Strolling in Asakusa in Kimono! Tips and Tricks for Makeup That Won’t Fall Apart All Day
4. How to Do and Tips for Smudge-Free Parts of Kimono Makeup
To keep your kimono look perfect all day, meticulous attention to each part is essential. Here, we introduce specific steps and tips for base to point makeup that resist smudging.
4.1 Achieve porcelain skin that doesn’t smudge: Base makeup
The foundation of kimono makeup is like “dressing the skin.” Let’s look at the steps to create a smooth, crack-free porcelain skin that lasts until evening without heavy application.
| Step | Item Selection | Tips to Prevent Smudging |
|---|---|---|
| Primer | Oil-control type | Apply mainly on T-zone, around the nose, and chin where sebum is prone to excess |
| Foundation | Semi-matte liquid or cushion | Use a brush or sponge to apply thinly and evenly |
| Concealer | Slightly darker than skin tone | Spot only on areas of concern, blend at edges |
| Face powder | Finely milled loose powder | Press with a puff firmly, then brush off excess with a brush |
〇 Use oil-control primer to prevent sebum smudging
During Asakusa strolls, sweat can be more than expected due to crowds and unfamiliar zori. Apply a sebum-control primer mainly on T-zone, nose, and chin in a thin layer to fundamentally prevent foundation from melting or shining. Choose a product with moisturizing ingredients to also prevent dryness-related smudging.
〇 Foundation: Thin layer with semi-matte finish using a brush
For a sophisticated, moist-looking skin that suits kimono, semi-matte is ideal over glossy skin. Use a foundation brush to glide a thin layer of liquid or cushion foundation over the skin. Gently pat with an untouched sponge afterward to remove excess oil and improve adhesion, resulting in a long-lasting, flawless finish.
〇 Concealer: Spot coverage for concerns
Heavy foundation application makes touch-ups difficult when it smudges. Cover spots like blemishes, dark circles, or acne scars with concealer. Choose a shade slightly darker than your skin tone for a natural look. Apply a small amount to the area, then gently blend the edges with fingers or a brush.
〇 Fix with face powder
The finishing touch for base makeup is face powder. Pick a finely milled, slightly brightening loose powder, press it into the skin with a puff, then lightly sweep off excess with a brush. Pay special attention to cheeks, forehead, and around the nose where mask contact and sebum are common. Finish by brushing off excess powder for a smooth, porcelain finish.
4.2 Keep eye makeup stunning and smudge-free: Eye makeup
In kimono attire, a beautiful expression with a downward gaze is essential. We introduce techniques to create impactful eyes that resist blinking, sweat, and tears.
〇 Use cream eyeshadow as a base
Apply a thin layer of cream eyeshadow or an eyeshadow base in a matching color over the entire eyelid before powder eyeshadow. This step dramatically enhances color payoff and longevity, preventing creasing in the double eyelid fold. Choosing a color from the kimono pattern creates a harmonious, elegant look.
〇 Use waterproof liquid eyeliner to prevent smudging
The key to captivating eyes is a waterproof liquid eyeliner resistant to sweat and sebum. Carefully draw a line to fill gaps between lashes, and slightly flick the outer corner upward for a sharp, elegant look. Do not open or close your eyes until the line is completely dry to prevent smudging.
〇 Use dual mascara: Curl hold base and waterproof mascara
To keep beautiful upward curls all day, a curl-hold mascara base is essential. After curling lashes with an eyelash curler, apply the base, then layer waterproof mascara once dry. This “base + waterproof” combo is the secret to lashes that resist humidity and sweat.
4.3 Achieve lasting blush and lipstick: Cheek & Lip
Eating street food, chatting, and mask removal can easily cause blush and lipstick to fade. Use products that blend seamlessly into skin for a natural, inner glow.
〇 Use cream or liquid blush
Choose cream or liquid blush for better adhesion to skin than powder. Pat onto high cheekbones with fingers or sponge for a natural flush that resists rubbing off. Finish with a light layer of face powder for longer wear.
〇 Use tint lipstick for a long-lasting color
For eating and drinking, tint lipstick is ideal. First, prep lips with a moisturizing balm, then apply a tint lipstick, and gently blot with tissue. This process makes the color set into lips, reducing transfer to cups or straws. Finish with a touch of gloss in the center for a plump, elegant look.
4.4 Create a poised impression with eyebrow makeup
Eyebrows, framing the face, determine the elegance of kimono style. We share methods to keep your brows sharp and resilient against sweat and friction all day.
〇 Use liquid and powder to create smudge-proof brows
Start by drawing and filling in sparse areas with liquid eyebrow pencil, then add soft color with powder eyebrow from the tail to the center. Finish with a transparent eyebrow coat for a long-lasting, smudge-proof finish. For a traditional look, a slightly longer, gentle arch is recommended.
