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?