Every
cosplayer is always looking for ways to improve the quality of their
costume. You don't always have to make a big change to have a big
effect though. Here's five simple, little things you can do to
vastly improve your cosplay in both construction and presentation.
1) Iron Your Costume
This
goes for both while you're sewing (if you make your own cosplay) and
before you wear it. Most hotels in the United States provide an iron
and ironing board in each room so you shouldn't have to lug one with
you to any event. Even if you don't think the garment needs it you
really should try to give it a quick ironing before putting it on.
The result will be a much cleaner and “polished” looking costume.
Just make sure to use the right setting and test a small or hidden
piece of the fabric first to make sure you don't damage anything.
2) Take
Care of Your Wig(s)
Like
an un-ironed costume, a ratty wig will only make your costume look
sloppy. Pick up some wig conditioning spray (note: NOT the same thing
as spray conditioner for hair) and a wig brush, and possibly a
styrofoam wig head as well. Before you wear your wig pin it to the
wig head, spray it with conditioner, and brush the tangles out
working from the bottom up. Depending on how well you take care of
your wig between conventions will dictate how long and arduous of a
task this will be. Speaking of which, between conventions don't just
throw your wig haphazardly in a box for storage. Put a hair net
around it, and if it's long braid it first, and don't put it in a
place where anything too heavy will sit on top. If the style is
elaborate, invest in a wig head to store it on and leave it on a
shelf out of the way where it can't get damaged.
For a more in-depth discussion on wig care, check out this tutorial by WindoftheStars.
3) Moisturizer
+ Make-up
Nobody
has a naturally even skin tone. Some may have better skin than
others, but no one is perfect. Therefore, when cosplaying it is a
good idea to wear at least a little make-up. Men can get away with
going without easier than women, but those men who choose to touch up
their faces should go with foundation and maybe a little carefully
placed bronzer and “nude” lip color. Women should consider
foundation, bronzer/blush, mascara, eye liner, and lip color. Women
dressing as men should ditch the eye liner and mascara for some more
“stage make-up” techniques to make their faces look more
masculine. Men dressing as women obviously want to add eye
liner/mascara and techniques to make their faces look more feminine.
Certain other characters will require more specific make-up. Whatever
you do, make sure to moisturize your skin before applying your
foundation so that everything sits more evenly – you'll be shocked
at the difference it makes!
4) False
Eyelashes
These
aren't necessarily needed for all costumes, but I've found for any
characters that are supposed to be particularly glamorous false
eyelashes can be especially effective. They really bring out your
eyes and while they do require a little practice, they aren't as
difficult to use as you may think.
5) Pose
In-Character
Some
people may think this goes without saying, but I've encountered a lot
of cosplayers for whom this thought never crosses their minds. Even
if you don't choose to “role-play” them in the halls (I certainly
rarely do), understanding who your character is and how they act can
inform how you carry yourself and how you pose for photos. A
character-driven pose can really help your cosplay come to life and
add that little something that gets your work more recognized.