup setting sprays that I've used are Ben Nye's Final Seal (best one, IMO), NYX Matte Setting Spray, or Milani Make It Last Setting Spray.
Flawless Face
Foundations are a great makeup product because they cover up any flaws or discoloration you may have and create a "blank canvas" to work with. I would recommend getting shade-matched at a beauty counter or store such as Sephora, Ulta, Mac, etc. if you are unsure of your skin shade (if you are going to buy a high-end foundation). But if you prefer buying a drugstore foundation, I would pick up a few shades so you can match your skin tone correctly. Make sure you are choosing a foundation that is matte (so it won't look shiny in photographs), one without or with little SPF (because it can cause flashback in photos), and full to medium coverage.
My favorite high-end and drugstore foundations are: Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation, Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation, L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation, and Maybelline Fit Me Matte Foundations.
Next step to a flawless face would be concealer. Not everyone needs concealer so it's your choice whether you would like to do this step or skip it. Concealers are great for covering up acne spots, redness, and dark under-eye circles. For spot-concealing your face, I would suggest a concealer shade that matches your foundation shade and for under the eyes, a shade one or two shades lighter than your foundation shade. The lighter concealer could also double as a highlight shade for your face.
Get Into Character!
The best way to change your features is by highlighting and contouring your face. If you want a basic template for h/c, just go by your face shape and use the face map as reference (see below):
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| Photo by: makeup-mania.net |
To change your features into different shapes, slim your nose, etc. try looking up YouTube videos as a reference on how to contour your face. Highlighting and contouring is pretty confusing at first, so just keep practicing! Also, keeping a photo close-by is a good reference point. My favorite way to highlight and contour is by using both a cream and powder product.
High-end and drugstore recommendations for cream products: Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Contour Palette, NYX Cream Contour Palette, Jordana Sculpt N Glow Contour Sticks, Wet N Wild Contour Sticks, Makeup Revolution Cream Contour Palette.
High-end and drugstore recommendations for powder products: Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Palette, Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette, NYX Powder Contour Palette, Makeup Revolution Powder Contour Palette.
Product Recommendations:
Affordable Eyeshadow Palettes:
Affordable Makeup Brushes:
Extras!
Little extras that just add a bit more 'oomph' to your makeup include lashes, nails, and body makeup.
Lashes make your eyes stand out just a bit more and make them appear more open. If you are uncomfortable wearing lashes, then just skip out on them and don't worry. But, if you'd like to try them, try practicing them in front of a mirror a few times. It takes a couple tries to get it right but once you do, I'm sure you will love them! If you are unsure about the full lashes, try using demi lashes which only enhance half of your eyelashes. There are a ton of affordable lashes on the market including Ardell and Red Cherry lashes. Remember, you can also clean them off and use them again until they aren't in good shape anymore.
I used to think that your nails didn't really matter for cosplay but as I started to notice in some photos, my chipping nail polish and short nails sorta bothered me. Once I started to wear fake, painted nails, my hands looked sooooo much better! You don't realize how much it matters until your holding props and your hands really need to look nice! I would really recommend using a natural nail color or French tips if you want a universal look that works with every costume. If you are like me and have short nails, I recommend using fake nails with glue. You can choose whichever length you feel comfortable with! If you are new to nails and want to get used to them, I HIGHLY recommend KISS Everlasting French Nails in Short or Real Short. They are easy to wear and don't get in the way like longer nails do!
The last item I highly recommend is Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs. They cover up any imperfections such as bruising and discoloration on your arms and legs. It's easy to apply and it washes off once you shower! If you are wearing a costume that shows a lot of skin or leg, if you can't wear tights, this product is a great alternative!
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found this post informative and helpful! Feel free to comment any questions down below so I can answer them, or you can reach out to my other social medias listed in my bio!
XOXO, Kay
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