Mention K-beauty trends, and it surely connotes admiration over its never-before-seen-innovations. Think snail mucin, K-beautyverse, glass skin, a 10-step skincare routine, and high-tech beauty. With the significant transformation that it brings to the beauty landscape, our routine is predominantly influenced by K-beauty trends, from makeup to skincare. If you’re a certified beauty junkie like us who is a sucker for everything that is related to South Korea, you are in for a treat. Beauty Insider has all the latest scoop on the Korean makeup trends that are blowing up in 2023. So, what are you waiting for? Add them to your moodboard asap!

The Hottest Korean Makeup Trends in 2023

1. Caramel Blush 

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Following the success of caramel lip colour last year, caramel blush is set to be one of the hottest Korean makeup trends in 2023. This nude shade is perfect to accentuate your look with a sun-kissed glow without looking too overdone. To replicate the look, choose a light brown or bronzed blush with a matte finish.

Remember to go for a shade that has warm undertones for a skin-like finish. There are several options for blushers you can consider, including 3CE Mood Recipe Face Blush in nude peach or I’m Meme Palette Afternoon Tea Blusher Milk Tea Time. 

2. Juicy Plump Lips 

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The juicy and plump lips take centre stage this year with a twist on the Korean-inspired makeup look. This trend features an ultra-glossy finish for a pout that looks healthier, fuller, and plumper. Simply apply a lip tint, then finish it off with a layer of lip gloss or lip balm. If you prefer a one-step routine, you can choose between a tinted lip gloss or even a tinted lip balm. 

Our personal pick of lip products include Bbia Last Velvet Lip Tint Series 1, Peripera Ink Velvet, Barenbliss Peach Makes Perfect Lip Tint, Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip and Dior Addict Lip Glow Lip Balm. 

3. Clumpy Lashes

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Okay, we know what you’re thinking, so just hear us out first. Even though the name may conjure up images of poorly designed mascara and overzealous application, this trend is far from a makeup disaster. Instead, think of it as the spidery or doll-like lashes inspired by the iconic 1960s supermodel, Twiggy. This year, the clumpy lashes emphasise creating a defined and clean look. 

If you want to recreate this look for your peppers, make sure to opt for mascara that features fine bristles with a thicker formula. Apply the mascara horizontally, starting from the root to the tip. Then use the tip of the mascara brush to group the lashes together at the tips. Since the clump lashes can look slightly dramatic, we recommend keeping the overall makeup minimal and subdued for best results. Not sure which mascara is the best? Try out Maybelline Lash Sensational Volumizing Mascara Blackest Black or Clio Kill Lash Superproof Mascara 001 Long Curling. 

4. Feather Like Brows

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If you ever decide to search for the hottest Korean makeup trends in 2023, you will surely see natural and feather brows on the list. This year, it seems that the stiff and straight brow style that is often donned by Korean celebrities is out. 

With fluffy-shaped eyebrows in style, you can now embrace your natural brows. The key to creating feather-like brows is to opt for hair-like strokes using an ultra-fine eyebrow pencil. Think of it as a way to enhance your natural brows instead of drawing them into a certain shape.

The makeup products that you can use to create this trend are Benefit Cosmetics Brow Microfilling Pen and Anastasia Beverley Hills Clear Brow Gel. 

5. Futuristic Makeup Look

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As the name suggests, this latest Korean makeup trend is all about experimenting with your look. It is certainly a breath of fresh air in the K-beauty trend, which usually shys away from using bold and playful pigments. 

According to Sharon Ahn,  Beauty Trend Forecaster & Analyst at WGSN, “With K-Beauty moving into more pigment, more colour and more embellishment cosmetics that are infused with these skincare benefits, it is driving the interest of Southeast Asian consumers for more colourful and expressive looks, especially the younger Gen Zs. “

If you have always wanted to don a euphoric makeup look inspired by your favourite K-pop idol, now is the time to do so. Inspired by the metaverse and celestial makeup look, this trend comprises a pearlescent complexion, reverse neon eyeliner, shimmery eyeshadow, embellishment with gems, and bold lip colours. The list of must-have products include e.l.f Cosmetics Face and Body Gems, Innisfree Twinkle Glitter and Sephora Collection 12H Colorful Contour Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner. 

6. Makeup Spatula 

The makeup spatula is without a doubt one of the Korean makeup trends that have gone viral on TikTok in 2023. To the uninitiated, it was largely popularised by makeup artists in South Korea, who use a spatula to apply the foundation. This technique ensures a glass-skin like finish that looks radiant yet natural. The best part? It is quite easy to follow this makeup technique, though you might need some patience. 

Simply use a spatula to apply the foundation in small sections to the face, spreading it thinly like jam on toast (I know, right?).Afterwards, use a sponge to blend the foundation evenly. If you want more coverage, you can apply multiple layers by blending the foundation first before building the coverage.  The Piccasso Makeup Spatula is a cult-favourite. 

7. Makeup No Makeup Look 

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One of the Korean makeup trends that is currently reigning in 2023 is the makeup no makeup look. As it has been trending for quite some time, this year is no different. When the NewJeans debuted, they took the world by storm with their fresh and youthful makeup looks. Hence, it somewhat reignited the makeup no makeup look trend again. 

Though this makeup style emphasises enhancing one’s natural look, it still requires you to do a full face of makeup with a subtle touch. For starters, make sure that you start with a skincare routine that includes moisturiser. You can also opt to combine your usual moisturiser with foundation for a more natural finish. Apart from feather brows, the eyeshadow should be in warmer colours. Instead of regular makeup, which often emphasises all of the features, the Korean makeup no makeup look usually focuses on one focal point only to balance the overall look. 

8. Matte Velvet Skin 

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Kiss glass skin goodbye, as matte velvet skin is the latest craze among K-beauty junkies. This powdery-like finish makeup creates a soft focus with a blurring effect, making your skin appear translucent. The key to achieving this makeup look is by focusing on the T-zone area while the cheeks are accentuated with a blush that gives a natural-looking flush. 

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