With the ever-growing popularity of K-Beauty, Korean makeup is now a genre in its own right, beloved around the globe. There are many differences between Korean and Western makeup trends. In fact, the most stark contradiction is best shown in makeover videos that demonstrate the change from Korean style to the ABG stereotype. While the media may exaggerate things, there is no denying that Korean makeup is different from overseas, at the very least, due to use of new technologies and innovations.
Shading
Similar in their appearance, many people canโt tell the difference between shading and bronzer at first glace. The latter of course is used liberally in Western countries. However, while both products share the motive to mimic shadow and define certain features of the face, the key difference comes in their colour. Bronzers come in colours to complement skin tone, with the benefit of adding โwarmthโ to pale skin. Korean shading, on the other hand, features cooler, greyish tones, which is the superior product in creating chiseled features.
Therefore, if you currently use bronzer for facial contouring, i.e. below the cheekbones, jaw line etc. you may prefer to use shading instead! In fact, shading is practically an art form amongst makeup moguls in Korea. Whatโs more, many consider it the pinnacle of their makeup routine, producing the most striking change in comparison with other cosmetics.
Lip Tints
The makeup community is divided in their preference for either matte lipsticks or shiny lip-glosses, but Korean makeup lovers swear by the lip tint. Lip tints produce a subtle sheen of oclour and texture, in a way that harnesses the natural colour of the lips.
The resulting tint can help your look strike the balance between heavy makeup and au naturel. Of course, just like lipsticks and glosses, there is a huge range of tints in a variety of colours and textures. So whether you choose to glam up or down, you can be sure there is a lip tint out there for you.
Cushions
Foundations have always been a messy makeup product to apply. Not only do they require certain tools to apply with ease, but they almost always need to be followed up with more layers, like powder. Many beauty companies have tried to make foundation application easier and more convenient, but to no avail. That is, until K-Beauty came out with the compact cushion.
Cushions serve the function of any normal foundation, with the added benefit of coming in a sterile, portable case with easy puff applicator. Therefore, you can touch-up your makeup easily on the go! You donโt even need to rush off to the powder room, as cushions come with a handy mirror inside too.
Though it took a while for the international beauty community to come around to the idea of cushion foundation, many high-end brands have jumped on the innovation, releasing their own signature cushions. The Yves Saint Laurent, Estee Lauder and Cle de Peau cushion foundations are particularly popular, both in Korea and byeond. Moreover, just like any beauty product, there are consumers who swear by them. In fact, those who switch to cushions often never switch back!
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