How to Nail Raiden Shogun Cosplay Makeup Like a Total Boss
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Raiden Shogun cosplay makeup is honestly one of those looks that can make or break your entire costume.
I’ve seen so many cosplayers absolutely crush the wig and outfit, only to fall flat with makeup that doesn’t match her intimidating, powerful vibe.
And trust me, getting those piercing violet eyes and that sharp, commanding facial structure right?
That’s where the magic really happens.
Why Raiden’s Makeup is Trickier Than You Think
Look, Raiden isn’t your typical cute anime girl with soft features and pastel colors.
She’s the Electro Archon.
She’s supposed to look like she could strike you down with lightning and not think twice about it.
Her makeup needs to be sharp, intense, and just a little bit intimidating.
That means we’re working with deep purples, defined lines, and a face shape that screams authority.
But here’s the thing—most makeup tutorials out there either go way too soft or so heavy that you end up looking like you’re headed to a goth concert instead of an anime convention.
Finding that balance is key, and that’s exactly what I’m gonna help you figure out today.
The Must-Have Products You Actually Need
Before we dive into technique, let’s talk about what you’re actually gonna need in your makeup bag.
And no, you don’t need to spend a fortune on this.
Eye Products (This is Where the Magic Happens)
First up, you absolutely cannot skip the violet contact lenses.
Raiden’s eyes are her most recognizable feature, and your natural eye color just won’t cut it here.
Go for a deep violet or dark purple—nothing too bright or it’ll look cartoony.
Next, you need a solid purple eyeshadow palette.
I’m talking multiple shades here—light lavender for highlights, medium purple for your main lid color, and deep plum or almost-black purple for depth and drama.
Don’t cheap out on eyeshadow because patchy color is gonna ruin the whole look.
You also need a good black eyeliner—gel or liquid, whatever you’re comfortable with.
But it needs to be pigmented and long-lasting because you’re gonna be drawing some pretty precise lines.
Face Products
Foundation is obviously a must, but here’s where people mess up—they go too pale.
Raiden’s skin tone is actually pretty neutral, not super pale like some anime characters.
Match your natural skin tone or go maybe half a shade lighter, but don’t go full ghost mode.
You’ll need contouring products too.
This is non-negotiable for Raiden because her face shape is angular and defined, not soft and round.
Grab a contour shade that’s about two shades darker than your skin and a highlighter that’s not too shimmery—we want definition, not disco ball.
Brows and Lips
Raiden’s eyebrows are straight and fairly natural-looking, not super arched.
You’ll probably need an eyebrow pencil or powder to reshape yours if they’re naturally arched.
For lips, keep it simple—a neutral mauve or soft purple works.
Nothing too bright or glossy.
Matte or satin finish is your friend here.
Breaking Down the Eye Makeup Step-by-Step
Alright, this is the part everyone struggles with, so I’m gonna break it down super clearly.
Prep Your Eyes First
Start with an eyeshadow primer.
Seriously, don’t skip this or your purple is gonna crease and fade within an hour.
Then set it with a light skin-tone powder.
Building the Purple Gradient
Here’s the technique that actually works:
Step 1: Take your medium purple shade and pack it all over your lid, from lash line up to your crease.
Don’t blend yet—just get that color down.
Step 2: Take your darkest purple (almost black) and apply it right in your crease and the outer corner of your eye.
This creates depth and makes your eyes look more intense.
Step 3: Now blend where the two colors meet, but keep the transition relatively sharp.
Raiden’s eye makeup isn’t super soft and diffused—it’s got some edge to it.
Step 4: Take your lightest lavender shade and highlight right under your brow bone and in the inner corner of your eye.
This makes your eyes pop and adds dimension.
The Eyeliner Technique
This is where you really capture Raiden’s look.
Her eyeliner isn’t a simple cat eye—it’s more angular and extended.
Draw a line along your upper lash line, keeping it relatively thin until you get to the outer corner.
Then extend it outward and slightly upward, but here’s the key: make it sharp and pointed, not curved.
Think of it like drawing a small triangle pointing toward your temple.
Some tutorials also add a small line extending from the lower lash line to meet that upper wing, creating a more dramatic, almost theatrical look.
This works really well for Raiden’s intimidating vibe, but it’s optional if you’re going for a slightly softer version.
Lower Lash Line
Don’t forget this part.
Take that same dark purple you used in your crease and smudge it along your lower lash line, focusing on the outer half of your eye.
This ties the whole look together and makes your eyes look more intense.
Contouring for That Sharp, Authoritative Face Shape
Raiden’s face is angular, not round or soft.
That means contouring is your best friend here.
Cheekbones
Suck in your cheeks slightly (yeah, like a fish face) and apply contour in the hollow that forms.
Blend it upward toward your temples.
You want a sharp, defined cheekbone that looks almost severe.
Don’t go for that soft, natural Instagram contour—we need drama here.
Jawline and Chin
Contour along your jawline to make it look sharper and more defined.
If you have a rounder face shape, this step is especially important.
Also add a tiny bit of contour on the sides of your chin to make it look more pointed.
Nose
This is optional depending on your face
