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Foundations For CosplayHelping You Find the Best
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Foundations For CosplayHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Foundations for Cosplay of 2025 (Cosplayer-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Foundations for Cosplay of 2025 (Cosplayer-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Foundations for Cosplay of 2025 (Cosplayer-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Foundations for Cosplay of 2025 (Cosplayer-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Foundations for Cosplay of 2025 (Cosplayer-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Foundations for Cosplay of 2025 (Cosplayer-Reviewed)

Nowadays, everyone’s all about the no-makeup makeup trend. This all changes, of course, when you’re cosplaying. When you put on that costume and you do up your face, you aren’t trying to be yourself; instead, you’re mimicking the idealized face of a fantasy, cartoon, or anime character. The basis of this all is the makeup foundation.

So it makes sense that what you look for in a cosplay foundation would be different from what you’d want to put on your face day to day. You want to think about coverage, duration, and how it’s going to look in photos. With the help of Instagrammer Haku Kaze, we’ll show you how to find a foundation that will make you look as good as fiction. Haku highly recommended Shu Uemura's Petal Skin Fluid Foundation because of its beautiful coverage and finish.
Last updated 03/05/2025

Quick List - Top Foundations for Cosplay

1

IS'MINE

Long Lasting Liquid Foundation
Long Lasting Liquid Foundation

Versatile range of colors

2

UCANBE

Goth Cream to Powder Foundation
Goth Cream to Powder Foundation

Bold, opaque, and built to last

3

Go Ho

Liquid Foundation
Liquid Foundation

Flawless coverage, lightweight feel

4

CCBeauty

Face & Body Paint Stick
Face & Body Paint Stick

From ogre green to neon orange

5

Manic Panic

Pressed White Powder
Pressed White Powder

Flawless matte finish, bold pale perfection

Haku Kaze
Expert
Cosplayer
Haku Kaze

Haku started cosplaying about eight years ago. She has an avid love for all things cosmetics and half-jokingly admits that she has a problem when shifting through her arsenal of makeup. She cosplays men and women, models for fashion brands, and dabbles in many different techniques. But, unlike many makeup influencers, cosplay is what ignited her passion. Check out all of her different looks on her Instagram below.

Haku Kaze's Profile
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Guide
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mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Foundation for Cosplay

Cosplay’s a bit removed from real life, so we knew we needed to talk to an insider for this one. We contacted Haku Kaze of Instagram fame to see what goes on inside her head when shopping for a cosplay foundation.
1

Different Foundations Serve Different Purposes Throughout the Day

Conventions can last all day, and you don’t want your makeup to slip even once during that time. That’s why many cosplayers will layer their makeup, using different foundations to fulfill different purposes.

Liquid Foundation Sets Up a High Coverage Base for Flawless Anime Skin

Liquid Foundation Sets Up a High Coverage Base for Flawless Anime Skin
Liquid foundation pastes itself to skin, so you could say it lasts longer and covers better than powder, in general. Many cosplayers–regardless of skin type–turn to liquids to lay down an opaque base. If they do have oily skin, like Haku, they’ll set it with powder or layer it under foundation with a mattifying, pore-filling primer so it doesn’t slip.


When choosing a liquid foundation, look out for consistency. More watery formulas spread out easily; therefore, they blend more smoothly into the skin, minimizing damage. However, they fall short when it comes to coverage.


Thicker formulas, including creams, will hide your blemishes, which is what you want for your cosplay. Just remember that they might not be as breathable and can aggravate oily skin.

Haku Kaze
Cosplayer
Haku Kaze
I feel like, traditionally, powder foundations are better for oily skin. But for me—I used to have really oily skin, but now I have oily-combination skin—I like using liquid foundation more. So I think a lot of it is really preference.

For consistency, I tend to go middle-of-the-line, because things that are too watery blend out more sheer, or they don't sit well on my skin. Foundations that are too thick tend to be too cakey for me, so I like that consistency that’s right in the middle.

Powder Foundations Are Perfect for Touch-Ups Between Photoshoots

Powder Foundations Are Perfect for Touch-Ups Between Photoshoots

Conventions can stretch on for hours—and if you're sweating or if you have oily skin, then chances are, your makeup’s going to start sliding off in the middle of it. For this reason, many cosplayers carry around powder foundation to fix up their face throughout the day.


