Imitating My Favorite's Costume, Makeup, and Hair! The Art of "Becoming" Them as a Fan

Stepping into the world of my "favorite"—my art of becoming them through costumes, makeup, and hair
Before I knew it, my favorite had become my daily source of vitality.
I would cry watching live concert footage, and my mood would rise and fall with every social media update.
However, at one point, I thought to myself:
"I don't just want to watch; I want to get closer to them."
The moment I thought that, my "becoming" activities began.
This is the story of one fan, documenting the process of experiencing the charm of my favorite through my own body while imitating their costumes, makeup, and hair.
It is also a small guide I want to share with anyone who feels the same way.

■ "Becoming" is the act of giving shape to your "admiration" for your favorite
My heart races when I see my favorite's costume.

I am captivated by the way their hair sways, the shades of their eye makeup, and the texture of their costumes.
"I want to enter this world."
"I want to wear a piece of this radiance myself."
"Becoming" is like a visualization of that admiration.
The first step was surprisingly small; one day, I bought an accessory similar to the earrings my favorite was wearing.
Just by putting them on, I felt a little lighter.
As if I had received strength from them.
From there, I stepped into the world of making full-scale costumes.

■ How to choose a costume—it changes depending on "how close you want to get"

The costume is the "core" of becoming them.
But you don't need to aim for a perfect replica from the start.

● ① If you want to start easily, use "ready-made products"

Just looking for items with similar colors and shapes to your favorite is fun.
The options are surprisingly wide, including online cosplay shops, seasonal brand items, and fast fashion that can be remade.
Points that are easy to mimic
Color
Silhouette
Accessories (belts, earrings, bracelets)
It doesn't have to be perfect.
In fact, costumes that include your own interpretation become more precious to you.

● ② If you want to be particular, "make it yourself"

I started making my own halfway through.
The time spent getting excited while looking for fabric and thinking, "Is this the texture?" or "Is this the right length?" while looking back at photos over and over was, in itself, part of being a fan.
Even if you aren't good with a sewing machine, hand-sewing and a glue gun can surprisingly get the job done.
Consulting with a friend who is good at sewing is also an option.
I also recommend the "assemble" method, where you buy parts separately.
And that special feeling the moment you put on the completed costume is something that stays in your heart no matter how many times you experience it.

■ Makeup is "acting with your face"—capturing the "expressions" your favorite has

You can't become your favorite with just a costume.
The nuance of expressions, the shadows around the eyes, the color of the lips.
Only when these come together does the "likeness" of your favorite reside.

● ① Eye makeup is the most important

How is the eye shape emphasized?
Where are the shadows placed?
What is the angle of the outer corners of the eyes?
If you line up several photos of your favorite and observe "what creates the impression," the direction for your makeup will become clear.

● ② "Makeup that brings you closer" without denying your own face

The important thing is to "borrow elements from your favorite while also bringing out your own charm."
You don't need to force yourself to look exactly like them, and it's fine if there are differences.

● ③ If you are conscious of how it looks in photos

A little extra highlighter
Shadows should be on the darker side
Lighting should be from slightly above rather than directly in front
What you see in the mirror is completely different from what is captured by the camera, so the correct approach is to adjust while taking photos.

■ Hair styling is the key to "creating the world"

Once the hairstyle is set, you instantly enter "favorite mode."
I'm a wig person, but some people recreate it with their own hair.

● Tips for making a wig look natural

Thin out your bangs to make them lighter
Slightly blur your part
Create movement with a hair iron
Firmly set the 'shape' before using hairspray
Unprocessed wigs look unnatural if left as is.
Just a little bit of work can completely change the impression.

● If doing it with your own hair

Wax that makes it easy to shape
A hair dryer to add volume
Temporary color spray is enough
The best way is to enjoy it within your limits.

■ The joy of the moment you meet your 'cosplayed self'
Standing in front of the mirror in your finished look.

The silhouette of the outfit, the eyeshadow reflecting the light, the styled hair—
Everything comes together, and there you are, looking like a resident of your favorite's world.
The exhilaration of that moment cannot be fully explained in words.
And when you take a photo, you notice something else.
'Wow... I look more like them than I thought...'
'Doesn't this angle look a bit like the real person?'
As I piled up those little moments of wonder, I started to like myself too.

■ The good thing about cosplay is that the distance to your favorite 'changes'

What I felt when I tried cosplaying is that
the sense of distance from my favorite changes both physically and mentally.
They go from being someone I just 'support' to
'someone who lets me experience the same world.'
My understanding of my favorite deepens,
and my own range of expression expands.
Also, making outfits, researching makeup, styling wigs...
all of these have elements of creative activity, and everything led to self-affirmation.

■ Small points to keep in mind to continue without stress

You don't have to aim for perfection
Don't sacrifice your health (wearing a wig for a long time puts a strain on your scalp)
Decide on the range and angles for posting on social media
Respect copyright and portrait rights, and enjoy it within the scope of a 'personal hobby'
To keep going, a comfortable pace is the most important thing.

■ Finally—why don't you take a step into your favorite's world too?

Cosplay doesn't require special skills.
All you need is the feeling that 'I love my favorite.'
Even just imitating one accessory,
or getting your makeup just a little bit closer,
the distance between you and your favorite will change immediately.
Wear your admiration, express your admiration,
and I want you to feel your favorite's world with your own body.
And before you know it,
you might even come to love your 'cosplayed self' just as much as your favorite.

Thank you for reading the article to the end.
I would be happy if you could give it a like.