The Hottest Japanese Makeup Trends To Wrap Up 2021

2021 is slowly coming to a close. Yeah, can you believe that it’s already November and there’s only 1 more month of 2021 left? The year really zipped by in a rush. We all probably thought that this year would be better than the last, but the pandemic has really lasted longer than we expected. So, as the year closes in on us, it is about time we wrap up on all the hottest Japanese makeup trends we’ve had this year. It is also never too early to start prepping for Christmas, so you can definitely use these techniques or makeup trends come Christmas day! Don’t worry, Beauty Insider guarantees that these Japanese makeup trends and techniques are easy to pick up! No matter if you are an amateur at makeup, or a professional, you’ll get the hang of this easy peasy!

Japanese VS Korean Makeup Trends

To be honest, there are actually quite a few similarities between Japanese and Korean makeup. Both aim towards creating that cute and innocent look. The most minimalistic Japanese makeup style is called Igari. Named after the makeup artist Igari Shinobu, this makeup style is what most Japanese women will opt for. Since it is a much more natural-looking and soft approach, it is definitely favoured. It also offers a brighter and softer look, as well as using foundation with lighter coverage, or BB creams. Concealers are also typically used to hide undereye bags and blemishes only. Japanese makeup trends also tend to go for a soft flush to bring attention to the eyes. Similar to Koreans, Japanese makeup trends favour the “bitten lip”, or gradient effect as well. 

Japanese Makeup Trends 2021

1. Skincare Is A Huge Step

A big part of Japanese makeup is actually in how you take care of your skin. Your skincare routine is just as important to help you achieve that flawless makeup look. In order to achieve that, the Japanese love following the 3-step rule of cleansing, moisturising and applying sunscreen. Get these first 3-steps right and you’re well on your way to a great minimalistic makeup look. Since Igari focuses on being minimalistic, supple skin can truly show if you take care of your skin. If not, all your rough patches will be visible for all to see. Sunscreen is also the most effective way to protect your skin from premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. So don’t think about skipping it at all! It is a crucial step in both your skincare routine and makeup. 

2. Base Makeup For Mochi Skin

While Western makeup trends focus more on full coverage and K-beauty trends are looking for that dewy glow, Japanese makeup trends want to achieve something called Mochi skin. This is a velvety and matte finish that is extremely popular in Japan. To achieve this, all you need is a very thin layer of foundation, or by using BB and CC creams. Although, CC creams are formulated for ageing skin and tend to offer much more coverage. Thus, they can be thicker and heavier in formula compared to BB creams. 

But, BB and CC creams are also known for having benefits such as shine control, sun protection, pore blurring and hydration. With Japanese makeup trends, concealers are mainly used to conceal and not highlight like in Western makeup trends. This ensures that your base remains light and thin. Don’t forget to use some powder to set your makeup at the end to achieve that glowy look. 

3. Glitter, Shine And Shimmer

When it comes to the eyes in Japanese makeup trends, they love to emphasise it as well. But unlike how the West uses dark and bold eyeshadow colours, Japan uses soft pinks and muted browns. Adding a bit of glitter, allows the look to maintain natural and appear soft and sweet. This Japanese makeup trend can also be known as KiraKira where you need to apply 1 to 2 layers of shimmery eyeshadow onto your eyelids. Don’t worry, as this is extremely easy for beginners in makeup too! No blending is required, unlike most makeup trends and techniques from the West. After that, make sure to finish off your eye makeup look with some mascara and eyeliner to draw attention to your eyes. Use either a black or brown eyeliner and draw a small wing, or even smudge it to draw attention to the eyes. 

4. Soft Eyebrow Looks

As you know in the West, they love drawing their eyebrows at an angle. Most western makeup trends love filing in their brows darkly and creating a sharp angle. In the east, however, Japanese makeup trends prefer to stick to the straight brows to bring together that innocent style of makeup looks. Over here, thick and dark eyebrows are not desirable, but soft and straight brows are. You won’t need to fill in your brows a lot, all you need to do is make sure they are full enough and you can stop! Furthermore, you shouldn’t be drawing at an upwards angle. Try to keep it as straight as possible. 

5. Creamy Blusher

The placement of blushers is also quite different in Japan. Most of the time, Japanese makeup trends prefer to have their blushers closer to their eyes and high on their cheekbones. This allows them to draw attention upwards to the eyes. Aside from that, Japan also likes using cream blushers more than powdered blushers and cheek tints. Cream blushers are often easier to create the Igari makeup look or the “drunk blush” look. Aside from that, you can also dab the blusher across your nose to create a sunkissed look. A trend that even the West has adapted this year through TikTok. Popular blush colours are usually baby pinks and light corals. 

6. All-Natural Lips

When it comes to the lips, Japanese makeup trends prefer to stick to the natural side of things. In Western makeup trends, we often see them trying to enlarge their lips by overlining them. Western makeup also seems to like either matte or glossy lipstick. Both of which can be used to create a natural makeup look. In Japan, women tend to pick lighter lipstick colours with a softer lip line for an everyday look. Occasionally, they might pick up on the bold red lip, but for the most part, natural is a better option for Japanese makeup trends. Applying a lighter shade of lipstick such as coral, and then applying a clear lip gloss on top is a great way to make your lips appear soft and plump!