How To Larme-kei: Basic Makeup

This is part two of my "How To Larme" basics tutorial/explanation thingy. If you'd like to read the first part, about the basic items you will need to build a wardrobe, click here.

Basic Concept of Larme Makeup

The first thing you will note about the makeup tutorials in the magazine are the limited colours they use. You won't see any brights, neons or oranges what so ever. Not on the eyes, not on the lips, not anywhere.

Like with the fashion itself, everything is muted to make it feel more mature and sophisticated. The use of natural eye shadow colours, like browns and warm toned reds and pinks are multi seasonal and are almost always in fashion.

The next thing you will notice, is that everything they feature is a high-end, super expensive brand. There's this thing in Japan that if you're over 20 you can afford very expensive make up and clothes without thinking twice about it. If you'll take a look at a more "teenager based" magazine, like Popteen, they feature a lot of looks with drugstore make up and cheaper options for clothes. Not in Larme. It's all high-brand or go home. You, though, Don't have to buy these expensive items just because they use it and feature it. There are many nice, cheap alternatives for almost everything they feature. Luckily, the fashion is quite popular in the west at the moment, and just like you can get pretty much an entire larme-able wardrobe from your everyday mall stores, it's the same for makeup.

There are so many different makeup brands these days - but they all kinda end up doing the same thing, as to respond to what's "in trend" and popular at the moment. You really don't have to drop that 100$ on an eye shadow palette when there are plenty of the same for 15$. And lets be honest, drugstore brands these days are just as good quality as the high brands. Bless technology. 

 

Top: Makeup Revolution's I Heart Makeup palette (around 11$)

Bottom: Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette (49$)

But how do I find these cheap dupes for those pretty items I see in the magazine? Well, Google is your friend. And YouTube. Pretty much anything released will be reviewed within a week by some makeup guru. You can check them up for some cheaper dupes, or even just look for some good recommendations. I always advice to look for as many different opinions as possible. The worst problem with makeup gurus on YouTube is that you can't take their opinion as is. They all have ulterior motives. Between receiving the item for free, being friends with the makeup company, or just being paid to like something so you will buy it too-  never take anything some one else says like it's face on honest. But, if you listen to 10, 15 different people talk about the same item, you're more likely to understand how it performers and get an educated idea if the item will work for you, and it it's worth your money to try it out.  

Ok, so we now understand that everything showcased in the magazine comes with a somewhat high price tag that not everyone are willing to pay. There is nothing wrong with buying expensive makeup if you like, obviously, but I hear so many of my friends saying they have a hard time with makeup because of how expensive it is. It's really not, you just have to know where to look.

How do I do my make up, the Larme way?

Well, it's quite straight forward. You need a nice, not too thick foundation (that matches your skin colour!), some nice natural toned eye shadows, an eye-liner, mascara and eyelash curler, some blush and lipstick. That's it, pretty much. Anything else you add is up to you, if you feel like you need it (like powder, concealer, or anything else). The face itself should look flawless, but also not heavy or cakey from too much makeup products.
The make up needs to add to the outfit itself, and not take all the focus. It will usually make you look dolly and cute, or like you just a cried a little.

The Base

 

The face itself needs too look flawless, but also no covered in makeup. BB creams an CC creams are common for this task, as they are both covering, moisturizing to the skin and almost never look heavy. 

It is very important that the foundation you choose matches your skin colour. It might be hard to get the exact colour right at first, but you can always mix and match your foundations to create something that works for you! 

Tans are almost nonexistent, but if you do get tanned, make sure your face matches your body, even if it's just a slight summer tan from being outside. I recommend putting some foundation on your neckline too, so it looks like it blends better into your natural skin colour. 

Make sure to use something that works for your skin type, too. You don't want to use something for dry-skin when you are super oily, or your entire makeup will melt away within hours. If your'e not sure what's your skin type, there are plenty of explanations out there, google it away, read, and learn! working according to your skin type is important to looking good with your makeup.

The eyes

The eye shadow is very basic, usually a nice, matte brown. The magazine shows it mostly layered all over the eye lid, with no other colours blended in. Sometimes you can see added glitter on top, for some extra "glam" effect. The lower lash line will usually have some complimenting eye shadow lining it. It is usually the same colour used for the eye lids, or a colour a little different in hue than the one previously used. From time to time, eye looks with red and pink shadows are featured, usually to line the lower lash line.

 

The lashes are curled up, and are seen coated in black or brown mascara. Never anything with colour like blue. Sometime you will see fake lashes. Those are always the more natural looking types, that won't make your eyes look heavy but will add a certain "open" look to them. Curl the fake lashes too. 

 

The eye liner is applied on thinly. You won't see extreme, thick lines here. Cat eyes are welcome, but you really don't have to extend your liner out at all. Black is used for a more "dramatic" look, while brown liner is used for the more "natural" looks. Again, colourd liners are none existent. 

The Lips

  

The usual lip colours are anywhere between pink and blood red. In summer you will see nice pinks more, and in winter the darker colours will rule. Dark plum colours are seen often in winter, as they give the lips a nice berry colour and look deep and mature. Pink lips are for softer, cuter looks, and red is the basic, nice option that looks good on almost anyone and in any season. 

You will see layering of lip colours often. Sometimes it's just to add some extra colour, sometimes it's just to add some gloss or sparkle on top. Feel free to experiment with your lipsticks and try different combinations that work for you!

The Cheeks

 

The blush is an important part of the Larme makeup. Again, you won't see crazy colours like bright pink, purple or orange used. The blush will be applied a bit heavily, and all over the cheek bones to give off a bit of a "sick, cold" vibe.

You can use two colours of blush at the same time, one lighter colour for a flush all over the cheek bones, and a darker colour right under the eyes to draw the focus to the center of the face.

It is very rare to see any contour or highlight used, but if you are using some contour, it is better to use it lightly on the jawline, as to create the illusion of a rounder, cuter face. 

The Eyebrows

are usually very natural looking. You won't see crazy arches or drawn-on brows here. They are often quite straight ant full, and always need to match with the hair colour to give off a natural feel as much as possible. 

If your brows are spars, or have any bald spots, you can definitely fill them in with some brow product that matches your colour. There are many types to choose from, like shadow, eyebrow mascara, or even pencils. Use whatever works for you!

How about some make up tutorials?

 

You might feel like Larme makeup is hard to grasp at first. It is hard to get the right look for your eyes and not going overboard with the blush, but with a little practice and patience, making the perfect Larme face is quite easy, and can be done well within a few minutes! 

So don't give up, keep looking for the perfect products for you, and practice, practice, practice! 

Good luck!