There is an abundance of information on makeup and beauty, but most of it consists of techniques for people who already have high beauty awareness and a strong interest in cosmetics.
Since I received many comments from people who read my previous articles asking where they should go to learn, I have summarized information on how to transition from just being a 'human female' to becoming an average woman who looks appropriate for her age.
Nowadays, even those who consider themselves 'ugly' often get skeletal structure or personal color diagnoses.
However, even if an 'ugly' person knows their personal color, they are still 'ugly.'
There isn't much advice out there for people like the one on the left—whose hair is frizzy and who can't tell the difference between 'natural makeup' and 'lazy makeup'—to become 'average.'
If you want to learn hair and makeup, I recommend the makeup lessons at Atelier Haruka, a beauty salon chain specializing in hair sets.
https://www.haruka.co.jp/menu/lesson/
This is not a PR post, so I will share both the pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Atelier Haruka's Makeup Lessons
Reason 1: They are nationwide
As a chain, they have locations in major cities across Japan, from Hokkaido to Kagoshima.
Even if you live in the Tokyo metropolitan area, don't you feel intimidated if makeup lessons are only available in fashionable areas like Omotesando or Ginza? They have shops in places like Kita-Senju and Akabane too. I think the hurdle to actually going there is much lower. Note: Only specific stores offer the lesson menu.
Reason 2: It's cheap
It's very affordable!
When you think about learning makeup, you might worry about whether you can reproduce it yourself or if it's worth the money. An eyebrow lesson is only 3,300 yen. Eyebrows are difficult, so you could start by just learning those, and once you can do them yourself, move on to full makeup. A 50-minute makeup lesson is 8,250 yen (as of May 2026 prices).
Reason 3: They offer hair styling lessons too
There are many makeup lesson services, but few places teach hair arrangement and styling. Atelier Haruka allows you to learn hair sets as well. They have a variety of menus, including a 3-session course that includes review sessions and eyebrow trimming lessons. It's great to be able to learn eyebrow grooming, hair styling, and makeup all in one place.
Reason 4: No high-pressure sales
There is no solicitation for expensive courses or product sales. If you find a one-on-one makeup lesson cheaper than Atelier Haruka, you should suspect it might be for solicitation purposes.
There are many makeup lessons nowadays, but often they involve:
- 'You can get a face type diagnosis for an extra 20,000 yen.'
- 'Would you like a total coordination for clothing selection?'
- Being sold multi-level marketing cosmetics.
Atelier Haruka is great because there is no such solicitation. I'll repeat it because it's important: it's good because there's no solicitation! This is because 'ugly' people often look like they lack information and are easy to talk into things. You are much more likely to be targeted than someone with high beauty awareness who already knows exactly what products they use.
Increasing your beauty awareness and learning to do natural makeup yourself means equipping yourself so you aren't treated like a fool. Aside from that, even if you aren't job hunting or dating, if you are working, you should learn makeup. You might find that clients who make unreasonable demands or colleagues who push unpleasant work onto you decrease. Makeup is protective gear for the business professional.
Next, I will share the disadvantages of Atelier Haruka.
Disadvantage 1: Large variation in staff quality
There is a big difference depending on the person in charge. Their main business is hair styling, so the lessons are likely a side task. I suppose that's why it's cheap and lacks solicitation.
Disadvantage 2: The makeup can be slightly dated
If the person in charge isn't very skilled, the makeup might look a bit old-fashioned. However, if someone with low beauty awareness is taking their first lesson to move from a '40' to a '50,' Atelier Haruka is more than sufficient. It's not the place to learn the ultimate techniques for becoming a top-tier beauty.
Disadvantage 3: Almost no handouts
There are no materials provided. You are allowed to take notes, so make sure to take photos with your smartphone or write things down so you don't forget.
Disadvantage 4: No counseling
Since it's cheap, there is almost no counseling. If you usually spend less than 5 minutes on makeup and don't know how to put in the effort for a natural look, you should say something like:
'I am currently X years old and want to know how to do age-appropriate natural makeup. I usually only spend 5 minutes using foundation, eyebrows, eyeshadow, and lip balm, but I want to learn how to do it more properly.'
Reviews from people who took the lessons
Who Atelier Haruka is for
- People who want to aim for 'average' rather than 'beautiful.'
- People who have been doing their own makeup for years and want an update.
- People who don't know what 'age-appropriate' looks like.
- People who don't want to spend much money.
- People who want to avoid making a bad impression rather than just becoming pretty.
I also think the book based on the concept of 'ugly to average' is wonderful. It doesn't have skincare info, but it's enough to understand the rules for looking polished.
