Eye makeup is like the secret sauce of any Halloween or cosplay look, especially when you’re channeling those anime or video game characters with eyes the size of dinner plates. Whether you’re going for the over-the-top, “Why-are-my-eyes-bigger-than-my-head” anime style or the “I’m-totally-a-video-game-character” look, mastering those eye makeup techniques will make you the life of the costume party faster than you can say “kawaii!”
1. Anime Eye Makeup Techniques
Anime characters are known for their colossal, emotive eyes, which often hog a good portion of their faces like attention-seeking children. Want to nail that iconic anime eye look? Buckle up, ’cause those peepers aren’t going to draw themselves!
- White Eyeliner for Enlargement: One of the most effective ways to mimic anime eyes is by using white eyeliner on your waterline. This creates the illusion of larger eyes. Apply a thick layer of white or nude eyeliner on the lower waterline, extending slightly below your natural eye shape.
- Dramatic Eyeliner Application: Extend your eyeliner beyond your natural lash line to exaggerate the length and width of your eyes. Start with a thin line on the upper lid, gradually thickening it as you move outward. Wing the liner sharply at the end to create an “elongated” eye look that’s common in anime characters.
- Eyeshadow for Depth: Use light pastel shades on the lid, followed by a darker color in the crease to add depth and dimension. Blend well, keeping the intensity toward the outer corners to maintain the illusion of larger eyes.
- False Eyelashes: False lashes are a game-changer in achieving anime eyes. Choose long, voluminous lashes for the upper lash line and shorter, spiked ones for the lower lash line. Make sure to trim and customize your lashes to fit the exaggerated shape you’re aiming for.
2. Enhancing Eye Size Using Eyeshadow and Eyeliner
Even if you’re not trying to channel your inner anime star, making your eyes look bigger can seriously up your expressiveness game (goodbye, resting grumpy face!). For those rocking western character or video game avatar cosplays, here are the tricks of the trade:
- Tightlining: Apply eyeliner to the upper waterline to make your lashes appear thicker without closing off your eye shape. This subtle trick can define the eyes without making them appear smaller.
- Smudging and Smoking: For characters with a darker, more mysterious vibe, use a black or deep brown eyeshadow to create a smoky eye effect. Focus on blending outward and upward for a lifted look. Smoky eyes are great for villains or dark fantasy characters.
- Highlighting the Inner Corners: Use a bright shimmer or white eyeshadow on the inner corners of your eyes to open them up and give them a more awake and larger appearance. This is especially useful for characters that need to convey innocence or high energy.
3. Eyelash Application for Halloween or Cosplay
Applying false eyelashes can be as tricky as trying to herd cats, but they’re a must for many costume looks. Whether you’re aiming for a bold anime aesthetic or something that says, “I woke up like this, but better,” follow these steps for a flawless application:
- Step 1: Measure the eyelash strip against your eyelid and trim it to fit the shape of your eye. Most lashes are too long out of the box, so trimming is necessary to avoid discomfort.
- Step 2: Apply a thin layer of lash glue to the strip, waiting a few seconds until the glue becomes tacky. This helps the lashes adhere better and stay in place longer.
- Step 3: Using tweezers, carefully place the lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible. Press them into place and hold for a few seconds to secure.
- Step 4: After the glue dries, apply a thin line of eyeliner over the strip to blend it seamlessly with your natural lashes.
- Step 5: Apply mascara to blend your natural lashes with the falsies, ensuring a cohesive, dramatic look.
4. Colored Contact Lenses and Safety Tips
Many people use colored contact lenses to match the eye color of their character, especially for anime or fantasy-themed costumes. While contacts can be a striking addition, it’s important to prioritize safety—because looking like your favorite character is fun, but seeing like a human being is even better!
- Step 1: Always purchase contacts from reputable sources, preferably through an optometrist. Never buy contacts without a prescription, even if your vision is perfect.
- Step 2: Clean and store your contacts properly using contact solution, and never reuse solution from the previous day. Poor hygiene can lead to eye infections.
- Step 3: Practice wearing contacts before the event to get used to them, especially if they’re larger-than-normal sclera lenses, which cover the entire eye. Wear the lenses for shorter periods at first, gradually increasing the duration.
- Step 4: Remove the contacts as soon as you feel discomfort, and never wear them for more than 8-10 hours in a day to avoid eye strain or irritation.
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