At the CPSP Shanghai anime convention, preparing this Wishadel cosplay look was full of challenges right from the start. For the makeup and styling this time, the focus was on the diffused red eye makeup and the directional sweep of the eyeliner. To recreate that sharp, piercing gaze, I adjusted the eye shape about three times before reaching the state shown in the photos—subtly aggressive yet exquisitely refined. Paired with the Silver hair cosplay wig, the red horn accessories were prone to falling off or warping, requiring constant vigilance for stability while walking around the convention.
For the costume, I chose this black glossy patent leather outfit. The material isn't breathable at all; navigating the crowded venue definitely had me breaking a sweat. However, the zippered chest cut-out design not only captured the character's sleek competence and sense of danger visually, but was also fantastic for posing on site. That said, glossy fabric has one downside: intense glare, which severely tests shooting angles under complex indoor lighting. When posing, I favored side lighting to better accentuate the leather texture and harmonize with the red geometric chest accents and facial makeup.
At the venue, I encountered many fellow Arknights cosplayers, as well as several photographers shooting right up close to my face. As a cosplayer, maintaining composure and facial expressions in packed crowds is by far the hardest part. After wrapping up these Convention photos, I summarized a few takeaways: at massive events like CPSP Shanghai, capturing high-quality Convention photos requires scouting beforehand to find well-lit backdrops free from cluttered chaos—much like choosing the well-lit interior of a car as the backdrop in these photos to effectively filter out the venue's messy, multicolored ambient light.
Touching up makeup is also a physical workout. Especially with the silver-white wig and red accessories, always remember to bring spare hair wax and styling spray, as the venue's AC airflow and countless physical brushes can easily mess up your hair. Because high-pigment eyeshadow was used for this look, extra caution was needed when eating or sweating to avoid smudging. For this styling, cuff detailing and zipper fidelity on the leather jacket are crucial. I've seen many peers only shoot half-body shots; in reality, full-body styling with footwear and leg coordination is also very meticulous. While these photos only showcase half-body shots, having all accessories fully equipped on site created a completely elevated aura.
All in all, stepping out as Wishadel at CPSP Shanghai this weekend, connecting with friends on site, and experiencing the character's innate presence was an absolute joy. While the costume was somewhat stuffy and warm, the moment those stunning photos came through, all the hard work felt completely worth it. That wraps up this makeup and styling experience share—hope everyone enjoys this hardcore, faithful Arknights character recreation!