Tips

The Ultimate Guide: 12 Japanese-Inspired Makeup Looks You Need to Try

Are you looking to reinvent yourself or simply want to experiment with a new look? Fear not, as we take you through 12 Japanese-inspired makeup styles that you need to try.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

If you’re looking for something different from the usual Korean or Western makeup looks, why not try out the unique and captivating world of Japanese beauty styles? In this article, we’ll take you through 12 distinct Japanese makeup styles that will inspire and delight.

1Everyday Natural Makeup

This is a versatile look that Japanese women often wear daily. The focus is on enhancing the eyes with mascara, eyeliner, and eyebrow definition. Japanese women typically use eye shadow and false lashes to add extra definition to the eyes. For the lips, a soft pink shade is commonly chosen to maintain a natural look.

Everyday Natural Makeup

2Office-Appropriate Makeup

This style also emphasizes the eyes, but for a professional setting, Japanese women opt for more subdued colors. False lashes are typically not used, and lip colors tend to be neutral, such as pinkish-beige.

Office-Appropriate Makeup

3No-Makeup Makeup Look

This style aims to create a natural, fresh-faced appearance as if no makeup is worn at all. It is often favored by students and involves using subtle shades that blend seamlessly with one’s skin tone.

No-Makeup Makeup Look

4Schoolgirl Makeup

For students with strict school regulations regarding makeup, this style is a subtle way to enhance their features. It involves focusing on the inner corners of the eyes by applying light-colored, shimmery eye shadow or pencil to make the eyes appear larger and more awake.

Schoolgirl Makeup

5Idol-Inspired Makeup

Japanese idols are known for their youthful and innocent appeal. This style emphasizes eye definition with eyeliner and mascara while minimizing the use of eye shadow.

Idol-Inspired Makeup

6Gyaru Makeup

Taking inspiration from Barbie doll-like aesthetics, this style emphasizes dramatic eye makeup with heavy mascara and bold eyeliner.

Gyaru Makeup

7Seiso Gyaru Makeup

“Seiso” means neat and tidy in Japanese, and this style reflects that. It is suitable for both work and school and features muted, earthy tones. Instead of black eyeliner, brown shades are often used to create a softer look.

Seiso Gyaru Makeup

8Hime Gyaru Makeup

This style draws influence from the Lolita fashion subculture, emphasizing innocence and youthfulness. However, Hime Gyaru takes it a step further with pastel hues and a princess-like aesthetic.

Hime Gyaru Makeup

9Lolita Makeup

As mentioned, Lolita style emphasizes innocence and youth. Makeup in this style often involves using a lighter foundation shade around the eyes to create a doe-eyed effect.

Lolita Makeup

10Gothic Lolita Makeup

A variation of the Lolita style, this look involves applying blush subtly and focusing on dramatic eye makeup with dark eyeliner and eye shadow in shades of gray or blue.

Gothic Lolita Makeup

11Harajuku Makeup

This style is all about bright colors like pink, baby blue, and yellow, as well as face stickers and glitter. Some also opt for dramatic eye makeup with false lashes and bold eyeliner.

Harajuku Makeup

12Kimono-Inspired Makeup

This style evokes the elegance of Oiran, high-class courtesans from the Edo period. It involves using white face powder and red Beni blush to accentuate the eyes.

Kimono-Inspired Makeup

There you have it—12 captivating Japanese makeup styles to experiment with and make your own. We hope you found inspiration in these unique looks. Give them a try and embrace the beauty of Japanese culture!

Frequently asked questions

Japanese-inspired makeup is a beauty trend that draws influence from traditional and modern Japanese culture, incorporating unique techniques, products, and aesthetics to create a range of looks that can be both subtle and bold.

For a natural look, focus on creating a flawless base with lightweight, dewy foundation and concealer. Add subtle definition to the eyes with soft brown or taupe eyeshadow and a thin eyeliner flick. Enhance your cheeks with a peachy-pink blush and finish with a sheer lip color or gloss.

Japanese makeup is known for its emphasis on skin care and base preparation. The ‘mochi-hhada’ or ‘rice cake skin’ look is popular, characterized by a smooth, soft, and bouncy complexion. Additionally, Japanese makeup often features unique colors and products like gradient lip tints, colorful eyeliners, and lash serums for fluttery lashes.

To recreate a geisha-inspired look, start with a white base and use a light layer of foundation that’s a shade or two lighter than your natural skin tone. Define your brows with a strong, upward arch and apply red eyeshadow on the lids, blending upwards. Finish with bold red lips and a touch of white highlighter on the nose and chin.

Absolutely! Japanese beauty routines often emphasize skin care and hydration. Incorporate products like essence, serum, and face oils for a glowing complexion. Also, try the ‘hadabisei’ method, which involves patting products into the skin to improve absorption and promote a youthful, dewy look.

Some popular Japanese makeup products include the Shu Uemura eyelash curler, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation, and SUQQU Cheek Brush. Japanese brands like Canmake, Kate Tokyo, and Cezanne also offer affordable and high-quality makeup options.

Anime-inspired makeup looks are all about exaggeration and creativity. Start by enhancing your natural features with contouring and highlighting. Then, play with colorful eyeshadows and graphic eyeliner shapes. False lashes and circle contact lenses can also add to the anime effect.

Japanese eyeliner looks often feature a thin, precise line close to the lash line, with an upward flick at the end. Practice makes perfect, so take your time and use a steady hand. Liquid eyeliner pens with a fine tip are great for creating these looks.

To ensure your makeup lasts, start with a good primer and set your base with a translucent powder. Use long-wearing and waterproof formulas for eyes and lips. Setting sprays can also help to prolong the wear of your makeup. Carry touch-up products with you for any necessary adjustments throughout the day.

Yes, there are plenty of online resources available. YouTube is a great source for tutorials, with many beauty influencers offering step-by-step guides. Instagram and TikTok also feature creative Japanese-inspired makeup looks and ideas that you can draw inspiration from.