Instagram is a great source of beauty inspo, and a new makeup related hashtag brought to light by a BuzzFeed article has got everyone talking... but not in a good way.
However, some commenters were not happy about Buzzfeed's description.
"Getting real tired of Buzzfeed (the website equavalent of a social justice warrior) combining completely different trends from the entire continent of Asia into one big mish-mash and purposely mislabelling it as a way of saying 'Oh Asians! You so weird!' I'm so done," one commenter wrote on the Buzzfeed article.
The pictures used in the article comprise of two separate trends - Korean “aegyo-sal”, which means “charming fat” and highlights puffiness under the eyes, and Japanese "me no shita chiiku," which means "undereye blush".
Aegyo-sal is a contouring technique used to make eyes look bigger by accentuating the fatty deposits beneath the eyes.
"This is insanely ignorant and racist. The aegyo-sal is highlighted to make them look YOUNG, not hungover, and blush is worn high because their cheekbones are high," wrote a commenter on the Buzzfeed article.
Similarly, the me no shita chiiku makeup trend of bright, highly placed blush wasn't originally designed to make the wearer look unwell.
Tokyo-based Harajuku model and beauty vlogger RinRin Doll told Refinery 29 that in Japanese pop culture, flushed cheeks are usually associated with young people as they're more likely to make endearing mistakes.
“Rather than a sick look, the blush brings a more youthful and innocent look to the face,” she said, noting that it "makes you look very much healthy and alive.”
But it seems Buzzfeed weren't completely off the mark as niche beauty trend "byojaku", meaning “sickly”, has recently spread through Japanese magazines and beauty blogs.
Author Kanako Kirita wrote: "According to Japanese school girls, a sickly face consists of pale skin, worried brows, and slightly tinted cheeks and lips.
"This look gives off the unapproachable, damsel in distress vibe that makes people want to protect them."
Tissue masks -- paper-thin facial masks soaked with regenerative serum -- have been a beauty staple in Asia for years. With companies like Garnier bringing the phenomenon overseas, the days of the mud-and-cucumber facial are numbered. (credit:Getty Images)
Hydration(02 of11)
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Products that hydrate the skin -- and keep it hydrated for long periods of time -- are a huge hit overseas. Creams and other products containing hyaluronic acid help pull water into the skin, and enjoy enduring popularity for it. (credit:Getty Images)
Beauty drinks(03 of11)
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Would you like some collagen in your water? Beauty drinks -- which have added supplements to improve your skin -- are becoming more popular. Beauty teas are also increasing in popularity. (credit:Wikimedia Commons)
Water(04 of11)
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Not just any water; we're talking glacial, deep sea or lagoon water. The logic here is that these waters are purer and have nutrients that can be absorbed into the skin. (credit:Getty Images)
Beauty vitamins(05 of11)
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They've been around but have recently gained new popularity. Have tired skin? You can pop a vitamin and renew that healthy glow. (credit:Getty Images)
Super bright colour(06 of11)
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Colour is big -- we're talking bright pinks for the cheeks and lip, orange, and even purples. Red will always be a classic, but it's time for you to experiment with different colours. Break out of the western colour spectrum and you’ll be thankful you did. (credit:Getty Images)
Oil Cleansers(07 of11)
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When you think oil, you think clogged pores and horrible breakouts. However, cleaning your face and body with oil can lead to better skin. Basically, the oils in the cleansers break down the oils on your skin. This includes makeup and sunblock. Convinced yet? (credit:Getty Images)
BB/CC/DD creams(08 of11)
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BB creams originated in Asia and have surged in popularity across the world. These all-in-one products -- anti-aging, wrinkle-preventing, acne-busting, skin-correcting products are perfect for the person on-the-go. (credit:Wikimedia Commons)
Facial mists(09 of11)
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We talked about internal hydration, but external hydration is just as important. A facial mist, infused with nutrients, is a great way to refresh your makeup. Have that just-stepped-out-of-the-shower look with none of the hassle. (credit:Getty Images)
Skin lightening products(10 of11)
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We’re not talking about skin bleaching here! We mean products that can get rid of dark spots from the sun, hyperpigmention, or acne. These products fade dark spots, leaving your skin evenly textured and younger looking. (credit:Getty Images)
Snail facials(11 of11)
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Facials have always been a tool in skincare, but have you considered a snail facial? The slime from the snails is touted to be very good for the skin. The process can be a bit slow, though. (credit:Wikimedia Commons)