Cosmic Gemini Cosplay's Cosplay Tips!

A blog for beginning and seasoned cosplayers who are looking to share or find tips, tricks, and anything cosplay-related! Questions about Cosplay? Share your tips! ✩Jump to tips on...☾ Accessories Articles Conventions Cosplay Culture Cosplay is Not Consent Crossplay Fabric Footwear Garments Makeup Materials Props Reviews Sewing Tips Trims Tutorials Wigs

[latenights]

Allow yourself to be a beginner. No one starts off being excellent.

[cgc-cosplaytips]

Remember this: everyone starts somewhere. Allow yourself time to grow!

[cgc-cosplaytips]

hello! im really struggling with something. i want to go as arya stark (from the scene where she practices her water dance in kings landing) but i cant find any information on her blue apron thing that she wears around her waist when she’s practicing! do you know what it is or how to make it? im desperate <3

I think I remember this (I found a photo and I think it’s the right one, but I can’t post it here - white tunic-esque shirt, pants with folded cuff, skirt-apron-thinger? Yes, those are technical terms). GoT is AMAZING and I love Arya, but I plan to cosplay Cersei because she’s so bad and awesome. Anyway, tangent aside, I would attack this as I did my Link skirt... apron... thing... (WHAT IS THAT THING CALLED?!). I did a rectangle that could wrap around me and then made darts so it sat correctly on my waist. This will let it lay flat and hug your waist as it should without the need for elastics (and unneeded gathering). I hope that helps!!! <3

[cgc-cosplaytips]

Hey I have a question that I'm not sure if you can help with. I am trying to put together a Jared Leto inspired Joker cosplay and I was wondering if you knew any way to make like a temporary tattoo that look like his. That ms for anything you can do to help.

I’m sorry for the delayed reply! I never got the notification on the app. :( The interface sucks!!

Anyway! There is a new company called Inkbox (https://inkbox.com) that make semi-permanent tattoos and I’ve heard a LOT of good things. Otherwise, they make tattoo pens as well. Otherwise, makeup (either a body paint like Mehron or Aquacolor) with a fine-tip brush or even an eyeliner pencil and a coat of your handy-dandy makeup setting spray! 

[cgc-cosplaytips]

Taking submissions and questions!

If you have any questions pertaining to cosplay or want to share a tutorial, please send them our way! We’d be happy to share!

[jujukitten]

#TipOfTheDay: Do you clean your #makeupbrushes on the regular? You should! NK uses a simple shampoo from #elfcosmetics, but many brands make them. E.l.f. even makes a daily spray cleaner! Dry flat or hang if you can, and always reshape. It’ll keep your brushes soft and the pigments more true. Not to mention removing bacteria! #makeup #techniques #soniakrushuk #unicornbrushes #sleepingbeauty

[cgc-cosplaytips]

What EVERY cosplayer, male and female, should have in their arsenal. Why? Here's a few reasons: - Spray on the ironing board to prevent the cling that occurs. - Spray on your tights/pantyhose to keep garments from sticking to your legs. - Spray on your hairbrush, especially during dry weather! Keeps you from looking like a poodle. - Makes removing pet hair 100x easier. - Shock people less (they'll thank you). Best part? Comes in travel size, too!!

[vixenvu-deactivated20211122]

[pendoja-deactivated20181117]

dankassdebbie420

[cgc-cosplaytips]

Never let others hold you back in being awesome. Cosplay for you and no one else.

Let your fandom and creativity shine, but never forget to be yourself!

This cosplayer is amazing and is obviously having fun.

Take every "you can't" as a challenge!

[cgc-cosplaytips]

hello! firstly i would like to say i appreciate you blog very much, thank you for running it. second, i have a question about temp hair dye. What are some methods i can use with temp hair spray dye that will seal/ fixate it so it won't rub off, run from sweat or come of when i touch it? I appreciate the help!

