Be it the recent China: Through a Looking Glass themed Met Gala and Metropolitan Museum of Art Exhibition in New York or the Chanel in Seoul resort collection by Karl Lagerfeld, it all proves that East Asia is the place to look for inspiration this summer! Be it Tokyo, Seoul or Shanghai, style can be found in the flair of a dragon, the flamboyance and auspiciousness of the colour red or the ultimate royalty in gold. So hop on the Orient Express as Instep reveals six trendy and top products that are perfect to give you that contemporary yet authentic look that promises to bow to hundreds of years of history while stepping firmly into the season of high style…

ORIENTAL RADIANCE

All across East Asia, radiant skin is a sign of revered beauty and is considered to be essential for any woman. In fact, women of the Orient are known for their luminous, flawless skin. To achieve their perceived levels of ‘perfection’ and radiance, majority of East Asia relatively uses shades of light white as the base of their make-up. The use of light foundation is so rampant that ‘porcelain white’ is synonymous with Japanese or Chinese skin tones.

Our pick: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish

Even though the natural skin tone is the best bet while purchasing foundation, the Oriental look asks for a slightly lighter shade than the natural skin colour. For such a look, the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish works wonders. Not only does it help achieve a radiant look due to its high-frost metallic finish, but smoothens the face to give an overall polished look as well.

The product can be ordered  at www.maccosmetics.com

While it seems that Japan and China have a slight infatuation with bright, luminous skin tones, the Koreans seem to be going on the international pathway with more natural skin tone based foundations and BB creams. Perhaps it’s all about creating striking looks with the eye shadows and blush-ons rather than skin colours.

Our pick: Artify After School BB Foundation Lunch Box

While most of the brands used around East Asia tend to be international, some South Korean companies are adamant on giving a tough time to their global competitors. Named ‘too cool for school’, the make-up brand is all about creating an authentically South Korean look. The After School BB Foundation is one of many examples of products that cater to the Oriental market with their shades of ivory and beige. If the product itself doesn’t seem worth it, the packaging draws you to the cash counter quite quickly!

The product can be ordered at www.toocoolforschool.com

Red is the colour of good luck, blessings, and good vibrations in majority of East Asian countries. Be it the red on the Japanese flag or the mysterious sultry red lip of a geisha, the love affair with red is never-ending. Thus, there’s no surprise in the fact that red plays such a monumental role in Oriental makeup trends.

Our pick: NARS Audacious Lipsticks

The Audacious lipstick collection, especially the shade ‘Lana’ from NARS is the perfect shade of deep-yet-bright red, which is dramatic enough to stop someone in their tracks. The luxuriously enigmatic shade of the lipstick is the ultimate solution to complete the perfect ‘night-out’ look, where you want mystery to play a pivotal role, of course!

The product can be ordered online

at www.narscosmetics.com

Much like their love for the traditional red lips, the perfect shaded cheeks have always been uniquely Oriental. From rosy pinks to vivid reds, the East Asian look can never be complete without a touch of blush or shade on THE cheeks, as well as under the eye to achieve the perfect ‘pop-out’ effect.

Our pick: TOPSHOP Cheek Jelly

Colour always plays a central role in make-up, but for the Japanese and Korean’s it’s all about taking it a step further. The Cheek Jelly from TOPSHOP does just that with its bright yet sheer texture, which provides an exquisite flush to the face.  However, remember that a little goes a long way, even for dramatic looks!

The product can be ordered online at www.topshop.com

An age-old concept of the Orient has remained its obsession with youthful, soft skin; perhaps even pre-dating the use of natural products and dyes as make-up.  The Japanese for instance indulge in extensive and tedious regimens to keep their skin feeling fresh and hydrated. No wonder, Japan boasts the largest skin-care products market per-capita! From high-end to the naturally healing, soft skin is an obsession that many East Asians live with.

Our pick: Shiseido Future Solution LX

Being the largest make-up company in Japan, Shiseido is one of the pioneers of the Asian beauty industry. Not only does it own other famous brands like NARS, it competes with high-end international brands like Dior and Chanel! Some of Shiseido’s popular products however, focus more on skincare such as the Future Solution LX series, which consist of day and night creams, face softener, and cleaning foam. The products are expensive, but one can hardly put a price tag on the age-old wisdom and technology used behind creating the perfect cream for a soft and healthy skin!

The product can be ordered at www.sephora.com or www.shiseido.com

If Coco Chanel’s No. 5 is the bastion of European fragrances, the floral scent of the celebrated cherry-blossom is the torchbearer of East Asia. The sweet yet powerful scent evokes the feeling of walking around a Japanese Zen garden as the cherry blossom is in full bloom.

Our pick: The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Eau De Toilette

From its pink bottle to the sleek bottle style, the perfume is the epitome of East Asian femininity. The captivating floral yet surprisingly fruity fragrance is as close as it gets to an authentic Japanese cherry blossom orchard. Just think of it as the perfect ending for an Oriental makeover!

The product can be ordered at www.thebodyshop.co.uk