5. Professional Tips for Preventing Makeup Smudging
Adding a simple extra step to your basic makeup routine can significantly improve its durability. Here, we introduce special techniques used by makeup artists to make your makeup more resistant and quick touch-up methods suitable for stylish Asakusa strolls.
5.1 Morning prep techniques to reduce touch-up time
How you prepare in the morning determines your beauty all day. Especially on humid days or during summer walks in Asakusa, these techniques are effective.
First, maximize foundation adhesion. When applying foundation, dampen a sponge with water, squeeze out excess, and use it to apply foundation. This helps the foundation adhere like a second skin, preventing smudges and shifts for hours. Try with liquid or cream foundations.
Next, use a “sandwich” method with makeup setting spray. Normally used at the end, but applying it between primer and foundation, and again after finishing all makeup, locks layers like a mille-feuille, greatly enhancing durability against sweat and sebum.
Additionally, for areas prone to oiliness like T-zone and around the nose, apply generous face powder with a brush, wait a few minutes, then brush off excess. This “powder press” technique reduces shine during the day.
5.2 Minimal touch-up cosmetics for exploring Asakusa
Carrying a large makeup pouch in kimono is cumbersome. A small, elegant bag or sleeve is more stylish. Here are carefully selected items for quick fixes when needed.
First, if you notice shine or smudging, gently press with tissue or oil blotting paper—do not rub. Then, quickly fix with the following items:
| Item | Role & Tips |
|---|---|
| PRESSED POWDER | Reapply after oil control to restore a smooth, porcelain finish. Compact size is convenient for carrying. |
| Cotton swabs | Perfect for fixing eyeliner smudges or eyeshadow creases. Single-use packs are hygienic and recommended. |
| Lip tint | Long-lasting color that resists eating and drinking. Easy to reapply, with minimal transfer to cups or straws. |
| Stick concealer | Targeted coverage for under-eye circles or blemishes. Gently tap with fingers or brush to blend seamlessly. |
These techniques are recommended by many beauty experts. For more detailed methods, check articles on beauty sites like Biteki.com.
6. Recommended Reliable Cosmetics for Kimono Makeup That Won’t Smudge
Here, we introduce carefully selected cosmetics ideal for exploring Asakusa in kimono, chosen from a professional perspective. These are reliable allies to keep your makeup beautiful all day long, sorted by purpose.
6.1 Affordable and Effective Cosmetics
Not only affordable but also highly functional, these cosmetics prevent makeup from smudging due to sweat and sebum, ensuring peace of mind during long walks.
| Type | Representative Products | Reasons for Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Primer | Cezanne Sebum Control Primer | Absorbs excess sebum and controls shine on T-zone and nose for hours. Has a smooth feel and enhances foundation adhesion. |
| Face powder | Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder N | Ultra-fine particles absorb excess oil, keeping skin smooth and radiant. Versatile for preventing hair sticking and shine. |
| Eyeline | Heroine Make Prime Liquid Eyeliner Rich Keep | Super waterproof formula resistant to tears, sweat, and sebum. Creates a sharp, beautiful line that lasts all day. |
| Lip | Opera Lip Tint N | Reacts with lip moisture for natural color, long-lasting tint. Maintains a beautiful, natural lip color even after eating. |
| Makeup setting spray | Kose Cosmeport Makeup Keep Mist EX | Spray as the final step to form a protective film against sweat, sebum, and mask friction. Essential for exploring Asakusa. |
6.2 Department Store Cosmetics for Special Days
Introducing high-quality cosmetics to make your special day even more beautiful. Perfect for those who prioritize a flawless finish, comfortable feel, and long-lasting wear. Elevate your kimono look further.
| Type | Representative Products | Reasons for Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup | Exceptional coverage and long-lasting formula. Semi-matte finish creates a refined porcelain skin. |
| Face powder | Cosme Decorte Face Powder | Luxurious silk-like texture that blends seamlessly into skin. Softly covers pores and imparts a radiant, elegant finish. |
| Eyeshadow | SUQQU Signature Color Eyes | Beautifully coordinated shades that match kimono patterns. Rich, moist texture adheres well, providing long-lasting shine and color. |
| Blush | Addiction The Blush | Creates a natural, healthy flush. Wide color range to match your kimono and skin tone. |
| Lip | Dior Addict Lip Tint | Light, almost invisible feel with vibrant, long-lasting color like a tattoo. Resistant to eating and drinking, reducing touch-up needs. |
7. Summary
Exploring Asakusa in kimono involves many factors that can cause makeup to smudge, such as heavy application, sweat, and friction from street food. However, thorough skincare hydration and layering thin, adherent base makeup significantly improve durability. Choosing waterproof or tint products and finishing with a makeup setting spray can keep your look beautiful all day. Practice the tips introduced here and enjoy your day in Asakusa without worry.
About Miyakodori
Since its founding in 1950, Miyakodori has consistently offered authentic geisha entertainment.
The only place in Asakusa with a geisha master with over 55 years of experience.
Experience true geisha culture at Miyakodori.






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