[Vivian cosplay] Reporting to Lord Phaethon in Zenless Zone Zero Swimsuit - Image 1
[Vivian cosplay] Reporting to Lord Phaethon in Zenless Zone Zero Swimsuit - Image 2

Preparations for today's Vivian swimsuit shoot actually began quite a while ago. The very thought of checking in with Lord Phaethon had me smiling uncontrollably even while doing my makeup.

Starting with the wig, managing this long, light purple gradient hair really put my styling technique to the test. To achieve that naturally fluffy yet lustrous finish, I added padding inserts inside and gently combed through section by section using dedicated detangling spray, ensuring the transition from roots to tips remained soft and fluid without stiff clumps. The direction of the strands was meticulously aligned as well, shaping the front bangs to frame my face while letting the sidelocks contour the jawline.

The makeup required even deeper dedication. The base aimed for a clean, luminous texture, with pink blush swept broadly beneath the eyes and across the tip of the nose to boost a lively flush. For eye makeup, a reddish-brown base complemented vivid crimson contacts; paired with elongated black winged eyeliner and well-defined upper and lower lashes, it strove to embody Vivian's signature gaze—a hint of mystery, a dash of sly cunning, yet endlessly cute. The red brow marking took several tries to find the ideal angle, and the beauty mark beneath the eye served as an essential finishing touch. Wearing the elf ears was another delicate task: the edges were carefully stippled with concealer and set with translucent powder to blend seamlessly with my natural skin tone.

The garment details deserve a closer look as well. The white petal-shaped high collar around the neck, paired with the blue-and-white striped bow on the chest, creates rich visual layering. Fixed at the very center of the bow is a silver metallic emblem set with a diamond-shaped blue gemstone that catches the light with gorgeous refraction. Because the high collar accentuates the neck, I mindfully adjusted my shoulder posture throughout the shoot.

This shoot took place outdoors on a bright, sunny afternoon. Sunlight filtering through the leaves cast a soft, ethereal halo across the lavender wig, producing raw camera shots with delightful color depth. Being self-portraits, the framing naturally focused on the upper body, which conveniently highlighted the nuances of the makeup and wardrobe. While taking selfies, I continuously searched for the most natural expression, hoping to channel that nimble charm combining playful devilishness with pure cuteness. Although this cosplay styling was quite an undertaking, seeing the finished photos made every bit of effort worthwhile. Due to the summer heat and the limits of outdoor conditions, the makeup might not be as pristine as a studio setup—please forgive any slight oversights or OOC moments! This was simply a joyful personal diary entry, sharing Vivian's distinctive atmosphere while bringing me immense creative happiness along the way.