Kim Yu-na and Mao Asada: Rivals in Makeup

Figure skating stars Kim Yu-na of Korea and Mao Asada of Japan compete not only on the ice but also in their different approaches to makeup.

Kim accentuates her eyes. Makeup artist Han Hye-yeon said, "Kim exudes an urban and sensual image by highlighting her eyes with dark smoky makeup. With dark shadow, she accentuates her single-lid eyes, and looks even more confident." Kim rarely wears lipstick, which would be slightly corny choice, like wearing big necklace and earrings at the same time, according to Han.

                                                          Kim Yu-na (left) and Mao Asada

On the other hand, lips are Asada's attention-getter. Han said, "Asada, who has big and round eyes, brings out her feminine charm by emphasizing red lips." That is also a gesture in the direction of traditional Japanese makeup. The fact that Asada sports a big ribbon on her hair and frills in her outfit reflects her attempt to look girlish. In contrast, Kim revived the image of Bond girl with a simple dark outfit and smoky cat's eye makeup.

Bang Sang-ah, former skater in the Korean national team who currently commentates for SBS, said the contrasting makeup styles of these two skaters reflect the different qualities of their skating. "Kim's skating is powerful and grandiose, almost like a male skater. Her charismatic eye makeup matches her skating style. Asada's skating style, on the other hand, is lighter and more floating, so the fact that she uses many accessories in her outfit reflects that."

When Kim was younger, her mother Mi-hee helped Kim with her makeup but now she does her own, as does Asada. Their rivalry starts in front of a mirror.