Today, I tried out a makeup test for Yuki Minakami from Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole. Since it is just a makeup test, many details are still being refined; my sincere apologies in advance if anything looks out of character or not faithful enough.
For the base makeup, to match the character's cool, fair-skinned profile, I chose a lighter liquid foundation and set it with a sheer layer of loose powder, aiming for a matte, soft-focus finish. The eye makeup was the top priority of this makeup test; to emphasize the 2D manga aesthetic, I wore light brown contact lenses to make my gaze appear more translucent. For upper and lower eyeshadow, earth tones were used as an expansive base, layered with a hint of soft pink at the outer corners to add dimension. For eyelashes, I chose individual lash clusters, applying them carefully one by one above my natural lashes, while drawing defined lines on the lower lash line with a liquid eyeliner pen to enlarge the eyes. A generous sweep of peachy-pink blush was applied across the tip of the nose and the mid-face to introduce a touch of innocence and a subtle flush. For lipstick, I opted for a glossy peach shade with a dewy, mirror-like finish.
In terms of wig styling, I referenced the official art to thin out the bangs slightly, keeping a small central wisp to make the silhouette look more natural. I straightened the hair on both sides with a flat iron and placed the white barrette clip on the right side, which is a signature hallmark of the character. I also accessorized with the black choker around my neck and a black studded leather bracelet on my wrist, adding a rebellious edge to the character.
The outfit is paired with a basic white shirt and a red tie. The shirt collar isn't buttoned up too tight, left slightly unbuttoned, and the tie is tied loosely without being overly neat to project a more effortless, casual look. The shooting backdrop was, as usual, the figure display wall at home. For lighting, I specifically selected a warm-toned desk lamp for side lighting, enhancing the dimensional contouring of facial shadows, which, together with the warm ambient light in the background, created an authentic slice-of-life anime feel.
This makeup test was mainly intended to practice facial makeup and wig styling. I ran into several issues along the way—such as the hair clip being tricky to secure and causing harsh glare reflections, as well as needing more practice on delineating the eye shape at the corners. To find the right vibe, I tested various expressions in front of the mirror, ranging from composed calm to a subtle furrow of the brow, attempting to capture the character's complex temperament. Since we haven't done an outdoor photoshoot yet, the overall presentation naturally still has some limitations.
Overall, this makeup test gave me fresh insights into the makeup design and revealed numerous details needing fine-tuning. Moving forward, I will make improvements targeting eye contour adjustments and wig shaping, striving to capture the character's authentic essence even more faithfully for this cosplay.