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Asian Invasion
Western beauty mavens take note—a slew of Far Eastern tips, trends, and products are making their way to U.S. shores.
By Lourdes Gutierrez
Luckily for beauty addicts, sushi, dim sum, and bubble tea aren’t the only Asian imports that have become household words in the West. Thanks to brands like Shu Uemura and Shiseido, Asian cosmetics have long been staples at U.S. counters, and just last year, Memoirs of a Geisha and Gwen Stefani’s “Harajuku Girls†set off new waves of Eastern-influenced style worldwide. What’s more, the cosmetics market is continuing to boom all across the Asia, especially in China, which has recently adapted a friendlier attitude toward makeup. Although color cosmetics were once considered antirevolutionary, the Chinese beauty market has nearly doubled over the past two years to $7.9 billion, according to Euromonitor, while the country’s cosmetics exports are expected to grow by 20 percent during 2006, Global Sources reports. What all of this means for Western beauty mavens? There’s a whole continent’s worth of beauty tricks and finds just waiting to be explored.
Eastern Philosophy
While many Western gals are busy trying to achieve Angelina Jolie lips, for most Asian women, the eyes still have it. According to makeup artist Samantha Yip, liquid liner is a tool of choice in the East. “It takes a steady hand and plenty of practice, but the results are well worth it,†she says. While black remains a popular option, the more adventurous are experimenting with a rainbow of vibrant hues. “Bright liner is subtle while your eyes are open but reveals a flash of color every time you blink.†To bend superstraight lashes, many Asian women rely on standard curlers, but for the ultimate eye-opener, there’s a longer-lasting option. “Lash perming is a great solution that lasts four to six weeks,†Yip says. And when it comes to eyebrows, “many Asian women’s arches grow up at the beginning and down at the end, so the ends often need to be trimmed to create a good shape.â€
Although some beauty approaches transcend borders, each Far Eastern country has its own distinct trends. The Japanese, for example, typically forgo neutrals in favor of more vivid shades—especially when it comes to nails. Purples, greens, and blues studded with rhinestones and lace are all the rage, and the goal is thematic (think golden anchors and gemstone bubbles for a sailor motif, or lace, ribbon bows, and glitter galore for a pretty-in-pink effect). Too timid to try out such extravagant looks? While shocking colors are commonplace on the streets of Tokyo, in Singapore, it’s all about being fresh-faced, says Sherry Tan, director of Twisted Fayte’s Singapore branch: “The looks are soft, the shimmer is subtle, and pastels are more popular than brights or smoky shades.†To create a Singaporean look, pair shimmery eyes with soft, nude lips and natural brows.
Orient Express
These top-ten Asian cosmetics are sure to become standard issue for U.S. beauty enthusiasts in the very near future.
Angel Heart by Parfums Clandestine: Touted as Japan’s most popular fragrance, just a single spritz will leave you feeling super kawaii (“cuteâ€). The scent also has various spin-offs, such as Lion Heart, Baby Heart, and Angel Heart Gorgeous.
Yu-Be Medicated Moisturizing Cream: Formulated by Japanese pharmacist Yoshikiyo Nowatari, this leading cream rehabilitates rough skin, heels, and elbows. Mountain climbers reportedly rely on it to combat the effects of cold, dry air, and it can be used to soothe eczema.
Two Girls (The House of Kwong Sang Hong) Hair Oil: From Hong Kong’s long-venerated brand, this elixir is rich in nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and makes a wonderful deep-conditioning treatment for all hair types.
Laneige Sliding Pact: This best-selling Korean compact foundation has light-reflecting particles to enhance skin’s radiance. It also conceals imperfections, keeps oil at bay, and comes with SPF 24 to guard against UV damage.
Asience HairCare: This popular Japanese line is becoming a staple in Singaporean salons. Made with pearls, soybean proteins, and luscious conditioners like camellia oil, it’s the perfect remedy for dry or damaged hair.
Dejavu Fiberwig 3D Mascara: Although almost every company now has a fiber mascara, Dejavu's version has three times more fiber than the competition. The result? Long, voluminous lashes that keep their curl all day.
Johnson & Johnson Clean & Clear Oil Blotting Sheets in Pink Grapefruit: Although the sheets are a staple in the States, in Japan they come in this colorful, scented version. The adorable packaging makes them ideal to toss in handbags and makeup cases.
Sekkisei-Kose Whitening Lotion: Despite its name, this lotion contains no harsh hydroquinone and instead calls on nourishing herbal extracts to replenish the moisture lost during cleansing. In addition to everyday use, its cooling properties make it great for soothing sunburns.
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil: Popular not only in its native Japan but also worldwide, this cleanser makes makeup removal a breeze. Plus, it comes in five different formulations for a variety of skin types.
Dodo Palgantong Theatre Makeup: This Korean loose powder is so effective at minimizing pores and shine, more than 5 million units have been sold in Japan. Finely milled and sheer, it’s perfect for setting liquid foundation while leaving skin with a gorgeous, natural-looking finish.
source
Western beauty mavens take note—a slew of Far Eastern tips, trends, and products are making their way to U.S. shores.