Powder foundation is compact, not as messy as liquid, and will absorb the grease off your face—that's why they’re especially suited for oily skin. Just remember that you can’t set cream products on top of powder products.


You could also try cushion foundation. It’s basically a pillow soaked in liquid foundation housed in a compact. Cushions are popular because they’re convenient; you just pull it out, dab on some foundation with the included puff, and slip it back into your bag.

Haku Kaze
Cosplayer
Haku Kaze

I really like sandwiching products. So, when I start putting on makeup, I’ll put on a primer, which will set up a base. Then after that, I’ll put down a cream foundation, then concealer, and then set that with powder. That’s what will make your makeup last the longest—it’s kind of like a lamination process. 


Sometimes, if I use cream products—like cream blushes or highlighters—I’ll put that on and then I’ll set my face with powder. The rule of thumb is that you don’t put cream products on top of powder products. Or else, it tends to ball up and break apart. In any case, that sandwiching effect is really important in my book.

2

Check for Hydrating Ingredients

Check for Hydrating Ingredients

How much you should focus on hydration when you purchase a foundation depends on your skin type and the weather at the convention where you plan to debut your cosplay. Dry skin needs hydration, but so may other skin types—especially if the weather calls for it. For example, if you are scheduled for an outdoor photoshoot in the winter, when the air is stripped of moisture, then you will need a hydrating foundation. 


There used to be a rule of thumb where liquid foundation was good for dry skin and powder was good for oily—but there are now different formulas that adapt to your skin type. Haku mentioned J.Cat Beauty’s Aquasurance as an example. It's a powder foundation that’s been infused with water, making it suitable even for the dry days of winter.


So when looking for a moisturizing foundation, keep an eye out for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, often touted as a must-have for people with dry skin. Other than that, you can also look for popular plant and seed oils, such as almond, rose hip, maracuja, and jojoba.

Haku Kaze
Cosplayer
Haku Kaze

Because I feel like skin can be kind of temperamental—so depending on how you treat it and depending on the weather that you’re in, you really have to know how your skin is doing in order to choose the kind of foundation that you want to wear for that day. I have slightly normal skin, and it fluctuates. Sometimes, I’ll need something that’s more moisturizing, or I’ll need something that’s more drying.

3

Test the Foundation Against Your Neck to Choose Your Shade

Test the Foundation Against Your Neck to Choose Your Shade

Before purchasing a foundation, you'll want to test it to see if it matches your color. Thanks to the sun and the forces of nature, your skin doesn't look like just one shade, so think about where you want to swatch. The neck is generally a good place. You want the color of your face to match the color of your neck, as it's a body part that isn’t overly exposed to the dyeing effects of the sun.


If you have dry to normal skin, choose the shade that’s the closest to your natural color. If you have oily skin, you might want to go a shade lighter. This is because foundation will mix with the oils on your skin and undergo a process called oxidation—which, among other things, deepens its color and makes you look an odd shade of orange.


It’s better to choose a foundation that matches your skin and not your character’s. As Haku pointed out, foundation doesn’t last all day. And if your skin does, by any chance, peek through, you want to make sure you still look as natural as possible.


Then, there’s still the problem of online shopping. How are you supposed to choose a shade if you don’t even have a sample to swatch? Haku talks a bit about her process below.

Haku Kaze
Cosplayer
Haku Kaze

If you’re shopping online, you should look at the undertones a brand has, and then look at the shade range. To find your undertone, a lot of people say that if your veins are more green, then you have warm undertones; if your veins are more blue, then you have cool undertones. Neutral is in between. But choosing which to go with is also a preference, depending on how you edit your photos afterwards.

4

Matte Foundation Will Give You a Warm, Deep Glow During Any Photo Shoot

Matte Foundation Will Give You a Warm, Deep Glow During Any Photo Shoot
An experienced photographer can work magic with a camera. And Haku herself says that if the foundation looks good in person, than it should look good in photos. But there are a few things you can keep in mind to make shoots go smoother.


