How to Do Cosplay Makeup

Decide what character to cosplay. Cartoon or anime characters will probably require larger makeup components to shape eyes and cheekbones and to match vibrant colors that exist on the page and screen. Real-life characters might need simple makeup applications, although there are plenty of wild characters with complex visual nuances seen only in the movies. In every case, consider the surroundings in which the costume will be seen; conventions tend to have poor lighting and flashbulbs can wreak havoc with the skin in photographs, so plan accordingly to decide on what to enhance.

Apply foundation to the face. Some people prefer to lay down a coat of primer first to smooth the skin and keep the makeup from running. It's important to match foundation to the tone of your skin, and there are a number of different varieties available that best suit each individual person's needs. Powder, cream, liquid and mousse foundations offer varying thickness of coverage for different tasks, such as light enhancements to covering blotches or freckles that only more-concentrated products can achieve. Use a brush for powder foundations while dabbing cream and liquid foundation with fingertips, and makeup sponges should do the trick to blend the product evenly across the face. You will know foundation has been well-blended when it is not immediately visible to the naked eye.

Determine the kind of eye makeup the character requires. Following the visual cues of some characters makes this an easy part of the task, for those characters who aren't from outer space or the underworld, it might be a little tougher to figure out how to approach the eyes. Characters from anime and manga are well-defined by hyper-stylized eyes and that should be a good start to deciding what to use and how. There are various tools to achieve certain types of eyes and all are pretty easy to use. Eyeliners are best used for sharp lines and edges or for shadowing. They come in different forms, from liquid to pencil, and offer specific advantages. Take a pencil liner to draw around the lid to shape it. Powder liners are applied with a powder puff or brush to shade and darken to give a sunken look to the eye. Mascaras are applied with a brush, usually built into the tube, and applied to eyelashes to make them appear longer or more severe. These come in different colors, so consider if you're going for a glamorous effect or if they are used to intensify a look that isn't so overtly feminine. Eyeshadow is normally the final step in finishing the eyes. They come in a rainbow of colors and textures. They are best applied with a puff or brush and then smudged with fingers or styling brushes for the desired effect.

Dab powder across the face with a sponge or light brush. This will dull any shiny spots in the foundation and help prevent the foundation from coming off. Using either loose or pressed powder will yield the same results, but be sure to consider skin tone when choosing the best kind.

Color the lips as desired. Using lip treatments like sticks, gloss and liners can swell a pair of lips for a luscious effect or thin them out to the point where they are nearly nonexistent. Apply the desired color and coat with brushes, while drawing liners around the edges if needed. Glosses can be placed with fingers or applicators. Experiment with each type of treatment to accomplish the precise look. Mixing powders in with these products also will help to shape and form the lips.