Top Tips for the Gaijin Gyaru Beginner

Hello m’dears, it is your gyaru granny speaking. I’ve been into gyaru for nearly 10 years now and it has evolved so much during that time, so it can seem a bit overwhelming to come across it as a beginner as there’s so much to take in. Here are my top tips to help you out on your journey as a gaijin gyaru!

Never stop researching and experimenting

PLEASE, for the love of Tsu-chan, DO YOUR RESEARCH! The internet is at your disposal – you can find gyaru magazine scans, old gyaru blogs, gyaru history… you just got to give google a go. I’ve also created a checklist for beginners for you to start from, and I also personally love the Beginner to Gyaru series on YouTube and Papillon magazine share the latest gyaru news on their feed. But take all research with a pinch of salt as everyone interprets gyaru differently – including this blog! I might have a different opinion to others so don’t take my word as gospel; discovering things for yourself is part of the whole gyaru journey.

The best way to learn is to practice and experiment, and this especially goes for gyaru because there’s just so much to take in. I would advise starting with the makeup, following a few tutorials before discovering what is best according to your eye shape (as not all makeup tutorials will work for you). Don’t worry – you do not have to be Asian to be gyaru, and here are some amazing tutorials for Western features created by fellow gaijin gyaru. It’s also good to have a look at non-gyaru makeup tutorials just to learn about the basics like blending and doing smokey eyes, and contouring for your facial features.

Makeup is a priority

Makeup is integral to the gyaru look, and it’s not something that you can just pass over. The most important aspect in gyaru makeup are the eyes – focus on those first and foremost and then you’re good to go!

Remember that gyaru is about the overall look

Even though makeup is integral, that doesn’t mean you can just forget about the other things that make you gyaru. This includes styling your hair, the way you dress, the accessories you wear… And whether or not you need a tan (depending on the style you’re going for).

Discover your style, but don’t be afraid if your path changes

I am a gyaru-chameleon, so I speak from experience. It is an amazing feeling to finally discover your style – and I wrote a lil’ tutorial on how to do so here – but don’t force yourself into it when you notice your passion for it faltering. Try something new!

Don’t jump straight onto brand clothes

The beauty of gyaru is that you can wear your normal clothes, so why spend £££s when you can just wear what’s already in your wardrobe? Give it about 6 months to a year when you know that gyaru is truly your passion before buying brand items, because brand is quite expensive. Besides, knowing how to coordinate items into an amazing outfit is so much better than just throwing on all of your brand items. Here’s a little guide on how to build your gyaru wardrobe!

Join the gyaru community

If it wasn’t for the gyaru community I would’ve lost my way a long, long time ago. It’s just so inspiring to see other gaijin gyaru just doing their thing! It’s a great way to make friends and to also get honest advice, which is key to improving your gyaru style. Without the online community I would never have met other gyaru at international gyaru meets (let alone hosting my own meet) or meeting Akipoyo in Japan! The main place we like to hang out online is Sekai no Gyarusa on Facebook, but a lot of us are also incredibly active on instagram as well. If you’re a little bit shy but still want some advice, don’t hesitate to send me a lil’ message on Twitter/FB/Insta as I’d love to help!

There is always a way to be gyaru

Can’t wear circle lens? You can still be gyaru. Have short hair? Still gyaru. Plus-sized? Still gyaru. I’ve had so many people ask ‘but can I still be gyaru if…?’ and my answer is always YES.

However – if you are lacking in one thing you must try to make up for it in other areas. Take me, for example. I don’t wear circle lens so I make sure that my makeup is as dramatic as possible.

And don’t forget to have fun!

Gyaru is all about “get wild and be sexy!” so remember that at the end of the day, if you’re having fun with the style, then that’s all that matters. It’s quite easy to get knocked down by haters but don’t let that stop you from doing the things you love.

And there we have it! I hope you have an amazing time in your journey to being a gyaru, and if you have any questions or need a lil’ help, I’m here for you!

And to those experienced gaijin gyaru – what advice would you give to a gaijin gyaru beginner?

Love,
Lizzie xx