Cosplay can be an expensive hobby and if you aren’t already a frequent makeup user the thought of putting together a cosplay makeup bag can be daunting AND expensive. In this series I’ll recommend budget friendly options for doing a full face of cosplay makeup.
What are base products?
Base products are products used to prolong the wear of your makeup and make it easier to apply. Think of your face as the canvas and your base layer is the gesso used to prime the canvas for painting. This can be as simple as a moisturizer but for cosplay I suggest using products that will even out skin tone and cover blemishes such as foundation, concealer and powders. Lets get into it below!
Moisturize
Before applying anything else it’s important to prepare the face with moisturizer to help repair and protect it from what we’re about to put it through…hours of heavy makeup in a hot con center. You can use any daily facial moisturizer you already use. If the event has any outdoor elements make sure it has sunscreen included, or apply your sunscreen after the moisturizer step. For an extra boost of moister in preparation you can use a sheet mask before applying your daily moisturizer.
Moisturizer Recommendations:
It’s important to find a moisturizer that works well for you and your skin type. Use these suggestions as a guide but make sure to test these out prior to your makeup application to make sure they work with your skin.
- CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion – This option includes an SPF 30 which is great if the event you are attending has outdoor elements
- CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Body and Face Lotion – A thicker moisturizer for normal to dry skin.
- FourthRay Good Mood Gel Moisturizer – A lightweight moisturizer that dries quick
- TonyMoly Sheet Masks – These come in a variety of types for all kinds of benefits. I tend to pick options that call out hydrating, soothing, or nourishing.
Prime
Primers help to extend the life of your makeup as well as helping to minimize problems such as enlarged pores, fine lines and minor color correcting. They may also help alleviate problems with excess shine/oil or the opposite with adding a dewy look to dryer skin. Look for primers that highlight extending wear and address any problem areas you may have. I personally look for a primer that can fill pores and fine lines and bonus points if it offers an illuminated look.
Primer Recommendations:
- Elf Putty Primer – Elf’s putty primer comes in four options, a basic as well as a mattefying, illuminating and acne fighting variety. This primer fills in fine lines and pores and it’s a great option.
- Elf Power Grip – This primer is advertised as gripping your makeup in place so it is made for long wear time.
- NYX Pore Filler – A basic pore filling primer that works
Foundations & Concealers
Once you have a good base with moisturizer and primer its best to even out the skin tone with a foundation product. There are many options offering a variety of coverage options. I personally prefer to use a lightweight light coverage cream with a powder foundation on top. You may prefer a more full coverage cream or liquid. Luckily there are some very affordable options to allow you the room to experiment. For areas that need more coverage you can use concealer. I tend to use a little under the eye and on the chin as those areas are the ones that need more full coverage for me.
Foundation Recommendations:
- Wet N Wild Tinted Hydrator – a very light coverage tinted moisturizer that helps even out tone
- Wet N Wild Photo Focus – a more full coverage liquid foundation made to play well with photography. This also comes in a dewy and stick option
- Elf Camo Powder Foundation – a powder foundation that offers very good coverage
Concealer Recommendations:
- Elf Camo Concealer – This formula comes in a regular and hydrating version so it supports a variety of skin types.
- Wet N Wild Incognito – Good coverage with no creasing or caking
- NYX HD Photogenic – This option also comes in some color correcting shades
Shopping TIP: For a wider range of shades in complexion products check the manufacturers site over third party sites like Ulta or Target.