It’s fact, beauty standards vary across cultures. One country may have a deep appreciation for tanned, bronze skin and curvaceous figures while another may deem pale complexions and leaner figures beautiful. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, truly. Having traveled to Asia a few times, I’ve been able to identify and put together a list of Top 5 Asian beauty trends.

Top 5 Asian Beauty Trends

1. BB Cream - Short for “blemish balm” cream, this overly-popular Korean miracle worker of a tinted moisturizer has allegedly originated from Germany and skyrocketed into popularity over the last year. There is no Korean cosmetics brand that doesn’t sell some form of BB cream. It is E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E.

As an avid user of B.B. cream, the appeal really lies in the fact that it’s lotion-light yet it covers just as great as foundation, depending on brand. In addition to coverage, the majority of of BB creams serve as sunblock, oil control AND acne protection.

2. Circle Lenses - Circle lenses are contact lens that instantly give a user huge, doll-like eyes. Resembling anything like a doll in Asia is pretty big. Personally, anything requiring me to touch my eyes is enough to make me run screaming for the hills. I can’t even apply eye drops correctly.

3. 3-D Nail Art - If you’re wondering why huge, glittery, bejeweled 3-D objects are hanging off a woman’s nails in Japan, it’s because huge, glittery, bejeweled 3-D objects are hanging off her nails. Aside from being technology pioneers, the Japanese are pioneers of nail art application. The development of bio-gel has saved many a woman’s nails from falling off after acrylic nails are applied.

4. Eyelash Extensions - Imagine what hair extensions are and apply that same concept to your eyelashes. Again, this is just another trend that perpetuates the desire to appear more doll-like.

5. Mask Packs - Looking like Halloween’s Jason just isn’t to creep people out. It’s also beneficial for anti-aging, acne prevention and skin lightening. Between slinging beauty mud on your face and the cloth mask pack, people choose the cloth. I love using it for shock value at home.

Follow these trends? Thoughts?