By Georgia Lam ,
Igari makeup, otherwise known as ‘hangover makeup’, is making a big splash (again) in the realm of beauty. Popularised a few years back in 2018 during pre-pandemic times, this J-Beauty look created by Igari Shinobu herself highlights the essence of natural-looking makeup with over accentuated blush on the cheeks to resemble a rosy, flushed look after a round of drinks or two. Back when heavy coverage, contouring and sharp, defined makeup were all the rage, she broke out of the mould by taking a different approach – minimalism. The less is more sentiment resonates with the crowd in recent times, which may explain its grand return as a viral, trending look all over social media.
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So what exactly ‘sparks joy’ for this Marie Kondo of a makeover? Well, besides a flushed cheek, it also focuses on drawing attention to the clear, glass-skinned look that resembles a porcelain doll-like finish. Since both J-Beauty and K-Beauty are big on skincare and well-hydrated skin, the Igari look allows the effort they put into taking care of their plump complexion shine through.
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To totally nail that Igari makeup game, we have included the steps and rounded up some items you should add to cart now to start looking like that ‘it’ girl.
Toner: Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water EX, $125, from Sulwhasoo
To kick off your clear skin routine, start with a gentle but potent and effective toner as prep. Effortlessly lifted skin is easy to achieve once you’ve unlocked the secrets of this ginseng-renewing water that contains 1.5 times more nutrition in their newly revamped formula, with a visibly firmer and well-hydrated complexion in an instant. Fast-absorbing and non-sticky, experience a boost of resilience and rejuvenated skin with just one application.
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Moisturiser: Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream/Gel, $63, from Laneige
To perfect the Igari trend, a well-moisturised skin is key for a smooth, porcelain base. Newly upgraded, Laneige’s Water Bank Moisturisers are back with a formulation for every skin type. Not called a holy grail for nothing, these cubed bottles solve all kinds of skin dryness and flakiness while fortifying the skin barrier. Starting with the gel cream, is the most lightweight and offers a cool, refreshing sensation when applied to normal to oily skin types. It helps with sebum control, and oil balance, as well as soothing and replenishing moisture. As for normal to dry skin types, opt for the moisture cream instead for instant hydration and to restore the glow. With consistent usage, the soft, fluffy-like cream offers firmer skin, accompanied by increased elasticity. If you have severely sensitive, dry or dehydrated skin, the intensive cream is a denser balm-like texture that packs in tons of moisture for nourishment and relieving redness or itchiness.
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Sunscreen: Perfect UV Milk (Gold), $42.30, Anessa from Guardian
UV protection is, of course, an absolute necessity. SPF50+ and PA++++, the Anessa sunscreen is everything you want right before playing around with makeup. The milk texture is lightweight and watery, which helps with seamless absorption into the skin without white cast or streaky application. It also doubles as a makeup primer and helps with adhesion without pilling. Containing 50 per cent of skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe and green tea extracts as well as marine collagen, this sunscreen does more than protect you from harmful UV rays. It helps moisturise and protect the skin against dryness as well.
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Base: Mask Fit Red Cushion, $30.74, TirTir from Yesstyle
While the Igari trend emphasises minimalism, it doesn’t hurt if you decide to add in your foundation. TikTok viral and Japan’s current obsession, the TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion is everyone’s dream to achieve flawless and blemish-free skin – a key to nail the Igari trend. Since it offers high coverage that blurs imperfections and a budge-proof formula that lasts up to 72 hours, a thin layer of this goes a long way. Even with just a little product, you can get a smooth complexion in an instant when blended, which also boasts radiance and hydration thanks to its addition of hibiscus flower and red propolis extracts. It also has SPF40 PA++ UV protection, which extends protection to your skin. The cushion has a dense but fine powder that increases adhesivity, does not sit in wrinkles or fine lines, and neither will cake throughout the day. The unique egg-shaped cushion that comes with the compact has tapered ends that allow you to get into hard-to-reach areas with more ease.
