The Korean wave, also known as ‘hallyu’, has taken the world by storm. From K-dramas to K-pop, Korean culture is everywhere. In India, Korean makeup has also started to emerge as a popular trend. The Korean way of doing makeup is very different from regular makeup tricks. For Koreans, makeup and skincare is all about your skin looking naturally youthful. It’s subtle yet striking. Whether you’re an ardent K-beauty follower or a newbie with a desire to explore, here are some simple Korean makeup hacks to get you going!
1. Puppy Dog Eyes
Koreans aren’t into the classic winged eyeliner look. Instead of fierce cat eyes, they prefer having softer puppy dog eyes. This Korean eyeliner style gives the eyes a more rounded, youthful, and delicate appearance. If you’re looking for a low-effort eyeliner style that you can create in under 30 seconds, then this one’s perfect.
How: For the most part, the application is similar to a winged eyeliner. Just extend a thin line across your eyelid. When you reach the outer end of your lash line, instead of drawing the flick upwards, extend downwards. The eyeliner should be slightly longer than your lash line.
Nykaa Recommends: The Innisfree Powerproof Pen Liner is one of the best Korean makeup products for beginners who want to try this look fo the first time.
2. Flushed Cheeks
Also known as the ‘fruit-juice’ makeup, this trend is pretty simple to execute. The idea is to make your cheeks look as flushed as a ripe fruit. The Korean fruit juice makeup adds a fruity, fresh-faced glow to your skin and is just the kind of makeup that’ll save you on days when you’re particularly looking tired or sleep deprived.
How: To achieve this unique Korean makeup aesthetic, you’ll need to pick out a fruity blush. We’re talking strawberry, peach, watermelon etc. Now, instead of blending it in an upward or downward direction like you normally would, just directly apply it on your cheeks.
Nykaa Recommends: The Innisfree My Blusher is known for its wide variety of shades and its silky, powdery texture that lasts you all day.
3. Lowkey Eyeshadow Game
If you’re familiar with K-dramas, or K-celebs in general, you would have noticed how minimalistic Korean eye makeup really is. When it comes to applying eyeshadow, Koreans prefer to keep it lowkey. They generally go for subtle, neutral shades for a natural Korean makeup look.
How: Go for neutral shades that are not too far from your natural skin tone. Avoid bold reds and greens and try more matte nude eyeshadow palettes.
Nykaa Recommends: The ETUDE HOUSE Play Color Eyes Juice Bar is the quintessential Korean eyeshadow palette as it has a range of subtle and natural fruity shades.
4. Teardrop Eyes
Glitter makeup is very popular in the world of K-beauty. However, Koreans apply it differently. They prefer to add glitter to the bottom of their eye. This gives their eyes an innocent, teary doe-eyed look.
How: Take a regular black eyeliner and apply it to the outer corners of your lower lash line. Then, take a glitter eyeliner and apply it on the inner corners of your lower lash line.
Nykaa Recommends: The Innifree Twinkle Glitter Eyeliner ensures minimal fallout and provides smooth application.
5. Gradient Lips
The gradient lip trend is one of the most popular Korean lip makeup styles. To achieve this look, you need to make sure that the center of the lips is more pigmented than the corners, giving you a more youthful appearance overall.
