Korean beauty, otherwise known as K-beauty, has come to stay, like it or not. Part of its allure is that it does not just focus on skincare routines and makeup—it’s a lifestyle and dare I say, an art form.
As a devoted K-drama fan, I’ve discovered that K-beauty isn’t just limited to just skincare routines and makeup. Picture a scene where the lead actress’s skin glows like the full moon, or the camera zooms into the hero’s lips looking impossibly soft during a romantic kiss scene. That’s the vision I want you to keep in mind while reading this article.
In this article, we’ll explore some K-beauty hacks you can try out and step-by-step guides for nailing your makeup game.
Understanding Korean Makeup
From watching K-dramas and observing Korean celebrities, I’ve come to understand that their makeup emphasizes natural, youthful, and healthy appearances. Think flawless, glassy complexions, a peach blossom blush, and gradient lips that give off a “just-ate-a-strawberry” look.
~ Eye Makeup
The standard Korean eye makeup is all about achieving a fresh, youthful look with just a touch of sparkle.
Below are some guidelines on achieving glittering eyes worthy to star in a Korean drama:
1. Subtle Shimmers
(For Fair Skin):
- Start with a neutral eyeshadow base using shades like beige, peach, or light brown.
- Apply a shimmering eyeshadow in the center of your eyelids. Choose soft colors like champagne, rose gold, or light pink.
- Blend the shimmer into the base color for a subtle, luminous effect.
- Finish with a thin line of brown eyeliner and natural-looking mascara.
(For Dark Skin):
- Choose shimmer shades that complement your skin tone. Warm tones like copper, bronze, and deep gold are excellent options.
- Apply a neutral base eyeshadow (similar to your skin tone) all over your lids.
- Add a shimmering shade to the center of your eyelids. Blend it seamlessly for a radiant effect.
- Enhance your eyes with eyeliner and mascara, making sure to keep the focus on the shimmer.
2. Bold Glitters
(For Fair Skin):
- Start with a primer to make the glitter stick better to your lids.
- Apply a cream glitter eyeshadow all over your eyelids. Opt for bold shades like silver, gold, or even holographic tones.
- Use a flat brush to pack the glitter onto your lids. Alternatively, you can apply it to the inner corners of your eyes for an extra pop.
- Keep the rest of your eye makeup minimal and apply just a thin line of black eyeliner and volumizing mascara.
(For Dark Skin):
- Opt for rich colors like emerald green, royal blue, or burgundy.
- Use a glitter primer to make the glitter adhere well.
- Apply the glitter eyeshadow all over your lids, with the main focus being on the center.
- Keep the rest of your eye makeup minimal and apply a thin line of eyeliner and volumizing mascara.
Tip: K-beauty stressed on one having a dewy complexion, so be sure your skin looks hydrated and radiant before and after putting on the makeup.
~ Glass Skin
Achieving the much-coveted glass skin is a combination of skincare and makeup techniques.
Below are some of the makeup hacks you can try for this look:
- Luminous Primer: Use a primer with light-reflecting particles to create a radiant base. Apply it all over your face. If you have a darker complexion, opt for a primer with subtle sheen to enhance radiance.
- Lightweight Foundation: Choose a dewy foundation that matches your skin tone.
- Highlighter: Apply a liquid or cream highlighter to the high points of your face: the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow, and inner corners of the eyes to accentuate your features.
Tip: The important thing to keep in mind for this look is that minimal makeup is key.
~ Gradient Lips
The gradient lip trend, aka the “just-ate-a-strawberry” look, has gained a lot of popularity in K-dramas and Korean beauty.
How the Gradient Effect Works:
Instead of simply applying lipstick evenly across your lips, the gradient lip technique focuses on creating a softer, more natural look. Remember, the center of the lips is always lighter, while the outer edges have a subtle coloring.
What You’ll Need
- Lip Tints: Lip tints are the best go-to product for achieving this look. Quite unlike traditional lipsticks, lip tints offer long-lasting color and a comfortable feel. They also allow you to build coverage and create the desired gradient effect.
Application
- Apply a thin layer of lip tint to the middle of your lips.
- Use your fingertip or a small brush to blend the color outward, leaving the edges lighter.
~ Puppy Eyes
The puppy eyes look imitates the innocent, wide eye look a puppy gives when it’s trying to communicate with humans. To achieve this, you’ll need eyeliner, mascara and eyeshadow.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start by applying your favorite mascara to open up the eye area. Coat both upper and lower lashes for a wide-eyed effect.
2. Use a black pencil eyeliner to line your upper lash line. Start from the center of the eye and extend it outward. Remember to bring the line down at the corners by following the natural shape of your eye.
3. Continue using the liner downwards, creating a sharp point. Thicken and exaggerate the line.
4. Trace a thin line of liquid eyeliner from the inner corners out, connecting it to the gel liner. This helps to add definition to the inner corners.
5. Line only the outer half of your lower lash line, connecting it to the top liner. Keep the inner half bare. Soften the line with an eyeshadow brush.
6. Add light shimmer to the inner lower lash line using a shimmery eyeshadow pen.
7. Apply lengthening mascara to both upper and outer half of lower lashes.
Tip: For fair skin, use soft brown eyeliner for a subtle effect. For dark skin, using deep brown or black eyeliner works best. Make sure to focus on the outer corners for an alluring look.
Conclusion
K-beauty is all about inclusivity. While trying these hacks, always keep your skin tone in mind. Opt for lip tints and eyeliner shades that complement your complexion.
Don’t forget to have fun while experimenting!