By Lourdes Gutierrez
Luckily for beauty addicts, sushi, dim sum, and bubble tea aren’t the only Asian imports that have become household words in the West. Thanks to brands like Shu Uemura and Shiseido, Asian cosmetics have long been staples at U.S. counters, and just last year, Memoirs of a Geisha and Gwen Stefani’s “Harajuku Girls†set off new waves of Eastern-influenced style worldwide. What’s more, the cosmetics market is continuing to boom all across the Asia, especially in China, which has recently adapted a friendlier attitude toward makeup. Although color cosmetics were once considered antirevolutionary, the Chinese beauty market has nearly doubled over the past two years to $7.9 billion, according to Euromonitor, while the country’s cosmetics exports are expected to grow by 20 percent during 2006, Global Sources reports. What all of this means for Western beauty mavens? There’s a whole continent’s worth of beauty tricks and finds just waiting to be explored.
Eastern Philosophy
While many Western gals are busy trying to achieve Angelina Jolie lips, for most Asian women, the eyes still have it. According to makeup artist Samantha Yip, liquid liner is a tool of choice in the East. “It takes a steady hand and plenty of practice, but the results are well worth it,†she says. While black remains a popular option, the more adventurous are experimenting with a rainbow of vibrant hues. “Bright liner is subtle while your eyes are open but reveals a flash of color every time you blink.†To bend superstraight lashes, many Asian women rely on standard curlers, but for the ultimate eye-opener, there’s a longer-lasting option. “Lash perming is a great solution that lasts four to six weeks,†Yip says. And when it comes to eyebrows, “many Asian women’s arches grow up at the beginning and down at the end, so the ends often need to be trimmed to create a good shape.â€
Although some beauty approaches transcend borders, each Far Eastern country has its own distinct trends. The Japanese, for example, typically forgo neutrals in favor of more vivid shades—especially when it comes to nails. Purples, greens, and blues studded with rhinestones and lace are all the rage, and the goal is thematic (think golden anchors and gemstone bubbles for a sailor motif, or lace, ribbon bows, and glitter galore for a pretty-in-pink effect). Too timid to try out such extravagant looks? While shocking colors are commonplace on the streets of Tokyo, in Singapore, it’s all about being fresh-faced, says Sherry Tan, director of Twisted Fayte’s Singapore branch: “The looks are soft, the shimmer is subtle, and pastels are more popular than brights or smoky shades.†To create a Singaporean look, pair shimmery eyes with soft, nude lips and natural brows.
Orient Express
These top-ten Asian cosmetics are sure to become standard issue for U.S. beauty enthusiasts in the very near future.
Angel Heart by Parfums Clandestine: Touted as Japan’s most popular fragrance, just a single spritz will leave you feeling super kawaii (“cuteâ€). The scent also has various spin-offs, such as Lion Heart, Baby Heart, and Angel Heart Gorgeous.
Yu-Be Medicated Moisturizing Cream: Formulated by Japanese pharmacist Yoshikiyo Nowatari, this leading cream rehabilitates rough skin, heels, and elbows. Mountain climbers reportedly rely on it to combat the effects of cold, dry air, and it can be used to soothe eczema.
Two Girls (The House of Kwong Sang Hong) Hair Oil: From Hong Kong’s long-venerated brand, this elixir is rich in nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and makes a wonderful deep-conditioning treatment for all hair types.
Laneige Sliding Pact: This best-selling Korean compact foundation has light-reflecting particles to enhance skin’s radiance. It also conceals imperfections, keeps oil at bay, and comes with SPF 24 to guard against UV damage.
Asience HairCare: This popular Japanese line is becoming a staple in Singaporean salons. Made with pearls, soybean proteins, and luscious conditioners like camellia oil, it’s the perfect remedy for dry or damaged hair.
Dejavu Fiberwig 3D Mascara: Although almost every company now has a fiber mascara, Dejavu's version has three times more fiber than the competition. The result? Long, voluminous lashes that keep their curl all day.
Johnson & Johnson Clean & Clear Oil Blotting Sheets in Pink Grapefruit: Although the sheets are a staple in the States, in Japan they come in this colorful, scented version. The adorable packaging makes them ideal to toss in handbags and makeup cases.
Sekkisei-Kose Whitening Lotion: Despite its name, this lotion contains no harsh hydroquinone and instead calls on nourishing herbal extracts to replenish the moisture lost during cleansing. In addition to everyday use, its cooling properties make it great for soothing sunburns.
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil: Popular not only in its native Japan but also worldwide, this cleanser makes makeup removal a breeze. Plus, it comes in five different formulations for a variety of skin types.
Dodo Palgantong Theatre Makeup: This Korean loose powder is so effective at minimizing pores and shine, more than 5 million units have been sold in Japan. Finely milled and sheer, it’s perfect for setting liquid foundation while leaving skin with a gorgeous, natural-looking finish.
source
