2000s Japanese Makeup Looks: Trends & Tutorials

The early 2000s was a golden era for Japanese makeup. This era saw the rise of iconic trends that continue to inspire makeup enthusiasts today. From the sweet and innocent "kawaii" aesthetic to the edgy and experimental "gyaru" style, Japanese makeup of the 2000s offered a diverse range of options for expressing individuality and individuality. This article dives into the key trends, techniques, and products that defined this era, providing a comprehensive guide for those interested in recreating these timeless looks.

The Rise of "Kawaii" and "Gyaru"

The 2000s saw a surge in popularity for two distinct Japanese makeup aesthetics: "kawaii" and "gyaru". These styles represent opposite ends of the spectrum, yet they both embody the core values of Japanese beauty — innocence, cuteness, and playfulness.

"Kawaii" (meaning "cute") embodies a sweet, youthful, and innocent look. It's characterized by:

Natural-looking skin: Focus on achieving a flawless, even skin tone with a light foundation and concealer.
Flush cheeks: Pink or peach blush applied high on the apples of the cheeks to give a youthful, healthy glow.
Sparkling eyes: Shimmery eyeshadows, glitter, and false eyelashes to create a playful and bright look.
Defined brows: Soft, arched brows that frame the face and accentuate the eyes.
Glossy lips: Translucent lip gloss or tinted balms for a natural, hydrated pout.

"Gyaru", on the other hand, is a more bold and experimental style, often associated with youth culture and rebellion. It features:

Tanned complexion: Bronzer or self-tanner is used to create a sun-kissed look.
Dramatic eyes: Deeply pigmented eyeshadows, heavy eyeliner, and dramatic false eyelashes for a striking effect.
Contouring: Defined cheekbones and a sculpted jawline for a more angular face.
Bold lips: Dark lipstick or gloss in shades of red, burgundy, or black.
Accessories: Large, colorful hair clips, headbands, and other accessories for a statement look.

2000s Japanese Makeup Trends

1. The "Dekisugi" Look:

This trend, meaning "too good," achieved a youthful, innocent look. Key elements:

Flawless skin: Achieved with carefully chosen foundation and concealer, covering blemishes and imperfections.
Emphasis on the eyes: Large, doe-eyed look with pale eyeshadows, shimmer, and a touch of eyeliner.
Subtle blush: Applied to the apples of the cheeks in a soft, natural shade.
Glossy lips: Translucent gloss or tinted lip balm for a subtle shine.

2. The "Shibuya Gal" Look:

This style, inspired by the fashion and style of Tokyo's Shibuya district, incorporated bold and playful elements.

Tan skin: Achieved with bronzer or self-tanner.
Dramatic eyes: Heavy eyeliner, mascara, and false eyelashes to create a larger-than-life effect.
Bold lips: Vibrant colors like red, pink, or orange were commonly used.
Accessories: Colorful hair clips, headbands, and statement jewelry were essential.

3. The "Ulzzang" Look:

While originating in South Korea, "ulzzang" (meaning "best face") became popular in Japan during the 2000s.

Flawless skin: Focused on achieving an even, porcelain-like complexion.
Emphasis on the eyes: Using light eyeshadows, eyeliner, and contacts to create a wide, doll-like eye.
Subtle blush: Applied to the apples of the cheeks for a soft, rosy glow.
Glossy lips: Tinted lip gloss or lip balm for a natural shine.

2000s Japanese Makeup Techniques

1. The "Eyelid Cut Crease":

This technique creates a crease and enhances the eye's shape, making the eyes appear larger and more defined. It involves:

Applying a light shadow on the eyelid.
Using a darker shadow to create the crease.
Blending the shadows for a seamless transition.
Applying a highlight on the brow bone to lift and brighten the eye area.

2. The "Inner Corner Highlight":

Adding a shimmery highlight to the inner corners of the eyes makes them appear brighter and more awake.

Choose a light, pearlescent eyeshadow or highlighter.
Apply it to the inner corner of the eye, blending it outwards.
Avoid using too much product, as it can make the eyes appear watery.

3. The "Doll Eye" Technique:

This technique aimed to create a round, wide-eyed look, similar to the eyes of a doll.

Apply a light shadow to the entire eyelid.
Use a dark shadow to create a wing at the outer corner of the eye.
Blend the shadows for a softer look.

4. The "Heavy Eyeliner" Trend:

Heavy eyeliner was a key element of many 2000s Japanese makeup trends.

Use a liquid liner to create a thick line along the upper lash line.
Wing the eyeliner out at the outer corner for a more dramatic look.
Apply a black or brown shadow to the lower lash line for a smoky effect.

2000s Japanese Makeup Products

1. Foundation:

Japanese brands like Shiseido, Kanebo, and Kose offered a wide range of foundations, from light and sheer to full-coverage matte formulas.

2. Blush:

Cream and powder blush in shades of pink, peach, and coral were popular choices.

3. Eyeshadow:

Shimmery eyeshadows in neutral and vibrant colors were essential for creating the desired looks, with brands like Majolica Majorca and Shu Uemura offering a diverse range of palettes.

4. Eyeliner:

Liquid eyeliner was favored for its precision, with brands like Kiss Me and Dolly Wink offering waterproof formulas for long-lasting definition.

5. Mascara:

Japanese mascaras were renowned for their volumizing, lengthening, and curling capabilities, with brands like Majolica Majorca and Dejavu offering a range of options for various lash types.

6. False Eyelashes:

False eyelashes were a common element of 2000s Japanese makeup looks, with brands like Dolly Wink and Diamond Lash offering various styles for different occasions.

Recreate the Looks: Tutorials and Inspiration

The internet offers a wealth of resources for learning and recreating 2000s Japanese makeup looks. YouTube channels like "Kawaii Girl Japan" and "Sugarpill" feature tutorials and inspiration, while websites like "Cosmopolitan" and "Allure" offer articles and trend reports.

For hands-on learning, consider:

Watching makeup tutorials: Search specific trends or looks you're interested in on YouTube.
Practicing with makeup: Experiment with different products and techniques on yourself.
Joining makeup communities: Connect with other makeup enthusiasts online for tips and inspiration.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to achieve flawless skin like the Japanese models in the 2000s?

Achieving flawless skin is a combination of skincare and makeup. Invest in a good skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and exfoliating. When applying makeup, use a foundation that matches your skin tone and apply it with a damp sponge for a natural finish.

2. How can I recreate the "Dekisugi" look?

Focus on achieving a natural, youthful look. Use a lightweight foundation and concealer, apply a soft pink blush to the apples of your cheeks, and highlight your eyes with shimmery eyeshadows and a touch of eyeliner.

3. Are there any essential tools for 2000s Japanese makeup?

Essential tools include a makeup brush set, sponges, a lash curler, and tweezers.

4. How can I find authentic Japanese makeup products?

Many Japanese beauty brands are available online on sites like Amazon, eBay, and Rakuten. You can also visit Japanese beauty stores or department stores that carry these products.

5. Is Japanese makeup suitable for all skin types?

Most Japanese makeup products are formulated for all skin types, but it's important to choose products based on your individual skin concerns. If you have sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formulas.

Conclusion

The 2000s were a pivotal period for Japanese makeup, establishing trends that continue to inspire and influence makeup enthusiasts worldwide. From the innocent "kawaii" to the edgy "gyaru," these styles offer a diverse range of options for expressing creativity and individuality. By understanding the key trends, techniques, and products of this era, anyone can recreate these timeless looks and embrace the captivating world of 2000s Japanese makeup.

Get started today and explore the endless possibilities of Japanese makeup!