What is Igari Makeup? Learn This Japanese Beauty Trend
If you’re someone who loves exploring international beauty trends, you’re bound to be captivated by Igari makeup. Hailing from Japan, this look has gained a loyal following for its fresh, effortless charm. Want to know why beauty enthusiasts adore this trend? Let’s break it down and learn everything about Igari makeup, from its origins to how you can master it yourself.
What is Igari Makeup?
Igari makeup, also referred to as “hangover makeup” (byojaku in Japanese), is a soft, youthful style that mimics the look of naturally flushed, dewy skin. The idea is to create an innocent, slightly flushed appearance — like you’ve just had a glass of wine or come inside from the cold. It’s playful yet subdued, making it perfect for those who love a natural but still striking aesthetic.
This trend was popularized by Japanese makeup artist Igari Shinobu, whose signature look embraced rosy cheeks, soft tones, and an overall healthy glow. Her unique approach has become a beauty staple not just in Japan but also globally, especially among those seeking a “no-makeup makeup” look with a fun twist.
Key Features of Igari Makeup
The charm of Igari makeup lies in its simplicity and ability to enhance natural beauty. Here are the signature elements that define this trend:
Flushed Cheeks
The hallmark of Igari makeup is the rosy blush, concentrated under the eyes and across the cheeks. This placement gives the illusion of a natural, slightly shy flush.Dewy Skin
Igari makeup emphasizes hydrated and radiant skin. A dewy complexion is key to achieving the overall fresh and youthful vibe.Natural Eyes
Eye makeup is soft and understated. Neutral tones, light shimmers, and minimal liner lend the eyes a gentle, feminine touch.Soft Lips
Lips are kept natural or slightly tinted in shades of pink, coral, or nude. The goal is to complement the flushed cheeks and keep the look balanced.
Why is Igari Makeup so Popular?
The appeal of Igari makeup is its versatility and its ability to enhance natural beauty without appearing heavy or overdone. It’s perfect for casual outings, daytime events, or anyone who wants an effortlessly chic look. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t require an elaborate set of products or skills, which makes it accessible to makeup enthusiasts of all levels.
Social media has also played a big role in the global rise of Igari makeup. With its unique placement of blush and fresh aesthetic, this trend stands out on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, drawing beauty lovers into its orbit.
How to Achieve the Igari Makeup Look
Want to give it a try? Follow these simple steps to recreate the signature Igari makeup look at home:
1. Prep Your Skin
Dewy skin starts with proper hydration. Use a lightweight moisturizer or hydrating primer to create a smooth base. For an extra boost of glow, try mixing a liquid highlighter with your foundation.
Recommended products:
- Hydrating primer like Glossier Priming Moisturizer
- Lightweight foundation such as NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
2. Achieve a Flushed Look
Blush is the star of Igari makeup. Choose a cream or liquid formula in a rosy or peachy tone. Apply it higher on your cheeks, close to your under-eye area, and blend it downward to the apples of your cheeks. Remember, this is about creating a natural-looking flush, so don’t overdo it.
Recommended products:
- Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
- Canmake Cream Cheek Blush
3. Keep Eyes Subtle
For the eyes, stick to light, neutral shades. Use a soft, shimmery shadow on the lids and avoid heavy eyeliner. A thin line or tightlining near the lashes is enough to define your eyes. Finish with a coat of mascara for a fluttery effect.
Recommended products:
- Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
4. Perfect the Lips
Opt for soft, natural colors like coral, pink, or nude. A tinted lip balm or a sheer lipstick works great to enhance your lips without overpowering the look.
Recommended products:
- Dior Addict Lip Glow
- Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint
5. Add the Finishing Touch
To seal your look, use a setting spray with a dewy finish. It keeps your makeup fresh and radiant throughout the day.
Recommended product:
- MAC Fix+ Setting Spray (Dewy Finish)
Igari Makeup Tips for Beginners
- Blend, Blend, Blend: The secret to making Igari makeup look natural is seamless blending. Use a makeup sponge or your fingers for a soft finish.
- Go Light on Coverage: Avoid heavy foundations or powders, as they can dull the dewy effect.
- Experiment with Blush Placement: Everyone’s face shape is different, so play around with blush placement to find the most flattering look for you.
