One of the main things I miss about living in Seoul, South Korea is having at least five makeup stores on every street. Ahh, those good, ol’ days when I’d run to class late because I spent way too much time comparing cream lipsticks in the store right next to school.

In Korea, there is a certain makeup style loved by both celebrities and college students for such a long time that it’s become iconic. Therefore, one can accurately call it the Korean makeup look. 

You’ve learned about Korean skincare, and now it’s time for the next step. Below, I’ve compiled all the important details of Korean makeup starting from base makeup all the way to lips. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Base

Products: Primer, BB cushion, Blush

Primer

Now, after the Korean brand Face Shop’s Face It Primer Velvet Skin came out on top (ahead of Benefit’s The Porefessional!) in a blind test on a popular Korean beauty show, I immediately snatched one up. I’m usually scared of primers since I don’t like to irritate my dry patches, but this primer leaves my skin feeling baby-soft and smooth. It’s not drying at all and my concealer actually looks less patchy. A little goes a long way as well, making it easy on the wallet!

Make sure to rub the primer in well, in various directions, for the best absorption.

Foundation

In the U.S, liquid foundations are considered the norm, but in Korea, BB and foundation cushions are on top.

The most efficient and comfortable way of applying foundation I have ever experienced is with a Korean BB/foundation cushion. Not only are they compact and great for touch ups on-the-go, they’re also full of great skincare ingredients like sunblock, essence, etc.

{Related post: The Best Korean Cushion Foundations You Need to Try}