First, know that at the hands of an inexperienced photographer, dewy foundation can make you look oily. This may be a problem if you often go to cons where passersby take your pictures.


Second, it’s common knowledge that the sun is the skin’s arch-nemesis. If you are going to be taking photos at blazing noon, then go ahead and wear foundation that includes UV protection. But if you are going to be somewhere darker, then SPF can give you a white cast in photos, especially in the presence of flash.

Haku Kaze
Cosplayer
Haku Kaze

I feel like if the photographer knows what they’re doing, a dewy foundation shouldn’t be a problem. But SPF just gives you flashback—during night shoots especially because of the flash. If I know I’m going to do a shoot at night, then I won’t wear foundation with SPF. 


But also, most foundations don’t have SPF. It’s usually the BB creams and the CC creams that act like foundation—but also have other skincare properties in them—that include SPF. One of my favorite skin products is this one BB cream that has SPF in it. So if I’m going to do a night shoot, then I won’t wear that one, specifically.

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10 Best Foundations for Cosplay

Here are 10 foundations especially suited for cosplay, including a few favorites from our expert, Haku’s, arsenal. Take a look!
Popularity
Filter
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
Details
Available Colors
Finish
Coverage
Weight
Shade Range
Skin Type
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
1

IS'MINE

Long Lasting Liquid Foundation

IS'MINE Long Lasting Liquid Foundation 1

Versatile range of colors

White、Black、Pink、Red、Blue、Purple、Green

Matte

Full

1.05 fl. oz.

8 Shades

Oily、Combination

2

UCANBE

Goth Cream to Powder Foundation

UCANBE Goth Cream to Powder Foundation 1

Bold, opaque, and built to last

White、Black、Pink、Red、Blue、Purple、Green、Yellow、Orange

Matte

Full

0.52 oz.

14 Shades

All

3

Go Ho

Liquid Foundation

Go Ho Liquid Foundation 1

Flawless coverage, lightweight feel

White

Matte

Full

1 fl. oz.

1 Shade

All

4

CCBeauty

Face & Body Paint Stick

CCBeauty Face & Body Paint Stick 1

From ogre green to neon orange

White、Black、Pink、Red、Blue、Purple、Green

Matte

Medium、Full

0.75 oz.

21 Shades

All

5

Manic Panic

Pressed White Powder

Manic Panic Pressed White Powder 1

Flawless matte finish, bold pale perfection

White

Matte

Full、Medium

2.4 oz.

1 Shade

All

6

Sunnyvale

Face Body Paint Stick

Sunnyvale Face Body Paint Stick 1

Waterproof Body Stick

Black、Red、Blue、Green、White

Matte

Full

unknown

6 Shades

All

7

Mehron

Liquid Makeup

Mehron Liquid Makeup 1

Best for volume

White、Black、Pink、Red、Purple、Green、Blue、Gray

unknown

Full

4.5 fl. oz.

11 Shades

All

8

Manic Panic

Dreamtone White Foundation

Manic Panic Dreamtone White Foundation 1

Flawless white coverage for bold transformations

White

Matte

Full

0.96 fl. oz.

1 Shade

All

9

L.A. Girl

PRO.color Foundation Mixing Pigment

L.A. Girl PRO.color Foundation Mixing Pigment 1

Flawless coverage, all-day confidenc

Blue、White、Orange、Yellow

Dewy、Matte

Full、Medium

1 fl. oz.

4 Shades

All

10

Mehron

CreamBlend Stick

Mehron CreamBlend Stick 1

Best for natural skin tones

Natural Shades

Dewy

Full、Medium

0.75 oz.

20 Shades

Combination

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

IS'MINE
Long Lasting Liquid Foundation

Long Lasting Liquid Foundation 1
Source:amazon.com
Lowest price
$9.99
Mid
Lowest price
$9.99
Mid
Shade Range8 Shades
Available Colors
White、Black、Pink、Red、Blue、Purple、Green

Versatile range of colors

Achieve a flawless base with this long-lasting liquid foundation and face & body paint, designed for cosplay, Halloween, stage makeup, and special FX looks. With a lightweight, smooth texture, it applies easily, blends effortlessly, and stays comfortable all day.


