Winter blush-centric makeup looks have taken center stage. Alongside the “I’m Cold” makeup, a Japanese-inspired beauty trend known as Igari makeup, or “drunk blush” and “hangover makeup,” has been gaining momentum. This trend draws inspiration from the natural flushed appearance of consuming alcohol. This Igari blush was popular during the pandemic; applying it high above the cheekbones can make it still visible when wearing a mask.
What is Igary blush?
This technique has long been relied on by Japanese women to get a cute anime character-style look, highlighting the strong pink hue under the eyes. However, even though the application is done right under the eyes, this makeup does not aim to focus attention on the eye area but focuses on the face complexion.
Why Igari Makeup is so popular nowadays?
Because the effect is to look cute and innocent, especially for those who like the “soft girl” and feminine makeup style.
The “Drunk blush” is probably one of the trendiest makeup looks in both the East and West today. Not only is it easy to do by simply extending your flush from cheek to cheek through the bridge of your nose, but it also suits most face shapes and skin tones. But did you know that before it became popular in late 2018, it originated in Japan under the name Igari by famous Japanese makeup artist Igari Shinobu?
It is unclear whether she was the one who created the look. Igari’s clientele of models and celebrities made Igari makeup one of the biggest makeup trends not just in Japan but also in South Korea since late 2015. Now, it has been a global trend strongly attributed to its Japanese origin, with many makeup artists and enthusiasts using it as a reference to create their version of the look. Taking ownership of its popularity, Igari Shinobu, at present, continues to thank people in her current Instagram bio for naming the trend after her.
As Japanese makeup looks tend to have the eyes as the focal point, what’s dubbed as ‘hangover makeup’ does exactly that, mimicking a strong yet natural flush that’s usually acquired when one is intoxicated. Soft and vulnerable-looking peepers, youthful blushing skin — that’s the main goal. But how exactly do you recreate the perfect Igari makeup look?
Here’s your guide to mastering Igari makeup.
As with many Japanese makeup styles, achieving a flawless, doll-like base is essential. J-beauty is simple to K-beauty and usually emphasizes three things: cleansing, moisturizing, and packing on suncare (Japanese people love their sunscreens!). Making sure that you have these things on point before you start working on your actual base makeup significantly helps with that “my skin but better” finish, considering that this look requires you to keep your foundation as light as possible.
In contrast to Western makeup, where everything is almost always full-coverage, J-beauty is all about keeping it sheer and dewy. However, compared to Korea’s glass skin, which almost looks wet to the touch, Japan prefers the mochi skin trend, where a velvety-looking finish is the most ideal.
Begin by blending a full-coverage concealer over any blemishes, paying special attention to the under-eye area. Follow up with a light dusting of setting powder to further even the complexion. To maintain the soft and demure aesthetic of Igari makeup, skip bronzer and apply a peach-toned blush generously. Don’t be afraid to use a heavy hand, extending the color across your cheeks and evenly blending it over the nose bridge to connect both sides. This delivers an innocent and youthful appeal.
Contouring and highlighting are not as tedious in J-beauty as it is in Western makeup. Looks like Igari tends to use the blush and the soft eye look to complement a neutral and uncomplicated base. But for added radiance, apply a shimmery highlight to the tops of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose. Remember that minimalism is key in the look that is being created.
For the eyes, choose a soft pink eyeshadow and apply it across the eyelids. Create a subtle wing using a fine-tip liquid eyeliner. Elevate the look with wispy, Japanese-inspired eyelashes for that anime-inspired twist.
Similar to South Korea, soft and diffused lips are also a thing in Japan. Barely-there colors are perfect for complimenting their preference for subtle beauty, which doesn’t go any differently for the Igari makeup look. So, finish off the cutesy Igari makeup by applying a lip tint to your pout.
And if there’s one thing that the rest of the world turned their backs to in the 2000s that Japan didn’t, it would be lip glosses. Adding to the whole ‘innocent’ vibe, J-beauty still incorporates high-shine lip gloss into their chosen lip looks as it delivers youthful plumpness to one’s appearance.
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