K-Beauty might have flipped the world of skin care on its head, but the best Korean makeup is where the innovation really goes to show. Think: sheer, skin-like finishes with a whisper of natural-looking glow, intentional placement and formulas that are so featherlight, they feel like second skin.
“Korean products tend to prioritize hydration and natural-looking finishes,” says celebrity makeup artist Ham Gyungsik. “In contrast, Western makeup formulas typically emphasize a sun-kissed look, often relying on bolder pigments and more noticeable shimmer,” he explains.
“The biggest difference I’ve noticed is in the color stories—you generally get a lot of pastels, and soft pinky, peachy or purple shades in Korean cosmetics, whereas in Western makeup, you have more neutral colors,” says Judy Lim, a bridal makeup artist and content creator.
I love Korean makeup formulas for their unique texture—some are cushiony and soufflé-like, while others could only be described as ‘liquid glass.’ Whether it’s velvety blushers, glittery eyeshadow palettes, cushion foundations or the famed Korean lip tints, the world of Korean makeup knows no bounds (which is also why it can be a bit overwhelming for the uninitiated). Luckily, I spent the past two months on a mission to narrow down all the best formulas around, some of which are consistent bestsellers at Olive Young (a.k.a. South Korea’s Sephora equivalent). Plus, I’ve also quizzed celeb MUAs and bridal makeup artists on their top application tips.
The best Korean makeup, at a glance
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The best Korean foundations
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Denise Primbet testing Tirtir Red Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
- Original photo from Denise Primbet testing Tirtir Red Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
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Tirtir Red Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
Amazon
- Coverage: full
- Finish: blurring yet skin-like
After a formula that delivers a more dramatic result? Say less. This best-selling cushion foundation from TIRTIR offers exactly that—all the coverage, minus a cake-y feel.
“I often rely on it for longevity (be it for weddings, night-outs or long office days. It’s, hands down, the most long-lasting complexion product I own—the kind that doesn’t slip or slide regardless of how much I may be sweating. I also love the finish, not too matte and not too dewy. It delivers a blurred finish that still manages to look like my own skin,” says Glamour beauty contributor Denise Primbet.
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Denise Primbet testing Unleashia Don’t Touch Glass Pink Cushion
- Original photo from Denise Primbet testing Unleashia Don’t Touch Glass Pink Cushion
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Unleashia Don’t Touch Glass Pink Cushion Foundation
Amazon
- Coverage: natural
- Finish: dewy
There aren’t many foundations out there that are just as natural-looking as this cushion compact from Unleashia. Infused with SPF50+UV protection, this clever formula delivers all the hydration and lightweight coverage you need for a “barely there” makeup look. Plus, since it comes enriched with a whole bunch of skin-soothing ingredients, it’s a solid contender for those of us with sensitive skin. The result? Glass-like finish and healthy-looking skin in a matter of minutes.
Jung Saem Mool Cushion Foundation
Amazon
- Coverage: lightweight and buildable
- Finish: skin-like
Founded by renowned South Korean celebrity artist Jung Saem Mool, her namesake brand has gone absolutely viral for its famed cushion foundation, and deservedly so. Offering weightless yet buildable coverage, this formula delivers a gorgeous skin-like finish, leaving you with a natural-looking glow. The best part? The brand has just extended the shade range to 30 options (including cool-toned, warm-toned and neutral iterations) to suit plenty of skin tones.
Entropy Makeup Organza Fit Spatula Foundation
Amazon
- Coverage: medium
- Finish: soft-matte
“This foundation is one of the most innovative formulas I’ve tried,” says Primbet. “I love that it already comes with the spatula built-in to the applicator, making the application process super seamless while ensuring seamless coverage. Personally, I think it’s a great formula for everyday wear. It doesn’t pill, oxidize or feel too heavy throughout the day. In fact, whenever I wear it, I can always count on receiving a handful of compliments on my base makeup.”
The best Korean concealers
Thesaem Cover Perfection Triple Pot Concealer
Amazon
- Best for: color-correcting
- Coverage: buildable
Whether your goal is to counteract dark under-eye circles, conceal blemishes or cancel out redness, you can’t go wrong with this pot concealer from Thesaem. Depending on your color-correcting preferences and your skin tone, each iteration includes three shades that can be used underneath or on top of your foundation to create an even-looking base. The coverage is easily buildable too, so you can easily adjust it to your desired finish.