Ideal for oily and combination skin, this formula controls shine and absorbs excess oil for a matte, long-lasting finish. For best results, set with makeup powder or setting spray to keep your look intact. Packaged in a vacuum pump bottle, it ensures hygienic, mess-free application every time.

FinishMatte
CoverageFull
Weight1.05 fl. oz.
Skin TypeOily、Combination
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
View all
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No.2

UCANBE
Goth Cream to Powder Foundation

Lowest price
$7.29
Low Mid
Shade Range14 Shades
Available Colors
White、Black、Pink、Red、Blue、Purple、Green、Yellow、Orange

Bold, opaque, and built to last

Create stunning face and body art with UCANBE Classic White Cream to Powder Paint, a smooth, full-coverage formula that glides on like a cream and sets to a matte finish. Designed for cosplay, Halloween, stage performances, and special FX makeup, this highly pigmented, non-toxic formula delivers intense, even coverage that lasts.


Easy to apply, blend, and remove, it works with brushes, sponges, or fingertips for versatile looks—from Joker and vampire makeup to skull and clown designs. Fragrance-free and paraben-free, this cosmetic-grade paint is safe for all ages and skin types, making it the perfect choice for face and body transformations.

FinishMatte
CoverageFull
Weight0.52 oz.
Skin TypeAll
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
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No.3

Go Ho
Liquid Foundation

Lowest price
$9.99
Mid
Shade Range1 Shade
Available Colors
White

Flawless coverage, lightweight feel

Achieve a smooth, semi-matte white complexion with this full-coverage Liquid Foundation, designed to correct, conceal, and perfect. Ideal for cosplay, Halloween, SFX, and gothic looks, this lightweight formula blends effortlessly for an even, natural finish that lasts all day.


Formulated to be gentle on all skin types, it provides moisturizing coverage without feeling heavy. Use alone for bold makeup or mix with moisturizer for sheer coverage. Perfect for vampires, clowns, mimes, and more, it’s the ultimate white foundation for creative transformations.

FinishMatte
CoverageFull
Weight1 fl. oz.
Skin TypeAll
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
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No.4

CCBeauty
Face & Body Paint Stick

Lowest price
$9.99
Mid
Shade Range21 Shades
Available Colors
White、Black、Pink、Red、Blue、Purple、Green

From ogre green to neon orange

Transform your look with CCbeauty Pro Clown White Face & Body Paint Stick, a highly pigmented, waterproof cream formula designed for full-coverage, long-lasting wear. Infused with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, this velvety-smooth, buildable makeup blends seamlessly and stays put through sweat, water, and all-day performances.


Perfect for clowns, jokers, zombies, vampires, and SFX cosplay, this cruelty-free, vegan formula is safe for sensitive skin. Whether for Halloween, theater, or sports eye black, this easy-to-apply and remove foundation stick delivers intense color payoff for flawless, streak-free results.

FinishMatte
CoverageMedium、Full
Weight0.75 oz.
Skin TypeAll
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
View all
No.5

Manic Panic
Pressed White Powder

Lowest price
$19.50
High Mid
Shade Range1 Shade
Available Colors
White

Flawless matte finish, bold pale perfection

Achieve a dramatic, intense matte look with MANIC PANIC Vampyre’s Veil White Pressed Powder. This finely milled, buildable formula works as a setting powder or standalone makeup, delivering light to full coverage for a strikingly pale, gothic, or theatrical effect.


Designed for on-the-go convenience, the travel-friendly compact includes a built-in mirror and soft puff applicator for easy touch-ups. Vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, this punk, goth, and cosplay essential ensures a flawless, shine-free finish with a statement-making edge.

FinishMatte
CoverageFull、Medium
Weight2.4 oz.
Skin TypeAll
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
View all
No.6

Sunnyvale
Face Body Paint Stick

Lowest price
$6.99
Low Mid
Shade Range6 Shades
Available Colors
Black、Red、Blue、Green、White

Waterproof Body Stick

Create stunning face and body art with Sunnyvale Oil-Based Face & Body Paint Stick, a highly pigmented, waterproof cream formula designed for smooth, blendable application. This matte, full-coverage paint glides on effortlessly with its soft yet sturdy rotating design, making it easy to achieve vibrant, long-lasting looks.


