Korean makeup is more about the dewy skin, no makeup, natural tones and youthful features anyway — less is more, more often than not. At the core of this look is luminous, healthy skin, which is accomplished with the right skincare. According to studies, 70% of Korean women use multi-step skin care products such as cleanser, toner, essence and moisturizer to prepare their skin for makeup.
Korean makeup is characterized by “glass skin,” the technique, achieved using light BB creams or cushion foundations, of building hydration and glowy finish. Korean staple cushion foundations take this concept one step further by fusing makeup with skincare, adding features like SPF protection, moisture, and a smooth finish. Many products also contain niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, which help to brighten and hydrate the skin.
Another signature element is gradient lips, which create the impression of naturally flushed lips. The look is achieved by lip tints, which give a long-lasting sheer finish. According to a survey by Beauty Trends Korea, 85 percent of respondents chose lip tints as their go-to lip product over classic lipsticks because of their lightweight feel and buildable color.
Eyes: Soft tones of peach, pink, or champagne are often used to put together a simple, yet lively eye look. A hint of single-layered, barely-there lips seems to amplify the eyes while not overwhelming the face. Items such as gel eyeliners are preferred for their accuracy and remains smudge-free, helping to sustain a well-groomed look all day long.
Korean makeup has a unique approach to blush application which is focused on giving the appearance of a natural flush, focused almost exclusively on the apples of the cheeks. Cream blushes are coveted for their dewy finish and blendability. These products are often infused with self-care ingredients, which not only hydrate the skin but also help intensify color.
As well known Korean makeup artist Pony once said, “korean makeup is not about change, it’s about accentuating yourself.” This gives philosophy has made Korean beauty products a global phenomenon, exports growing by 15 percent annually since 2018, according to the Korean International Trade Association.
So Hai Eun — who works as a creative marketer for a beauty brand by day, and moonlights as a rising beauty influencer by night — embraces the philosophy of less is more with low-maintenance, versatile products like cushion foundations, lip tints and cream blushes for those new forays into hong-ik makeup, which she says can be a little intimidating for non Koreans. The essence of Korean beauty is these products for complexion that give a dewy and youthful finish with little to no effort.