Ramona Flowers Cosplay Makeup Transformation (Video)

One of my goals this year is to get more involved with video content! I had a photoshoot as Ramona Flowers, so I decided to record my makeup process. I knew nothing about makeup before I started cosplaying. Everything I've learned is from cosplay!


Please let me know what you think of this video and if you have any video requests.

Interested in learning more about cosplay makeup? Be sure to read my guides: part 1 and part 2.

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Geek Girls, Let's Take Over Poshmark!

I have a confession: I am only a few steps away from being a hoarder. I have a hard time letting go of things that have sentimental value to me. I'm a generally sentimental person, which means literally everything I own has sentimental value, so I hate getting rid of anything!

I have recently decided to be ruthless and go through my belongings to make an upcoming move easier. I found that I have lots of clothes that are cute, but don't fit right, aren't my style, or are a less-good version of something I already own. While I donated a lot of clothes to Goodwill (between my partner and I? EIGHT garbage bags!), I didn't feel right getting rid of some of my nicer things. Enter: Poshmark.

Poshmark is a website and app where you can sell from your closet and shop from others' closets. For me, this means I feel better sending things I loved to a better home while recouping some of my losses. It's simple to upload a few photos, add a description, and bam, you're selling.

It's no secret that I'm trying to get more geek girls on Poshmark! Let's populate Poshmark and fill it with awesome geek girl stuff. If you decide to make an account, use the code BHHMX for a $5 credit.

Are you on Poshmark?

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Cosplay 101: Guide to Circle Lenses

(Left and bottom right photo: Aperture Ashley)

My favorite part of cosplay is definitely the transformative aspect. I love looking totally different from my usual self! Other than makeup and wearing a wig, contact lenses are another way to change your look. Contact lenses are totally optional when it comes to cosplay, but they can be lots of fun!

Circle lenses are slightly different from normal cosmetic contact lenses - they cover about the same area of the eyeball or slightly more, but the design extends further, making your eyes appear larger. For cosplay, this means that your eyes stand out more -- perfect for cartoony or anime looks. Circle lenses also tend to be more dramatic rather than natural-looking. All of this results in a great effect when used in cosplay!

Now, I'm not an expert at circle lenses just yet, but I have done a fair amount of research for my first few pairs, so I'd love to share what I know with you. As a disclaimer, please go to an eye doctor and get your prescription ahead of time, and if you are concerned, ask your doctor for guidance! Only wear the lenses for up to 8 hours (or whatever the packaging says), and if you feel discomfort, remove them immediately. Your eyesight is important - more important than matching the eye color of a certain character.

I wore purple lenses for my Daenerys costume, a tribute to her eyes in the books.

Tips for Buying Circle Lenses

Circle lenses have to ship from overseas, so plan accordingly. Shipping might take quite a while, so be sure to order any lenses you need early - especially since the color might end up being incorrect.

Find photos of people with a natural eye color like yours. As someone with naturally light eyes, circle lens designs can look very different on me versus someone with dark eyes. Most circle lenses also seem to be designed for darker eyes. I try to only purchase a specific pair of contacts when I can find a light-eyed person who has taken photos with them in, in order to avoid buying something that doesn't look right on me. Most contact lens sites will have reviews and photos, but if not, a simple search will do the trick.

Circle lenses DO come in prescription and astigmatism-friendly options. The caveat is that these additions may be more expensive. But the good news is there is likely an option for your particular needs.

If you look carefully, you can see a rim of green in the center of my eyes - that's my natural eye color.

Wearing Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses might seem scary, but it's actually pretty simple! After washing your hands and rinsing your lenses (more on that later), I use my index finger to hold the lens, then look to the side while pulling my lower eyelid down. I try to put the lens on the whites of my eye - then I don't have that instinct to blink since it's not aimed at my iris. Once it's made contact with my eyeball, I blink a few times to get it situated, and then you're done!

If you feel like something is in your eye, there may be a tear, scratch, or lint on the lens, so remove it and inspect before continuing. Throughout the day, if I feel my eyes get a little dry, I use some rewetting drops to ease the discomfort. For the most part, though, I find wearing circle lenses to be totally comfortable - to me, they are softer than regular contact lenses.

Brown lenses for Taiga's big anime eyes.

Contact Lens Storage and Care

The most crucial note whenever working with contact lenses is cleanliness - wash your hands before you touch your lenses or your eyes. When you first open your lenses, you usually are instructed to soak them in contact lens solution for at least 8 hours. No matter how excited you are to wear the lenses, it's very important to follow this step!

