The struggle is real.
I used to be able to get away with any drugstore brand eyeliner and mascara. In my late 20s, that stopped being the case. I’m just going to keep track here of what does, and does not, work. Keeping these products clean by wiping them down or spraying some rubbing alcohol on them is critical. They irritate me if I leave them sit for a few days, and attempt to use them without first cleaning them. These aren’t necessarily product recommendations, but if you also struggle with sensitive eyes and skin, you may find this helpful.
What Works:
- Eyes
- Stila All Day Waterproof Eye Liner
- Tarte Tubing Mascara – I buy the trial size because I barely use mascara
- Blinkaria Kohl – I don’t even have to use makeup remover! Watch her videos, bit of a learning curve.
- Nubian Lash Glue – Small bottle, and can be a little tricky to get enough out but no irritation at all.
- Notoriously Morbid Loose Eyeshadows – I’ve tried Blackened Feathers Falling Down and The Juggernaut, both with no issues. I’d assume the pressed eyeshadows would be similar.
- Lips
- CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color – my go-to since I started cosplaying, unfortunately limited colors
- LimeCrime Matte Velvetine Lipstick – comes in black!
- Face
- Misc
- Mehron Rigid Collodion
- Mehron Paradise Face & Body Paint
- Wolfe Hydrocolor – I’ve used a basic and a metallic from them without issues.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Physician’s Formula eye liner
- Neutrogena eye liner
- KISS imPRESS Press-On Falsies
- HAUS Laboratories by Lady Gaga Liquid Eyeshadow – BURNED even on my lips as a topper
- Notoriously Morbid Litany Liner – specifically a special shade called Santa’s Jelly. See the video I posted about it.
- Ben Nye Liquiset