Attending the CICF Expo via the free-pass cosplayer route this time was truly a test of my physical limits. I spent a long time fussing in front of the mirror before heading out; having not done makeup in a while, it turned out super light on the first try, requiring multiple layers of eyeshadow and blush just to barely get some lively color. Combined with the grayish-purple contact lenses and this long pink curly wig, along with the light blue highlight on the forehead bangs and the ahoge sticking up on top, I managed to capture the character's lively and spirited vibe. I wore the massive light-gray bunny-ear headpiece, complete with the large black bow and golden teardrop hair ornaments. The black wide-band choker around my neck connects to the large blue gem framed in golden gears on my chest, which, along with the fluffy fur trim on the off-shoulder black-and-white spliced dress, jingled softly with every step I took.
Carrying that huge magic staff around the convention floor was pure physical labor. As Denia at the Wuthering Waves booth, I initially posed enthusiastically and interacted with photographers, but after walking through just two exhibition halls, my arms were so sore I could barely lift them. Beautiful as the staff is, its center of gravity is quite tricky to manage, and the long wig was prone to getting snagged in the crowds, requiring caution with every single step. Even so, the on-site atmosphere of the convention was fantastic. The booth freebies given to cosplayers by Wuthering Waves were simply top-tier—the packaging and design were done with exceptional care, making me feel that all the fatigue was completely worth it the moment I held them.
Exhausted to the point of collapse, I made a swift escape from the crowded exhibition halls and rushed over to Kuro Coffee. I ordered a vanilla-flavored hsin the Moon Fox ice cream, which was nothing short of a lifesaver. The vanilla flavor was rich and smooth, and the design was crafted exquisitely; taking a bite brought me right back to life. I strongly recommend trying it whenever you're tired from browsing conventions in the future—it relieves fatigue far better than carbonated drinks. Sitting in the cafe enjoying the air conditioning and watching fellow fans still queuing outside the window, I thought to myself: the next time I cosplay a character with huge props, I must definitely bring a helper.
Even though my makeup for Denia this time was on the lighter side, the photos turned out very satisfying. For both outdoor and indoor lighting, the base makeup must be kept light and thin, while the eye makeup should use tones that retain depth under harsh lighting—avoiding too much glitter so the makeup doesn't look messy. Bangs and sideburns of the wig should also be trimmed ahead of time to hug the face contours properly. Though that huge staff wore me out, being able to participate in the CICF Expo as Denia and connect with so many fellow fans who share a passion for anime and gaming made me incredibly happy. Enjoying ice cream, recharging my energy, and ready to take on the next convention.