Have you wondered how the faces of K-drama actresses stay fresh, clear and attractive without using a lot of makeup? A while ago, I was obsessed with beauty TikToks and happily saved all the videos marked with “#kbeauty.”
After a while, I decided to watch and learn from Korean makeup tutorials. I learned about how gentle glamour and focusing on the skin works every day. Here are seven tutorials that showed me some new ways to do makeup and they might do the same for you.
If your look is about softness, a natural medium and improving your appearance rather than hiding it, this post is just what you need.
1. Glass Skin Base
Layered Hydration for Radiance
I first thought that glass skin was a makeup filter. Well, it’s simply well-hydrated and cared-for skin, along with glowing makeup. I learned that the key is to prep your skin, before applying the makeup itself.
My sister and I tried this method during a spa weekend we shared. We both tested using toners, essences and serums before covering our skin with a glowy cushion foundation. My face looked alive in every selfie that weekend.
To recreate it:
- Start with toner, essence, serum, and a lightweight moisturizer.
- Even out your skin by applying a glow-infused primer or a soft cushion foundation with a puff.
- Try to tap rather than rub across the skin.
2. Gradient Lips
Natural Flush That Pops
This was a simple tutorial to follow and I use the tips it showed all the time. Rather than painting all over your lips, you put the color in the middle and distribute it outward. It provides your lips with that well-known soft, bitten style seen in Korean beauty.
I tried this at Incheon Airport during a layover. I used a tester product in the duty-free shop for just a few minutes. The result was shockingly good for something so simple.
- Use a little bit of concealer on the curves of your mouth to hide imperfections.
- Add a dab of coral or pink in the center of your eye.
- Blend it outward using a Q-tip or your finger.
3. Aegyo-sal Eyes
Smile with Your Eyes—Literally
I was not convinced by Aegyo-sal at first… but then I decided to try it. Your goal is to draw out the pouch underneath your lower lashes—you’re not covering it up; you’re making it visible. It makes your eyes look more youthful and cheerful.
My first approach was a good step away from being charming. Once I used the right beige shimmer and light brown shadow, it looked fantastic. I now occasionally wear it when I’m not dressed up and people regularly tell me how beautiful my eyes look.
- Smile softly and use your finger to follow the little puff under your eyes.
- Add shimmer on the highlighted area.
- Stick close to the model’s eyebrows, but make the foundation shade below a light brown.
4. Puppy Eyeliner
Gentle Definition Instead of Sharp Wings
Compared to the strong cat-eye lines I learned as a teen, puppy eyeliner curves a bit downwards for a prettier and warmer look. It’s ideal if you like a softer approach to stretching your eyes without lines.
A friend introduced me to this while we were on a beach vacation. Her eyes were just like mine and she seemed extra sweet all the time. Turns out—puppy liner was her secret weapon.
How to apply:
- Follow the top of your eyelid with a thin line of pencil liner.
- Extend slightly downward past the outer corner.
- Smudge gently with a neutral brown shadow.
- Visual of applying puppy eyeliner with brown pencil and blending the edges with a blending brush.
5. Feathered Straight Brows
Light, Natural, and Youthful
Unlike the perfectly arched brows I once did, Korean brows are straight, soft and fluffy. You won’t need to stress about keeping your hair perfect each day.
Once I saw my hairlines were thin, I started using a thin brow pencil and a clear fixer. Now my brows look full but never overdone.
My go-to routine:
- Outline the shape with a fine-tipped pencil.
- Fill in sparse spots with light strokes.
- Gently apply a clear gel to lift your brows.
6. Blush Draping
Color that Shapes and Lifts
Blush draping was a total game-changer. You should move the blush up onto the cheeks and slightly to the temples, rather than following a contouring skin line with bronzer. It sculpts while keeping your face fresh and bright.
Because I was late one morning, I applied only peach blush to my cheeks instead of my regular contour and bronzer. I got three compliments before lunch.
7. Dewy Setting Spray
Seal It In, Let It Glow
Rather than controlling oil, Korean setting sprays hold onto moisture and add needed moisture. Your complexion looks dewy, smooth and your makeup stays looking great all day.
I picked up an Innisfree one for my NYC winter trip and it kept my makeup from looking flaky. Since then, it’s a staple.
| Product | Price | Best For | Glow Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innisfree Dewy Glow Mist | $18 | Dry/Combo Skin | ★★★★☆ |
| Missha Glow Setting Spray | $22 | All Skin Types | ★★★★★ |
| Laneige Cream Skin Mist | $25 | Normal to Dry | ★★★☆☆ |
Final Thoughts
Watching Korean makeup tutorials made me change the way I handle my beauty routine. They made sure I would learn to emphasize what I have, instead of hiding it.
Every method has its own relaxing, playful and empowering touch. By adding the soft brow and the final spray, all these products help me look and feel more confident.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
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- Hydration is everything—inside and out.
- Softer lines can still define beautifully.
Playing around with different makeup techniques is fun, as it’s only makeup!
Which of these tutorials are you excited to try? Has any Korean makeup trick caught your eye? Let’s chat in the comments!
