The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Cosplay— How to draw cosplay makeup for beginners？-02
Cosplay makeup is the most crucial step in bringing a character to life, but it can seem complex and daunting for beginners. Don't worry! This guide will teach you every step of Cosplay makeup from scratch in the simplest way possible. Whether you want to recreate anime characters' dramatic eye makeup or achieve video game characters' unique skin textures, you'll find beginner-friendly tutorials here. Starting with basic skincare, we'll guide you through foundation, eye makeup, lips, contouring, and even special effects makeup, ending with proper makeup removal to protect your skin. Follow this guide and practice, and soon you'll be creating stunning Cosplay makeup looks!
Following the previous article about base makeup, let’s move on to eye makeup.
Eye Makeup Guide: The Magic Transformation of the Soul's Windows
The eyes are the most distinctive feature in Cosplay makeup—a pair of expressive eyes can instantly elevate the overall accuracy of your character. Many beginners find eye makeup challenging, but by mastering fundamental techniques and adapting them to suit your character's traits, you too can create stunning Cosplay eye looks.
👁Basic Eye Makeup Six-Piece Set
1️⃣ Eyebrow Shaping
Eyebrows define the expression and personality of a character. Start by brushing them with a spoolie, then filling in sparse areas using a brown pencil or powder. Anime characters often have more defined brows than real people, so you can go slightly bolder—just remember: lighter at the front, darker at the tails. Finish by cleaning up the edges with concealer for sharp, polished brows.
Tools Needed:
① Brow Pencil (Triangle-tip recommended)
② Brow Powder (Best in a 3-shade palette)
③ Spoolie Brush (A must-have!)
④ Concealer Brush (Pointed tip for precision)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Mapping the Brow Shape (Most Important Step!)
① Place a brow pencil vertically beside your nostril to mark the starting point.
② Align the pencil from your nose to the outer edge of your iris to find the arch.
③ Extend it from your nose to the outer corner of your eye to set the tail length.
④ Lightly sketch the lower guideline with your pencil.
Filling Techniques
① Brow Pencil Method:
Draw upward hair-like strokes to mimic natural growth.
At the front, create soft, upward "grass blade" strokes.
Toward the tail, use longer, downward-slanting lines.
② Brow Powder Method:
Use an angled brush with the middle shade.
Fill from the middle to the tail, then blend.
Apply the lightest shade at the front for a gradient effect.
③ Blending & Setting
Brush through brows 10 times with a spoolie for a natural blend.
Clean up the lower edge with concealer (draw a "crescent moon" shape).
Lock hairs in place with brow gel.
Anime Character Brow Styles
① Hot-Blooded Hero: Sharp, angled brows—use concealer to carve a defined lower edge.
② Cute Heroine: Rounded, downward-tapered brows—draw fine, upward strokes at the front for fluffiness.
③ Villain: High-arched, elongated tails—reinforce with black liquid liner for dramatic strands.
④ Mecha/Robot: Straight, geometric brows—use tape for crisp lines.
Pro Tips:
Always match brow darkness to your wig color.
For gender-bending characters, adjust thickness accordingly.
Use a tiny brush with concealer to perfect asymmetrical brows.
2️⃣ Eyeshadow Fundamentals
Beginners are advised to start with a simple three-color eyeshadow method: the lightest color is used as a base to fill the eye socket, the middle color is blended from the root of the eyelashes to the double eyelid fold, and the darkest color is used to enhance the end of the eye. Cosplay eye makeup is usually heavier than daily makeup, so you can boldly use the color corresponding to the character, but be careful to blend naturally without obvious boundaries.
Essential Tools
① Eyeshadow Palette: Preferably with 16+ colors for versatility
② Brush Set:
Large flat shader brush (for base application)
Medium fluffy blending brush
Small precision detail brush
③ Eye Primer (crucial for long-lasting wear)
Detailed Three-Color Application Guide
Preparation Stage
① Apply primer with your ring finger
② Smooth from lash line up to the brow bone
③ Wait 30 seconds until slightly tacky (this step is crucial!)
