If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably noticed a new beauty trend that’s everywhere—Igari makeup! Or, as it’s more charmingly called, “hangover makeup” (but, like, in the cutest, most well-rested way possible). It’s a perfect mix of rosy, youthful, and effortlessly adorable that had me instantly hooked. Obviously, I had to try it myself. After all, my feed was overflowing with flawless, flushed cheeks, and I was convinced that this trend was practically made for anyone who loves that fresh-faced, dewy glow. So, let’s break it down and see why everyone (including me) is already obsessed!
What is the Igari Makeup Trend?
Igari makeup hails from Japan and gives you a fresh, flushed look that makes you look like you’ve just spent a sun-kissed day outside or danced the night away (without the actual hangover, of course). The magic lies in its ability to give your face that natural, rosy glow—like you just worked out, or maybe giggled your way through a happy hour with friends. What sets Igari apart from other trends is the unique placement of blush. Unlike your typical “apples of the cheeks” application, Igari blush is swept under the eyes and across the cheeks, creating a youthful, almost doll-like effect. And trust me, it’s all over social media for a reason. This trend is perfect for those of us who want to look awake and lively even on days when we’d rather hit snooze five more times.
How to Recreate the Igari Look
The beauty of Igari makeup is that it’s as simple as it is effective. It’s not about piling on layers of foundation or sporting an intricate cat-eye; it’s about blush, glow, and keeping things soft and minimal.
Step 1: Prep your face
The Igari look starts with a solid base. Begin with a light cleanser to leave your skin feeling fresh and clean. Follow up with a hydrating serum and a good dollop of moisturiser to make sure your skin is plump. If you want your skin to truly glow, lean into lightweight formulas. Instead of reaching for a full-coverage foundation, try something more sheer, like a skin tint. This will give you that “barely-there” finish that complements the natural, flushed look. Bonus points if you pick a formula with SPF to keep your skin protected while you glow.
Step 2: Blush like a pro
You’ll want to grab a cream or liquid blush in a soft pink or peach tone—nothing too intense. The key is in the placement. Instead of sweeping the blush across your cheekbones, apply it under your eyes and across your cheeks, blending it out toward your temples. You’re aiming for that fresh, innocent look that makes you seem like you’ve just come in from the cold or had a few hours of laughter. To keep it looking natural, build the colour up gradually, just enough to give your skin that fresh, “I just woke up like this” vibe. For a seamless finish, lightly tap over a powder blush in the same colour family to soften any edges. This will help the blush melt into your skin and stay put all day. You can also sweep a little blush across the ridge of your nose for that cute, flushed finish. It ties the whole look together!
Step 3: Keep the eyes and lips Simple
Now that you’ve nailed the blush, the rest of the makeup should be kept understated. For the eyes, forget bold liners or heavy shadows. Instead, take a fluffy brush (you can even reuse the one you used for your blush) and sweep a hint of colour over your eyelids for a soft, monochromatic look. For your lips, a hydrating balm or a clear gloss will do the trick.
Step 4: Lock in the look without losing the glow
To keep your Igari makeup looking fresh throughout the day, set your T-zone with a light translucent powder. Just be careful not to dust it over your cheeks—you don’t want to mattify your glow. The goal is to keep that dewy finish alive while keeping the shine in check where it counts.
It’s the perfect trend for anyone who wants to channel that “just had the best day ever” vibe without putting in too much effort.
Photo Credits: @gabriellakeiisha, @jssy.a_,@_minseo89
