However, as shocking as it may seem, there are many companies on the internet that advertise their products as being better than they are to lure people into paying more for them.
Anyway, if you are brand new to cosplaying, you will need to be aware of what to look for when it comes to getting your hair supplies, makeup, contact lenses, and clothes. So, what should you look for when it comes to building up a good set of cosplay supplies?
Quality
First and foremost, you've got to look at the quality.
Suppose you are looking to order cosplay supplies online, and you compare a set of silicon horns that are handmade with ones from China; which ones do you think are going to be of higher quality?
This is where websites are a boon for cosplayers, but, unfortunately, it can be rather expensive, so be sure to look around and read reviews from other cosplayers. If an item is constantly listed as 1 star, it's not worth getting, even if it costs pennies.
Accuracy
You don't want to order a size 14 Harley Quinn outfit online to have it arrive and be a size 18 and made from a different material than what was listed.
Again, it is always best to look at review pages for products, as this will allow you to see if the listed product will be as it appears or if cheaper (and more fragile) materials will be used.
Ease Of Use
On to supplies like makeup, hair dye, and even wigs; are they beginner friendly? Or do you need to have training in makeup in order to use them?
With cosplay, it is important to check if items are simple to use, as this can allow you to build up your skill set.
Price
It is easy to presume when it comes to cosplay that the more expensive something is, the better it is. However, that's not the case, and as cosplay is a specialist niche, there are many people who are out to make a quick buck.
So, if you find an item, like a set of Wolverine claws, compare it against similar items and assess the price. As a general rule for cosplayers, a middle-of-the-road range is better than paying a fortune or a pittance.
Location
Remember, when it comes to websites like Etsy, many of the sellers are not able to offer international shipping due to the fact that they often don't have the money to do so. Therefore, if you simply have to have that gorgeous Harley Quinn wig, it is worth looking at where it is located and how much shipping is going to cost.
If you can, it may be worth looking into whether or not you can pick the supplies up in person (if you have a car), as this can save a fortune on shipping for larger and heavier items.