We actually don't recommend the spray. There isn't a sealant we're aware of, the coverage is splotchy, and it makes the hair look dry and damaged (we know from experience). We recommend getting a wig. Full coverage, looks great, and are easy to store and maintain! We love Epic Wigs and Arda Wigs, but there are so many sites out there to choose from (even Yaya Han has some lovely Pony wigs in her shops now). There are also many cosplayers out there that take wig commissions for the crazier styles, just be sure to give them a few months of notice to cover ordering the wig, getting the wig, styling it, and shipping it to you (plus you'll be paying for materials, time, and shipping - but so worth it).

[silencedrowns]

The immediate benefits of having one of these might not be so obvious, but once I made one a while back, I haven’t considered styling a wig on a head that ISN’T of this type! It allows you to do everything but measuring bang length on a head the same as yours. Want to spike a...

[motherofcosplay-blog]

Ever have trouble finding boots in the right color? Tried spray-painting them and ended up with a dry, cracked mess? A fantastic friend recently advised me to paint leather boots (and any other leather goods) with floral paint. This is a spray paint that is light and flexible enough to use on live flowers. Above are the Poison Ivy boots I painted for a friend, which turned out fantastic.

One thing though: Wear them while you paint them, and maybe stretch your foot around in between coats. I didn’t think of this, and while the paint did not crack at all, it started to split where the boots were stretched from walking. Next time I paint some boots, I’ll let you know if I was able to fix this problem.

The paint I used is called Design Master, and you can find it at Michael’s or Joann Fabrics. In the stores near me, Michael’s had a better selection of colors and a slightly better price, but that may not be true everywhere. This color is “Holiday Green.”

[autisticsouda]

Great alternative to spray rubber and plasti-dip or bootcovers, and cheaper than leather paint! Reminder that Michaels and JoAnns both frequently offer 50% off coupons and will match competitor coupons and offers!!

[doctorcoffee]

If you have a light colored base and don’t have the ability to color the boot with a spray (like if you need to draw details) use fabric paint. It takes more coats but it’s made for things you move in like t-shirts and other knit material. I used it for a boot before and have worn them. No flakes. Also this expands your color library as well as types of finishes they provide. I’ve also used Rustoleum spray paint on pleather for the silver portion of my snk belt system. Wore it twice and no peeling or running. I did seal my spray with Mod Podge as well. Never use acrylic paint. While it’s fine on canvas I’ve seen it come back chipped from other cosplayers. Do not waste money on Liquitex Acrylic paint, it’s really not made for clothes and at $8 a bottle you might want to reconsider.

[sworntovalor]

Here’s a “life-hack” for you. Apparently concentrated Kool-Aid can be used as a pretty effective leather dye. I was making a drink while cutting the snaps off some new straps for my pauldrons and I got curious, so I tried it, thinking, “ok even if this works, it will just wash out.” Nope. It took the “dye” (undiluted) in about 3 seconds. After drying for about an hour and a half, it would not wash off in the hottest tap-water. It would not wash out after soaking for 30 minutes. It did not wash out until I BOILED it, and even then, only by a tiny bit and it gave it a weathered look that was kind of cool. Add some waterproofing and I’d wager it would survive even that. That rich red is only one application too. Plus it smells great, lol. So there you go, cheap, fruity smelling leather dye in all the colors Kool-Aid has to offer.

[hammerhide]

WELL THEN!

[pomegranateandivy-deactivated20]

this may be important to some of my followers *and certainly not just getting reblogged because of my costuming and my boyfriends desire for leather armor*

[armeleia]

When I was in middle school we used to use it to dye our hair.  Potent stuff.

[dollneedle]

Here it is, as I promised! So, my first tutorial I actually put some time into doing. I would be ever so happy if people would tell me what they like/don’t like about it so I know in the future how to adjust it. If there is anything you wish to know about it, just ask. I know the Pictures look kinda… bad, but I did what I could with what I had and I, atleast, loved the outcome. I have a new pair of “frillies” and I love them and I tried my best to do this tutorial as simple to follow as possible. When making this, I used a fabric with cotton/linen mix. Thats why it gets so wrinkly so fast, but its still a good fabric for undergarment since it breath and is very soft. This tutorial is a basic, so you can decorate your bloomers as much as you wish and in any way you wish. When following this tutorial, I used the pattern for mens torusers to make the bloomers a bit more casual. I also made the waistline lower, since I don’t really like when things are to tight around my waist. I guess I’m sensetive. Haha. Good luck with your sewing and don’t forget to comment and “follow”. :D

[cgc-cosplaytips]

i really want to cosplay elizabeth from burial at sea, but im having a lot of trouble finding a wig... apparently i need to find a wig with a "lace front" for her bangs but all the wigs i find like that don't have a part so i have no idea what to do!

