There’s a distinct retro revival happening, not just in fashion but also in the world of makeup. This isn’t about blindly copying the past; it’s about reimagining vintage aesthetics for a modern audience.
Tamayo Yamamoto, a makeup artist with extensive experience in London and Tokyo, explains, “In recent editorial work, we’ve seen a resurgence of inspiration from the likes of Sayoko Yamaguchi, a prominent figure in Japanese culture. There’s a growing demand for this retro mood. The Y2K trend seems to have settled, and we’re now delving even further back in time. It’s similar to how younger generations are embracing older Japanese music as something fresh and exciting – there’s a sense of old becoming new.”
So how do we achieve this reimagined retro look? Yamamoto emphasizes the importance of balance and strategic ‘subtraction’: “Even with a full-face makeup look, the key to achieving a successful retro aesthetic lies in knowing what to include and what to leave out. For instance, if you’re using bold eyeshadow, consider adding a touch of highlighter to the inner corner of your eyes. Keep your mascara light, choose a deep-toned blush, and consider smudging your lipstick for a slightly undone effect. The idea is to move away from the notion that ‘less is more’ and explore the possibilities of a more calculated approach to makeup.”
The essence of this trend is about incorporating retro elements in a way that feels fresh and contemporary. By understanding the nuances of this approach, you can create a captivating makeup look that draws inspiration from the past but feels uniquely modern.
