Frequently Asked Questions
What is Korean makeup known for?
“Korean makeup has always celebrated skin first,” says New York-based esthetician and Soko Glam cofounder Charlotte Cho. “It’s about a natural, your-best-self glow with light, softly blurred texture that lets skin look like skin.” That philosophy is translated into “sheer, buildable formulas and finishes that feel breathable and comfortable throughout the day,” as Cho notes, and rarely heavy, full-coverage formulas that mask your skin, and worse, are prone to caking and creasing.
As we’ve witnessed time and time again with Korean skin care, innovation is another key pillar of Korean makeup. “From pioneering the cushion compact to constantly reimagining textures and formats, K-beauty has a history of pushing makeup forward.” Take, for example, the dispensing mechanism in Laneige’s Neo Blurring Powder, the adaptation of cushion foundations in Jung Saem Mool’s Artist Cushion Blushes, and not one, but three glitter finishes, in Unleashia’s Glitterpedia Eye Palettes.
What are the top 2026 Korean makeup trends?
“Korean makeup is becoming even more treatment-driven and texture-focused,” says Cho, starting with perhaps the most well-known Korean makeup category, lips.
“Formulas infused with ingredients like PDRN and collagen, like the Abib PDRN Collagen Lip Mask Glazed Jelly, really reflect how makeup and skin care continue to merge, Cho explains, adding that color products such as the Rom&nd Glasting Melting Balm “really capture the idea of ‘glass skin for lips.’”
K-beauty has always nailed texture, but with a constant and consumer-hunger cycle of innovation, these Korean beauty brands continue to push the needle when it comes to softer, more blurred, and more refined finishes. The airy, bouncy formulas of the Dasique Soufflé Color Pot and the Fwee Blurry Pudding Pot are prime examples, Cho points out. “They melt into the skin to create this soft-focus effect for both cheeks and lips.”
As we’ve witnessed with the virality of TirTir’s Mask Fit Cushions, these Korean category leaders are finding new life in a K-beauty-obsessed global market with revamped and expanded shade ranges. “IOPE pioneered the cushion compact with its Air Cushion Compact, and that innovation changed base makeup globally,” Cho explains. “But even as the category evolves, the finish [of Korean cushion foundations] remains light, breathable, and skin-enhancing.” And we thank them for that.
Meet the experts
- Charlotte Cho, an esthetician, cofounder of Soko Glam, founder of Then I Met You, and K-beauty expert based in New York City.
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best Korean makeup, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and Korean beauty experts to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
