Korean makeup trends 2025 are redefining beauty with a perfect blend of innovation and style. Picture radiant, dewy skin paired with eye makeup that’s bold yet effortlessly chic – it’s all about embracing natural beauty with a contemporary edge.
We connected with leading beauty experts to uncover the must-know trends set to take over the beauty world next year.
Keep reading to discover the top 10 Korean makeup trends 2025 has to offer and how they’ll transform your beauty routine!
Meet Our Experts
- Jung Saem-mool, a highly acclaimed Korean celebrity makeup artist and founder of JUNGSAEMMOOL Beauty, is celebrated for her mastery in creating flawless, glowing skin that has left a lasting impact on the beauty industry. She’s also the one who pioneered the “transparent makeup” trend, a technique that was famously popularised in the 2001 Korean rom-com My Sassy Girl.
- Ummi Nasir, a renowned makeup artist, content creator, and beauty influencer whose artistry has captivated countless followers. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for enhancing natural beauty, she shares her expert tips and tricks on her platforms, @makeupbyumminasir and @karaabyumminasir.
The Top Korean Makeup Trends 2025
Metallic Accent Makeup
Source: jennierubyjane/Instagram
Jung Saem-mool, Korean celebrity makeup artist and founder of JUNGSAEMMOOL Beauty, epmhasised that “adding accents with small embellishments or metallic pigments is a current trend expected to continue into 2025.
This style enhances everyday looks with unique, eye-catching details, adding a touch of boldness and sparkle.
She added on, stating, “frequently seen in K-pop music videos, where gems adorn teeth or nails glisten with shimmering accessories, this trend adds a dramatic flair without the need for piercings, offering a striking, radiant effect.”
Texture-Enhanced Makeup
@jooshica Eyebrow tutorial! #fyp #makeup #korean #makeuptutorial
This style maximises a natural look by highlighting texture with ultra-fine detail.
“Brows are defined hair by hair and eyelashes are given individual attention to mimic the effect of perfectly applied false lashes. This refined technique emphasises every strand for an exquisite, textured finish that’s as natural as it is sophisticated,” Jung shared.
“Dual-sided eyebrow pencils that offer thin and thick tips, along with a brush, make it easy to customise shape and volume, adding structure and dimension to the face,” Jung shared.
The Gucci Beauty Stylo À Sourcils Waterproof Brow Pen (RM185) is great for shaping and filling in your brows for a natural look.
Healthy Flush Look” (aka “Drunken Blush”)
Source: dlwlrma/Instagram
Jung mentioned that the “drunken blush” is a popular trend right now, giving off a “youthful, healthy flush, and is expected to evolve further.”
She also thinks that by 2025, “we’ll likely see the addition of playful designs, like stars or hearts incorporated into the blush area, to create a vibrant, energetic style that feels fresh and lively.”
Ummi believes that Fwee is “the latest evolving brand,” and she thinks “their Blurring Pot Colour and Jelly Pot are just right for creating a soft, blurred blush effect under the eyes.”
Goth-Inspired Makeup
Source: pixy_official_/Instagram
Not everyone will vibe with this, but Jung mentioned that “dark, muted, and toned-down lip colours will make a statement, expressing a blend of peace with an edge of social melancholy or unease.”
The whole vibe features a pale, almost ghostly complexion paired with gothic-style lips, giving off a more intense aesthetic. It could be just right for those who enjoy experimenting with daring makeup styles!
Source: Risky Beauty
If you’re interested in experimenting with gothic styles but think they might be a bit too intense, soft gothic vibes are a great option. Risky Beauty, a Korean brand, has a collection that lets you dive into both daring and more understated gothic aesthetics.
Whether you want to go all in or just add a hint of edge, their selection is ideal for elevating your looks in 2025!
Contrasted Highlights
Source: ninapark/Instagram
Contrasting highlights are a great way to bring a touch of drama to your daily style.
Jung pointed out that “using highlighter on the inner corners of the eyes, brow bones, and cheekbones will gain popularity, but instead of glossy textures, we’ll see more powdery, shimmering finishes.”
She mentioned that “this contrasting, powdered highlight is especially popular with K-pop girl groups, adding depth and drama without the typical dewy look.”
Dewy Glass Skin/Jello Skin
This trend is really gaining traction, and Ummi believes it’ll still be a hit in 2025.
“Jello skin, which features a bouncy, smooth, and dewy look”, is all about that glass skin effect. She also mentioned, “I can imagine brands like Fwee introducing a range of colours to enhance their offerings.”
SPF-infused cushion foundation is perfect for getting that dewy glass skin vibe! It “allows you to maintain a fresh, natural complexion while defending against UV damage,” Jung shared.
One brand to consider is Bobbi Brown, known for its Weightless Skin Cushion Foundation SPF 40 PA+++ (RM229). Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, this cushion foundation is ideal for those seeking flawless coverage without compromising on skincare or sun protection.
Soft Blurred Lips
Source: jennierubyjane/Instagram
Loved by many who admire K-pop stars, soft blurred lips continue to be a “popular K-beauty trend.”
As Ummi explains, “most lip products feature light, sheer, and soft formulas to achieve that diffused, blurred lip look. The focus is on creating a natural, effortless finish that complements a fresh, youthful aesthetic.”
Amuse Dew Tinted Lip Balm (RM85) makes it super easy to achieve soft, blurred lips thanks to its light tint and hydrating formula. Your lips will look naturally blended and stay comfortably moisturised throughout the day.
“Tinted lip balms hydrate while giving a subtle colour boost, instantly brightening and refreshing the face,” Jung shared.
Blush Placement
Source: newjeans_official/Instagram
Blush placement is all about getting creative and highlighting different parts of your face for a fresh and flattering vibe.
Ummi pointed out, “it’s a versatile look but not just for under-eye blush.” This shift in placement adds dimension and freshness, making it a staple in modern makeup routines.
Her love for cream blush ties into this, noting that it’s “a multipurpose product that you can use as blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow.”
She also shared that during her recent trip to Korea, “you can see every brand has a cream blush in their makeup range.”
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil (RM192) is an excellent choice for everyone, whether you’re a pro or just starting out.
This lightweight cream blush is infused with hyaluronic acid, providing hydration and a plumping effect while delivering a delicate wash of colour.
Pearlescent/Pearly Makeup Look
@abigailpalmr 🐚⚪️🫧 #pearlmakeup #makeuptutorial #koreanmakeup #glittermakeup #makeup #fyp #douyin
This soft look is all about achieving a “more radiant skin but with subtle soft highlights on the face” Ummi shared. It gives the skin a delicate, dewy effect, creating an ethereal and youthful appearance while also enhancing the natural glow of the face.
Aegyo sal Trend
Source: official_g_i_dle/Instagram, katarinabluu/Instagram
Ummi pointed out that the Aegyo sal trend is gaining traction, as “more brands focusing on creating products that can creates a subtle Aegyo sal effect.”
This trend beautifully accentuates the natural shape of the under-eye area.
The result is a gentle, shaded contour that emphasises the under-eye bags in a way that is both flattering and purposeful.
Tips To Achieve These Beauty Looks
Source: stxph.h/TikTok
There are numerous methods to attain these beauty looks, but Jung and Ummi offered some simple tips and recommendations:
- Enhance facial dimension with highlighter: Go beyond your usual makeup style, experiment with placement and texture of highlighters, and bring in fresh elements while reflecting your personality and mood.
- Don’t stick to just one trend: Express yourself freely without limiting yourself to any one style.
- Find the best colour and texture for your skin: This ensures a more natural, long-lasting look, especially in a humid climate.
