8 makeup tips to achieve Korean-style ID photos without using AI

There’s been a recent social media trend and we’re sure you’ve see it: using AI to create Korean-style profile photos of yourself. Many individuals are turning to these apps to enhance their appearances effortlessly.

While it is alright to do so, why rely on AI when you can achieve a similar and more realistic effect in person?

We’re talking about makeup that gives you a natural makeover that works just as well as filters – not too heavy or too light, just perfect for a fresh and glowing look.

We broke down the tutorial by famous Korean makeup artist Jung Saem Mool that’ll help you get that gorgeous Korean-style ID photo the next time you need to renew your documents!

Korean ID photo makeup tutorial: Base Makeup

For capturing ID photos, prioritise using a light and clean base makeup. Since photography studios typically uses strong lighting and often rely on editing for touch-ups of blemishes, there’s no need for heavy foundation. This approach enhances the Korean-style ID photo with a natural radiance, allowing your skin to exude a refreshing quality.

Apply a small amount of concealer on your forehead, cheeks, and chin, then use a makeup sponge to gently blend it, creating a three-dimensional effect on your face.

Using a makeup sponge is recommended as one of the best ways to achieve the seamless finish you’ve always desired!

Be sure to choose a foundation shade that matches your natural skin tone closely to ensure a natural and seamless appearance, without a mask-like effect.

Korean ID photo makeup tutorial: Contouring

Next comes contouring. If you often struggle with contouring your face well, this technique will surely be helpful!

Contouring involves several detailed steps. Start by contouring along the sides of your face, beginning just the top of your ears and sweeping it in a downward motion.

Blend the contour along your ear as well, ensuring a seamless transition. Also, contour your cheekbones by brushing the product from your jawline to your cheeks, creating a natural effect.

For the final contouring step, use a large brush to pick up three contour shades, tapping off excess powder on the lid. Brush lightly in a downward motion for a natural and well-blended contour effect.

For those with prominent cheekbones, lightly sweep the brush over the protruding areas to achieve a more streamlined look.

Korean ID photo makeup tutorial: Hairline shadows

Use a dark brown eyeshadow or contour shade to create the illusion of shadows along the hairline.

Start by testing the amount on a tissue to avoid over-application. Then gently brush from the inner to the outer edges of your hairline and forehead, ensuring a natural look.

Be sure to contour your temples as this will create a slimming effect when people see you from head-on.

Korean ID photo makeup tutorial: Eyeshadow

Jung Saem Mool recommends avoiding the use of shimmery or glittery eyeshadows. Instead, opt for matte eyeshadows for a more natural look.

Prior to applying eyeshadow, you should brighten the inner corners of your eye and eyelids with a concealer. This ensures that the eyeshadow looks more vibrant.

Choose eyeshadow shades that are one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Apply this shade to your eyelids, starting from the centre and gradually fading out toward the sides.

For the lower lash line, she recommends you to use a brown eyeliner for a more natural effect compared to black eyeliner as it can be overpowering, especially if you’re aiming for a natural look!

Then using a fine brush, gently smudge the eyeliner outward. For a natural finish, you can use a cotton swab to soften the line further.

Tip: When applying mascara, aim for a natural look rather than overly dramatic. Curl your lashes and apply one layer of mascara at most.

Korean ID photo makeup tutorial: Eyebrows

Use a brush to tap a bit of translucent powder onto your eyebrows, removing any excess oil. Avoid rubbing, but instead use gentle tapping motions. Apply the powder from your eyebrows up to your brow bone to control oil and achieve a soft matte effect.

Comb your eyebrows, then use a lighter eyebrow powder shade to fill in your brows following their natural direction. You can also use a darker eyebrow pencil to fill in the areas where you have less eyebrow hair.

Korean ID photo makeup tutorial: Nose Contour

Use the lightest contour shade from your contour palette to create shadows around your nose.

Start at your eyebrow and blend down to your nose tip. Continue by lightly brushing the contour on the area above your eyelids, which helps reduce puffiness and enhance the depth of your eyes.

Keeping the overall contouring subtle can help you achieve a natural enhancement effect without heavy shading.

Korean ID photo makeup tutorial: Blush

For blush you can mix two different shades that are in coral and pink (be sure to choose one that matches your skin tone).

Apply the blush beneath your eyes and gently blend it upwards, extending towards your temples. This ensures a natural and well-integrated appearance.

Korean ID photo makeup tutorial: Lips

Begin by lightly tapping concealer around your lips using a small amount to brighten the area and create a clean lip look.

When choosing a lipstick colour, opt for a shade that closely matches your natural lip colour and avoid extremely bright or bold shades like red, maroon or anything within the range.

Apply the lipstick from the centre of your lips outward for a layered effect and blend it well.

Prefer to watch a video tutorial? Here’s the original video:

Feature image credit: Jungsaem Mool & @sihyunhada