TirTir Glide&Hide Blurring Concealer
Amazon
- Best for: under-eyes and spot-concealing
- Coverage: medium-to-full
“This concealer has been an absolute game-changer in my makeup routine. Since it’s double-ended (the solid end is used for spot-concealing while the liquid end is similar to a traditional concealer), it includes everything I need to create a near-flawless base. Apart from using it to cover up my acne or discoloration, I often use the solid creamy end to define the outline of my lips. The liquid end, on the other hand, is one of the best non-creasing formulas I’ve used on my under-eyes. It blends like butter and feels super hydrating throughout wear,” says Primbet.
The best Korean blushes
Fwee Mellow Dual Blush
Amazon
- Finish: blurring
- Level of pigment: 6/10
One of our all time favorite Korean blush brands is Fwee. This duo blush palette features two shades and is a great option for anyone looking for a natural three-dimensional finish with a blurring effect. From your cool-toned pinks to muted mauve-y shades and peachy hues, it comes in an array of flattering shades that can also double as eyeshadow or a soft wash of color on your lips. “The texture of this blush is unlike anything I’ve tried. Super cushiony, velvety and bouncy—a dream to apply and blend,” says Primbet.
Kaja Cheek & Lip Dewy bar
Amazon
- Finish: radiant
- Level of pigment: buildable
If you find that traditional Korean blushes are a bit too natural-looking for your liking, consider this cream formula from Kaja, which offers buildable pigment while still feeling featherlight on the skin. Available in six shades, this dewy blush is formulated to leave a “glass”-like finish and a hydrating feel—courtesy of hard-working ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. “Grapefruit Gelato is a stunning ‘blonzing’ shade that doesn’t lean too warm or too cool, which also happens to be my favorite,” says Primbet.
House of Hur Moist Ampoule Blusher
Amazon
- Finish: ultra-dewy
- Level of pigment: minimal
“I’d recommend this formula to anyone who doesn’t usually wear a lot of makeup (especially if you love a good skin tint), since it offers that minimal yet impactful coverage and glow that looks as though you’ve just had a hydrating facial. It feels like a nourishing serum that can easily be blended in using just your fingers. Although the pigment isn’t as dramatic, it still delivers an effortlessly chic look that’s great for everyday wear” says Primbet.
- Courtesy of brand
- Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Fwee Blurring Pudding Pots
- Original image by Jenifer Calle testing Fwee Blurry Pudding Pot
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Fwee Blurry Pudding Pot
Amazon
- Finish: demi-matte
- Level of pigment: buildable
Looking for that diffused, soufflé-like finish? Meet the Fwee Pudding Pot, a hybrid blush formula that also doubles as a lip product, leaving a matte finish for that blurred look. Having gone viral all over TikTok for its fun packaging and bouncy texture, its shade range is nothing short of impressive. Whether you choose to apply it using a blush, your fingers, or the brand’s special silicone applicator, it’s a foolproof product that suits beginners and pros alike. The pigment is easily buildable too, so you can easily amp it up for a more dramatic result.
The best Korean contour
Too Cool for School ArtClass Contour
Amazon
- Finish: matte
- Level of pigment: lightweight
According to MUAs, Korean makeup is less about dramatic contour. Rather, it’s about intentional and lightweight placement, and this formula is, by far, one of the most quality products out there. Featuring three cool-toned shades in one compact, it helps mimic a natural shadow with ease, without looking muddy or resulting in any patchiness whatsoever. About the only qualm worth pointing out is that it doesn’t offer a great shade range, which could be an issue for deeper skin tones.
Best Korean highlighter
Fwee Glitz Stone Highlighter
Amazon
- Type: powder
- Level of shimmer: subtle
Full disclosure: you’re not going to achieve a ‘blinding’ look with most Korean highlighters, but if your goal is healthy-looking radiance, you can’t go wrong with this formula from Fwee. It comes in 12 shades in total—from silver, golden, rose gold iterations and everything in-between. “I love that the shimmer is not at all chunky. In fact, it’s so fine that it’s almost pearlescent, which is exactly what helps give my skin that ‘lit-from-within’ glow,” says Primbet.
Milk Touch Fairy Jewel Eye Glitter
YesStyle
- Type: liquid
- Level of shimmer: dramatic
While this highlighter may not be intended to be smeared on your face, it’s a gorgeous formula that helps add a little ‘zhuzh’ and definition to targeted areas like your eyelids, inner corners or your aegyosal. “I’m yet to try a liquid highlighter that would look just as ethereal as this formula from Milk Touch. Its thin brush applicator helps me use it strategically and intentionally to elevate my look in just a few swipes,” says Primbet.