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Concealer: Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer, $46, Shiseido from Sephora
If you skip the foundation step, Shiseido has everything to give, if not more. It is lightweight, buildable and offers a brighter, more illuminated complexion. Its creamy formula also possesses the ActiveForceTM Technology that syncs with your facial movements, preventing the product from sinking into fine lines and accentuating them, making it feel much like your second skin. It is also water and sweat-resistant, which is great in humid conditions. The wand is also shaped such that it picks the right amount of product every time and hugs the contours of your face for a more comfortable application. Without a foundation, this concealer also works well on its own and melts into your skin for the ultimate natural finish.
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Mascara: Long & Curl Advanced Film #01 Black, $22.50, Heroine Make from Watsons
Great staying and lengthening power, the Heroine Make Long & Curl mascara will level up your game. It is water, smudge, sebum and sweat proof, and extends your lashes up to 5mm more while holding the curl up all day. An instant lash lift in a bottle, this mascara helps to rock your natural lashes without anything too loud. To make your eyes truly pop when perfecting the Igari makeup, perhaps you can also try pinching your lashes together with a tweezer to achieve a ‘manhua’ 3D lash effect that is not over the top. It is great for everyday wear and is recommended to pair the mascara with the Speedy Mascara Remover from the same brand during the removal process, just so you don’t have to keep tugging or rubbing your eyes while cleansing.
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Eyeshadow: Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Warm, $117, from Chanel
For the eyes, you want to consider a nude palette. A subtle shine above those peepers, soft, gentle pigments, and a natural beige or pinkish sweep across the eyelids is what the Les Beige Eyeshadow Palette in Warm by Chanel has to offer; otherwise, also everything you are going for when recreating the Japanese look. It boasts a silk satin finish with versatile colours, perfect for the everyday look or when you want a boost of radiant glow. Use it as an eyeshadow, an eyeliner or for your brows; wherever this palette takes you, just know you will be in good hands.
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Blush: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $39, Rare Beauty from Sephora
Alas, we reach the focal point of the makeup trend – blush. Layering blushes would be your best bet to bring attention to the middle of your face. Start with a liquid or cream blush such as the famed Soft Pinch Liquid Blush by Rare Beauty. A liquid blush offers you higher control and is definitely buildable at the same time. Simply dab the product starting from under the eyes and across the nose bridge before blending well. That will create a sturdy first layer.
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Blush: Love Silk Blush, $30, Laka from Lazada
To further intensify the tipsy appearance, sweep a similarly toned powder blush from the apples of your cheeks; don’t forget the middle of your face too. The Love Silk Blush from Laka has a beautiful matte finish and a relatively wide shade range with great colour payoff. It gives your cheeks more depth on top of the liquid blush and truly helps to nail the Igari makeup. The more the better, but of course, that does not mean creating clown cheeks. This powdered blush boasts a blurring effect that brings attention to your cheeks and nose but not in a heavy sense, which means you get a more translucent finish that is easily buildable to your liking.
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Highlighter: Munyutto Highlighter (01 Moonlight Gem), $16.50, CANMAKE from Watsons
Moonlight Gem, is a totally apt name for this pearlescent highlighter that does not appear too metallic or chalky on the skin. Instead, this CANMAKE pan creates a lit-from-within glow that is subtle yet difficult to ignore. It brings out a dewy sheen that mimics the ‘wet’ look but is rub, sweat and water resistant. Place it on the highest points of your face including your cheekbones and tip of the nose, and even your collarbones for three-dimensional mochi-skin shine.
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Lipgloss: 3D Hydra Lip Gloss, from $22.29, Kiko Milano from Amazon
Bringing MLBB back, this lip gloss by Kiko Milano is both highly pigmented and ultra-glossy with a non-sticky finish. A lip plumper that delivers a pearly shine, it helps with shaping your natural lips for a fuller, softer, and pillowed pout that looks flirty and stunning. Opt for warmer nude shades such as Chestnut in 20 or Pearly Shell in 31 for best results. Just like a freshly bitten lip, it is also the best way to wrap up the romantic, tipsy trend; pack it on and get ready to show off your adorable new look.
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This article first appeared in Her World