Base Application
① Load large brush with lightest shade
② Apply in "Z" pattern across entire eyelid
③ Extend 3mm below lower lash line
Main Color Blending
① Switch to medium brush with mid-tone shade
② Start at lash line and blend upward using circular motions
③ Coverage Area:
For double eyelids: 2mm above natural crease
For monolids: Within visible area when eyes are open
Pro Tip: Clean brush every 3 blends to maintain color purity
Depth Enhancement
① Use small brush with darkest shade
② Create "<" shape at outer corner (don't extend beyond eye's outer edge)
③ Lower lash line: Apply from outer corner inward, stopping below pupil
④ Soften edges with clean brush using gentle patting motions
Character Eye Color Formulas
For authentic anime-style eyes, follow these professional color combinations:
Sapphire Blue Eyes
Base: Champagne gold (entire lid)
Crease: Slate blue (soft gradient)
Outer V: Deep navy (intensify depth) Accent: Silver reflective highlight on brow bone
Ruby Red Eyes
Base: Ivory white (brighten inner eye)
Transition: Wine red (blend upward)
Definition: Espresso brown (add dimension) Special: Crimson pencil liner on waterline
Amethyst Purple Eyes
Base: Baby pink (light-reflective)
Lid: Lavender (build opacity)
Contour: Royal purple (smoke outward) Detail: Pearl white at tear duct
Emerald Green Eyes
Base: Buttercream yellow (color corrector)
Mobile Lid: Olive green (pat densely)
Outer Corner: Hunter green (deepen) Effect: Liquid gold center spotlight
Pro Tips:
Always layer colors from lightest to darkest
Use flat synthetic brush for metallic application
Set with matching color mascara for full immersion
For manga-style shine, add white gel liner dots at 3 and 9 o'clock positions
3️⃣ Eyeliner Techniques:
For many beginners, eyeliner can be a nightmare! We recommend starting with an eyeliner pencil as it's easier to control than liquid liner. Apply it in sections: first the middle of the eye, then the outer corner, and finally the inner corner. To make eyes appear larger, slightly extend the outer corner; for rounded eyes, thicken the line directly above the pupil.
Recommended Tools:
① Beginner's choice: Eyeliner pencil (e.g., creamy texture type)
② Advanced option: Brush-tip liquid liner (extra fine)
③ Helper tool: Small hair clip (to hold eyelids in place)
Sectional Application Method:
① Middle Section
Rest your left pinky on cheek for stability
Start directly above pupil, draw 2mm line segment
Key: Keep the pencil perpendicular to mirror!
② Outer Section
Extend from the middle segment
"Drag" the tip to create line (adjust length per character)
Angle control: ↘ Downturned eyes: 15 degrees downward ↗ Cat eyes: 30 degrees upward → Straight eyes: Horizontal extension
③ Inner Section
Gently pull inner corner skin taut
Draw "<" shape to connect middle section
Length shouldn't pass the lacrimal caruncle
④ Lash Line Filling
Move tip side-to-side to fill gaps
Use "tapping" motion like sewing machine
Final check: No skin should be visible!
Correction Techniques:
① Crooked lines: Fix with milk-soaked cotton swab
② Uneven strokes: Layer after first layer dries
③ Smudge-proof: Set with matching eyeshadow
Note: Practice with wrist elevated daily for 10 minutes to significantly improve stability.
4️⃣ Eyelash Techniques:
Start by curling your lashes in three sections (base, middle, and tips) with an eyelash curler, then apply mascara. A zigzag brushing motion will create fuller-looking lashes. For more dramatic effects, apply false eyelashes. Choose natural styles for everyday wear, and opt for voluminous or special designs for Cosplay based on character traits.
