How To Do Makeup: Korean Style vs. American Style
, by Lewkin Unnie, 8 min reading time
Stepping into the dazzling worlds of Korean and American makeup styles is like flipping through the most vibrant fashion magazines from two continents. Whether you're aiming to capture the ethereal, glowy vibes of a K-drama star or channel your inner Hollywood icon, we’ve got you covered.
Here at Lewkin, blending East with West isn’t just a trend — it's art. So, grab your makeup bag, and let's ensure your face is as fabulous as a front-row seat at Fashion Week!
What Is Korean Makeup?
Korean makeup? It's like the skincare fanatic's dream turned all the way up. Think dewy, glass-skin goals where less is more, and every product from your tinted moisturizer to that whisper-light concealer is about boosting that natural radiance.
Start off with a hydrating serum packed with hyaluronic acid. The base is key — gotta keep it as fresh as morning dew. Eye makeup is kept subtle: a swipe of brown eyeliner along the lash line and a touch of mascara to open up those peepers.
Cream blush on the apples of your cheeks and a swipe of lip balm keeps the vibe effortlessly chic. It’s all about enhancing, not masking, so your skin type — whether oily or dry — can shine through in the best way.
What's American Makeup?
Switching to American style, where makeup is a bold statement of self-expression, it’s all about that full-coverage glam.
Start with a matte liquid foundation applied with a foundation brush; this style isn’t shy about going big. Concealer is a must to banish those dark circles and blemishes, setting the stage for some serious color play.
Eyeshadows from your latest eyeshadow palette bring the drama in rich pigments, while a brow pencil and brow gel sculpt those arches to perfection. Bronzer and highlighter carve out those high points, and lip liner followed by lip gloss or matte lipstick creates a pout that’s all about the pow!
Finish with a spritz of setting spray to lock it all down. This look doesn’t just walk into a room but owns it.
How Do You Achieve a Basic Korean Makeup Look?
Got the 411 on what sets Korean makeup apart? Great!
Now, let’s spill the tea on how to whip up that flawless, glow-getting K-beauty vibe. This isn't about hiding behind layers but letting your natural awesomeness shine through, one perfectly dewy step at a time.
Step 1: Prime With Power
Kick things off with a supercharged start. Swipe on our Glow Serum to tame that sebum and boost hydration. With its dope mix of propolis and niacinamide, it’s like a chill pill for your face, setting you up for that stunning, clear base.
Step 2: Shield & Hydrate
Next up, protect your glow with a strong sunscreen. Our Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream SPF 50+ is lightweight, packed with SPF, and keeps your skin hydrated without feeling like you’re wearing a mask. Plus, it's as soothing as watching your fave slow-mo K-drama scene.
Step 3: Even It Out
Grab a BB cream that loves your skin tone as much as you do. Apply it with a beauty sponge for that airbrushed, "I woke up like this" finish. Remember, it's all about enhancing your natural beauty, not covering it up!
Step 4: Conceal, Don't Feel
Got a pesky blemish or shadow? Dab a bit of concealer just where you need it. Keep it light, keep it breezy, and blend it out. We’re not painting a mural here — just a little touch-up!
Step 5: Subtle Eyes on the Prize
For your eyes, think understated elegance. A sweep of neutral shadow, a fine line of eyeliner just hugging the lash line, and a hint of mascara to give your lashes some love without going full-on faux.
Step 6: Brow Down
Fill in those brows with a pencil that matches your vibe. Quick, light strokes to keep them looking lush and natural — like they’re just naturally that perfect.
Step 7: Pop of Color
Smile and pop some cream blush on those cheeks. Go for a shade that looks like you just got a sweet compliment. It’s about looking joyful, not like you’re auditioning for the circus.
Step 8: Highlight Real
A dab of highlighter on the tops of your cheeks, down your nose, and a tiny bit on your brow bone. It’s like your face has its own personal spotlight.
Step 9: Lip Service
Finish off with a swipe of sheer lip tint or balm. Choose a color that says "my lips but better" and gives you that perfect, kissable look that’s all kinds of cute.
Step 10: Set & Forget
A quick mist of setting spray to lock it all in place, and you’re good to glow! Now, you’re ready to step out looking like a fresh-faced idol from your favorite K-pop group.
How Do You Nail the Bold American Makeup Look?
Ready to channel your inner Hollywood siren? American makeup is all about going bold, standing out, and making a statement that's as loud as your favorite pop anthem.
Let's dive into how you can rock this look with a flair that's totally extra!
Step 1: Prime Time
Start with a primer that means business. This isn't just about smoothing things out but setting the stage for makeup that sticks through dance-offs, date nights, and double-takes.
Step 2: Flawless Foundation
Grab that full-coverage liquid foundation and buff it in with a foundation brush. You’re not just covering up but transforming your skin into a flawless canvas ready for some serious paint.
Step 3: Conceal, Don’t Feel
Spot treat those pesky imperfections with a concealer that doesn't mess around. Dark circles, blemishes? Canceled. You’re aiming for that seamless, photo-ready finish.
Step 4: Eyelash Envy
Get those lashes flirty with a great false eyelash. Our TOKTOKHARA Filter Eyelashes are like the high heels for your eyes — lifting, defining, and all about adding that drama.
Step 5: Contour & Highlight
It's time to sculpt. Use that bronzer to define your cheekbones and jawline, and don’t skimp on the highlighter. We’re talking light-catching, show-stopping glow on your brow bone and cheek peaks.
Step 6: Blush It Up
Swipe on some blush like our Pure Blushed Sunshine Cheek for that “just jogged in a garden” flush. Its featherlight formula melds into your skin for a pop of color that’s both bold and believable.
Step 7: Lips That Launch a Thousand Ships
Outline and fill with the Lip Mate Pencil for a pout that’s sharp enough to sign autographs with. Choose a shade that turns heads and keeps them turned.
Step 8: Lock It Down
Finish with a setting spray that clings like your bestie. Because when you step out, your makeup isn’t going anywhere — you’ve got people to dazzle and hearts to break.
Nail Your Look With Lewkin
And that's a wrap on your crash course in mastering the dazzling worlds of Korean and American makeup styles! Whether you're brushing up for a soft, dewy look that screams K-beauty chic or going full throttle with a glam-packed American routine, it’s all about expressing your unique style.
From beginners just stepping into the world of makeup to seasoned pros looking to spice up their routine, remember: each stroke of the brush is a step in your journey to becoming your own makeup artist.
Explore, experiment, and elevate your makeup game with Lewkin. Dive into our array of products and discover your perfect match to enhance that fab face of yours. Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
So go ahead, blend it like Beckham, shine bright, and let the world see you glow!
Sources:
How to Get Glass Skin, According to K-beauty Experts | Vogue
This Korean Trick Will Change The Way You Apply Foundation | Refinery 29
Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, Benefits, How To Use & Side Effects | Cleveland Clinic
Dark Circles Under The Eyes: Causes & Treatments | Cleveland Clinic
