How to do cosplay eye makeup?

The Art of Cosplay Eye Makeup: A Complete Guide

Understanding the Basics

1. Character Analysis: Study your chosen character's eyes carefully. Note the shape, color, and any unique features.

2. Color Selection: Choose eyeshadow colors that match your character's palette. Consider both the iris color and any surrounding makeup.

3. Eye Shape Modification: Many anime and game characters have exaggerated eye shapes. Learn techniques to alter your natural eye shape.

4. Attention to Detail: Small details like eyeliner style, lash type, and even eyebrow shape can make a big difference.

Essential Tools and Products

1. Eyeshadow Palettes: Invest in high-quality palettes with a range of colors.
2. Eyeliners: Both liquid and pencil eyeliners are useful for different effects.
3. False Eyelashes: These are crucial for achieving the dramatic look of many characters.
4. Eyeshadow Primers: These help your makeup stay in place during long convention days.
5. Makeup Brushes: A variety of brush sizes and shapes will help with precise application.
6. Color Contact Lenses: For characters with unique eye colors.
7. Glitter and Rhinestones: For adding sparkle and special effects.
8. Makeup Setting Spray: To ensure your look lasts all day.

Step-by-Step Cosplay Eye Makeup Technique

1. Preparation

• Start with a clean, moisturized face.
• Apply eyeshadow primer to your eyelids and under-eye area.
• If necessary, use concealer to create a blank canvas.

2. Base Application

• Apply a light, neutral eyeshadow all over your lid as a base.
• Use a slightly darker shade in your crease to create depth.

3. Character-Specific Color Application

• Apply the main color(s) that match your character's eye makeup.
• Blend carefully to avoid harsh lines unless they're part of the character's look.
• For anime characters, consider using brighter, more saturated colors.

4. Eyeliner Application

• For most anime characters, a bold winged eyeliner is essential.
• Use liquid eyeliner for precise lines.
• Experiment with different wing shapes to match your character.

5. Lower Lash Line

• Apply eyeshadow or eyeliner to your lower lash line.
• For a wide-eyed anime look, use white eyeliner on your waterline.

6. False Lashes

• Choose lashes that match your character's style.
• Apply lash glue and wait 30 seconds before attaching.
• Press the lashes close to your natural lash line.

7. Highlighting and Special Effects

• Use a light, shimmery eyeshadow in the inner corner of your eyes.
• Add glitter or rhinestones if appropriate for your character.

8. Eyebrows

• Shape and fill in your eyebrows to match your character.
• Some characters may require completely covering your natural brows and drawing new ones.

9. Final Touches

• Apply mascara to blend your natural lashes with the false ones.
• Use setting spray to lock your makeup in place.

Advanced Techniques for Specific Character Types

Anime Characters

1. Enlarging Eyes: Use white eyeliner on your waterline and lower lash line to make your eyes appear larger.

2. Reflective Highlights: Add small white dots or lines in your iris to mimic the reflective highlights often seen in anime.

3. Gradient Eyeshadow: Many anime characters have a gradient effect on their eyelids. Start with a light color at the inner corner and gradually blend to a darker shade at the outer corner.

4. Dramatic Lashes: Use long, voluminous false lashes, especially on the outer corners.

5. Pupil Manipulation: For characters with unique pupil shapes, consider special-effect contact lenses.

Video Game Characters

1. Contouring: Use contouring techniques to mimic the sometimes angular features of video game characters.

2. Vibrant Colors: Don't be afraid to use bright, unrealistic colors for fantasy or sci-fi game characters.

3. Special Effects: For characters with glowing eyes or other supernatural features, experiment with UV-reactive makeup or LED eyelashes.

4. Texture: Some game characters have unique skin textures. Use face paint or prosthetics to recreate these effects around the eyes.

Superhero Characters

1. Mask Integration: If your character wears a mask, make sure your eye makeup complements it.

2. Bold Color Blocking: Many superhero designs feature strong, geometric color blocking around the eyes.

3. Metallic and Shimmery Finishes: For cosmic or high-tech heroes, incorporate metallic eyeshadows.

4. Character Symbols: Some heroes have iconic symbols that can be incorporated into eye makeup designs.

Tips from CrazeCosplay.com

1. Practice Makes Perfect: Don't wait until the day of the convention to try a new makeup technique. Practice well in advance.

2. Invest in Quality Products: While cosplay can be expensive, investing in high-quality makeup will improve your overall look and comfort.

3. Consider Your Character's Era and Style: If you're cosplaying a character from a specific time period, research makeup trends from that era.

4. Blend, Blend, Blend: Unless your character has very graphic, sharp makeup, blending is key to a polished look.

5. Don't Forget Makeup Removal: Invest in good makeup remover to protect your skin after a long day in full cosplay.

6. Adapt to Your Features: While staying true to the character, don't be afraid to adapt the makeup to flatter your unique features.

7. Document Your Process: Take photos or notes of your makeup process to replicate it easily for future events.

Dealing with Common Challenges

Long-Wearing Makeup

• Use a good quality primer before applying any makeup.
• Set cream products with powder to increase longevity.
• Carry blotting papers to manage shine without disturbing your makeup.
• Consider waterproof products, especially for eyeliner and mascara.

Working with Different Eye Shapes

• Monolids: Use eyeshadow to create the illusion of a crease where the character has one.
• Hooded Eyes: Place your eyeliner and eyeshadow slightly above your natural crease so it's visible when your eyes are open.
• Deep-Set Eyes: Bring eyeshadow up and out to make your eyes appear more prominent.
• Wide-Set Eyes: Focus darker colors on the inner corners to create the illusion of closer-set eyes.

Makeup for Glasses Wearers

• Apply makeup slightly heavier than usual, as glasses can obscure some of the details.
• Use long-wearing, smudge-proof products to prevent transfer onto your lenses.
• Consider false lashes that are long enough to be visible behind your frames.

Health and Safety Considerations

1. Patch Test: Always test new products on a small area of skin before applying them near your eyes.

2. Contact Lens Safety: If using color contacts, ensure they're from a reputable source and follow proper hygiene practices.

3. Removing Makeup: Gently remove all makeup at the end of the day to prevent eye irritation and skin issues.

4. Expiration Dates: Keep track of your makeup's expiration dates, especially for products used around the eyes.

5. Sharing Makeup: Avoid sharing eye makeup to prevent the spread of infections.

Conclusion