Anime makeup is a fun and creative way to transform your appearance. This style of makeup is inspired by anime characters, which are often known for their exaggerated features, such as big eyes, smooth skin, and dramatic highlights. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to achieve the perfect anime-inspired look using simple makeup techniques.
What You’ll Need
Before starting, make sure you have the following makeup products:
- Primer
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Eyebrow pencil or powder
- Eyeshadow palette (neutral and colorful shades)
- False eyelashes
- Eyeliner (liquid or pencil)
- Blush
- Highlighter
- Lipstick or lip gloss
- Setting spray
Step 1: Skin Preparation
The first step to achieving any flawless makeup look is preparing your skin. Cleanse your face to remove any dirt and oil. Apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. Follow up with a primer to create a smooth base for your makeup, and help it stay in place all day.
Step 2: Foundation and Concealer
Next, apply foundation to even out your skin tone. Choose a foundation that matches your skin type and complexion. Use a makeup sponge or brush to blend it evenly across your face, including your jawline and neck.
Concealer is important for brightening your under-eye area and covering up any blemishes. Choose a shade lighter than your foundation for under your eyes, and a shade that matches your skin tone for any spots or redness. Blend it in well.
Step 3: Eyebrows
Anime characters often have distinct, well-defined eyebrows. To achieve this look, start by brushing your eyebrows into place using an eyebrow spoolie. Then, use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in any gaps and define the shape of your brows. Make sure your eyebrows are symmetrical and clean.
Some anime characters have exaggerated or unique eyebrow shapes. You can experiment with different shapes, such as very straight, arched, or curved, depending on the character you’re inspired by.
Step 4: Eye Makeup
Anime eye makeup is the most important part of the look. The goal is to make your eyes appear larger and more expressive.
Eyeshadow
Start by applying a neutral eyeshadow base that matches your skin tone all over your eyelids. Then, use soft shades of brown, pink, or purple to add depth to your eyelids. Apply a darker shade in the crease of your eyelid to make the eyes appear larger.
For an anime-inspired look, it’s important to keep the eyeshadow soft and gradient. You can use light pinks, blues, or purples for a more dramatic, colorful look. Blend your eyeshadow well to create a smooth gradient effect.
Eyeliner
To achieve anime eyes, eyeliner is key. Use a liquid eyeliner or pencil to draw a thick, winged line along your upper lash line. Make sure the wing is elongated and pointed outward, which will give your eyes a more dramatic look.
Some anime characters have large, wide eyes with a thick upper eyeliner. You can exaggerate the wing shape to match the style of the character you are going for.
If you want to make your eyes even bigger, you can line your lower waterline with a white or beige pencil eyeliner. This will create the illusion of larger, more open eyes.
Mascara and False Lashes
Anime makeup often includes long, voluminous lashes. After applying a coat of mascara, consider adding false lashes to really enhance your eye look. Choose lashes that are long and dramatic, with a flare at the outer corner, to mimic the exaggerated eye shapes of anime characters.
If you’re not familiar with applying false lashes, try using eyelash glue that dries clear, and make sure to place the lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible.
Step 5: Blush and Contour
Anime makeup tends to emphasize soft and youthful features, so your blush should be subtle and placed high on your cheeks. Use a soft pink blush and apply it to the apples of your cheeks. You can also lightly contour the sides of your face to create a soft shadow under your cheekbones, but keep it natural and not too harsh.
If you’re going for a particular anime character, research their typical blush style. Some characters may have exaggerated blush placements, like on the bridge of the nose, which can make you look even more youthful.
Step 6: Highlighter
To achieve a glowing, dewy look, apply highlighter to the high points of your face. Focus on your cheekbones, brow bone, and down the bridge of your nose. You can also highlight the cupid’s bow above your lips to add dimension to your face.
Anime characters often have very smooth, radiant skin, so don’t be afraid to go bold with the highlighter for a bright, glowing look.
Step 7: Lips
For the lips, choose a color that matches the overall vibe of your makeup. If you’re going for a soft, natural look, use a nude or pink lipstick. For a more bold anime style, you can use red or even purple lipstick.
To make your lips look fuller and more defined, use a lip liner that matches your lipstick color. Outline the lips carefully to create a smooth, precise shape.
You can also use lip gloss for added shine, making the lips look plump and glossy, which is common in anime characters with youthful or cute styles.
Step 8: Setting Your Makeup
Once all your makeup is applied, use a setting spray to lock everything in place. This will help your makeup last all day without fading or smudging. Hold the spray about six inches away from your face, and mist it evenly over your skin.
Step 9: Optional: Wig and Costume
To take your anime makeup to the next level, you might want to add a wig or costume. Many anime characters have unique hairstyles that might be different from your natural hair color or texture. Choose a wig that matches the character you’re channeling, whether it’s a vibrant pink, blue, or a simple brown.
Anime-inspired costumes also help enhance the look. Whether it’s a school uniform, fantasy outfit, or casual attire, matching your makeup with the right clothes will complete the transformation.
Final Tips
Practice makes perfect: Getting the perfect anime makeup look might take a few tries, so practice and have fun with it.
Choose a character: If you’re looking to mimic a specific anime character, research their features and makeup style closely.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: Anime makeup allows for creativity, so feel free to try new colors, shapes, and styles.
Keep it light: Even though anime makeup can be dramatic, remember to blend well to avoid harsh lines and create a soft, seamless look.
Conclusion
Anime makeup is a fun way to experiment with your style and channel your favorite characters. By focusing on large, expressive eyes, soft blush, and glowing skin, you can easily create an anime-inspired look that’s perfect for cosplay, themed events, or just for fun. Remember, the key to great anime makeup is to keep everything balanced while emphasizing exaggerated features. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to master the art of anime makeup and transform into your favorite characters in no time!
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