Tool Checklist:
① Eyelash curler
② Mascara (lengthening + volumizing dual-ended)
③ False eyelashes
④ Helper tool: Angled tweezers
Natural & False Lash Blending Technique:
① Natural Lash Prep
Curl lashes in three steps:
Base: Clamp and gently lift upward, hold for 10 seconds
Middle: Clamp and wiggle slightly
Tips: Lightly press
Mascara application:
Wipe excess product off wand first
Apply in "Z" motions from the roots
Use a toothpick to separate any clumps
② False Lash Application
Trim to 2mm shorter than eye length
Apply glue and wait 30 seconds until semi-transparent
Application order: Secure center first,Adjust outer corner,Gently press inner corner.
Key: Hold lashes by their "spine" with tweezers!
③ Blending Real & False Lashes
Gently curl both together once more
Apply clear mascara to blend
Redraw any obscured eyeliner
False Lash Selection Guide:
Cute Characters: Crisscross clear-band lashes, place 1mm above natural lash line
Cool Heroines: Individual lower lash clusters, spaced 2mm apart
Fantasy Roles: Colored feather lashes (use UV glue for durability)
Mecha Characters: Metallic wire-accented lashes (apply with double eyelid tape)
Pro Tip: For anime-style "doll eyes", concentrate longest lashes at the center of eyes. Always remove falsies with oil-based cleanser to protect natural lashes!
5️⃣ Lower Lash Line Makeup:
Don't neglect your lower lash line! Use light eyeshadow to brighten the inner corners, then apply darker shadow along the lower lash line (from outer corner to mid-pupil) with a small brush. Finish by lining the waterline with white or champagne eyeliner to make eyes appear bigger and more vibrant.
Essential Tools:
① Detail brush (no wider than 3mm)
② White/champagne eyeliner pencil
③ Fine glitter gel
Step-by-Step Guide:
① Eyeshadow Base
Use the smallest brush with light shade
Apply from inner corner to below pupil (1mm width)
Key: Don't go below lash growth line!
② Lower Lash Line
Use flat brush with dark shadow
Draw from outer corner inward, tapering thinner
Stop point: Directly below pupil's outer edge
Blend: Gently sweep sideways with a clean brush
③ Waterline Highlight
Gently pull down the lower lid
Fill mucosa with white liner
Length: From inner 1/3 to below pupil
Refine edges with cotton swab
④ Glitter Accents
Use fine-tip brush for glitter gel
Dot on inner corner "<" shape area
Quantity: Max 3 specks per eye
Style Guide for Characters:
① Puppy-dog Eyes (Innocent Characters):
Lower lash extension + rounded inner corner
② Yandere Red Eyes (Dark Characters):
Red shadow + bloody lower liner
③ Cybernetic Future (Sci-fi):
Metallic glitter + geometric lines
④ Fantasy Races (Elves/Demons):
Unique patterns + reflective pigments
Pro Tip: For anime-style "sparkling eye" effect, apply iridescent powder where lower lashes meet cheekbones. Always test glitter products on hand first for safety!
6️⃣ Choosing Circle Lenses
Diameter Selection (Character Accuracy First!)
① Natural (14.0-14.2mm)
Best for slice-of-life characters (e.g., Mitsuha from Your Name)
② Standard (14.5mm)
Universal size (Works for most Demon Slayer characters)
③ Large (14.8-15.0mm)
Only for moe-style (Love Live! aesthetic)
④ Warning: Avoid if your natural iris is <11.5mm
Color Matching Guide
① Solid Colors:
Blue: Choose "ice blue" (gray undertone) over cobalt (avoids plastic look)
Red: Wine-red base + gold radial patterns (prevents horror-movie effect)
Special colors (purple/yellow): Always check real-eye swatches
② Pattern Precision:
Anime characters: Opt for bold "dark outer rim" designs
Game characters: 3D iris textures > flat prints
Avoid "cataract" effect: Ensure ≥80% pattern coverage
Material Safety 101
① Wear Cycle:
Daily disposable (event recommendation): Japanese brands (e.g., EverColor)
Monthly (cost-effective): Silicone hydrogel only
Never use: Yearly/semi-annual lenses (low oxygen permeability)
② Must-Check Specs:
Oxygen transmissibility (DK/t) >24 (int'l safety standard)
Water content 38%-42% (higher ≠ better)
Base curve matching
Wearing Tips
① For Beginners:
First-time wear ≤2 hours
Use artificial tears
Keep clear lenses as backup
② Character Matching:
Heterochromia: Custom-order of different prescriptions (1-month lead time)
Special effects (all-black/animal eyes): Only for photoshoots
③ Maintenance Rules:
Only use Opti-Free solution (never tap water)
Rub lenses with fingertips before wear (even if labeled "no-rub")
Boil lens case every 3 days
Danger Signs (Stop Use Immediately!)
