14 Best Korean Makeup Products to Know in 2025

Vogue

10 hours ago

While Korean skincare has taken the U.S. by storm, the best Korean makeup products deserve just as much of a spotlight. These cosmetics boast similarly innovative formulas as their skincare counterparts, acting as complexion multitaskers. Think lightweight, SPF-fueled foundations packaged for on-the-go application; velvety blushes infused with antioxidant fruit extracts, and balms brimming with peptides and hydration. 'In Korea, it's a given that makeup needs to make your skin look amazing,' expert and former Allure editor-in-chief Michelle Lee tells Vogue. 'Makeup products tend to be quite affordable and have skin-care benefits, too,' Lee adds.
Another defining factor of Korean beauty products? Customization. 'There tends to be more emphasis on personal color in Korea, so people typically know if they have a cool or warm undertone and know the details about the colors that suit their skin tone best,' says Lee. It's a culture where hyper-awareness of tone, texture, and finish informs every product choice—making the payoff feel perfectly tailored.
Vogue's Favorite Korean Makeup Products
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Even aesthetics are considered down to the last detail. These bestselling picks come wrapped in whimsical packaging and feature sensorial textures—from airy, pudding-like pots to silky melting balms. In short, Korean makeup is fun, functional, and endlessly thoughtful.
Scroll on to discover 14 standout K-beauty products, from blushes and mascaras to lippies and beyond. From familiar picks you may recall from TikTok viral moments stateside to hand-picked expert favorites, all of which are cosmetics that are actually popular with the Seoul cool girls—plus, get expert insight on K beauty trends,
Best Lip Gloss Balm: Rom&nd Glasting Melting Balm
Why We Love It : 'Rom&nd is the number one lip color brand in South Korea. It's wildly popular, and their products are amazing,' says Lee, noting how moisturizing the brand's balmy lip tint is which wears beautifully on its own or layers over liner for the perfect lip combo. The formula delivers a translucent, high-gloss finish reminiscent of an oil with a non-greasy or sticky feel. That's thanks to a perfected oil-to-wax ratio from a blend of plant-based oils, including argan oil, shea butter, and camellia seed oil.
: 'Rom&nd is the number one lip color brand in South Korea. It's wildly popular, and their products are amazing,' says Lee, noting how moisturizing the brand's balmy lip tint is which wears beautifully on its own or layers over liner for the perfect lip combo. The formula delivers a translucent, high-gloss finish reminiscent of an oil with a non-greasy or sticky feel. That's thanks to a perfected oil-to-wax ratio from a blend of plant-based oils, including argan oil, shea butter, and camellia seed oil. Key Ingredients : Microcrystalline wax, jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, evening primrose oil, shea butter, mango fruit extract, olive oil
: Microcrystalline wax, jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, evening primrose oil, shea butter, mango fruit extract, olive oil Finish : Glossy
: Glossy Best For : Keeping lips hydrated with a flush of color
: Keeping lips hydrated with a flush of color Size: 3.5g
Best Mascara: Clio Kill Lash Superproof Mascara
Why We Love It : Are you looking for a mascara that holds a curl exceptionally well? It's time to explore some high-performing K-beauty formulas. 'I have the stereotypical straight, short Asian lashes, so I prefer Korean and Japanese mascara formulas, which excel at holding a curl,' says Lee. She says the Clio mascara is her favorite for its buildable, volumizing formula. Additionally, it's a waterproof mascara that doesn't leave behind any flakes or clumps. To ensure even longer-lasting lash results on stubborn straight lashes, Lee recommends a couple of squeezes of a Korean lash curler.
: Are you looking for a mascara that holds a curl exceptionally well? It's time to explore some high-performing K-beauty formulas. 'I have the stereotypical straight, short Asian lashes, so I prefer Korean and Japanese mascara formulas, which excel at holding a curl,' says Lee. She says the Clio mascara is her favorite for its buildable, volumizing formula. Additionally, it's a waterproof mascara that doesn't leave behind any flakes or clumps. To ensure even longer-lasting lash results on stubborn straight lashes, Lee recommends a couple of squeezes of a Korean lash curler. Key Ingredients : Bean extract, panthenol, silica, olive fruit oil, soy extract ferment filtrate, camellia seed oil, carnauba wax, hydrolyzed collagen, glycerin
: Bean extract, panthenol, silica, olive fruit oil, soy extract ferment filtrate, camellia seed oil, carnauba wax, hydrolyzed collagen, glycerin Finish : N/A
: N/A Best For : A volumizing mascara with skin-loving ingredients that provides maximum life and curl.
: A volumizing mascara with skin-loving ingredients that provides maximum life and curl. Size: 0.24 fl oz
Best Cushion Foundation: TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion
Why We Love It : 'Many people in Korea use cushion foundations which come in a variety of finishes and often have skin care ingredients. After a meal, it's quite common to see people pull out their cushion compact to reapply, so foundation formulas tend to be light and not cakey or heavy,' says Lee. Not to mention, the formula boasts up to 72 hours of wear, SPF 40 for sun protection, and full coverage results with a lightweight feel. The formula is enriched with anti-inflammatory ingredients like red propolis extract to nourish and soothe sensitive skin (and cover the most angry blemish)—and just one pump of product should do the trick.