Ideal for Halloween, cosplay, stage performances, and SFX makeup, this vegan, skin-friendly formula works for clowns, vampires, mimes, and more. For best results, set with powder or spray to lock in your look, and remove easily with makeup remover. Lightweight and portable, it's the ultimate choice for creative transformations!

FinishMatte
CoverageFull
Weightunknown
Skin TypeAll
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
View all
No.7

Mehron
Liquid Makeup

Lowest price
$13.95
High Mid
Shade Range11 Shades
Available Colors
White、Black、Pink、Red、Purple、Green、Blue、Gray

Best for volume

Trusted by Hollywood and Broadway pros since 1927, Mehron Liquid Makeup delivers quick-drying, smudge-proof, and long-lasting coverage for face and body art. This professional-grade formula is available in multiple colors, glow-in-the-dark, and UV-reactive options, making it perfect for cosplay, theater, SFX, and blacklight environments.


Compatible with sponges, brushes, and airbrush applications, it can be diluted with Mehron Mixing Liquid for smooth, even coverage. Made in the USA and cruelty-free, this versatile liquid paint is a must-have for artists, performers, and makeup enthusiasts looking to create bold, high-impact designs.

Finishunknown
CoverageFull
Weight4.5 fl. oz.
Skin TypeAll
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
View all
No.8

Manic Panic
Dreamtone White Foundation

Lowest price
$17.99
High Mid
Shade Range1 Shade
Available Colors
White

Flawless white coverage for bold transformations

Achieve a full-coverage, demi-matte finish with Manic Panic Vampire White Liquid Foundation, the perfect oil-free alternative to heavy greasepaint. This lightweight yet highly pigmented formula works as a white color corrector, concealing freckles, blemishes, and uneven skin tone for a smooth, even complexion.


Ideal for Halloween, goth, punk, theatrical, and cosplay looks, this long-lasting, blendable foundation creates the perfect white base for dramatic makeup. Vegan, cruelty-free, and celebrity-approved, it's designed for all skin types—because bold beauty should never come with compromise.

FinishMatte
CoverageFull
Weight0.96 fl. oz.
Skin TypeAll
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
View all
No.9

L.A. Girl
PRO.color Foundation Mixing Pigment

Lowest price
$7.99
Shade Range4 Shades
Available Colors
Blue、White、Orange、Yellow

Flawless coverage, all-day confidenc

Achieve a smooth, natural finish with this long-lasting foundation, designed to provide all-day coverage without fading or smudging. Its buildable formula allows you to create anything from a light, natural look to full coverage, ensuring a perfect match for any occasion.


Formulated with skin-friendly ingredients, this foundation feels lightweight and breathable, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and combination skin. Available in a wide range of shades, it blends seamlessly to complement every skin tone and undertone, delivering a flawless, comfortable wear that lasts.

FinishDewy、Matte
CoverageFull、Medium
Weight1 fl. oz.
Skin TypeAll
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
View all
No.10

Mehron
CreamBlend Stick

Lowest price
$17.95
High Mid
Shade Range20 Shades
Available Colors
Natural Shades

Best for natural skin tones

Achieve flawless, professional-quality coverage with Mehron CreamBlend Stick Makeup, a cream-based formula packed with rich pigments for seamless blending and long wear. Infused with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, this lightweight yet full-coverage stick glides on smoothly, providing a comfortable, natural finish.


Perfect for stage, cosplay, Halloween, and pro beauty, this versatile, high-performance makeup is crafted in Mehron’s advanced New York facility using top-quality ingredients. Whether for face or body, it delivers buildable coverage that stays put—from everyday wear to dramatic transformations.

FinishDewy
CoverageFull、Medium
Weight0.75 oz.
Skin TypeCombination
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
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Top 5 Foundations for Cosplay

No. 1: IS'MINELong Lasting Liquid Foundation

No. 2: UCANBEGoth Cream to Powder Foundation

No. 3: Go HoLiquid Foundation

No. 4: CCBeautyFace & Body Paint Stick

No. 5: Manic PanicPressed White Powder

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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