a:4:{s:5:"width";i:634;s:6:"height";i:350;s:4:"file";s:17:"2014/08/mata1.jpg";s:10:"image_meta";a:10:{s:8:"aperture";i:0;s:6:"credit";s:8:"Europics";s:6:"camera";s:0:"";s:7:"caption";s:1501:"PICTURE SHOWS : Before and after photo of using sticking plasters to give eyes the peftect double eyelids

Fashion fans in Japan have become hooked on a bizarre craze to give themselves Western-style 'double eyelids' with an instant DIY facelift.

Rather than pay 3,000 GBP for cosmetic surgeons to give them the perfect Caucasian-looking lids, they can buy a 3.50p GBP for a box of ordinary sticking plasters to give the same effect.

Many young Japanese strive to what they call double eyelids, with a crease in the middle which is missing from natural oriental lids.

One mag - Scawaii Beauty - describes how cutting a semi-circular strip from a plaster and sticking it on the top of the eyelid will give a perfect Western-style crease.

"It is the godly effect we all want," says the mag.

The craze started in South Korea and has spread quickly through Japan, where teenagers think the ideal face would have big, Western-style round eyes and small Asian features.

But the obsession had been criticised by traditionalists who say it is robbing the nation of its identity.

"How can you call yourself Japanese when you seem to be obsessed with making yourself look like something else?" said one.

One who tried it, Reika Kosaka, 23, defended the trick, saying: "We wear make up, put on fake eyelashes and fingernails, add hair extensions and wear bras that make our breasts look bigger, so why not a bit of alteration of the eyelid, especially if it's only temporary for a night out on the town?"";s:17:"created_timestamp";i:1403181463;s:9:"copyright";s:583:"EuroPics[CEN] agency accepts no liability for any damages, loss or legal action resulting from the use of images supplied. The publication of images supplied in any format is solely at your (the publishers) discretion & risk. Copyright always remains with EuroPics[CEN] ©.  Minimum Repro Fee in the UK is £ 150.00. All Fees must be agreed before publication with EuroPics[CEN] or with EuroPics[CEN] approved agents abroad. All Rights Reserved. Publication of any images is acceptance of these terms and conditions. For reproduction rights contact picdesk@cen.at, +43 1 812 12 87 21";s:12:"focal_length";i:0;s:3:"iso";i:0;s:13:"shutter_speed";i:0;s:5:"title";s:68:"This godly item will help you achieve the perfect double eyelids";}}