The SFX Makeup Beginner Toolkit
A practical starting kit: a quality skin primer; cream-based or water-activated face paints (more blendable and buildable than alcohol-activated products for beginners); a setting spray or powder to lock the work; basic latex or silicone prosthetics if your character requires them; and the patience to practice before the convention. SFX makeup that looks impressive in photographs is the result of dozens of practice sessions, not product alone.
Safety First
Patch test any new product on the inside of your arm 48 hours before full application. Skin-safe does not mean reaction-proof — individual sensitivities vary. If you're applying latex, never apply it over broken skin or to anyone with a latex allergy. Remove all products thoroughly at the end of the day; sleeping in face paint damages skin and degrades your materials.
Photography vs In-Person
SFX makeup that looks realistic in person and SFX makeup that photographs well are not always the same thing. For photography: stronger contours, more saturated colours (they wash out in photos), harder edges. For in-person convention wear: subtler, blended, softer. Most convention cosplayers want both — prioritise what you'll be photographed in most.