Cosplay Makeup: Basics for an Event-Friendly Base

Hello, again~ I won't be trying my hand at translating this today, but this is a photo-heavy post, and is very self explanatory. About two weeks ago, I received a request for some cosplay makeup tutorials. It was probably directed towards my Kagamine Len cosplay, but I think having a collection of basic tutorials is generally more useful.

Let's get started with what is probably the most important component: the skin!

This is all we will need for an as-close-to-perfect canvas: Liquid foundation with minimal/no SPF, concealer (I use 2 different colors because my dark circles are prominent), and a setting powder. All of the products I'm using are from the drugstore, perfect for a cosplayer's budget...

1. This is my completely makeup-free face! My skin was starting to clear up, but that progress has slowed once I came home for my vacation... Anyway, remember to exfoliate and moisturize before applying your makeup, especially when it's for a convention or photoshoot. Exfoliating will give you a smooth base to apply your makeup, and moisturizing will ensure that your skin will stay in a good condition even with makeup on. If you are going to be outdoors, I'd recommend using SPF under your foundation to minimize a possible white-cast and protect your skin.
2. Before I apply my makeup, I put on my contacts and wig cap. My vision is pretty bad, so the contacts obviously help me see, but it's good to put them in first to avoid ruining your makeup. The same goes for the wig cap, which keeps my hair out of the way while I work. Next, while this isn't required for everyone (especially if you have drier skin), if you're attending a convention in a warmer setting, a primer will help the foundation adhere better to the face and last a long time. Primers also help control oil and can reduce the appearance of pores.
3. To keep this simple, I dot the liquid foundation onto my face and blend it out with my clean fingers. Most people say that using your fingers warms up the product and helps it blend, but my hands are always cold sooo...
4. I used two layers of foundation to get the coverage I wanted. It's better to start with thin layers and build up, as opposed to applying to much and trying to blend it out. While the foundation has covered a majority of my blemishes and has evened out my skintone, my eyes look like a mess (>o<)
5.  This isn't an issue for all people, but I recently started using two colors of concealer because of my dark circles. I start with a yellow-toned correcter and blend it out with my fingers (you can also use a blending brush, which I do on a regular basis).
6. Look, the makeup isn't even finished, but the concealer really helps achieve that perfect (and not lacking in sleep...) look that we want.
7. After I apply corrector, I follow up with a concealer that matches my foundation. I use my fingers (or a brush) to blend out the product under my eyes. This color of concealer is also better for the blemishes that refused to be covered up by the foundation. 
8. Besides my eyes totally not being the same size, I look way more awake~

 Finally, I always use a translucent setting powder to keep everything in place and leave a matte finish. Powders are essential for conventions so you don't look oily throughout the day. At this point, you can start to contour (I usually don't because I'm lazy/already have high cheekbones...) and apply your eye makeup, the best part~

I hope this proved to be helpful, the next tutorial will be a basic eye look for male characters! Unfortunately, I am not the person to go to for help with super masculine transformations, so let's just say that the upcoming tutorial is an introduction to shota >:D