The Tokyo beauty trends we'll all be wearing this year - including bitten lips & mochi skin
We’ve all heard of K-Beauty, which gave us a penchant for glass skin and minor major obsession with sheet masks, but this season, it's time to turn our attention to the Japanese.
There's some incredible beauty trends coming out of Tokyo. In fact, Beauty Bay has launched a 'Trending in Tokyo' section to help beauty buffs recreate the look. "Tokyo seem to be at the forefront of beauty innovation, and we are here for it," they say. From bitten lips to flushed cheeks, they've curated all the products shoppers need to recreate the beauty trends spotted on the streets of Tokyo.
So what's trending in Tokyo and how can we get on board? We've rounded up the top J-Beauty trends we're loving RN so you can shake up your beauty regime.
Mochi Skin
Glass skin is so 2018. This year is all about mochi skin; a face that emulates smooth Japanese ice cream. Yes, really. The term comes from the bouncy and plump texture of mochi ice cream that J-beauty has coined as complexion goals because, they say, it's the ultimate sign of youth. However, no matter how much Becca Champagne Pop you layer on, the steps it takes to truly achieve the mochi skin look comes from your skincare routine. Experts say you should ensure you thoroughly cleanse your face and avoid exfoliation; the idea is to achieve juicy, plump skin rather than a squeaky-clean, tight visage.
Monochromatic makeup
The ultimate hack for lazy beauty lovers, this makeup trend sees the women of Tokyo using one bold colour on their lips, eyes and cheeks. Plump for a vibrant pink eyeshadow or a bold flick of winged liner, then sweep the same hue across the cheeks and blot into the lips.
Bitten lips
Gone are the days of immaculately outlined bold liquid lipsticks, J-Beauty is championing the ‘just bitten’ and ‘kissable’ lip look. Try using a coral lip stain and don't be afraid to smudge it or go outside the lines; the more undone, the better.
Blusher under the eyes
We love a good multitasking beauty hack, so we’re all over this trend which involves applying blusher under the eyes to create that doll-like effect. Placing a pink-toned blush at the highest point of the cheekbones where it almost meets the lower lashes is the ultimate trick to recreate the anime look that is so coveted in Japan’s beauty industry.
Tokyo is one magical city. Among the cherry blossoms, fish markets and ancient temples, the streets are bursting with beauty inspiration.
"The Japanese are not as whimsical or trend sensitive as other Asian cultures. I have seen more of a gentle craving for authenticity, more of a slightly relaxed attitude which is coming through both in fashion and beauty", says Dr. Jonquille Chantrey, Cosmetic Surgeon & International Aesthetic Lecturer.
The Japanese walk to the beat of their own drum, which is why the hairstyles and makeup trends found there are usually unlike any other country.
Here are some of the top looks spotted on the streets of Tokyo...
Getty Images1. Softened makeup
Skincare has always been J-beauty's forté, which is why they tend to go softer with makeup and focus on the skin. When they do wear bold lip colours, they're more blotted and imperfect, rather than sharply drawn on.
Getty Images2. Platinum blonde
Asian hair may be the hardest to transform to platinum, but that's not stopping the Japanese. Bleaching your hair to the point where it finally has some grit and frizz has become very 'high fashion'.
Getty Images3. Bowl cuts
Long, straight strands are being swapped for bowl cuts with choppy texture.
Getty Images4. Block fringes
Those who keep their length, often pair it with a full block fringe.
Getty Images5. Micro fringes
Punk, micro fringes are also popular.
Getty Images6. Neon hair
Hair of all colours can be spotted in Tokyo, but rather than conforming to the pastel rose golds and greys of the Western World, it's neon or nothing.
Getty ImagesNeon hair
Purple hair is definitely more punk than pretty in Japan's capital, with bright violets favoured over the 'too much toner' look.
Getty Images8. Shaggy lobs
The 'shaggy Tokyo lob' was trending late last year, as a way for Japanese women to create texture in their naturally straight locks.
Getty Images7. Blunt bobs
Those brave enough to go even shorter, opt for a chin grazing-length bob with blunt ends.
