At first we weren’t entirely convinced that this was the same girl in both pictures. They’re just so… different. Look closely though, and beneath those layers (and layers) of makeup and the fake eyelashes, you’ll see that it really is the the selfsame young lady. Her little mole is there; her duck-face smile curls in the exact same way; the shape of her jaw and cheeks are the same. But, just, wow. Welcome to the world of “power makeup”.
This is Twitter user @rukiruki00, champion of all things kawaii and self-made makeup expert. To give credit where it’s due, Ruki really does seem to know her way around her makeup bag, but the fact that her skills could lead people to believe that her before and after shots are in fact entirely different people is a little unsettling to say the least.
Yesterday evening, Ruki took to her Twitter account to tell the world that she was about to perform her makeup magic act, documenting its awesome power.
▼ “People of Japan, good evening!!! It’s ugly old me. I’m going to apply my makeup from now!”
An hour and 11 minutes later (let’s call it an hour and give her the 11 minutes for getting the selfie right), Ruki-chan reemerges, looking like a completely different person. So different, in fact, that we think we could probably spend half an evening each with the before and after versions and swear they weren’t even related.
This is the apparently Ruki’s “moon rukiruki power make-up”. Well, she’s certainly got the enormous alien eyes down. Those are some biiig irises.
▼ And just one more time let’s compare those before and after shots.
We think the immortal Homer Simpson put it best when he used the phrase “Sweet, merciful crap.” If only young Ruki here had known that there is a much faster, more effective alternative to makeup available, she could save herself nearly eight hours a week in preparation time. Although, to be fair to her, it looks like Ruki-chan doesn’t take herself too seriously 100 percent of the time…
Stay beautiful, Rocketeers!
Source/images: Hachima Kikou @rukiruki00
Ugly-cute makeup genius feeds off negative troll comments on Twitter
Japanese cosmetic artist posts photo with only half her face made up, internet freaks out【Pics】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Japan’s full-facemask Ninja Parka still lets you eat ice cream[Photos]
Pokémon Centers across Japan cancel April events after stabbing in Tokyo
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says