FAQ
What is Korean makeup famous for?
“Korean makeup has always been skin-first,” says Charlotte Cho, a New York-based esthetician and co-founder of Soco Glam. “A lightweight, soft, blurred texture that makes skin look like bare skin, revealing a natural, personal glow.” That philosophy, as Cho points out, translates into “a sheer, buildable formula and finish that is breathable and feels comfortable all day long,” unlike heavier, full-coverage formulas that tend to mask skin or worse, cake and wrinkle.
As we’ve seen many times in Korean skin care, innovation is another key pillar of Korean makeup. “From pioneering the cushion compact to constantly rethinking textures and formats, K-beauty has a history of pushing makeup forward.” Examples include the dispensing mechanism of Laneige’s Neo Blurring Powder and the application of cushion foundation in John Senmuru’s Artist Cushion Blush. three Glitter finish from Unlecia’s Glitterpedia Eye Palette.
What are the top Korean makeup trends for 2026?
“Korean makeup is becoming more and more treatment-oriented and texture-oriented,” Cho says, starting with the most well-known Korean makeup category: lips.
“Formulae infused with ingredients like PDRN and collagen, like the Aviv PDRN Collagen Lip Mask Glazed Jelly, really reflect how makeup and skin care continue to merge,” explains Cho, adding that color products like the Rom and Glazing Melting Balm “really capture the idea of ’glass skin on the lips.'”
K-beauty has always offered great texture, but with the cycle of innovation that consumers are always looking for, these Korean beauty brands are constantly pushing the needle when it comes to softer, more blurred, and more refined finishes. The lightweight, bouncy formulas of Dasique Soufflé Color Pot and Fwee Blurry Pudding Pot are prime examples, Cho points out. “It blends into the skin to create a soft-focus effect on both cheeks and lips.”
As we witnessed with the popularity of TirTir’s Mask Fit Cushion, these Korean category leaders are refreshing and expanding their color ranges and finding new life in a K-beauty-obsessed global market. “IOPE pioneered cushion compacts with the Air Cushion Compact, and that innovation changed base makeup globally,” explains Cho. “However, even as the category evolves, the finish remains [of Korean cushion foundations] Light and breathable, it improves skin condition. ”And we thank them for that.
meet an expert
- Charlotte Cho, Esthetician and Co-Founder soco glamfounder of then i met youa K-beauty expert based in New York City.
How to test and review products
Before reviewing makeup, we ask questions about various factors. What ingredients does it contain? Does the brand offer a wide range of shades aimed at consumers of all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for our readers with sensitive skin or contact lens wear? Is it affordable or more than a splurge? Is the packaging consciously designed or is it wasted?
To review the best Korean makeup, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and Korean beauty experts to review products. This ensures that the testing base spans a variety of skin tones, genders, and skin conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four key categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and comprehensiveness. For more information on what our report includes, please visit our full review process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
Beautiful items are purchased individually. You might be looking for a face cream to combat stubborn dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be looking around for the latest products to hit the hair market. No matter what you are looking for or your personal needs and concerns, allure We want you to love whatever we recommend in our stories. To achieve that goal, we believe it is essential to have a diverse team of writers and editors, as well as a wide range of external testers and industry experts that we engage on a regular basis.
After all, can you? Really Can you say that a skin care product is “best” for people over 50 if the testers only asked for opinions from people who haven’t yet reached 30? Can you honestly say that a high-end diffuser that has never been tested on curls is worth your hard-earned money? We are proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin colors, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds. That means you can get a fair review of every beauty product in your beauty closet.
Source: Allure – www.allure.com