Hello, Anon! Lace front wigs are great, and is probably going to give you great results. I recommend Arda's selection. I wouldn't worry about the part, many can be easily styled into what you need. It will just need a cut and curl when you're done. Arda has LOTS of tutorials to help with styling. I think you may have luck with the "Imladris" style. I can't be sure, since I have not had any experience with the style. Email the Arda staff, and they can help with your questions! They are AMAZING!!However, if you are uncomfortable with lace-front wigs (they can be tricky to look good when you're wearing them), wig tape can be used to hold down the front of any wig to pull off the style you require. That is what I do with any of my wigs that don't have bangs to hide the edge of the wig. :]Best of luck!~LM~

[cgc-cosplaytips]

Hello! I am wanting to do Hellboy but a female version, unfortunately I am stuck on his hand. I have tried to make it out of Great Stuff foam and carve the shape out but I did not like the after look. And I decided that I wanted a movable hand. Any tips or help you can give would be awesome! Thanks!!!

Unfortunately, we at CGC have little experience with mechanics in prop making, as well as sculpting. My friends love to carve a prop out in hard foam and cover it in fiberglass or paper clay, but I honestly have no idea about mechanizing it!!Dear readers, if you have any suggestions for this asker, please pass it along!!Best of luck on your Cosplay!

[cgc-cosplaytips]

Hello there! In 22 days, I have a con to go to. I'll be cosplaying Edward Elric from fullmetal alchemist, and I'm making the costume myself. Don't worry, I've already finished making my costume. I was just wondering, do you have any suggestions for keeping my hair in place? I'll have my hair in a braid, and I don't want it to get messy or ruined throughout that day. And tips?

To avoid flyaways, I recommend a smoothing spray/balm/etc. a lot of common brands carry them. After that, I am obsessed with Aussie Freezing hairspray! I used it on my victory rolls for Dapper Day, as well as for curls, and it all stayed put ALL DAY! My hair barely holds a curl for 20 minutes!! (If you're using a wig, Aqua Net is great for keeping fibers put) I hope this helps!! ~CGC~

[cosplayinamerica]

There will be people who tell you that you’re too fat, or thin, or black, or white to cosplay a character. For every one of them, there are 10 who love your cosplay. Don’t listen to the hate.

- Seerofsarcasm Cosplay

(via cosplayinamerica)

[cgc-cosplaytips]

Hey there, I need some help, I'm thinking of doing a Samus Aran cosplay, but I'm having a massive block on what to make her armor out of? I've been leaning more towards Crafting Foam but I've also read that Wonderflex is better for the more rounder pieces of armor. What are your views on this?

While the two of us don’t have a lot of experience with, I can try to help the best I can!

If you use basic craft foam, dilute some Elmer’s white glue and soak the foam in it, then mold it into the shape you need. You can also paint layers over the foam with a foam brush when you have it in the right shape (but wait for it to dry between coats). When the glue dries, you have lightweight armor! This is an affordable method, so it is easy to practice with it before the final result with room for trial and error. I have seen people build some really convincing armor out of craft foam. I believe you can even sand it when you finish (by hand, though, no power tools!)

Wonderflex is good, too, and strong. There are LOTS of tutorials on Cosplay.com for it. There is also Worbla, but I recommend that for experienced cosplayers. Worbla can be tricky. While easy to use, making it look polished in the end takes lots of practice!

Most of my prop building friends gravitate towards foam for its lightweight quality and affordability, even if they have experience with other products like Wonderflex.

I hope this helps, even if a little bit! I know the Coscom forums are full of tutorials, too!

Best of luck to you, and happy cosplaying!