Use a contact lens solution for rinsing and cleaning contact lenses before you put them on, and before you store them. I use Opti-Free because it's easy to find and comes in a few different sizes - I like getting a small bottle to take with me to conventions.

Finally, store your lenses in a case meant for contact lenses. Most online shops will send a free case with each pair you order, but there are tons of cute contact lens cases online too. It is best to replace the cases every 3 months, and the lenses themselves will usually have an expiration date of one year after removing them from the container.

Cosmetic Contacts Suppliers

• Pinky Paradise - my personal favorite! Use the code xomia for a free mystery gift!
• Honey Color

Have you ever worn circle lenses?

More Cosplay 101 tutorials and tricks

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Vegan Cuts Beauty and Snack Box Unboxing - September 2014

  I'm back on video! In this video, I go through the September versions of the Vegan Cuts Beauty Box and Snack Box! I'm still subscribing because I still love these boxes. The hardest part about going cruelty-free, when it comes to beauty, is simply doing the research. Some companies make it really difficult to tell if they test on animals or if certain ingredients are animal-derived. I love that Vegan Cuts does the hard part for me for me! I've learned about so many great brands and products through the monthly beauty box and snack box. (You might also notice my hair is different! I finally got the haircut I've been wanting for years!) Try your own beauty or snack box...

Have you tried a monthly subscription box?

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Vegan Cuts. All opinions and purchases are my own.

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June Vegan Cuts Beauty Box - Unboxing Video + Review

I've been wanting to work with video content for a while! I've made a few videos before, but none on my new channel (I had to switch around my G+ accounts when I changed emails... it's kind of a nightmare, I don't recommend it!). When I got my Vegan Cuts Beauty Box in the mail, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to try out video again.

A few things I learned from this video:

• Everything takes longer than you expect it to when you're learning a new skill. I'm pretty much a total newbie at video editing, finding audio tracks I can use, making YouTube outros, you name it!
• Nobody likes the sound of their own voice.
• Looking into the camera is hard!

Video are some of the hardest things to make since there are so many factors to try to get right in one take. Am I looking at the camera? Did I say something that makes sense? Was my face weird? At least when I take photos, I can take a billion until I know I got a good one. Video is a little bit different, but I know I'll get better with practice.

Anyway, on to the video! Here's my initial thoughts on all the items in the box.

Vegan Cuts Beauty Box Unboxing

June Vegan Cuts Beauty Box Review

Like I said in the video, I was very satisfied with my purchase. I've done a Vegan Cuts Beauty Box before, and this one was even better! This box was the perfect mix of items I know I'll love and items that will be fun to try. I also thought it was a fantastic value - $20 for 7 products, several of which are full-size. Rad!

(Not pictured: nyl Velvet Transformative Serum)

This box included...

• Parissa Warm Wax kit
• Superchic Lacquer in Figment of my Reality
• Pacifica eye pencil
• nyl Velvet Transformative Serum
• La Fresh nail polish remover pads
• Lip Glosserie Light Asian Pear Lip Balm
• Grasse Roots Perfumery in Geisha

One thing I didn't notice until I looked up these products is how many of these companies are indie or based on Etsy. Super cool! I'm always happy to support small businesses.

I'm most excited about the nail polish because I'm a huge fan of mint polish, but there's not a single product in this mix that I'm unhappy with. I can't wait to see what's in next month's box - and of course, I'll update you all!

Try your own beauty or snack box...

Have you ever tried a subscription box?

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Vegan Cuts. All opinions and purchases are my own.

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Life According to Instagram

1. I went to visit my dear friend Mary in Oklahoma City along with Liz! She took her Hodor Funko figure and we took photos with him throughout the city.

2. While in Oklahoma City, I bought comics, bows, a Funko, and goodies from Lush. Typical! The bubblegum lip scrub I got is simply divine (and, of course, makes me feel like Princess Bubblegum).

3. Superheroesque now has an official media kit. It was my first time doing a big project in InDesign and I had so much fun with it. Maybe I'll make a media kit for xo Mia next.

4. Guys, if you haven't heard of BatEarrang, you need to check it out. I got my order in - two Batgirl pins - and I love it! 

5. I went to Free Comic Book Day dressed as a poor man's Barbara Gordon (I mean, really, who wears their secret identity on their chest?) and saw this awesome Batman. My Free Comic Book Day experience was pretty great this year! We hit up Austin Books and Comics and Dragon's Lair, saw tons of cute cosplayers, and got some extra comics to send to those who don't have Free Comic Book Day festivities. 

