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, skinlike 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 prioritise hydration and natural-looking finishes,” says celebrity makeup artist Ham Kyung Sik. “In contrast, Western makeup formulas typically emphasise a sun-kissed look, often relying on bolder pigments and more noticeable shimmer.”
“The biggest difference I’ve noticed is in the colour 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 colours,” 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 eye shadow 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’ve spent the past two months on a mission to narrow down all the best formulas, some of which are consistent bestsellers at Olive Young (South Korea’s equivalent of Sephora ). Plus, I’ve 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
Original video from Denise Primbet testing TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
Are you 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 cakey feel.
