12 Korean Makeup Trends You Need to Try

If you make it a point to stay on top of the latest beauty trends, you’re likely familiar with the wonders of Korean beauty. From 10-step skin care routines to glass skin, K-beauty is responsible for some of the most beloved trends in the beauty world. While K-beauty definitely sets the tone for what’s trendy in skin care, it’s not the only thing worthy of your attention. Korean makeup is here to upgrade your beauty look! 

Whether you try your hand at colored eyeliner or flirt with the blocky brows trend, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your beauty routine with Korean makeup looks. Below, we’re sharing 12 Korean makeup trends that will help you take your beauty game to the next level.

KOREAN MAKEUP TREND #1: PUPPY EYELINER

This Korean eye makeup trend is all about making the eyes appear wide and “doe-eyed.” Puppy eyeliner is super cute, easy to apply, and fun to pull off—what’s not to like? The technique involves using a black or brown eyeliner pencil to tightline only your upper lash line, then applying liquid liner that slopes slightly downward at the ends on top. For a step-by-step tutorial on how to rock your own puppy liner look, read our article, What Is Puppy Liner?

KOREAN MAKEUP TREND #2: HONEY SKIN

Korean beauty is all about skin that appears radiant, plump, and healthy. You’ve seen this reflected in a number of skin care trends, from cloudless skin to glass skin, but your skin care routine isn’t the only way to get the look. Honey skin may sound similar to the aforementioned trends, but the major difference is that it’s actually a makeup trend. Instead of relying solely on skin care products to get the perfect complexion, this trend involves layering a combination of skin and makeup products, like facial serum, moisturizer, foundation, and highlighter, for the perfect dewy skin look. The end result is skin so supple you’ll just have to snap a selfie! Here’s how to try this trending Korean makeup look yourself.

STEP 1: APPLY A HYDRATING SERUM

Post-cleansing, apply an even layer of the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum onto your entire complexion. Let it absorb, then move to the next step.

STEP 2: LAYER ON A WATER-BASED MOISTURIZER

Next, apply a lightweight, water-based moisturizer all over your face and neck. Try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal/Dry Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin.

STEP 3: APPLY A GLOW-BOOSTING FOUNDATION

Mix a few drops of the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops with a few drops of your favorite foundation, then tap the mixture onto your skin using a makeup blender.

STEP 4: ADD A HIGHLIGHTING LOTION

This look is all about glowing skin, so one layer of glow-boosting makeup just won’t do. To amp up your glow, apply a light layer of the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer onto the high points of your face: Your cheekbones, forehead, cupid’s bow, brow bone, and the center of your chin.

STEP 5: SET YOUR LOOK

To complete your honey skin makeup look, spritz your face with the L’Oréal Paris True Match Shake & Glow Dew Mist.

KOREAN MAKEUP TREND #3: BRIGHT BLUSH

We love Korean makeup trends year-round, but there’s no denying the bright blush trend is perfect for spring and summer. Think bold oranges and corals, applied onto the upper cheekbones and lightly along the bridge of the nose. To try this look out for yourself, reach for the L’Oréal Paris True Match Naturale in Barely Blushing. Apply it using your regular blush brush but with a lighter hand, building up to your desired hue and intensity.

KOREAN MAKEUP TREND #4: FAUX FRECKLES

Don’t have cheeks covered with natural freckles? No problem—it’s easy (and trendy) to fake what you don’t have! All you need to do is dot a waterproof brown eyeliner, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Brown, along the bridge of your nose and your cheeks. Hello, freckles! To help ensure that your new feature doesn’t smear and smudge, give your faux freckles a quick spritz with a setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray.

Struggling to master the trend? No need to fret! Head on over to our article, How to Fake Faux Freckles With Makeup for a step-by-step tutorial.

STEP 1: USE A LIP SCRUB

No one wants to layer lip products over flakes, so make sure to slough off dry or dead cells with the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub before moving on.

STEP 2: MOISTURIZE

Apply a hydrating lip balm all over your lips. A parched pout just won’t complement this lip look!

STEP 3: APPLY LIPSTICK WITH A SHINY FINISH

After you’ve applied your moisturizing lip balm, apply a lipstick with a high-shine finish, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick. The color is up to you—this particular lipstick comes in 16 high-definition shades you can choose from.

STEP 4: APPLY A LIP GLOSS ON TOP

To really get that glassy effect, apply a thick layer of clear lip gloss on top of your shiny lip color. Voila!

KOREAN MAKEUP TREND #11: COLORED EYELINER

Black and brown eyeliner is gorgeous, but why not try adding some color into the mix? This Korean makeup trend is perfect for branching you out of your comfort zone, as it involves applying your eyeliner as usual, just in a bright color instead of your go-to neutrals. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Cobalt Blue, Purple, or Gold. 

KOREAN MAKEUP TREND #12: BLOCKY BROWS

Another K-beauty trend we can’t get enough of? Blocky brows! A far cry from the trendy arched brow looks you’re familiar with, blocky brows are all about flaunting a straighter brow shape. This trend has become a hot commodity since it can actually make you look younger. To incorporate blocky brows into your makeup look, start by allowing your brows to grow without indulging in any plucking sessions. Reach for a brow crayon, like the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Kabuki Blender, and shade in your brows to achieve a fuller, blocky shape. 

Next up: Interested in learning about other international beauty trends? Here are 8 Japanese Beauty Trends to Try.