Cosplay Makeup Basics: My Budget-Friendly Kit for Beginners

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Don’t know where to start with cosplay makeup? I’ve been there.

When I first got into cosplay, I had no idea what I needed for makeup. Did I need stage makeup? Was everyday makeup enough? What the heck is the difference between setting spray and fixing spray? (I found out the hard way.)

If you're asking the same questions, you’re not alone. And no, you don’t need to blow your whole con budget just to get started.

Over the years, I’ve learned from professionals and built a simple, affordable cosplay makeup kit that I think covers all the basics (note: special effects makeup, fake lashes, contacts, etc. isn’t included in this suggested beginner’s kit).

It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a dedicated setup that won’t overwhelm you or your wallet. Some of the products overlap with daily makeup and that’s totally fine! But for cosplay looks that last, photograph well, and bring characters to life, a few basic products make all the difference.

In this post, I’m sharing:

The exact costume makeup kit I started with (and still use today)
Beginner-friendly product picks (with Amazon links)
Tips to build your own cosplay makeup setup

Let’s dive into the basics of cosplay makeup (no gatekeeping, no $60 foundation required).

But first…

What Is a Cosplay Makeup Kit?

A cosplay makeup kit is just a curated set of specialized products designed to help you transform into your favourite characters; whether that’s a sparkly anime girl, a fantasy villain, or a sci-fi space rogue.

It doesn’t need to be huge or expensive, just ready for you when you need it.

Unlike your everyday makeup bag, your costume makeup kit should help your look:

Last all day (hello, con sweat 😅)
Pop on camera and in person
Match the exaggerated features of animated or fantasy characters

You can definitely borrow from your regular makeup stash, especially at first. But building a dedicated cosplay kit means you’ll always be con- or shoot-ready (without panic-shopping the night before). Plus there are some products I use only for cosplay that I don’t wear as part of my daily makeup routine.

Alright, now let’s dive into EXACTLY what’s in my kit!…

Cosplay Makeup Basics: My Beginner-Friendly Kit

Here’s everything I keep in my personal cosplay makeup kit including the exact products I use again and again. All of them are affordable, beginner-friendly, and easy to find (I get most from Amazon or the drugstore).

1. Cleanser

Why it matters: Starting with clean skin helps your makeup apply better and last longer.

My pick: I use Garnier Micellar Water with Cornflower Extract before anything else. It’s soothing, non-stripping, and especially great for sensitive eyes (like mine).

Bonus: I pair it with Cliganic Cotton Pads which are also good to have in the kit with Q-tips too to clean up any makeup mistakes you make (it happens).

2. Moisturizer (Ideally with SPF)

Why it matters: Hydrated skin = smoother makeup. SPF = skin and aging protection at outdoor cons and shoots (even when it’s cloudy).

My pick: I always use CeraVe Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30. It absorbs fast and plays nicely with makeup (no pilling, white residue, or greasy texture).

3. Primer

Why it matters: Creates a smooth base and helps your makeup grip. It helps your foundation and contour blend flawlessly.

My pick: I swear by Revlon Photoready Prime Plus. It grips makeup great AND has nourishing ingredients to improve the look of skin over time.

4. Makeup Brushes

Why it matters: Good tools = clean blending, more precise application, and less frustration.

My pick: I use the MAANGE Makeup Brushes - 20 Piece Set. It’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and includes everything I need for eyes, contour, blush, and powder.

Bonus: MSQ Brush Cleaner Color Removal Sponge lets you clean brushes instantly between colour changes.

5. High-Coverage Concealer

Why it matters: I skip full foundation since this concealer does the heavy lifting to brighten and even out my skin.

My pick: I’ve used e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer for years! It’s creamy, full coverage with a small amount, and crease-resistant (even under my maturing eyes).

6. Contour + Highlight Stick

Why it matters: Contouring defines your features and helps mimic the look of different characters. You can use it to shape your cheekbones, slim your nose, or create a sharper jawline. The highlight adds dimension and makes your face pop on camera.

My pick: I use the NYX Wonder Stick. It’s two-in-one, creamy, and blends easily with fingers or a sponge.

7. Pressed Powder Foundation

Why it matters: I don’t wear liquid foundation, so this is my base. It evens out my skin tone, sets my concealer, and keeps me looking smooth without feeling heavy.

My pick: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Face Powder gives me a natural, breathable finish with just enough coverage.

8. Blush Palette

Why it matters: Blush makes you look alive on camera or at the con and can add warmth, dimension, and energy to your face.

My pick: I rotate through the shades in this 8-Shade Blush Palette depending on the character vibe I’m going for.

9. Loose Setting Powder

Why it matters: It locks in your look, controls shine, and keeps everything from melting under wigs and heat.

My pick: I use e.l.f. High Definition Loose Setting Powder in areas where I want to stay matte longer and set my makeup.

