How to Master Ganyu Cosplay Makeup Like a Total Pro
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I’m gonna be honest with you right from the start.
Ganyu cosplay makeup isn’t the easiest character look to pull off, but it’s definitely one of the most stunning when you get it right.
And trust me, once you nail that ethereal, otherworldly glow she’s got going on, you’re gonna feel like you stepped straight out of Teyvat.
I’ve spent way too many hours perfecting cosplay makeup looks, and Ganyu? She’s special.
Her pale porcelain skin, those striking purple-toned eyes, and that soft but sharp overall vibe require some real attention to detail.
But don’t worry — I’m breaking it all down for you in the simplest way possible so you can recreate her look without losing your mind or your wallet.
Let’s dive in.
Why Ganyu’s Makeup Is So Iconic (And Kinda Tricky)
Ganyu from Genshin Impact has this really unique aesthetic that blends soft femininity with sharp, almost mystical elements.
She’s a half-qilin adeptus, so her look is supposed to feel not quite human — ethereal, graceful, and a little bit untouchable.
That means her makeup has to walk a fine line between delicate and dramatic.
Her skin tone is super pale and luminous, her eyes are defined with cool-toned purples and sharp liner, and everything about her screams “ice queen elegance.”
It’s a look that photographs beautifully and works amazing for conventions, photoshoots, or even TikTok cosplay content.
But here’s the thing.
If you mess up the base or go too heavy on the wrong colors, the whole look can fall flat or look muddy.
So we’re gonna make sure that doesn’t happen.
Getting That Porcelain Skin Base Right
Okay, first things first.
Ganyu’s skin is pale. Like, really pale.
And it’s not just pale — it’s smooth, even, and has this subtle glow that makes her look almost angelic.
So your base makeup is super important here.
Start with a good primer.
I always recommend using a color-correcting primer if you’ve got any redness or discoloration.
Green-tinted primers work great for canceling out red tones, which is key if you want that cool-toned porcelain finish.
Choose a foundation that’s lighter than your natural skin tone.
You might need to mix two shades or even add a white mixer to get the right level of paleness.
Don’t go too light though, or you’ll look washed out in photos.
Apply it in thin layers with a damp beauty sponge so it looks like skin, not a mask.
Conceal like your life depends on it.
Use a brightening concealer under your eyes and on any dark spots or blemishes.
Set everything with a translucent powder — but don’t go overboard or you’ll look cakey.
The goal here is smooth, matte, and flawless.
Think doll-like, but not plastic.
Key tips for the base:
- Use a cool-toned foundation (avoid anything with yellow or peach undertones)
- Set with powder only where you need it (T-zone, under eyes)
- Add a subtle highlighter on the high points of your face for that “glow from within” effect
- Skip bronzer completely — Ganyu doesn’t do sun-kissed
The Eyes: Where the Magic Really Happens
This is where Ganyu’s look really comes alive.
Her eyes are the focal point, and they’re what makes her instantly recognizable.
The eyeshadow, the liner, the shape — it all matters.
Eyeshadow colors you need:
Ganyu’s eyes are all about cool tones.
Think purples, lavenders, silvers, and maybe even a hint of icy blue.
You need a cool-toned eyeshadow palette with good pigmentation and blendability.
Start with a light lavender or silver shade all over your lid as a base.
Then take a medium purple and blend it into your crease using circular motions.
Go a little higher than you normally would to create that “lifted” effect.
For the outer corner, use a deeper plum or violet shade and blend it out toward your temples.
This creates dimension and makes your eyes look bigger and more dramatic.
Eyeliner is non-negotiable.
Ganyu has that signature sharp, extended wing that gives her an almost feline look.
Use a precision liquid eyeliner with a fine tip so you can control the line.
Start thin at the inner corner and gradually thicken it as you move outward.
The wing should extend past your outer corner and angle upward — think sharp and clean, not rounded.
If you mess up (and we all do), just use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water to fix it.
Lower lash line:
Don’t skip this part.
Use a bit of that same purple shadow along your lower lash line, but keep it soft and smudged.
You want definition without looking too heavy.
Mascara and lashes:
Curl your lashes first, then apply a good coat of black mascara.
If you want extra drama (and honestly, why wouldn’t you?), add some wispy false lashes.
Nothing too thick or dramatic — just enough to make your eyes pop.
Eyebrows:
Keep them natural but defined.
Use a brow pencil or powder in a soft brown or taupe shade.
Ganyu’s brows are neat and slightly arched, but not overly sculpted.
Adding Dimension with Blush and Contour
Even though Ganyu has a pale, smooth complexion, you still need some dimension so you don’t look flat in photos.
Blush:
Use a cool-toned blush in soft pink or mauve.
Apply it lightly to the apples of your cheeks using a fluffy brush.
Don’t go overboard — just a hint of color to make you look alive.
Contour:
This is optional, but I like to