The best Korean brow products
Unleashia Shaper Defining Eyebrow Fixer & Pencil
Amazon
- Type: fine-tip pencil
- Best for: adding definition
“I always struggle to find a thin brow pencil to help me create fine hair strokes that won’t look too ‘out of place.’ That is, until I got my hands on this formula from Unleashia. Unlike most brow products I’ve tried, I love that none of the shades lean too grey or too orange. Whether I’m going for a natural look or a more dramatic result, this pencil helps me achieve fluffy and defined brows in a matter of minutes. The best part? Even on the hottest of days, I’m confident in knowing that they won’t smudge or budge either,” says Primbet.
Unleashia Shaper Pomade Eyebrow Fixer
Ulta
- Type: lightweight pomade
- Best for: a natural feathered look
“As someone who comes from Asian heritage, I know all too well that it takes a village to keep my brows in place, yet I can always count on this shaping pomade to deliver a strong and natural-looking hold that will last all day long. If you’re someone who isn’t a huge fan of a dramatic laminated look and if traditional brow gels never really do the trick, you’ll love this formula from first use. Think: defined, fluffed-up brows that still look effortlessly groomed and natural,” says Primbet.
The best Korean eyeshadow
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo by Jenifer Calle testing Unleashia Glitterpedia Eyeshadow Palette
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Unleashia Glitterpedia Eyeshadow Palette
Amazon
- Available shades: nine in one palette
- Finish: both matte and shimmery
Be it a natural muted look, a bold wash of pink or a cute pop of glitter, these eyeshadow palettes come in a variety of iterations made for every taste and preference. Offering lasting wear, each palette features nine shades (including both shimmery and matte formulas), making them compact yet versatile enough to create just about any eye makeup look. Each color blends like butter, offering an impressive level of pigment without causing any fall-out.
The best Korean mascara
OddType Unlimited Curl Lift Mascara
Amazon
- Waterpoof? yes
- Best for: a natural lifted look
“I have a confession to make: I never really found a Western mascara that worked well on my Asian lashes, which is exactly what compelled me to find a Korean formula that would actually deliver. Since trying this lifting mascara from OddType, I never looked back. Not only is it waterproof and long-lasting, but it also delivers an extremely natural result, leaving my lashes slightly curled, defined and separated. Above all, the thin wand allows me to get even, root-to-tip coverage in just one coat—none of that clumpy or heavy feel,” says Primbet.
The best Korean setting powder
About Tone Sebum Cut Powder
Amazon
- Best for: a natural blurring effect
- Shade: translucent
Although Korean makeup is all about that healthy-looking glow, a quick dab of setting powder around the T-zone ensures that your look is blurred in all the right places, leaving you with a lasting result. This finely-milled powder compact features a unique technology that helps control your skin’s sebum production while feeling extremely lightweight on the skin. It also doesn’t feel too drying either, which is a great bonus for any of us with drier skin types.
The best Korean lip products
Unleashia Oh! Happy Day Lip Pencil
Amazon
- Type: blurring lip pencil
- Finish: matte
“If there’s one thing I love about Korean makeup is that it’s the antidote to a perfectly defined look. This blurring lip pencil from Unleashia is easily the best for softly sculpting and shaping your pout before applying your gloss or your lip tint. It glides on effortlessly, leaving a natural-looking shadow (a whisper of color, if you will),” says Primbet. You can also apply it all over for an even matte finish. Plus, since precision isn’t this product’s forte, top-ups are a lot easier too.
Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm
Amazon
- Type: glossy balm
- Finish: dewy
Featuring a cushiony silicone applicator, this tinted lip balm offers a sensorial application process, leaving your lips glossier and more nourished than ever. Whether you’re after a subtle wash of pink, coral, mauve or if you’re in the mood for a clear glossy topper, this formula is a must for those “no makeup” makeup days. Packed with skin-loving components, it helps ensure lasting hydration and a near-instant soothing effect.
Rom&nd Glasting Color Gloss
Nordstrom
- Type: gloss
- Finish: shiny
“Every K Beauty enthusiast knows that Rom&nd lip products are a force to be reckoned with, and this lip gloss is one of my personal favorites. It’s non-sticky feel and an ultra-shiny finish can elevate virtually any lip combo. From rosy mauves to cool-toned pinks and neutral browns, the shades are universal enough to complement a variety of undertones and skin tones, delivering a natural hint of coverage and an instant boost of hydration,” says Primbet.
Oddtype Unseen Balloon Tint
Amazon
- Type: nourishing tint
- Finish: glossy
Combining the feel of a lip oil, the shine of a lip gloss and the pigment of a lip tint, this formula from Oddtype ticks just about every box—all while keeping your lips nice and hydrated in the process. “My favorite part about using this tint is its unique brush-like applicator, which feels incredibly soothing and smooth on the lips. It also picks up the perfect amount of product, meaning you won’t need to dip into the tube more than once for a fully-covered look,” says Primbet.