: 'Many people in Korea use cushion foundations which come in a variety of finishes and often have skin care ingredients. After a meal, it's quite common to see people pull out their cushion compact to reapply, so foundation formulas tend to be light and not cakey or heavy,' says Lee. Not to mention, the formula boasts up to 72 hours of wear, SPF 40 for sun protection, and full coverage results with a lightweight feel. The formula is enriched with anti-inflammatory ingredients like red propolis extract to nourish and soothe sensitive skin (and cover the most angry blemish)—and just one pump of product should do the trick. Key Ingredients : Water, iron oxides, dimethicone, titanium dioxide, propanediol, glycerin, hibiscus flower extract, red propolis extract
: Water, iron oxides, dimethicone, titanium dioxide, propanediol, glycerin, hibiscus flower extract, red propolis extract Finish : Satin
: Satin Best For : Lightweight complexion coverage
: Lightweight complexion coverage Size: 0.63oz
Best Multi-Purpose Color: Fwee Blurry Pudding Pot
Fwee
Blurry Pudding Pot in Ambitious
$20
AMAZON
Why We Love It : Imagine the texture of a perfectly whipped chocolate mousse, with the bounce of a pudding fresh out of the fridge—that's exactly what you can expect from this cream blush. 'Korean brands really excel at fun yet useful textures. You especially see this in the blush market right now, particularly with Fwee's bouncy textured pudding pots,' says Lee, noting the multi-purpose color product provides a smooth, velvety matte flush wherever applied—from cheeks to lips.
: Imagine the texture of a perfectly whipped chocolate mousse, with the bounce of a pudding fresh out of the fridge—that's exactly what you can expect from this cream blush. 'Korean brands really excel at fun yet useful textures. You especially see this in the blush market right now, particularly with Fwee's bouncy textured pudding pots,' says Lee, noting the multi-purpose color product provides a smooth, velvety matte flush wherever applied—from cheeks to lips. Key Ingredients : Dimethicone, dimethicone crosspolymer, cocoa seed butter, agave leaf extract
: Dimethicone, dimethicone crosspolymer, cocoa seed butter, agave leaf extract Finish : Blurred
: Blurred Best For : A two-in-one lip and blush flush
: A two-in-one lip and blush flush Size: 0.17 oz
Best Lip Tint: Etude Dear Darling Water Tint
Why We Love It : For a perfectly stained pout at a super affordable price point, this lightweight tint from popular K-beauty brand Etude is the answer. Its non-sticky formula stays on for hours and keeps your lips hydrated throughout the day with a vitamin and berry fruit complex. With just one swipe, the watery formula is near instantly absorbed into lips, leaving behind a pigmented, blurred stain.
: For a perfectly stained pout at a super affordable price point, this lightweight tint from popular K-beauty brand Etude is the answer. Its non-sticky formula stays on for hours and keeps your lips hydrated throughout the day with a vitamin and berry fruit complex. With just one swipe, the watery formula is near instantly absorbed into lips, leaving behind a pigmented, blurred stain. Key Ingredients : Berry fruit complex
: Berry fruit complex Finish : Glossy
: Glossy Best For : A long lasting, lightweight lip tint
: A long lasting, lightweight lip tint Size: 9 g
Best Eyeliner: Merzy The First Pen Eyeliner
Why We Love It : When it comes to eyeliner, precision and longevity are non-negotiable—this is especially true if you have hooded eyes, making formulas prone to transferring. Merzy's felt tip liquid liner pen delivers all of the above. Hailed as one of the most popular K-beauty liners on the market, it's earned its reputation with a formula that refuses to smudge, smear, or disappear halfway through the day—that's thanks to water-resistant polymers which ensures it grips the skin without budging.
: When it comes to eyeliner, precision and longevity are non-negotiable—this is especially true if you have hooded eyes, making formulas prone to transferring. Merzy's felt tip liquid liner pen delivers all of the above. Hailed as one of the most popular K-beauty liners on the market, it's earned its reputation with a formula that refuses to smudge, smear, or disappear halfway through the day—that's thanks to water-resistant polymers which ensures it grips the skin without budging. Key Ingredients : Acrylates copolymer, anise fruit extract,
: Acrylates copolymer, anise fruit extract, Finish : Matte
: Matte Best For : A transfer-proof liquid liner that doesn't flake or smudge. Plus, the slim design makes it easy to achieve a sharp winged liner.
: A transfer-proof liquid liner that doesn't flake or smudge. Plus, the slim design makes it easy to achieve a sharp winged liner. Size: 0.017
Best Setting Spray: Neogen All Day Locking Fixer
Neogen
All Day Locking Fixer
$28
AMAZON
Why We Love It : 'Neogen makes an incredible setting spray,' says Lee, noting that this pick is more than just a TikTok viral find—it's a best-kept secret in the kits of many makeup artist friends. Infused with soothing aloe leaf extract and nourishing panthenol, it keeps your complexion looking fresh and hydrated, letting your skin breathe while delivering that sought-after, glowy finish. Meanwhile, fixing polymers ensure your makeup won't be going anywhere and tea tree leaf extra keeps excess sebum production at bay.
