Kabuki Beauty

1 min read

One of the most magnificent continents on earth offers us exquisite cuisines, breathtaking sites and introduces exotic majesty into our beauty regimes – it could only be Asia.

By Jemma Walker

Our love affair with Asian beauty began with dewy skin, crimson pouts and soft, silky locks – a fascination that was only encouraged by the spring/summer 2015-16 runway. With collections borrowing inspiration from Asian fashion, Marni, Alexander McQueen and Antonio Berardi were just some of the designers adding a western twist to obi belts and kimonos. It was inevitable that the crossover to beauty was soon to follow.

The SS15 catwalk was awash with sleek, high ponytails and thick swipes of eyeliner, so we spoke to Shindesu, a Dubai-based Malaysian makeup artist about his favourite trends to emerge this season. ‘Strong and structured eyeliner is one of my favourites,’ he said. ‘East and West, when they join together, are an interesting combination’.

SS15 trends, images courtesy of GoRunway

Revamp your beauty routine with a kick of Kabuki inspiration, for a slick, thick graduated feline flick dress your lids with a liquid eyeliner and slowly layer to add the perfect structure mimicking the arch of the browline – team with gently oiled locks pulled into a tight bun for a simple-yet-elegant universal look. If you’re seeking bursts of colour, dress your lower lid with a swipe of vibrant liner thickening at the inner eye or indulge in a berry lip colour – be brave and reap the rewards. 

We’ve found the perfect liners to help you effortlessly recreate the Kabuki beauty look, from the green Yves Saint Laurent waterproof liner to a sultry black shade from Laura Mercier – you’ll be spoilt for choice.