Makeup Techniques for 'Tsurime' Eyes and Anime Expressions

Master the art of anime cosplay makeup. Learn how to achieve the sharp, lifted Tsurime eye look with professional corrective techniques and shading tips.

Type Makeup / wig

Level Intermediate

Time 60 minutes

Updated April 8, 2026

cosplay makeup tsurime eyes

How-to

Step by Step

Incorrect use of tape

Applying tape to skin with oily residue will cause it to peel off in the middle of the event. Solution: Clean the temple area with an astringent or isopropyl alcohol before application. Never apply over loose hair

Eyeliner too thick

When trying to pull the eye, beginners often draw a very wide line, which "closes" the look instead of elongating it. Solution: Use the tip of the eyeliner to create a thin, precise line, keeping the thickness constant from the inner corner

Ignoring color transition

Leaving harsh eyeshadow edges creates a "doll-eye" look that does not match the tsurime style. Solution: Use a clean blending brush to soften the edges toward the temple, creating a natural gradient

Anchor points

Mark where the eyeliner should end (usually toward the end of the eyebrow)

False eyelashes

They are the second layer of "pulling" the eye. Choose models that have longer lashes on the outer corner

Eye contouring

Use cool-toned browns to create shadow below the waterline, connecting it with the upper eyeliner to expand the actual size of the eye

The quest for the perfect anime character aesthetic inevitably involves mastering cosplay makeup. Transforming the natural eye shape to achieve the tsurime fox-eye effect — characterized by a slightly elevated outer corner and an aggressive or feline almond shape — is a skill that separates amateur cosplay from a high-level look. In this guide, we will detail how to use corrective makeup and strategic positioning to achieve the desired anime expression.

Visual read of the character: The anatomy of Tsurime
The tsurime style is the opposite of tareme (droopy/cute eyes). While characters like Ochako Uraraka have round, open eyes, characters with tsurime traits convey confidence, seriousness, or an air of villainy. When analyzing your character's design, observe the angle of the upper eyelid in relation to the brow line. If the outer corner of the eye points upward, you are dealing with a design that requires horizontal elongation.

Anime makeup does not seek realism alone, but the translation of a 2D drawing onto a 3D face. This means that lines must be sharper and colors are often more saturated. The secret lies in the perception of depth: you need to create a "false" bone structure through shading so that, even from a distance, your eye shape appears to have been altered.

Estimated Budget

| Item | Price range | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fita adesiva para lifting facial (cosplay tape) | $3.00 - $9.00 | Estimated FX |
| Delineador líquido de alta precisão | $4.00 - $16.00 | Estimated FX |
| Cílios postiços (estilo wispy/alongado) | $2.00 - $6.00 | Estimated FX |
| Paleta de corretivos/contorno | $6.00 - $24.00 | Estimated FX |

Estimated conversion based on a reference FX rate; local retail prices may differ.