Tear-like droplets: Why are Japan teenagers obsessing over this bizarre make-up trend involving hot glue?

A new makeup trend involving hot glue is rapidly gaining popularity amongst Japanese schoolgirls, sparking controversy and criticism both domestically and in China.
The trend, dubbed “3D teardrop makeup,” involves using hot glue to create teardrop shapes that are then attached to the face to mimic tears.
The process involves squeezing hot glue onto a surface like plastic, allowing it to cool, and then attaching the solidified droplets to the face using eyelash glue.
Proponents of the trend say it creates a delicate, sympathetic look. However, critics have called the trend “ridiculous,” comparing the glue droplets to “sperm” and “snot.”
One Japanese commenter stated, “Wait, doesn’t this hot glue tear make-up look suspiciously like sperm?”
Chinese netizens echoed the sentiment, with one saying: “This looks more like snot than tears. It’s disgusting, not cute at all.”
Rika Shiiki, leader of AMF, a Japanese firm specializing in student product lines, observed that trends among schoolgirls are often short-lived, typically lasting a few weeks. She attributes the rise of such trends to girls’ desire to experiment with different styles and share them on social media.
Despite its popularity, manufacturers warn against using hot glue for cosmetic purposes, citing potential skin irritation and allergic reactions.