Crealanta Magazine

Cosplay Makeup: Truly Transform into your character

May 12, 2022

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If you're new to cosplay or a pro looking for a few new concepts, we're here to help you understand the dos and don'ts of applying nail polish and makeup for cosplay.

How to Apply Cosplay Makeup

Step 1: Begin with Great Skincare

When you're adding several layers of cosplay makeup to your appearance, having a great base from which to work is key. High-quality moisturizers will ensure that your skin is hydrated as well as create a calming layer between your skin as well as any other product. This is a crucial step in applying any type of makeup.

Step 2. Do Your Research

Step 3: Apply the right primer and foundation

The ideal makeup for cosplay should last all day and that's why you should choose a thicker, long-wear base that will keep everything in place and not require adjustments every hour.

Make sure you apply a primer first to treat any areas that the skincare routine isn't treating. The green color of the primer can conceal the redness. Other primers are able to smooth the pores to provide you with the porcelain-like skin that many characters in cosplay have.

If you want to have a natural-looking look choose a foundation specifically designed to match your skin's color and style. There are also options based around your character's features. For example, a matte foundation over dry skin can make wrinkles appear more prominent, and can look great if you're creating an older-looking character. Whatever foundation you pick will serve as the foundation for the other shades, contours, and highlights.

For finishing, sprinkle an even dusting of setting powder on the surface of the base to hold the base in place, even if you sweat or accidentally scratch your face.

Step 4: Create the definition with contours and highlights.

What do you do if a character has completely different facial characteristics than you do? Enter: contouring! Contouring is the makeup industry's way of sculpting, which allows you to completely change the shape of your face with only the use of a couple of instruments.

Apply a contour stick on the tops of your eyebrow bone and cheekbones in order to create a slimmer appearance to your face as well as under your jawline for an elongated look to your jawline. Just be sure to combine everything by using a makeup brush or sponge to avoid harsh lines.

Highlighting is the reverse of contouring. Use a lighter, or glitzy, shade to help certain elements make a statement. This is perfect if you're designing a magical or fantasy cosplay character. Highlighters made of powder are great for creating a subtle glow you can also go for full shine with a highlighter made of cream stick.

Step 5: Add More Detail to the Eyes

Similar to contouring, you could use eyeshadow and liner to alter the look of your eyes to fit the character you're portraying.

Start by defining your brows. Then use an eyebrow pencil matching the hair color of your character to give them your desired fullness and shape.

There are also eye pencils to create tiny, delicate lines or smokey smudges. If you're looking for an intense or striking style with fine details then a liner pencil is going to be a better option. A small amount of eyeliner that is white on the line of your waterline can instantly make your eyes appear more enlarge that is ideal for anime as well as Disney cosplayers that want to have cartoon eyes.

The final thing to note is that mascara can provide your eyes an impressive glimmer or simply enhance the makeup you already put on. If a few coats of mascara isn't enough for you, it, you can use false lashes for more the volume and drama.

Step 6: Finish the Touches

Do you have freckles on your persona? Make sure to add a few freckles with a light eyebrow pencil in brown. Do you want a feminine appearance? Put some blush on your cheeks for a rosy glow or complete your character's makeup with some lipstick.

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How do you remove makeup from cosplay?

Step 1: Perform the Double Cleanse

Since cosplay makeup is much thicker than everyday makeup, it may be a bit difficult to take out. By double cleansing this way, you will be able to make sure all the product is removed from your skin.

Step 2: Focus on Your Eyes

If there is leftover eyeliner or mascara after the double cleanse, apply an eye makeup remover on an ice cube and apply it to each eye for about five seconds. Then, gently wipe away any remnants of makeup.

Step 3: Hydrate Your Skin

After spending the day covering your face with many layers of makeup your skin is likely to be quite dry. Once you've finished washing the face, allow it to dry out before applying an oily moisturizer on your face.

What to Use for sensitive skin?

Even though heavy makeup may be an aggravator for skin, selecting the correct products will minimize your post-cosplay concerns you could have. Making use of lighter options like tinted moisturizer as an alternative to foundation could do wonders for your sensitive skin.

The pigmentation and fillers used in makeup that isn't expensive are often responsible for breakouts which is why it's important to choose better ingredients. Mineral makeup is generally effective However, just like everything else you try, make sure to test it on your skin (like the back of your hand) prior to purchasing.

Cosplay Nails

How do I create Cosplay Nails

Create Your Cosplay Character in the Real World!

Recreate the characteristics of your favourite character with makeup can take your cosplay from average to fantastic. With some practice ahead of the event or party it's likely that you won't even recognize yourself as anything other than the character you've chosen!

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