How to channel the Harajuku girl makeup trend

So, I’ve just returned from a glorious holiday in Japan, where I indulged in what was probably one too many ramen noodle dishes, fell in love with streetside crepes (#omg) and hit the districts of Shibuya, Ginza and Harajuku, hard, to do some serious shopping.
And while my belly enjoyed the local cuisine a bit too enthusiastically and I giggled my way through endless Hello Kitty paraphernalia, what I loved most was aimlessly wandering the streets and taking in the incredible, eye-popping scenery. And by scenery, I mean the fashion and makeup looks of the Harajuku girls.
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images courtesy of tokyofashion.com
Colouring outside the lines may be a beauty blunder back home, but in Japan, wearing candy-coloured blush directly beneath the eyes is exceptionally trendy. The rosy-eyed movement, known as me no shita chiiku (literally, ‘under-eye blush’), first appeared in fashion street snaps and then in Japanese beauty forecasts but only really took off once Japanese It Girl Momoko Ogihara made it her signature look. The masses followed - in a big way. And I have to admit… after a day amidst the colour and chaos, I was pretty tempted to try it myself.
images courtesy of tokyofashion.com.au
Japanese beauty and fashion thrives on channeling that innocently endearing, doll-like look, and me no shita chiiku is the perfect compliment. Along with bright wide-awake eyes and spidery lashes, the higher blush placement is favoured by Harajuku girls because it makes the cheeks appear round, supple and youthful - a contrast to the angled blush style that is so popular in western culture.
The concept is simple: blend subtly and don’t go overboard. Now, who’s ready to experiment with becoming a Harajuku girl?
TURNING JAPANESE: GET THE LOOK
The eyes:
Harajuku girls love the uru-uru look, which refers to huge, round, puppy dog-like eyes. Got bags? The added bonus of me no shita chiiku is that it’ll cover these, and make your peepers pop, so apply accordingly.
You’ll need: Maybelline New York Big Eyes Eyeliner applied to your waterline to create the illusion of bigger eyes, Max Factor Glide & Define Liquid Eyeliner applied to your top and lower lash line, and a set of Cool Contacts Big Eye Animae Contacts - inspired by Manga and Anime, they’re perfect for creating that doe-eyed effect.
The lashes:
Pop on some lashes and mascara to match those planet-sized eyes.
You’ll need: Glam by Manicare lashes are a great option - cut them in half and apply to both your upper and lower lash line, and then coat them in L’Oréal Paris Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara. Hello Dolly!
The cheeks:
It’s all about the blush, baby. Have fun playing with shades - opt for pink for a sweet finish, coral if you’ve got freckles, or rosy-red to make a bolder statement. There are no rules, just colours. Apply the blush below and out toward your temples, gradually building colour as you go.
You’ll need: Essence blush up! Powder Blush, Lancôme Blush Subtil, Yves Saint Laurent Blush Volupté, Designer Brands Lip & Cheek Rouge
The lips:
Believe it or not, the greater the separation of colour between the blush and the mouth, the more the lips are emphasised. Stick to a lip gloss or stain.
You’ll need: Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain, e.l.f. cosmetics Essential Lip Stain, Lush It Started with a Kiss Tinted Lip Balm
What do you think of the Japanese beauty trend? Would you ever try me no shita chiiku?
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85 Member Comments
What a look, it is unique in my world. I will leave it up to the Japanese girls to rock this beauty trend. Golly it is different.
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very cute and nice.
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Super cute. I would never do anything like that though, because my skin is so much darker, I look too masculine for it and am so much older lol
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This look is Uber Cute! i just love it. I wouldn't be able to pull it off though.
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I don't understand why people want to look like porcelain dolls. It looks cute when you're a teenager but mmm... when you're 30 years old. No thank you. Its definitely adorable though and it suites Japanese and Korean girls mostly. I have a more of a structured face and serious face expressions I would look silly.
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Very interesting. A cute look but definitely not for me.
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Very interesting article. Love reading things like these. Beauty heaven has some really great informative articles. cute, probably wont try though
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I absolutely love this look! It looks so cute and youthful :)
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I love how these girls aren't afraid to express themselves through colour, but the look is too cutesy for my taste.
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Not for me, but these girls look cute.
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I would look horrible with blush under my eyes!
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I might have to look at some tutorials!
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Would look great on a stage
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I love this look it's so damn cute! i just want to pick them up and cuddle them like a doll!
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It's not a look i like.
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They are so cute!!!
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I love this look, one of the reasons I want to move to Japan (that, and the ramen, of course)!
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looks cool but not for me.
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I'm too old to try the cute look. If I were in my late teens or early 20s I'd probably give it a try. That said, I don't think many people could pull off the make without the clothes and accessories to accompany it!
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i wish i have the skills and the courage to pull it off
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Omg this looks atrocious and nothing new about it! 😂
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:ove Japan! Went there on a student exchange and will never forget it. I was amazed at how many vending machines there was selling so much stuff including beer! Id love to try the manga mascara
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Very cute! They suit the look. Not something I would try though.
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