If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably noticed a new beauty trend that’s everywhere: igari makeup. Or, more charmingly called “hangover makeup” (but in the cutest, most well-rested way possible). It’s the perfect combination of rosy, youthful, and effortlessly adorable, and I was instantly hooked. Obviously I had to try it myself. After all, my feed was filled with perfect, flushed cheeks, and I was convinced that this trend was practically made for those who love that fresh-faced glow. So let’s take a closer look at why everyone (including me) is already hooked.
What is the trend of Igari makeover?
Igari makeup originates from Japan and gives you a fresh, flushed look, as if you’ve spent the day outside soaking up the sun or dancing all night (not hungover, of course). Its magic lies in its ability to give your face a natural rosy glow. Like when you worked out, or when you had a good time with friends and giggled. What makes Igari different from other trends is the unique placement of the cheeks. Unlike the typical “apple of the cheek” application, Igali Blush is applied under the eyes and all over the cheeks to create a youthful, almost doll-like effect. Trust me, there’s a reason it’s all over social media. This trend is perfect for people who want to stay awake and vibrant even on days when they want to snooze five more times.
How to recreate Igari’s expression
The beauty of Igari Makeover is that it is as simple as it is effective. It’s not about layering foundation or creating an intricate cat eye. It’s all about blush, shine, and keeping things soft and minimal.
Step 1: Prepare your face
The Igali look starts with a solid base. Start with a light cleanser to keep your skin fresh and clean. Afterwards, apply a moisturizing serum and a little moisturizer to make sure your skin feels plump. If you want your skin to really glow, choose a lightweight formula. Instead of using a full-coverage foundation, try something more sheer, like your skin tone. This creates a “just-in-the-minute” finish that brings out your natural complexion. Bonus points for choosing a formula with SPF to protect your skin while keeping it glowing.
Step 2: Blush like a pro
It’s best to get a cream or liquid blush in a soft pink or peach tone. Avoid anything too strong. The key is in placement. Rather than blending the blush all over your cheekbones, apply it under your eyes and all over your cheeks, blending it towards your temples. Aim for a fresh, innocent look, like you just came in from the cold or laughed for a few hours. To maintain a natural look, gradually build up the color just enough to give your skin that fresh, “just woke up this morning” vibe. For a seamless finish, dab on a powder blush from the same color family to soften the edges. This way the blush will blend into your skin and last all day long. Blend a little blush all over the ridge of your nose for a cute, flushed look. It tightens up your entire look!
Step 3: Keep the eyes and lips simple
Now that you’ve applied a lot of blush, the rest of your makeup should be subtle. For the eyes, forget about heavy liner and dark shadows. Instead, use a fluffy brush (you can even reuse the brush you used for blush) to apply a touch of color to your eyelids for a soft, monochromatic look. For lips, a moisturizing balm or clear gloss is suitable.
Step 4: Lock in the look without sacrificing shine
To keep your breakout look looking fresh all day long, treat your T-zone with a light translucent powder. Be careful not to get dust on your cheeks. Because you don’t want the shine to become matte. The goal is to maintain that dewy finish while reducing shine in key areas.
It’s the perfect trend for anyone who wants to convey that “I had the best day ever” vibe without too much effort.
Photo credit: @gabriellakeiisha, @jssy.a_, @_minseo89