10. Eyebrow Gel

Why it matters: Your brow shape can totally transform your face to match your character.

My pick: I love the NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue in clear (holds all day without flaking or getting crusty).

Bonus: For full brow shape change, I use Elmer's Purple Glue Stick + powder layers + concealer to block out my natural brows completely before drawing new ones.

11. Eyebrow Pen

Why it matters: A fine-tip pen gives you control over shape and texture. You can draw realistic hairs or draw bold shapes for dramatic characters.

My pick: I use NYX Lift & Snatch Eyebrow Pen. The is great for precision and it has a good colour range.

12. Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

Why it matters: You can create soft natural shading, contour your eyes into a different shape, or use it as a base for bolder colours.

My pick: I have the Maybelline New York The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette in my kit. It’s affordable, blendable, and great for subtle/natural character looks.

13 .Colourful Eyeshadow Palette

Why it matters: A palette with lots of colours lets you get creative and customize your look for anime, fantasy, or dramatic cosplay looks.

My pick: The VERONNI 65-Color Eyeshadow Palette gives me all the creative freedom I need (plus it’s really affordable for all the colours you get!).

14. Waterproof Black Liquid Eyeliner

Why it matters: Eyeliner helps define your eye shape (or change it) and waterproof formulas are crucial IMO if you’re sweating or tearing up in cosplay. 😅🥲

My pick: I kid you not, I’ve been using L’Oréal Telescopic Waterproof Eyeliner for about 20 years. It’s that good. And it peels off easily by just rubbing a bit of warm water or micellar water on it.

15. White Pencil Eyeliner

Why it matters: White eyeliner can be used to change the shape of your eye and make exaggerated anime-like or cartoon like eyes.

My pick: Annabelle Vegan Kohl Eyeliner is easy to sharpen and long-lasting (plus it also comes in a bajillion different colours if you want to expand your eyeliner collection down the road!)

16. Mascara

Why it matters: Opens your eyes and adds volume, even if you skip falsies (but I usually do wear fake lashes).

My pick: I’m a short-lash girl and L’Oréal Double Extend Tubing Mascara is one of the only mascaras I’ve found that actually adds length and volume for me. It also doesn’t smudge (but comes off easily in tubes when removing it).

17. Lip Liner

Why it matters: Allows you to tweak your lip shape and helps bold colours last longer. You can even use it as lipstick.

My pick: I’ve been using this 12-pack of lip liners because it gives me a ton of colour options without spending a fortune ( and is surprisingly long-wearing).

18. Face & Body Paint (Optional)

Why it matters: For full-coverage characters like clowns, aliens, or unnatural skin tones, face paint gives you intense pigment regular makeup can't.

My pick: I’ve used UCANBE Face & Body Paint Kit for Queen Amidala and Jem. It comes with 20 creamy oil-based colours, a translucent powder (which must be used to set it), and 10 brushes.

When I did my research I heard that oil-based face paints lasts longer and are more pigmented than water-based face paints (but you can test them out to see what you like best). However, if you’re doing body paint, going with an alcohol-activated is best so that it doesn’t smudge or transfer to clothes or other people in the con halls (although it is a bit more expensive).

Photo by: @vulpecx

Photo by: @chrisrmedia

19. Setting vs. Fixing Spray

Why it matters: A good fixing spray locks everything in so your makeup survives all day. Don’t confuse it with setting spray (like I did for my tattoo coverage), which just helps makeup layers blend by melting them together… but doesn’t make it transfer-proof — which I found out the hard way!

My pick: I’ve tried L’Oréal Infallible Fixing Spray. Claims 36-hour hold…I haven’t tested that, but it does last for a photoshoot. (I’m still looking for a better one though. If you have any recommendations, pop ‘em in the comments below!)

TL;DR: My Basic Cosplay Makeup Kit

Final Thoughts: Your Cosplay Makeup Kit Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive or Complicated

Start with the basics, invest in a few solid products, and build from there.

Everything I listed in this blog is:

Budget-friendly
Easy to use (even for beginners)
Durable enough for cosplay, cons, and photoshoots

And best of all? You don’t need to be a makeup PRO to pull it off or get started.

Thanks for visiting the blog! To shop the full costume makeup kit I use check out my Amazon Storefront here (affiliate link).

Also, if you have any of your own tips, drop them in the comments!

With love,

PS. Want to see this costume makeup kit in action? Check out these cosplay makeup tutorials:

P.P.S. If you found this blog helpful, I’d love to see the cosplay makeup looks you create from it! Tag me on Instagram @queenamydalacosplay and I’ll reshare it to my stories! 😍

Cosplay Makeup Basics: My Budget-Friendly Kit for Beginners

Don’t know where to start with cosplay makeup? I’ve been there.

What Is a Cosplay Makeup Kit?