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 eye products?
In this installment of the series we will cover any products that can be used to enhance the eyes. This can include Eye shadow, Mascara, False Lashes, eyeliner and even glitters. Eye makeup is often where you can take more liberty and get creative with your looks so I hope this guide will be helpful. Lets get started.
Primer
Did you know there are primers made specifically for eye shadow and even glitter? These products can help your eye looks last longer and have stronger color payoff.
Primer Recommendations:
- Milani Eyeshadow Primer: This primer has very little pigment and creates a smooth surface to work on.
- NYX Glitter Primer: If you want to use any shadow with a glitter, or a loose glitter this primer is a MUST. It is tacky and will hold your glitter in place.
Eye shadow
There are so many options out there for eye shadow. Tons of colors, formulas and price points. It’s a lot to navigate and I personally think this is one of the more overwhelming products to shop for. If you are just starting out I recommend sticking to a more neutral pallet. It will offer you the most versatility and the best bang for your buck. As you get comfortable you can start to add in more color and variety.
Eyeshadow Recommendations:
- Ulta Beauty Longwear Matte Cream Eye shadow: This is a cream formula eye shadow that has serious staying power. I use it without a primer and it still lasts all day. This product offers several neutral colors that can act as a great base for looks.
- Colourpop Eye Palettes: Colourpop has a palette for pretty much any occasion and I’m not going to lie, most of my eye palettes come from colourpop. The price is very budget friendly while offering high pigment shadows. If you are looking for a good basic neutral I would suggest Going Coconuts or Nude Mood.
- Super Shock Shadow: Another colourpop product, these are somewhere between a cream and a powder. I personally like to use the glittery shades as toppers for magical girl and idol looks.
- E.L.F. Eye Palettes: E.L.F. is another option for low cost eye pallets. Their Bite Size pallets are $3 and a great option if you are just starting.
Lashes
Exaggerating your lashes will help them stand out against your wig and costume. I personally use a combo of mascara and false lashes. While false lashes can be tricky to learn to use they really do make a difference. If you aren’t ready to tackle them though, a good quality volumizing mascara can still take you pretty far.
Mascara Recommendations:
- L’Oréal Lash Paradise: This mascara adds so much volume to the lashes and it comes in a waterproof formula too.
- Lash Princess: The lash princess line from essence is amazingly affordable and there are many options that offer different effects. I use the “False Lash Effect” version.
- Maybelline Lash Discovery: If you have trouble getting right up to your lash line, or you need a smaller brush for bottom lashes this product offers a mini brush that is much thinner than most mascaras.
False Lash Recommendations:
- Eylure Pre-Glued Lashes: If you are new to false lashes these pre-glued ones are amazing. There is a strip of adhesive already applied to the lash band and you just pop them on and go. They last all day, and when I say all day I mean 12+ hours. They come in a few styles but the 003 are my favorite. These aren’t super dramatic, they’re just going to enhance your look.
- Kiss Liner Lash Adhesive: Another advancement in the world of gluing stuff to your face, this lash adhesive is applied like an eyeliner. It comes in a black or clear version. I use the clear and just apply it over my existing liner where the lash will sit.
- Daiso False Lashes: If you are blessed enough to live near a Daiso you are blessed with a selection of cute Japanese false lashes for under 2 dollars a pair.
Eyeliner
Eyeliner is another tool to help give your eyes definition and pop while in costume.
Eyeliner Recommendations:
- NYX epic ink liner: This is a felt tip ink eyeliner that isn’t going anywhere. The black is very opaque and it’s easy to apply
- Rimmel Scandal’eyes: This is a gel pencil liner that is good for smudging out
Eyeliner Tip: For the cheapest option you can just use a dark colored eye shadow and an angled eyeliner brush. You can wet the brush with setting spray for an even more intense payoff, but some eye shadows take to being applied wet better than others so be sure to test it out first.