Fwee 3d Voluming Gloss
Ulta
- Type: tinted lip gloss
- Finish: high-shine
Be it the adorable and compact packaging or the wow-factor shade range, this lip gloss from Fwee is a best-seller for a reason. The angled applicator brush seamlessly cocoons the shape of the lips, while the formula blurs out any fine lines and imperfections, delivering a high-shine finish and a replenished feel. Its versatile nature makes it just as suitable to wear on makeup-free days as it is layered over your favorite lipstick for extra dimension. Thanks to its lightweight, non-sticky texture, it feels comfortable for hours while giving your lips that fresh, plumped-up look.
Entropy 2-in-1 Charm Shiny Glowy Lip & Cheek Gloss Tint
Amazon
- Type: hydrating lip tint
- Finish: glossy
This lip tint from Entropy is a testament to South Korea’s approach to innovation. Having gone viral on TikTok for its charm-inspired design and an impressive shade range, this unique formula acts as both a lip tint and a hydrating gloss—a must for a high-shine look with a subtle wash of pigment. It also comes in a matte formula, which is equally as gorgeous and leaves a soft-blurred finish. “I’m not easily impressed with lip products, yet, since trying this formula from Entropy, I haven’t spent a day without applying it. I love the nourishing feel that helps avoid the tint from looking patchy or feeling drying throughout the day,” says Primbet.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best way to prep the skin for makeup?
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“One of the defining characteristics of Korean makeup is the detailed skin prep routine, which plays a crucial role in the final look. Even the most basic routine usually includes several hydration-focused steps,” says Ham. He usually starts the process with a sheet mask or a toner pad, followed by an essence, ampoules and a moisturizer, before finishing up with a layer of SPF.
According to Judy, “Korean makeup is often done in very thin layers to keep the skin looking natural.” She says that compared to Western makeup trends, Korean makeup is less about higher contrast looks and is more about subtle techniques.
What are some of the key focuses of a Korean makeup look?
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“While every step is important, base makeup is arguably the most critical element. A clear, radiant, healthy-looking complexion is the heart of K-beauty,” explains Ham. To achieve a near-perfect base, Ham advises to use color correctors underneath foundation to cancel out any under-eye darkness or redness. Next, he recommends applying your foundation gradually (in thin layers) for “a natural, glowing finish.”
“Blush is often applied as a cream or liquid, blending it seamlessly into the base. Depending on the skin type, a light dusting of powder may be used to set it,” he says.
As far as the lips go, Ham reiterates that “layering is essential.” Rather than relying on one type of a lip tint or a gloss, he suggests carefully curating multiple formulas for a juicy pout.
His first tip is to neutralize the natural lip color using a sheer base (this can be done using a blurring lip liner or a creamy lipstick). Next, use a small amount of vibrant color in the center of the lips and seal everything together using a glossy formula to enhance the shine.
What are the best Korean makeup application techniques?
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According to Korean makeup artist Amy Lee, creating the Aegyosal (a unique technique that emphasizes the under-eye bags) is a great way to make your look appear more youthful and cute. This is often done by combining “soft highlight and contour techniques to create the look of smiling eyes.”
“Blush placement has moved slightly upward—now sweeping across the cheekbones toward the outer corner of the eyes for a more lifted, youthful look,” says Ham. He shares that according to the latest trend, there’s a trending word “mijigeun” (미지근) that translates to “lukewarm” or soft. With this in mind, Ham says that most brands are “releasing more products with sheer finishes and subtle, clear tones instead of bold, saturated colors.”
Now to the most important part—the base. “Korean makeup artists are a fan of the spatula technique that evenly applies a super thin layer of foundation onto the skin before patting it in with a dense sponge,” says Judy.
“The brows are also often lightened and filled-in softly, creating a straighter shape (instead of arched). Eyeliner is rarely drawn in an upturned cat eye shape, and is often drawn outwards or even downturned,” she says.
Elsewhere, the eye makeup is more or less understated—although some K Pop-inspired looks call for a touch of glitter. And as far as lashes go, Amy recommends making sure that you’re not using anything ‘too heavy or dramatic’. “It’s all about sticking to “natural, separated lashes,” she shares, so if you’re going for falsies, make sure to opt for individual lashes as opposed to strip lashes.
Meet the experts:
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- Ham Gyungsik, Korean celebrity makeup artist
- Judy Lim, bridal makeup artist and content creator
- Amy Lee, Korean makeup artist based in New Jersey
The post 25 Best Korean Makeup Products appeared first on Glamour.
