Strolling in Asakusa in Kimono! Tips and Tricks for Makeup That Won’t Fall Apart All Day

Exploring Asakusa in a kimono is a special day filled with photos, so you definitely want to avoid makeup smudging. In this article, we thoroughly explain makeup techniques that resist sweat, eating, and mask friction. The secret to lasting makeup lies in careful preparation in the morning and the technique of “lightly layering and adhering”. Read this, and you can enjoy exploring Asakusa beautifully and confidently all day without touch-ups.

1. Introduction: The Battle Against Makeup Smudging in Kimono in Asakusa

Wearing a gorgeous kimono and walking through the lively, historic streets of Asakusa. From Kaminarimon and Nakamise Street to the Sumida River, every scene is picture-perfect. On this special day, you want to leave beautiful memories in photos and in your mind.

However, many women face the unavoidable challenge of “makeup smudging”. Moving around in unfamiliar kimono and zori makes you sweat more than expected, and enjoying street food and mask-wearing in crowded areas can be tough on your makeup.

Here is a summary of common makeup concerns when exploring Asakusa in kimono.

Situation	Specific Makeup Concerns
After walking a lot	Foundation floats due to sweat and sebum, causing the T-zone and around the nose to become greasy and messy.
After enjoying street food	Enjoying fried manju or menchi katsu, lipstick on the mouth area wears off, making the face look dull.
In the evening, when taking photos	Eyeliner smudges into panda eyes, blush disappears, and the brightness from the morning fades.

Many may relate to these experiences. Seeing yourself in the mirror as makeup deteriorates over time can be depressing. Avoid such situations at all costs.

Rest assured. In this article, we introduce professional-level makeup techniques to keep your beautiful morning finish intact while exploring Asakusa in kimono all day. From basic to advanced techniques, learn how to enjoy your day without worrying about makeup smudging, and always look confident in photos. Let’s start preparing for a perfect day.

2. Three Reasons Why Kimono Makeup Tends to Smudge

Want to look beautiful all day in your kimono. However, there are factors that make makeup more prone to smudging when exploring Asakusa in kimono. Here are the three main reasons why kimono makeup tends to smudge.

Reason 1: Thicker application than usual

To match the gorgeous kimono patterns and colors, and to look good in photos, many tend to apply foundation and concealer more heavily than usual. However, a base makeup that is thicker than normal can’t keep up with facial movements and tends to smudge or crack over time. Especially around the nasolabial folds and eyes, heavy makeup can make smudging more noticeable.

Reason 2: Sweat from unfamiliar kimono and zori

Kimono tightens the body with an obi, and multiple layers like juban and nagajuban trap heat, making you sweat more than in regular clothes. Additionally, walking around in unfamiliar zori on cobblestone streets in Asakusa causes more sweating than usual. When sweat and sebum mix, foundation can melt, leading to shine and “greasy smudging.” Forehead, around the nose, and neck are particularly susceptible to sweat effects.

Reason 3: Eating street food in Asakusa causes makeup to smudge

The joy of exploring Asakusa includes street food, but it’s also a cause of makeup smudging. When wiping your mouth after eating fried manju, or touching a drink cup, lipstick can come off easily. Oil and steam contact can also cause foundation to shift or shine. For photo-ready looks, touch-ups before and after eating are essential.

Cause	Specific Situation	Makeup Affected
Thick application	Heavy makeup to match kimono and for photo effect	Base makeup (foundation, concealer)
Sweat & Sebum	Kimono tightness, layers, walking in unfamiliar zori	Base makeup, eye makeup in general
Friction & Steam	Eating street food, drinking	Lip, blush, base makeup

3. Five Basic Rules for Makeup That Won’t Smudge All Day in Kimono

Enjoy your special day in kimono with a smile. First, keep in mind the “5 rules” that form the foundation of makeup that lasts until evening. This groundwork is the key to maintaining beautiful makeup throughout the day.

Rule 1: Properly hydrate with skincare

One surprising cause of makeup smudging is skin dryness. When skin is dry, excess sebum is produced to compensate, leading to shine and smudging. On the morning of wearing a kimono, generously apply toner to hydrate and seal in moisture with lotion or cream. Well-hydrated skin from within greatly reduces sebum production during the day, improving makeup longevity.

Rule 2: Thinly layer base makeup and adhere

To achieve a porcelain skin that suits kimono, applying foundation thickly is counterproductive. Thick layers crack easily with facial movements and sweat, making touch-ups difficult. Instead, layer thin films from primer to face powder, one at a time. Use a sponge or brush to gently press and adhere each layer, creating a sturdy, smudge-resistant base.

Rule 3: Choose waterproof for point makeup

In crowded Asakusa, sweat and humidity can cause eyeliner and mascara to smudge. The rule is to select waterproof or smudge-proof products labeled for resistance to sweat and rubbing. Using high-performance cosmetics helps keep your eyes beautiful and defined all day.

Rule 4: Use makeup setting spray

As a finishing touch, makeup setting spray is essential. Spraying over the entire face fixes the layers onto the skin, forming a protective coating. Use it in two stages: once after completing the base makeup and again after finishing all makeup. This provides extra resistance against smudging. It also protects makeup from mask friction, making it a must-have for modern kimono makeup.

Rule 5: Match makeup colors with kimono colors

Creating harmony between makeup and kimono colors is crucial for a refined look. When colors are coordinated, even if makeup slightly smudges, it’s less noticeable. Pick one color from the kimono, obi, or obijime and incorporate it into eyeshadow or lipstick for a cohesive impression.

Kimono Base Color	Recommended Makeup Color
Red or pink kimono	Brown or gold eyeshadow, rose lipstick
Blue or purple kimono	Gray or mauve eyeshadow, bluish pink blush
Green or yellow kimono	Orange or coral blush and lipstick, khaki eyeliner
Multicolored or traditional pattern kimono	Pick one color from the pattern (accent color) for lips or eyeliner

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Tips for Smudge-Free Parts of Kimono Makeup