SFX makeup is known for being generally expensive, but you obviously need a lot better quality than what you’ll find with a cheap face painting set. As a blogger and cosplayer on a budget, I’ve found that you don’t always need to pay more to get decent quality when it comes to costume makeup. Read on for my top list of affordable SFX essentials.
Disclaimer: This post contains gifted products but all opinions are my own.
Tools
I always buy cheap disposable makeup sponges from places like Primark and use unwanted brushes from cheap sets to apply SFX makeup. This is mostly because I don’t want to ruin my favourite brushes.
Contacts
Coloured Contacts very kindly sent me some of their cosplay lenses to try recently. I had previously been on the hunt for affordable prescription coloured contacts but struggled to find any within budget. I’ll definitely be trying these out over on my Instagram (@beautysirenblog if you don’t already follow me.)
Base
When you’re working with face paints and pigments that will potentially stain your skin and clog your pores, it’s good to have a base to protect your skin. My favourite affordable primer for this purpose is the MUA Pro Base Moisturising Primer (£4, Superdrug). Anything with witch hazel or tea tree is great to use as a base though and I used to love spritzing my face with The Body Shop Tea Tree Toner before applying face paints.
SFX
Revolution does great affordable SFX makeup such as liquid latex and fake blood. I think they only have them for sale during Halloween but they’re worth stocking up on if you want to create costume looks all year round.
De’Lanci Nocturne Lip Palette
I don’t really use this as lip palette but it’s ideal for face painting if you only need a small amount of colour and it’s a good price for the variety of shades you get. (£10.37, Ali Express)
Snazaroo Face Paints
If you’re only looking for one or two specific colours, Snazaroo do really good quality face paints at an affordable price (from £2.54, Amazon). I also have their face paint palette which I picked up cheap on Amazon.
Let me know in the comments if you have any affordable costume makeup essentials!
Beauty Siren 