We have already covered the importance of a cleansed, primed and solid base. Even if you don’t put much else on your face in terms of makeup, a solid foundation look can change up your face, but your eyes can take it to a whole new level.
Before we even think about application, knowing what to put on your face is key. I have experienced many a horror when trying and testing makeup so hopefully I can save you from the puffiness, reactions and painfully swollen eyelids that have plagued me over the years.
The internet is a glorious source of information now and it should be utilised; you can never do too much research on products, especially when it comes to perfecting a cosplay with a face of makeup.
Primers
Eyeshadow primer is a different ball game to face primer. Although all primers are meant to help products adhere, better eyeshadow primers are either fairly translucent or opaque with colours designed to benefit your eyeshadow choices.
You don’t have to prime anything if you don’t want to, but if you want staying power then I highly recommend it. Especially if you want to use bright colours or want your eyeshadow to truly pop, but always aim for oil-free when in doubt. You don’t want your eyeshadow sliding or shiny unless it’s because of shimmer.
When it comes to practicing, I always use my less expensive products to try new looks out. I can be a bit stingy with my cash so when I do spend a lot on makeup I want it to last.
The options are truly endless but I have a few favourites, from bargain to expensive:
Primers
Essence – €2.99
Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil – €4.99 (this comes in a multitude of colours)
Urban Decay Primer Potion Travel Size – €11.00
M.A.C Pro Long Wear Paint Pot – €21.00
Eyeshadows
I have very few rules with makeup, but when it comes to colour, I can be quite particular. It’s always good to have a decent set of coloured eyeshadows and nude eyeshadows. The versatility you can get from two palettes is nothing to be laughed at. The palettes can be pre-made or you can make your own with flattering shades that suit you the best.
There are palettes that contain 180 different colours and I would definitely recommend those when you are trying to experiment. The palettes themselves are not expensive so are budget friendly, but be careful when buying ones that have brand names on the lid for a cheap price, as it could be fake. Some of these palettes have also caused reactions so if you have sensitive skin or allergies proceed with caution. The product ingredients may not be monitored like those from other established companies.
Coloured Eyeshadow Palettes
Sleek i-Divine – €10.49
Coastal Scents 120 – $19.95
Morphe Color Glam – $19.99
When it comes to the more expensive brands, building your own colour eyeshadow palettes is the way to go. You can get an empty case and add your own pans to it. The great thing about this is that you can be really specific with the shades of colour you use. I have both and love mix and matching.
M.A.C, Inglot, Makeup Geek and many others offer this customising option. Go into a store if you can and swatch to your hearts content. You could be surprised by how many colours will suit you when you apply them.
Nude Eyeshadow Palettes
At least one nude palette is a must; there are plenty of characters out there with natural makeup and, with that sort of look, nude is the way to go. Always try and get a palette with at least one shade that suits your skin tone for a truly fresh-faced look.
There are nude palettes available from Sleek, Coastal Scents and Morphe.
W7 Palettes – £9.99 
Coastal Scents Revealed – $19.95
Urban Decay Naked – €46.00
M.A.C cool or warm neutral – €75.00
A selection of nude eyeshadows is something I personally like, and you can make unique blends by mixing cool and warm toned shadows together. Never underestimate a nice nude eye. Throw a bit of black in there and BAM! instant smokey eye.
Eyeshadow was the scariest part of makeup for me when I first started experimenting, I was more comfortable with
liquid eyeliner than I was with eyeshadows. Not all eyeshadows are created equally; some are soft and very easily blended whereas others can be harder to work with. Fallout on my cheeks and being unable to get the colours blended correctly were constant struggles; the problems were countless but, with the more practice I got, the more willing I was to try all sorts of application techniques, cut creases and the dreaded smokey eye.
I practiced on friends, face charts and paper, but most of all, I enjoyed recreating looks from characters I admired, even going on to create inspired pieces. Let your eyes do the talking and channel your inner Urusla!
