I will list some products I use or in some cases have heard good references about and would like to try them. I am not at all saying you should use the same products as me, I'm just leaving it there in case you may have little experience with some of the things I am talking about and it could give you an idea what to look for. I tried to list products that cost around 10 euros or less each.
1. Before you apply foundation...
The first thing you should do before putting anything on your face is cleaning you face and using a moisturizer. Not only it is very important to clean your face in order for your skin to be healthy, it will also help the make-up to be absorbed better and you have some sort of a clean, nice canvas to work with. Wait for a couple of minutes for everything to sink in and you are ready to apply your primer.
There are several reasons why you should use primer. Not only it will make your make-up last longer, it also makes your pores and tiny imperfections less visible under your make-up. Last but not least, it creates some sort of a protection barrier between your skin and make-up. I am currently using Dermacol make-up base, which feels amazing to touch and is very refreshing, but feel free to use whatever base you prefer.
Dermacol Satin Make-up Base
You can also use colour correctors for neutralizing your skin coloration. Not only it makes teh result nicer, but you will need less foundation with these (as the imperfections will already be hidden with the corrector) and that is always a good thing. Especially if you are like me and tend to use more expensive make-up for your cosplays. You can look up some tutorials on how to use them. However, this is completely optional and you are fine without it!
Technic Colour Fix Cream Corrector
Tip! Use your fingers to apply both base and corrector. Warm it up in your hand and blend carefully. Warming the product will help it get absorbed and look nicer on your skin.
2. Foundation hacks
First comes the thing I have not personally tried but I have heard lots of people that do stage make-up talk about this and it's - foundation sticks. As the foundation is very thick, it not only covers better but also lasts really long. I am planning to try this out and after checking the reviews, e.l.f. seems to be pretty affordable and satisfying quality compared to the price. If you'd be also interested in what I am using now, I switch between GOSH X-ceptional Wear Liquid Foundation and SEPHORA 10 HR Wear Perfection Foundation.
e.l.f. Moisturizing Foundation Stick
Tip! You can use brush first to apply your make-up and a sponge afterwards to blend it out. With brush, you get better coverage and won't use up so much product, but it won't blend as nicely as with a sponge. Go for a natural look with your foundation. DO NOT rub! Pat it gently on your face instead.
3. Cream is more than powder
Now this is a very short tip but when it comes to your contours, corrector and such, use cream instead of powder ones. They look more natural and better in both real life and photos. Powder contour only gives you a very plastic, cake-y look.
4. Eyes
Remember when I told you to use primer for your face? Well, surprise, there is primer for your eyes too. There are few more pros to eye make-up primers. The eyeshadow application is easier and you get more colour out of it. It also prevents any creases and smudging so your eye make-up lasts longer.
When it comes to eyeliner, liquid lasts longer than pen and waterproof lasts longer than normal. Liquid eyeliners can be, however, harder to apply so if the skin around your eyes isn't very oily you can feel free to use pen.
Catrice Liquid Liner Waterproof
Dermacol Precise Black
Tip! Use powder to set your eye make-up base. It will give you a better surface to work with when you're using your eyeshadow.
5. Fixing your make-up!
Fixing is a must if you want your make-up to last. What I have recently learnt is to put on a thick layer of transparent powder, letting it set for couple of minute and swiping it off afterwards.
NYX Studio Finishing Powder
If you have oily skin or just feel like powder doesn't give you enough fixation, you can use setting spray. It also feel very refreshing which is a nice bonus. I like to randomly spray it on my face when I feel tired... I use Urban Decay's All Nighter but you do not really need to use a high-end brand, it's just me trying to be fancy with my make-up. (This is also the only product here you won't find under 10 euros!)
Urban Decay All Nighter Make-Up Setting Spray
DO NOT! I have heard about some people using hairspray as a setting spray. FOR LOVE OF GOD, DO NOT DO THIS! It is irritating your skin, it makes your face sticky which results in more dirt getting there and you should NEVER let hairspray near your eyes, especially when you are wearing lenses. I mean, you shouldn't do it even when you're not wearing lenses either as it can cause medical problems, but the thing is hairspray won't come off your lenses. (Also, please cover your eyes when using hairspray!)
Thank you for reading! If you feel like you do not need all the things I talk about, feel free to skip some. However, if you are struggling with your make-up on conventions, make sure to try them and let me know if it helped you! ❤︎
