This year I was able to attend CostumeCon 32, and I did my best to soak up as much cosplay information as possible. I had an amazing time attending panels, meeting cosplayers and panel hosts, and I asked a ton of questions! I knew I wouldn’t be able to remember everything when the 4-day cosplay extravaganza was over, so I took notes at every panel I attended.
I’ll be posting my notes from the con, one post per panel, so that everyone can take advantage of the amazing things I learned! My notes are in point form, and I tried to make sure that everything is explained well but if it isn’t, please leave any questions in the comments and I’ll do my best to clarify!
Stage Makeup 101
- Contouring best done with a dark brown cream product regardless of skin tone
- Use cream white for highlighting
- Apply very lightly and blend well – can always add more or use a tissue to gently remove
- Blend with brush or fingers, try both and see what you like best
- Witch hazel on a cotton pad lightly patted on the face will calm angry skin/eyes
- False eyelashes are good for women in pictures, men no – curl eyelashes and a light coat of mascara
- Kryolan Fix Spray is good for over cream based makeup (powder set cream first)
- Between moisturizer and makeup – blot face lightly with toner on a cotton pad to absorb excess moisturizer and prevent runny makeup
- Avoid alcohol based makeup DIY. Just don’t do it.
Character Makeup
- Women’s makeup has long highlights and short shadows; men have short highlights and long shadows
- Feel your face – what is the shape of your skull
- Women can achieve a slight 5 o’clock shadow using a stipple sponge from a theatrical supply store, sponge also good for scratches, bruising etc.
- Spend money on your tools and take care of them – wash them often and gently with shampoo or Dawn detergent if they’re really gross
- Use lukewarm water, lay to dry over a ledge so bristles don’t get smushed
- If your brushes start to feel scratchy on your face, use a TINY amount of conditioner on the bristles
- Heavy cream/stubborn/waterproof makeup can be removed easily with extra virgin olive oil
- Apply highlights first and contours second
- Line up highlights and contours \\\\ then blend blend blend out
- Remember: your costume and makeup should match – what time period are you from? What makeup does your character have access to (if any)? What colours? What did/could they use to achieve your characters look? Soot? Berries? Beetles? Please don’t use lead white, or anything dangerous.
It Takes A Village To Cosplay!
Earla Alara
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