6 JAPANESE BEAUTY TRENDS from Renée Tse
FRINGE CURLERS Hair Fringe Curler | $9 Yesstyle.com
It looks like the ladies in Japan have found the solution to the age-old problem of keeping wispy bangs, well, wispy, by the time they get to work. On a subway, I spotted a few girls wearing pastel-coloured fringe curlers. Before they arrived at their stops, they casually took the curlers out, fluffed their bangs and then got off the train with perfect hair. It fazed no one.
PINK ON PINK (ON PINK) Paul & Joe Powder Blush Refill In 05 | $23 Beautyboutique.ca
The monochromatic pink-on-pink look is a runway and red carpet favourite as of late, but it’s a look not many of us rock on a day-to-day basis. But in Japan I spotted the look on every other girl on the street — a prominent pink eyeshadow teamed with bright pink blush and glossy pink lips was the look du jour.
BABY DOLL LASHES Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Waterproof Mascara | $35
Amazon.ca
If there’s one beauty goal many girls from the East strive for, it’s full lashes. While getting eyelash extensions is commonplace in Japan, Korea and China, many achieve baby doll-like lashes easily and efficiently with the country’s cult-fave waterproof mascara.
INNER BEAUTY DRINKING COLLAGEN Shiseido The Collagen Enriched Drink | $126 Amazon.ca
The Japanese believe beauty comes from within — meaning what we put into our body affects our skin. Enter collagen drinks. These sippable supplements have high concentrations of amino acids, glycine, proline and lysine, which are said to help repair connective tissues and promote healthy skin and hair.
FACE MASKS Hats ‘N’ Tales Cotton Face Mask | $3 Yesstyle.com
No, I’m not talking about essencesoaked sheet masks that instantly revive your face. I’m talking about the masks you wear when you’re sick or if you’re a health care professional. However, in Asia, it’s quite the fashion trend. If you look at the many celebs spotted at the airport, you’ll see them all sporting one as a way to mask their identity and hide the fact they haven’t put makeup on. Clearly, their fans are catching on. And rather than coming in only a surgical blue option, these masks come in an array of fabrics, designs and colours. You know, to match your outfit.