10 Best Foundations for Cosplay of 2025 (Cosplayer-Reviewed)
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.
Quick List - Top Foundations for Cosplay
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.
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Table of Contents
How to Choose Foundation for Cosplay
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Matte Foundation Will Give You a Warm, Deep Glow During Any Photo Shoot
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.
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.
10 Best Foundations for Cosplay
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 | | 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 | | 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 | | Flawless coverage, lightweight feel | White | Matte | Full | 1 fl. oz. | 1 Shade | All | |||
4 | CCBeauty Face & Body Paint Stick | | 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 | | Flawless matte finish, bold pale perfection | White | Matte | Full、Medium | 2.4 oz. | 1 Shade | All | |||
6 | Sunnyvale Face Body Paint Stick | | Waterproof Body Stick | Black、Red、Blue、Green、White | Matte | Full | unknown | 6 Shades | All | |||
7 | Mehron Liquid Makeup | | 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 | | 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 | | Flawless coverage, all-day confidenc | Blue、White、Orange、Yellow | Dewy、Matte | Full、Medium | 1 fl. oz. | 4 Shades | All | |||
10 | Mehron CreamBlend Stick | | Best for natural skin tones | Natural Shades | Dewy | Full、Medium | 0.75 oz. | 20 Shades | Combination | |||
IS'MINELong Lasting Liquid Foundation
| Shade Range | 8 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.
| Finish | Matte |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full |
| Weight | 1.05 fl. oz. |
| Skin Type | Oily、Combination |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free |
UCANBEGoth Cream to Powder Foundation
| Shade Range | 14 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.
| Finish | Matte |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full |
| Weight | 0.52 oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free |
Go HoLiquid Foundation
| Shade Range | 1 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.
| Finish | Matte |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full |
| Weight | 1 fl. oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free |
CCBeautyFace & Body Paint Stick
| Shade Range | 21 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.
| Finish | Matte |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Medium、Full |
| Weight | 0.75 oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free |
Manic PanicPressed White Powder
| Shade Range | 1 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.
| Finish | Matte |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full、Medium |
| Weight | 2.4 oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free |
SunnyvaleFace Body Paint Stick
| Shade Range | 6 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!
| Finish | Matte |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full |
| Weight | unknown |
| Skin Type | All |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free |
MehronLiquid Makeup
| Shade Range | 11 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.
| Finish | unknown |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full |
| Weight | 4.5 fl. oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free |
Manic PanicDreamtone White Foundation
| Shade Range | 1 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.
| Finish | Matte |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full |
| Weight | 0.96 fl. oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free |
L.A. GirlPRO.color Foundation Mixing Pigment
| Shade Range | 4 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.
| Finish | Dewy、Matte |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full、Medium |
| Weight | 1 fl. oz. |
| Skin Type | All |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free |
MehronCreamBlend Stick
| Shade Range | 20 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.
| Finish | Dewy |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full、Medium |
| Weight | 0.75 oz. |
| Skin Type | Combination |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free |
Top 5 Foundations for Cosplay
No. 1: IS'MINE｜Long Lasting Liquid Foundation
No. 2: UCANBE｜Goth Cream to Powder Foundation
No. 3: Go Ho｜Liquid Foundation
No. 4: CCBeauty｜Face & Body Paint Stick
No. 5: Manic Panic｜Pressed White Powder
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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