We Recreated Beauty Looks Inspired By 4 Iconic K-Drama Heroines
Take centre stage with these stunning looks inspired by your favourite Hallyu heroines
February 18, 2020
Son Ye Jin’s perfectly natural makeup look in Crash Landing On You has brought all eyes back on Korean beauty, and its minimalistic but mesmerising qualities.
The undeniable strength of Korean beauty fuelled by their youthful, simple and pretty aesthetic has shone through in many of their shows, inspiring many drama and makeup fans alike to recreate or adopt their styles.
Last year, in particular, saw a rise in enticing makeup looks, fronted by the four female leads of Vagabond, Hotel Del Luna, Encounter and Her Private Life.
Here’s how to create their looks and the best products to help you get there.
Korean TV darling Suzy isn’t afraid to let her natural beauty show in the Netflix blockbuster Vagabond. To portray her role as a feisty secret agent, she keeps things minimal with a bare-face look that is perfect for everyday wear.
Natural, but not basic. Add touches of neutral shades to a virtually flawless complexion to contour and define your features.
There’s no doubt that Hotel Del Luna was the most talked-about drama last year, and one key reason that got viewers hooked onto this fantasy series is IU’s impeccable fashion and makeup in every episode.
Terracotta, burnt orange and brick red can flatter most Asian skin tones, and IU pulled these shades off effortlessly while starring in Hotel Del Luna.
Sofina Primavista Ange Liquid Foundation SPF 20 PA++, $20
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A key factor to nailing IU’s pristine skin is an effective yet lightweight foundation.
Too Faced Peach My Cheeks Melting Powder Blush in Spiced Peach, $42
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Plummy and darker shades deliver a subtle but captivating class other colours cannot achieve.
Shiseido Makeup VisionAiry Gel Lipstick in #223 Shizuka Red, $33
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Match fancy outfits with a rusty red shade to complement a matte complexion like IU’s.
Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette in #003 Amber Neutrals, $83
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Defined brows and a sheer wash of eye shadow adds to vintage vibes. The result is a graceful look that will let you channel your inner Jang Man Wol in the most stylish way yet.
Get inspired by Song Hye Kyo in her hit drama Encounter, where she’s often seen sporting a wearable, luscious crimson shade that gives her a classy and sophisticated vibe – befitting of her character as a bonafide boss. (She wears Sulwhasoo’s Essential Lip Serum Stick in Rose Red.)
If a bold red lip is too over-the-top for you, try blending it out to create a subtle flush like Song Hye Kyo’s character, Scarlet, in Encounter. Scarlet hues exude confidence and sophistication.
Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer in #30NN, $40
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Comfortable coverage can help you get full level confidence. The matte finish will also give you that extra oomph.
Gucci Rouge a Levres Mat in #501 Constance Vermilon, $53
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You can never go wrong with a classic red pout, but if you prefer a subtle look, a glossy lip would do the trick.
Laneige Layering Lip Bar in Soul Red, $39
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The gradient lip never falls out of style, especially if you’re going for a K-inspired look.
M.A.C Art Library Palette in Flame-boyant, $97
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For dramatic impact, add a warm flush of colour on cheeks and eyes.
Park Min Young in Her Private Life
In the romcom series Her Private Life, Park Min Young looks effortlessly chic in her daytime job as an art curator. But when she’s not donning her corporate persona, she opts for romantic date-ready looks that would make any oppa’s heart swoon.
While pink may seem like a girly colour – especially on your eyelids, there are grown-up versions you can try like Park Min Young’s look here.
Get the coverage without the cons weighing you down. A lightweight tinted serum will have you look and feel fresh faced.
Fenty Beauty Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette in Rose, $39
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Sweet colours and a little bit of shimmer add a romantic touch hard to resist.
Cle de Peau Beaute Lip Glorifier in Pink, $62
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A flirty pink lip will instantly brighten up your complexion.
Beet by Pomelo Liquid Blush in Tickle Me Pink, $10
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Finish off your fresh, radiant look with a rosy blush and a touch of highlighter.
Text: Chew Hui Ling, Additional reporting: Arissa Ha Photos: Phyllicia Wang Makeup: Larry Yeo, using M.A.C Hair: Reno Tan, Hairloom, using Goldwell Styling: Jerome Awasti, assisted by Jet Ong Model: Park Seojin/Mannequin