Japanese makeup is renowned for its subtle yet impactful aesthetics, and one of the most coveted features is achieving that perfect dimension on the eyelids. Whether you're aiming for a soft, natural look or something with a little more depth, Japanese eyeshadows can help you create beautifully sculpted eyes with ease. In this post, we’ll explore how to create dimension on the eyelids using Japanese eyeshadow palettes.
Why Japanese Eyeshadows?
Before diving into the techniques, it’s essential to understand what makes Japanese eyeshadows unique. Japanese eyeshadows are designed with a focus on blending and soft textures. These products are known for their buildable formulas, giving you the flexibility to create various looks from sheer washes of color to more intense eye looks. Plus, they often come with multiple shades in one palette that are designed to work together, offering versatility for any occasion.
Products You’ll Need
- Eyeshadow Palette (Pick a palette with light, medium, and darker shades for depth, such as Canmake Perfect Stylist Eyes or Daisy Doll Eye Color Palettes)
- Eyeshadow Brushes (Choose a medium size brush for shading and blending, and a smaller brush for precision – these Kumano brushes for eyeshadows from Rosy Rosa are designed to do just that)
- Eyeliner & Mascara (Optional, for finishing touches)
Step 1: Prep the Eyes
Begin by prepping your eyelids with a small amount of eye primer or concealer. This ensures your eyeshadow will stay in place and last longer throughout the day. Daisy Doll Concealer Palettes and Borica Care Serum Shadow in Beige are perfect for prepping your eyes.
Step 2: Base Shade
Start with the lightest shade in your eyeshadow palette. Typically, this will be a soft beige, light pink, or champagne shimmer. Using a flat shader brush, apply this shade all over your eyelid, extending slightly above the crease to create a base color. This will act as your foundation and brighten up the eye area.
Step 3: Transition Shade
Next, select the medium-toned shade from your palette. This could be a warm brown, taupe, or soft peach. With a fluffy blending brush, apply this shade into your crease in a windshield-wiper motion to start creating depth. Make sure to blend thoroughly so there’s no harsh line. This transition shade will create the illusion of depth and dimension.
Step 4: Defining the Outer V
Now, for that extra pop of dimension, use the darkest shade in your palette. A rich brown, dark plum, or even a deep matte shade works perfectly for this step. With a small pencil brush or a precision blending brush, apply this color to the outer corner of your eye, creating a subtle “V” shape.
- Tip: Don’t go overboard with the dark shade. Start with a small amount and build the intensity gradually. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Step 5: Highlight the Inner Corner
For that wide-eyed look, use a light, shimmery shade and apply it to the inner corner of the eyes. This instantly brightens the eyes, adding dimension and opening them up. You can also dab a little of this highlight under the brow bone to lift and highlight the arch and under your eyes to brighten the aegyo-sal area.
- Tip: A little goes a long way. Use a small amount to avoid looking too glittery.
Step 6: Blend, Blend, Blend
Blending is crucial for a flawless, dimensional eye look. Take your fluffy blending brush and go over all the areas where the colors meet. Make sure there are no harsh lines and that the shades seamlessly transition into each other.
Step 7: Add Definition with Eyeliner
To enhance the dimension of your eyes, apply a thin line of eyeliner along the upper lash line. You can also add a subtle wing for a lifted effect. These superfine eyeliners from Dejavu and Canmake Creamy Touch Liners are easy to draw and smudge-free. Opt for a dark brown or black liner, depending on your preference, and make sure to keep the line close to the lashes for a natural look.
Step 8: Finish with Mascara
Curl your lashes and apply a generous coat of mascara to both your upper and lower lashes. Mascara opens up the eyes and completes the dimensional look. At Rei Cosmetics, we offer a range of tubing mascaras to waterproof mascaras that won’t smudge and ruin your eye makeup. If you're looking for extra drama, consider using false lashes from Dolly Wink or D-Up to further amplify the effect.
Conclusion: Achieving a Dimensionally Beautiful Eye Look
Japanese eyeshadows like Canmake and Daisy Doll offer a wide range of colors and finishes that allow you to create any eye look you desire. Whether you're a beginner or a makeup pro, their buildable formulas and user-friendly textures make them perfect for creating beautifully dimensional eyes.
Now that you know the steps, feel free to experiment with different shades and intensities to find the perfect look that suits you. Happy blending!