I’m not gonna sugarcoat it—Wei Wuxian cosplay makeup can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at reference photos and wondering where to even start.
You’ve got the costume sorted, maybe even the wig, but that makeup?
That’s where things get real.
Wei Wuxian from Mo Dao Zu Shi (also known as The Untamed) has this incredibly striking look that balances softness with a sharp, mischievous edge.
And trust me, I’ve seen plenty of cosplayers nail the outfit but miss the mark on the face—and it throws off the whole vibe.
So let me walk you through exactly how to recreate Wei Wuxian’s makeup, step by step, without making it harder than it needs to be.
Why Wei Wuxian’s Makeup Is Trickier Than You Think
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Here’s the thing about cosplaying Wei Wuxian, his look is deceptively simple.
At first glance, it doesn’t seem like there’s a ton going on.
But when you break it down, there’s actually a lot of subtle work happening around the eyes, the brows, and the overall face shape that gives him that signature charisma.
The eyes need to look expressive and slightly elongated.
The skin has to have that flawless, porcelain-like finish.
And depending on whether you’re going for his Yiling Patriarch era or his younger self, the intensity shifts quite a bit.
It’s not just slapping on some eyeliner and calling it a day.
You gotta think about contouring, highlighting, and creating that illusion of sharper features without looking overly dramatic in photos.
What You’ll Need for Wei Wuxian Cosplay Makeup
Before we dive into technique, let’s talk products.
You don’t need to break the bank here, but you do need a few key items to pull this off right.
Base Products:
- Full-coverage foundation (one or two shades lighter than your natural tone)
- White face paint or mixing pigment (to lighten your foundation even more)
- Setting powder (translucent works best)
- Primer (matte finish preferred)
Eyes:
- Black eyeliner (gel or liquid—something with staying power)
- Brown eyeshadow for subtle depth
- Red or burgundy eyeshadow (optional, for Yiling Patriarch look)
- Mascara or false lashes
- Brow pomade or pencil in dark brown or black
Contouring & Highlighting:
- Cool-toned contour powder
- Subtle highlight (nothing too glittery)
- Blush in a soft peachy or rosy tone
Lips:
- Nude or soft pink lip color
- Red lip tint (for Yiling Patriarch variation)
Tools:
- Beauty sponge
- Angled brush for brows and eyeliner
- Fluffy blending brushes
- Makeup setting spray
Trust me, having the right tools makes a huge difference when you’re trying to get crisp lines and smooth blending.
Step 1: Prepping Your Skin Like a Pro
I know, I know—prep work sounds boring.
But if you skip this, your makeup’s gonna slide off halfway through your photoshoot or convention day, and nobody wants that.
Start with a clean face.
Wash, tone, and moisturize like normal, but give it a few minutes to really sink in before you start applying makeup.
If you’ve got oily skin, use a mattifying primer.
If you’re on the drier side, go for something hydrating but not greasy.
The goal here is a smooth, even canvas that’s gonna hold onto your makeup for hours.
Step 2: Creating That Porcelain Base
This is where Wei Wuxian’s look really starts to take shape.
His skin tone in the show is noticeably lighter and more even than most people’s natural skin.
So yeah, you’re gonna need to go a shade or two lighter than you normally would.
Apply your foundation with a damp beauty sponge, building up coverage gradually.
Don’t just slap it on thick right away—that’s how you end up looking cakey.
If your foundation still isn’t light enough, mix in a tiny bit of white face paint or a lightening mixer.
Just a little goes a long way, so start small.
Blend it down your neck too, unless you want that obvious makeup line (spoiler: you don’t).
Set everything with a generous amount of translucent powder.
I mean really press it in there with a sponge, let it sit for a minute, then dust off the excess.
This technique is called “baking,” and it’s gonna keep your base locked in place.
Step 3: Contouring for Sharper Features
Wei Wuxian has pretty defined facial features—sharp jawline, sculpted cheekbones, and a slim nose.
Even if that’s not your natural face shape, contouring can create that illusion.
Use a cool-toned contour shade (nothing orange or warm) and apply it:
- Along your jawline
- Under your cheekbones (suck in your cheeks to find the hollow)
- Along the sides of your nose
- Lightly on your temples
Blend it out really well with a fluffy brush.
The key here is subtlety, you want definition, not stripes.
Add a touch of highlight to:
- The bridge of your nose
- Your cheekbones (the high point)
- Your brow bone
- Your cupid’s bow
Keep the highlight soft and natural, nothing too shimmery or Instagram-glam.
