I’m Not Just In Costume – I’m A Cosplayer!

When I began my foray into cosplay three years ago, I thought I knew what I was getting myself in to.

I’ve always loved dressing up, costumes, and all things nerd, so after attending my first convention in 2010 with Literature Soong, we decided to try our hands at cosplay in 2011.

Since then, we’ve come quite far on our journey but there’re still questions that we have, or things we’d like to try and we just can’t seem to nail down a place on t’internet where issues are addressed concisely (not counting YouTube tutorials – sometimes, I prefer to read my info). I thought this would be a great place for Literature Soong, iFantastic, and I to outline our processes and share tips and tricks we’ve learned – some from professionals, and some we’ve learned the hard way.

Literature Soong and iFantastic are men who only wear makeup for cosplay, and can hopefully provide information for other guys who are new to cosmetics, application, removal, pre- and post-makeup skincare, shaving, and wigs.

I’m a woman who wears makeup on a regular basis, but cosplay makeup is NOT every day makeup. I can slap on a great face for work or a night out, but cosplay makeup is a different beast. I thought my normal-face makeup skills would cut it – they’re a good start, but they really don’t.

We’ve faced other battles including custom wigs, making/customizing clothing for non-sewers, cosplay contact lenses, props, waxing, learning to sew, and last but certainly not least – sweating.

As none of us are professional Cosplayers, and to date none of us have entered competitions, we will generally focus on Hall cosplay or convention cosplay outside Masquerades.

Hall Cosplayers face unique struggles like being in costume for sometimes 12+ hours a day, being unable to remove costume/wig/lenses during the convention, staying hydrated and fed while in full-face makeup, not overheating, and a plethora of others.

We certainly aren’t professionals in any of these areas, but we do have experience, and we hope that those new to cosplay can find answers to some of the questions they may have here.

If you have a question we’ve not covered – ask!

If you’ve tried something we’ve tried (or not), and think you’ve found an awesome cosplay tip/trick too – share it!

It Takes A Village To Cosplay!

Earla Alara