To the everyday person, cosplaying might come across as just dressing up as a character. But for those in the community, it’s so much more. Cosplay is an immersive experience that blends creative expression, identity, and a sense of belonging. It’s about being unapologetically yourself while transforming into a fictional character you’ve brought to life through the hours spent applying makeup, styling your wig and crafting a costume from scratch. It’s about channeling your love for a character into something tangible and presenting that to the world.
But how does one even start cosplaying? While there’s no shortage of online tutorials (YouTube reported over 20.5 billion views on cosplay-related videos in 2023), knowing where to start can be overwhelming. But fear not, because your fairy god-cosplayers are here to help. Teen Vogue spoke with actor and cosplayer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (@maitreyiramakrishnan) alongside creators Aeon (@aeonik), Jahara Jayde (@JaharaJayde), Soylent (@SoylentCosplay) and Jo Steel (@artistjodysteel) to create the ultimate beginner’s guide to cosplay makeup.
Why Is Cosplay So Popular And Loved?
Cosplay is beloved for how uniquely it blends personal and collective experiences. On the one hand, it allows you to express your identity and connect with characters in your own special way. On the other, it fosters a sense of community, bringing people together with the same passion and creativity. That’s exactly why Ramakrishnan, a self-described nerd, got into cosplaying. “It’s another way to embrace my passions and show how huge of a fan I am,” she says.
While cosplaying has been around for several decades, like anime and video games it saw a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 lockdowns. People were stuck at home and suddenly had free time to pick up new interests and hobbies. Many turned to anime and video games because they offered comfort and escapism. According to Aeon, who has been cosplaying for 13 years and has built a massive following on TikTok, this had a huge trickle-down effect on cosplaying because many of these newfound fans now needed an outlet to celebrate their favorite characters.
“My friends who would’ve never given anime a chance started asking for my opinions and recommendations. Later, once they were hooked on these series, they began asking how to cosplay,” Aeon says. “TikTok also made cosplaying so much more mainstream than it used to be.”
How To Start Cosplaying
Once you’ve decided which character to cosplay, the first step is to plan and research. For Steel, who is self-taught in makeup artistry and often goes viral for her intricate cosplays, understanding the character is important as it helps her visualize herself as them.
While some cosplayers focus on character accuracy, there’s no right or wrong way to do cosplay. If your features don’t exactly match the character you want to portray, don’t worry. You can remix elements or reinterpret them through the lens of your cultural background. Jayde, who has portrayed Sailor Mercury with a blue afro, Bayonetta with locs and Frieren with curly hair, explains that this approach is essential to her cosplay process. “I’m reimagining the characters as if they are me, rather than trying to make an exact copy,” Jayde says. “If I see elements that can be modified to fit me better, I have zero hesitation. Cosplay is a form of art. There isn’t only one way to do it.”
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After researching, grab your makeup brushes and products — it’s time for the fun part (practicing!). It’s always a good idea to do test runs of your cosplay makeup, especially if you’re attending a convention, meetup or photoshoot. This helps you figure out what works and what doesn’t without the pressure of a deadline. Soylent, who has been cosplaying for over 12 years and works as an SFX makeup artist, highly recommends filming yourself and taking photos. It’ll help you replicate your makeup, learn from your process, and see how far you’ve progressed in the future.
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Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t go as planned. Aeon believes the desire for perfection can be a huge roadblock for cosplayers, which is why her makeup tutorials emphasize the importance of the process. “I’ve had moments where I froze up, thinking my cosplays weren’t good enough. I’ve even given up before starting because of the fear that everything had to be perfect,” Aeon says. “That’s why I constantly remind myself that it’s a process. It’s okay if things don’t turn out exactly as I imagined. I’ll just do better next time. That way I can continue doing the creative things I love without my brain preventing me from having fun.”
If you do feel overwhelmed, Soylent suggests checking in with yourself to remember why you wanted to get into cosplay in the first place. For her, it’s all about creative expression as she turns her body into an artwork. For Jayde, it’s the messages and love she receives from other women of color who feel empowered and represented whenever she shares her cosplays.
Ramakrishnan echoes this sentiment, particularly when it comes to facing negativity from racist trolls. She encourages all cosplayers to not let toxic fans deter them from pursuing their passion. “There’s a welcoming community of POC cosplayers ready to embrace you and offer a safe space. Remind yourself you are cosplaying for yourself and your vision of the character you want to bring to life. Have fun and be proud of your cosplay.”
What are Essential Steps In a Cosplay Beauty Routine?
A great cosplay always starts with a flawless base, and the key to that is preparing your skin. Soylent emphasizes the importance of hydration to avoid looking puffy or tired. She does a mask or uses a heavy moisturizer the night before a cosplay. Jayde’s routine includes a nighttime oil after washing her face with Cetaphil.
On the morning of the cosplay, cleanse your face and apply your skincare (don’t forget sunscreen!). Soylent suggests a cool caffeine roll-on to help with undereye bags. Then, apply your favorite makeup primer. Aeon swears by the Milani Skin Quench Face Primer and Soylent’s go-to is the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer.
While applying your cosplay makeup, keep a reference image of the character on hand to make sure you’re not missing any important details. Ramakrishnan advises laying out all your products and materials beforehand to avoid this. If you need to block your eyebrows, Steel has a great step-by-step tutorial — or she suggests watching drag queens because they’re the experts at this technique. Also, remember to contour, as cameras and lights can often wash out facial features in photos. Aeon’s favorite contour product is Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick, while Steel prefers MILK’s Flex Foundation Stick for lighter contours and Anastasia Beauty’s Matte Cream Contour Stick for darker contours.
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To make sure your makeup lasts, you’ll want to use a good setting spray. Soylent’s favorite setting spray is Urban Decay’s All Nighter, Aeon recommends Milani’s Make It Last Setting Spray and Morphe’s Setting Mist, and Jayde loves One/Size’s On Til Dawn Setting Spray.
What Are Some Cosplaying Quick Tips Beginners Should Know?
Aeon: “If you’re crossplaying and want to make your features more masculine, don’t be afraid to change your makeup placement. Draw the contours of your cheeks higher, define and narrow your nose, thicken or lower your eyebrows, and define your jawline.”
Jayde: “If you have a deep complexion and want to cosplay characters with unnatural skin tones, it can be tricky to get a good color payoff from products. I’ve found that using cream-based face paints gives a better result than water-based products. Alternatively, use a thin white base to help the colors pop. It’s similar to how people prime their eyes for bright eyeshadow looks.”
Ramakrishnan: “Always check if your products are safe for your skin. Just like any makeup look, make sure the products will not give you a reaction — especially if you’re wearing it for a long time.”
Beauty Products for Cosplaying
These are some makeup products Aeon, Jayde, Soylent, Steel and our editors recommend, but they emphasize that everyone's skin type is different, so be sure to check what works for you. And, high-end items aren’t essential for creating amazing cosplay looks. For beginners, starting with budget-friendly options can make it easier to experiment and learn.
