You don't have to be a biochemist turned terrorist to capture the Poison Ivy skin. A little bright makeup and plastic craft sheets can transform beginning and seasoned cosplayers into the DC villain. As long as you learn to sew or use the glue gun, you can make a perfect costume for Halloween or the next comic book convention. Combine the costume with a catwoman or Harley Quinn cosplayer to be the absolute center of the night with your amazing dangerousness, wherever you are.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Create the Poison Ivy Suit
Step 1. Sew or buy a green leotard
If you know how to sew, use a stretch fabric and a pattern to make a green leotard. Otherwise, visit a gym, ballet, or theater specialty store to find a leotard. Choose or create a lighter green leotard to mimic the Poison Ivy costume.
- Cotton, nylon, polyester, lycra, and x-static work great as materials for leotards.
- Traditionally, the Poison Ivy costume is sleeveless, but you can add short or long sleeves depending on your comfort level.
Step 2. Purchase plastic sheeting from a craft store
You will need enough green leaves to decorate the leotard, as well as a pair of shoes. Decide beforehand if you want to cover the leotard or make a design out of the leaves. Buy enough leaves to decorate respectively
Start with a bag or two of leafy greens and buy more if you run out
Step 3. Remove the plastic stems from the leaves
If the leaves come on plastic branches, prepare them to put on the costume. Remove the stem, as you will not need it for it. Paint the leaves with green or white glitter glue before gluing them onto the costume for added sparkle.
Let the glitter glue dry if you used it before attaching the sheets to the costume
Step 4. Sew or glue the leaves onto the leotard
Hand-sewing the sheets is safer, but you can use fabric glue or a glue gun if you've never sewn before. You can cover the entire leotard or shape the leaves into a design, such as a curve. Gather the sheets on a leotard strap.
Pay special attention to the neckline and join the leaves along the edge
Step 5. Glue the leaves to a pair of boots or heels
Heels are more traditional, but choose a sensible pair of boots if you plan to walk a lot in this costume. Use a hot glue gun to cover the heels with leaves.
- Add a pair of green socks under the shoes to complete the look. Choose a shade of green lighter than the leotard to add contrast.
- Ideally, the shoes should be green, red, or black to match your costume.
Part 2 of 3: Combing the hair
Step 1. Buy a box of temporary red hair dye
Many temporary dyes can last up to several weeks or even months, so read the instructions for the dye carefully before purchasing. Choose a spray hair color if you need the dye to wash off easily.
Chalk your hair for a temporary red hue
Step 2. Wear your hair loose and curly
Traditionally, Poison Ivy hair is curly, so heat up your curling iron to mimic its style. Choose an oversized curling iron for big, voluminous curls. Use hairspray to keep the style safe while wearing the costume.If you don't need to dye your hair the day you wear the costume, you can use an overnight method (like a large pair of hair rollers) to curl it
Step 3. Buy a curly red wig as an alternative
For those with short hair or an aversion to coloring, buy a red wig and brush it up with a fine-toothed comb. This will give the wig the ideal texture and volume. Spray the wig with hairspray to maintain the look.
To comb back, part the hair from the wig into sections using rubber bands. Working one section at a time, use a fine-tooth comb to brush halfway between the scalp and ends. Keep brushing until you reach the desired volume
Step 4. Create a leaf ribbon accessory
Purchase a thin green or black ribbon to form the base of the accessory. Glue the leaves along the top and side of the tape until it is all covered. Tape your hair or wig for a wild look.
Part 3 of 3: Applying Makeup
Step 1. Apply bright green eyeshadow to the upper part of your lids
The shadow will cover the entire eyelid without reaching the eyebrow. Layer a darker green shade of eyeshadow over the lighter shade for a fading effect. The dark shade should extend slightly more than the lighter shade, near the brow bone. Apply a red eyeliner around the bottom of your eye for contrast.
Step 2. Draw an outline in the shape of a wing
Apply a thin layer of eyeliner to the upper lash line, then decide how long you want the wing to be. Draw a thin diagonal brim and fill it in once you like the length.
- Black eyeliner is ideal as it stands out against the eyeshadow.
- Use a liquid eyeliner if you need longer-lasting makeup.
Step 3. Wear mascara or put on false eyelashes
False eyelashes can give you better volume if you want to achieve Poison Ivy makeup. Put lash glue on the false lashes and align them over your lash line. Hold the false and real lashes to secure them firmly. Without instead, you apply mascara, choose a black one with a lot of volume.
Step 4. Draw an ivy vine on the side of your face
Use a green eye pencil to draw a swirl that runs from the neck to the cheekbones and ends at the hairline. Fill in the vine to make it thicker, and add leaves after you've traced your initial design.
Redraw the drawing with a darker green to give the vine more depth
Step 5. Choose a deep red lipstick to complement the hair color
Lipstick is a must to finish makeup. Choose a lip color that is as bright (if not brighter) as the hair or wig. Bright green or black lipstick can be used as an alternative.