Mystique Costume

My friends and I decided to do a group-themed costume dress up this year. One of them suggested to do superheros. I wanted to do a superhero that was not all that popular or one that many choose by default. I wanted an intriguing and unique character. So, after searching online for different heroine costumes, I decided that Mystique would be a fun one to make. I decided that I would make it myself because I enjoy creating things from scratch (as much as possible). I then ordered a blue long-sleeve unitard and decided to make the scales using fabric glue. This process took the longest (around 10-14 hours in different days). I used 3 different colors (dark blue, glitter black, and bright blue) for the fabric paint so that the scales would look more realistic and to add shading. I also tried on the unitard on days that I was working on it to mark the cleavage, stomach area, and other unique-to-my-body areas. I marked it using chalk. For the shoes, I used old shoes that were ready to be thrown out and I painted them using acrylic paint. I also used acrylic non-toxic pain for my hands and feet so that I would be completely covered (I couldn’t find gloves or socks to match the blue). For the face, I used face paint and applied it 2-3 times. Before applying the paint, I made scales on my face using liquid latex. Once dried, I applied the make up. I used black and yellow eye shadow for under and over the eye lids (I couldn’t find yellow contact lenses in time). The part of the body that was hardest to maintain the whole night was the neck area—I found myself reapplying throughout the night. Lastly, I had bought a red wig but I decided to use red hair spray instead and I’m glad that I did because it looked natural. The whole costume was about $45 total and it was a hit! Since I couldn’t find colored contact lenses in time, and since they are not FDA approved, I decided to not use any contact lenses. In the photos, my eyes ended up looking yellow (I think it is because of the eye shadow I used). I found a phone app that adds different filters for eye color and that was perfect for social media posts.