Cosmetic Corner: My 5 Comic Con Beauty Essentials

I love everything fashion and beauty, but I’m not one who always wants to sacrifice comfort for the sake of it. This especially applies to working at and attending conventions. Thousands of people crammed into one building, harsh fluorescent lights, and blasting AC that somehow make the entire building both humid and freezing at the same time certainly doesn’t sound like an event to dress up for. (That’s why I admire cosplayers so much. Those that wear their cosplay all day operate on a level of commitment I will never be able to comprehend.) Of course, years of convention-going experience has prepped me for the worst conditions. And with NYCC just around the corner, I figured there’s no better time to share with you my five comic con beauty essentials!

Without these five products, I wouldn’t survive any con, let alone my biggest one of the year next weekend.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I don’t wear a full face of makeup every day. In fact, I don’t even wear makeup every day. But, I do commit to doing so for cons. Not only do I want to look my best when working a booth, but I learned the hard way that you never know when you’re going to end up in a photo or random video interview.

Nothing can compete with this primer. Not only does it fill and blur pores for perfectly smooth foundation, but it’s also so long-lasting. That might even be an understatement because over the summer, I went to an outdoor concert where I sat through hours of pouring rain. When I got home much later that night, while every other aspect of my outfit was ruined, my makeup hadn’t budged. Needless to say, this primer makes keeping makeup fresh through photo-ops and long lines.

Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick

This is actually an everyday essential for my thunder thighs, but it’s especially useful during con season. For the longest time, lots of walking + wanting to look cute in a skirt, dress, or shorts= uncomfortable, sometimes painful thigh chafe for those of us with thighs that love each other too much to separate.

I tried every anti-chafe product under the sun, some made for literal babies or by companies associated with sexual health problems. Some did the job, sure, but Megababe took all of the good parts of those things and amplified them by 100. The deodorant-style packaging makes application on the go super easy. Catch me wearing all the skirts I want next weekend because I’ll be happily roaming the Javits Center chafe-free.

Glossier Balm Dotcom

That blasting convention center air conditioning leaves my skin feeling dry and dull, but not when I have one of these tubes handy. Part lip balm, part universal skin salve, Balm is conditioning, soothing, moisturizing and repairing at the same time. I use the cherry Balm on my lips on the regular. It has the perfectly nostalgic smell of pull-apart Twizzlers and cough syrup, which I weirdly love, and leaves my lips with the slightest flush of red if they’re otherwise bare.

I use the original Balm on my cuticles, elbows, and anywhere else I feel my skin needs an extra boost. Last NYCC, it actually saved my inner arms from another painful eczema breakout.

skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

These little beauties are number one on my “Treat Yo’Self” list. Sure, they’re pricey, but they pack a punch. And when I’m working the early morning shift during conventions or doing a lot of traveling for one, the splurge is so worth it. (Note: I’m not a morning person and very rarely get a good night’s sleep.)

These under-eye gel patches are cooling, toning, and de-puffing. Plus, they just feel really amazing from the moment you put them on. In just ten minutes, my once-droopy under eyes look brighter and I feel more refreshed and awake, no matter how little I slept. They’re like a caffiene boost for your face.

Hand sanitizer, any brand, and lots of it

I shouldn’t have to elaborate much on this one. Convention centers are gross. Thousands and thousands of people are spreading germs everywhere. I’m cringing just writing this.

Want to avoid the dreaded “con crud”, or even just avoid feeling as grossed out as I do sometimes? Get a travel-sized hand sanitizer and use it regularly. (And, maybe, if you’re really worried, pick a cosplay that requires wearing a surgical mask.)

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