6. Sweet Ritual is my favorite local vegan ice cream. If you're ever in Austin, you should visit the parlor and get yourself a ridiculous sundae!

If you're on Instagram, we should be friends! 

I love peeking into the daily lives of others. (Plus I post way more pictures on Instagram that never make it to this blog!)

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Cosplay 101: Basic Makeup Guide (Part 2)

Last week on Cosplay 101, I shared how to get a neutral, clean face as a base for your cosplay makeup. This week, it's on to the finishing touches - eyes and lips! 

If foundation and such are about creating a blank canvas, then eyes and lips are where your creativity can run wild! Here's where you can add colors and shape your look to suit the character you are dressed as. Personally, I find this to be the most fun part. My face routine is fairly standard, but I love experimenting with different eyeshadow techniques and lip colors.

Eyebrows, eyeshadow, fake lashes, and eyeliner - check!

Exaggerated Eye Makeup

Ever notice how anime and cartoon characters have massive eyes? In these mediums, eyes are enlarged to convey emotion. I love finding ways to make my eyes look as big as possible, or at least have them take center stage!

The Basics

I start with eyeshadow. I prefer a  neutral eye look - the perfect "no makeup" makeup, and easiest for beginners - unless the character calls for something bolder. I prefer using eyeshadow palettes because they are usually less expensive and everything is conveniently together! Some palettes even have instructions for which colors to use where - it doesn't get easier than that. One thing I like to do is use a lighter color to highlight the inside corner of your eyes to make your eyes look bigger.

After that, eyeliner is the next step - I prefer an eyeliner pen because it's the easiest to use. Eyeliner can be used to change your eye shape to match your character. For most characters, I will do a small wing so it looks like my eyelashes are longer. Top it off with your favorite mascara.

My Recommendations:

• Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked Basics, Urban Decay Naked 2, e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette 
• Liquid eyeliner: e.l.f. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen
• Mascara: Benefit They're Real Mascara, e.l.f. Studio Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara

Bonus Steps!

Like I mentioned last time, I'd recommend becoming comfortable with the steps above before moving on to the steps below. That being said, each of these will bring a little something more to your overall look.

Eyeshadow primer is useful if you find your eyeshadow creasing throughout the day. It also helps the shadows stick to your eye and go on brighter and smoother. Filling in your eyebrows can take a little bit of practice, but can help you look more like your character. Eyebrows that aren't filled in can also look patchy or faint in photos. Fake eyelashes and circle lenses definitely take practice to apply properly, but are my favorite way to change my look for cosplay. My biggest tips are patience and lots of practice before the convention/photoshoot! (Also, if you mess up with eyelashes, sometimes adding more eyeliner will cover your mistakes.)

My Recommendations:

• Eyeshadow primer: e.l.f. Studio Eye Primer, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer
• Eyebrows: e.l.f. Eyebrow Collection
• Fake eyelashes: e.l.f Studio Hollywood Eyelash Kit, e.l.f. Natural Lash Kit, Eco Tools Soft & Dramatic Lashes, Eco Tools Soft & Natural Lashes
• Circle lenses: LoveShoppingholics, Pinky Paradise

Long-Wearing Lip Color

As with every part of makeup, the best "natural" looking lip color actually involves a lip product. Even with characters that don't seem to wear makeup, I recommend trying a neutral color to complete your look. If you have a little more freedom, definitely try a fun lip color!

There are a few tips I have to get the best wear. First, I like to start with a lip scrub to get rid of any dead skin. Next, apply lip balm as a layer to add a buffer between your lips and the color. Finally, top with your lip color of choice. This is highly dependent on what you like in a lip product - I am currently raving about OCC's lip tars, but you might prefer a lipstick, lip cream, or other product. Depending on the product, though, you may want to apply it with a lip brush to get the most precision.

My Recommendations:

• Lip scrub: e.l.f. Professional Lip Exfoliant
• Lip balm: Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve
• Lip color: OCC Lip Tars, e.l.f. Professional Matte Lip Color, Bite Beauty Creme Lipstick
• Lip brush: Eco Tools Detailed Lip Brush

There you go - that's everything a total beginner needs to know about makeup for cosplay! Like I've said, I'm still learning, but I've come a long way from where I started. I can't wait to see where I am a year from now.

What's your favorite way to do your eyes or lips for cosplay?

Previously:

Basic Makeup Guide (Part 1)

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