① Persistent redness >15 mins
② Rainbow halos in vision
③ Chips/scratch on edges
④ Expired (count from opening date)
Pro Tip: For hyper-realistic anime eyes, layer colored lenses over natural iris pattern instead of full-coverage designs. Always carry rewetting drops during conventions!
📑Adjustment Techniques for Different Eye Shapes
1️⃣ Monolids/Inner Double Eyelids
Focus: Emphasize the lash line with thicker eyeliner that remains visible when eyes are open. Avoid large glitter eyeshadows, which can make eyes look puffier.
Monolid/Inner Double Eyelid Transformation
① Eyelid Tape Application
Use olive-shaped double eyelid tape
Placement: 1mm above natural crease
Pro Tip: Adjust while opening eyes
② Eyeshadow Modification
Apply main shade 3mm above the actual crease
Use dark shadow to thicken the lash line
Highlight center of eyelid with shimmer
③ False Eyelash Selection
Choose clear hard-band lashes
Length: Shorter in front (8mm), longer at outer corner (12mm)
Apply above natural lashes
2️⃣ Round Eyes
Goal: Elongate the eye shape with extended liner and shadow.
① Eyeliner Extension
Lengthen outer corner by 5mm+
Angle: 10-15° upward flick
Smudge dark shadow on outer 1/3 of lower lash line
② Eyeshadow Placement
Blend main color from outer corner inward
Keep inner corner lightest
Lower lash shadow: Outer 2/3 only
③ Lash Emphasis
Add 3 individual clusters at outer corner
Focus mascara on outer lashes
3️⃣Wide-Set Eyes
Trick: Bring attention inward by deepening the inner corners and highlighting the nose bridge.
① Inner Corner Definition
Use dark shadow to extend inward
Connect to nose contour subtly
② Nose Bridge Highlight
Apply bright highlighter vertically
Creates illusion of closer-set eyes
③ Bonus:
Hooded eyes: Extend eyeshadow above the visible lid.
Downturned eyes: Lift the outer corner with upward liner.
Pro Tip: Always test techniques under conventional lighting—stage lights can alter how makeup appears!
🎨Character Eye Makeup Analysis
1️⃣ Male Anime Characters
Key Features:
Bold, angular eyebrows with sharp eyeliner focusing on the upper lash line.
Eyebrows: Use brow gel for textured, hair-like strokes
Eyeshadow: Neutral browns/taupes for contouring
Eyeliner: Upper lid only with razor-sharp wing
Lashes: Light mascara (avoid falsies for realism)
2️⃣ Moe Female Characters
Key Features:
Enlarged, doll-like eyes with downward-angled liner and rounded lenses.
Eyebrows: Rounded shape with drooping tails
Eyeshadow: Soft pinks/peaches blended widely
Eyeliner: Downturned style, inner corner "<" shape
Lashes: Fan-style falsies + lower lash clusters
3️⃣ Villain Characters
Key Features:
Smoky intensity with upward-flicked liner for menacing allure.
Eyebrows: Thin, high-arched with sharp peaks
Eyeshadow: Full smoky (including lower lash line)
Eyeliner: 30° upward wing, pointed inner corner
Lashes: Spiky "spider leg" falsies
Practice Makes Perfect:
Eye makeup is the soul of Cosplay—don’t fear mistakes! Asymmetry or smudges are normal for beginners. Keep micellar water and cotton swabs handy for repairs. Even pros require 50+ attempts to master a look!