Final Thoughts
Igari makeup is more than just a trend — it’s a celebration of natural beauty with a fun Japanese twist. Its fresh, youthful aesthetic has made it a staple in the beauty routines of many, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re a seasoned makeup enthusiast or a beginner exploring new looks, the Igari makeup style is a delightful addition to your repertoire.
Why not grab your favorite blush and give it a try? You may just fall in love with the effortless charm of this Japanese beauty trend!
FAQs About Igari Makeup
1. What is Igari makeup?
Igari makeup, also known as “hangover makeup” or byojaku in Japanese, is a beauty trend that emphasizes flushed cheeks, dewy skin, and a soft, natural look. The goal is to create a youthful, slightly shy appearance that’s innocent and playful.
2. Who popularized Igari makeup?
This makeup style was popularized by Japanese makeup artist Igari Shinobu. Her unique technique of placing blush under the eyes and accentuating natural beauty has gained global recognition.
3. Why is Igari makeup also called “hangover makeup”?
The term “hangover makeup” comes from the flushed and slightly tired effect that the blush placement gives. It mimics the look of slightly reddened cheeks, as if you’ve had a drink or are feeling bashful.
4. What are the key features of Igari makeup?
Igari makeup is characterized by:
- Flushed cheeks with blush applied high under the eyes.
- Dewy, glowing skin.
- Natural, understated eye makeup.
- Soft lips in pink, coral, or nude shades.
5. Is Igari makeup beginner-friendly?
Yes! Igari makeup is simple to achieve, even for beginners. With a focus on light, natural application and minimalistic techniques, it’s a great option for anyone looking to enhance their natural features without complex steps.
6. How can I achieve the Igari makeup look?
Here’s how to do it:
- Prep your skin with a hydrating base for a dewy glow.
- Use a cream or liquid blush for a soft flush applied near the under-eye area.
- Keep eye makeup neutral with subtle shadows and light mascara.
- Choose a tinted lip balm or sheer lipstick for natural-looking lips.
Finish with a dewy setting spray to lock it all in.
7. What products are best for Igari makeup?
Here are some recommended products:
- Blush: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush or Canmake Cream Cheek Blush.
- Foundation: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation for a radiant base.
- Eyes: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette for soft, neutral tones.
- Lips: Dior Addict Lip Glow or Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint.
8. Can Igari makeup work for all skin types?
Definitely! While the style emphasizes a dewy finish, those with oily skin can still achieve the look by using oil-free hydrating primers and setting sprays designed for long-lasting wear.
9. Why is Igari makeup so popular?
Igari makeup’s appeal lies in its effortless blend of natural and playful aesthetics. It’s versatile, flattering, and easy to recreate, making it a favorite for casual outings and social media trends. Beauty lovers everywhere appreciate its ability to enhance features without looking heavy or overly made-up.
10. Can I customize Igari makeup to suit my face shape?
Absolutely! Everyone’s face shape is unique, so you can experiment with blush placement to find what looks best on you. Whether you focus the blush higher on your cheeks or closer to the nose, the goal is to create a natural flush that complements your features.
11. Is Igari makeup suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, it’s perfect for everyday wear! Its light, natural vibe makes it suitable for casual settings like work, coffee dates, or even quick errands. Plus, it’s quick to apply, saving time in your daily routine.
12. Does Igari makeup work for different skin tones?
Of course! The style looks beautiful on all skin tones. You can adjust the blush and lip shades to match your complexion, opting for warmer tones for deeper skin or cooler tones for lighter skin.
13. What inspired the global popularity of Igari makeup?
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a huge role in sharing and celebrating the unique, fresh aesthetic of Igari makeup. Its approachable techniques and standout blush placement have attracted beauty lovers worldwide.
14. Can I pair Igari makeup with other styles?
Yes, you can! While Igari makeup focuses on a natural look, you can customize it by pairing it with bolder brows, eyeliner, or even a pop of color on the lips for a personalized touch.
15. What makes Igari makeup stand out compared to other trends?
Unlike heavy contouring or dramatic eye looks, Igari makeup is all about subtlety and enhancing natural beauty. The unique blush placement and focus on youthful, glowy skin make it one-of-a-kind in the world of beauty trends.