When it comes to creating unforgettable cosplay looks, every detail matters. You’ve chosen the ideal outfit and the perfect wig – you’ve even made your own accessories. But no cosplay look would be complete without flawless skin. Healthy skin provides a strong foundation for your makeup but it’s also a great asset for your everyday look.

Skincare doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. Read on to receive a simple daytime and nighttime routine as well as a handful of must-have skincare tips specifically for cosplayers.

How Does Cosplay Makeup Affect Your Skin?

The right makeup can transform you into any character you can imagine, but if you don’t remove it properly you could pay the price. Heavy makeup can clog your pores, making you more prone to acne breakouts and accentuating the visible signs of aging. Certain makeup products can even cause your skin to become more oily or dry and it may even cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.

If you go to drastic measures to achieve the perfect look – like face tape to mimic the youthfulness of Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit – you’re putting your skin through the wringer, and it may need a little extra love to bounce back.

Morning and Nighttime Skincare Routines

A simple daytime and nighttime skincare routine can keep your skin clean, clear, and healthy. It only takes a few minutes out of your day but makes a big difference for your skin.

Morning Routine:

• Cleanse – Use a gentle cleanser to remove dead skin cells and impurities from your skin.

• Serum – For bright, youthful skin, apply a vitamin C serum.

• Moisturizer – Rehydrate your skin. Moisturizers for men and women sometimes have different formulations, so choose one that’s appropriate for you.

• Eye Cream – Reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness with an eye cream.

• Sunscreen – No daytime skincare routine would be complete without sunscreen. Apply at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.

Nighttime Routine:

• Makeup Remover – Use cleansing balm, cleansing oil, or micellar water to remove makeup.

• Cleanse – Take a second swipe at dirt, oil, and impurities with a gentle cleanser.

• Exfoliate – Remove dead skin cells and speed the cell turnover process with an exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant.

• Serum – Tackle specific skin concerns with a spot treatment or serum.

• Moisturizer – Hydrate and protect your skin with a nighttime moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.

• Eye Cream – Dab on a little eye cream to target fine lines and age spots around the eyes.

Whether you’re keeping it simple with a look like Mary Jane (MJ) from Spiderman or going all-out dressed as your favorite character from Overwatch, smooth skin is a must. To up the ante with your makeup look, be sure to apply make-up primer to give yourself an even base to start from.

Additional Skincare Tips for Cosplayers

It’s the little things that transform a good cosplay look into a great one. In addition to implementing the daytime and nighttime routines above, there are a few additional skincare tips you should incorporate to keep your skin looking youthful and fresh as you prep for your next con.

Here are some additional skincare tips for cosplayers:

1. Clean your makeup brushes at least once a month. For foundation brushes and sponges you use daily, wash them more often to remove bacteria.

2. Give your skin a little extra love before donning a revealing outfit – a little exfoliation goes a long way to achieve glowing skin.

3. Always moisturize after removing your makeup – it’s the key to soft skin and a smooth foundation for your next makeup application.

4. Avoid acne-triggering foods like dairy products, sugary snacks and drinks, and fried food.

5. Support your skin health with regular exercise – it helps boost circulation which delivers oxygenated blood and essential nutrients to the skin.

When you’re prepping for a photoshoot or convention, all of your focus goes toward finishing your outfit and practicing your poses. It’s easy to let skincare fall to the wayside, but you may be kicking yourself if you do. Keeping up with a simple skincare routine can help make sure your skin looks flawless even on days when you’re not in costume.