: 'Neogen makes an incredible setting spray,' says Lee, noting that this pick is more than just a TikTok viral find—it's a best-kept secret in the kits of many makeup artist friends. Infused with soothing aloe leaf extract and nourishing panthenol, it keeps your complexion looking fresh and hydrated, letting your skin breathe while delivering that sought-after, glowy finish. Meanwhile, fixing polymers ensure your makeup won't be going anywhere and tea tree leaf extra keeps excess sebum production at bay. Key Ingredients : Glycerin, aloe leaf extract, panthenol, chamomile extract, cotton extract, green tea extract, peppermint leaf extract, tea tree leaf extract
: Glycerin, aloe leaf extract, panthenol, chamomile extract, cotton extract, green tea extract, peppermint leaf extract, tea tree leaf extract Finish : Natural
: Natural Best For : Keeping your makeup look in place—no matter how hot it gets while navigating summer in the city. Plus, the dewy finish allows for you to fake glass skin.
: Keeping your makeup look in place—no matter how hot it gets while navigating summer in the city. Plus, the dewy finish allows for you to fake glass skin. Size: 2.7 fl oz
Best Contour: Too Cool for School Artclass By Rodin Shading
Why We Love It : Another It girl brand, Too Cool For School's contour palette blends effortlessly into the skin with perfectly cool-toned shades that emulate the natural bone structure. With a trio of silky, buildable shades, it offers a variety of contouring options. Skin-conditioning agents like silica and a touch of mineral powder are infused in the formula, to glide on without clinging to dry patches. The micro-milled texture ensures a seamless, second-skin finish that layers beautifully over foundation or bare skin.
: Another It girl brand, Too Cool For School's contour palette blends effortlessly into the skin with perfectly cool-toned shades that emulate the natural bone structure. With a trio of silky, buildable shades, it offers a variety of contouring options. Skin-conditioning agents like silica and a touch of mineral powder are infused in the formula, to glide on without clinging to dry patches. The micro-milled texture ensures a seamless, second-skin finish that layers beautifully over foundation or bare skin. Key Ingredients : Micro-milled powders, silica, mica
: Micro-milled powders, silica, mica Finish : Natural
: Natural Best For : Those with fair to light-medium skin tones looking for an everyday contour essential
: Those with fair to light-medium skin tones looking for an everyday contour essential Size: 0.33 oz
Best Eyeshadow: Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Shadow Palette
Why We Love It : If you're in the mood to take your makeup look from day to night, a bit of shimmer adds some eye-catching intrigue. Lee notes how even when it comes to a sparkling eyeshadow, sustainability remains top of mind. 'Unleashia is a Korean makeup brand known for its glitters, which are vegan, cruelty-free and biodegradable,' she explains. And if you're hesitant to go for a full sparkly lid—just one swipe of this eyeshadow on the inner corner of your lid works wonders for brightening eyes.
: If you're in the mood to take your makeup look from day to night, a bit of shimmer adds some eye-catching intrigue. Lee notes how even when it comes to a sparkling eyeshadow, sustainability remains top of mind. 'Unleashia is a Korean makeup brand known for its glitters, which are vegan, cruelty-free and biodegradable,' she explains. And if you're hesitant to go for a full sparkly lid—just one swipe of this eyeshadow on the inner corner of your lid works wonders for brightening eyes. Key Ingredients : Glycerin crosspolymer, mica, tocopheryl acetate
: Glycerin crosspolymer, mica, tocopheryl acetate Finish : Pearlescent, metallic, and shimmer
: Pearlescent, metallic, and shimmer Best For : An eye-catching eyeshadow look, with nine shades per palette to pick from.
: An eye-catching eyeshadow look, with nine shades per palette to pick from. Size: 2.89 oz
Best Subtle Blush: House of Hur Moist Ampoule Blusher
House of Hur
Moist Ampoule Blusher
$15
YESSTYLE
Why We Love It : Another lip-to-cheek hybrid, House of Hur's liquid blush boasts a formulation with more than 50% skin-care ingredients and moisturizing essences for an easily blended matte-yet-blurred pop of color that also plumps your skin. Lee appreciates how this liquid blush provides a subtle, healthy glow while still letting natural skin peak through.
: Another lip-to-cheek hybrid, House of Hur's liquid blush boasts a formulation with more than 50% skin-care ingredients and moisturizing essences for an easily blended matte-yet-blurred pop of color that also plumps your skin. Lee appreciates how this liquid blush provides a subtle, healthy glow while still letting natural skin peak through. Key Ingredients : Glycerin, chlorella vulgaris extract, strawberry fruit extract
: Glycerin, chlorella vulgaris extract, strawberry fruit extract Finish : Soft matte
: Soft matte Best For : Long-wear liquid blush with a soft-focus matte finish
: Long-wear liquid blush with a soft-focus matte finish Size: 20 ml
Best Lip Treatment: Sulwhasoo Perfecting Lip Color
Why We Love It : Sulwhasoo is one of the most well-known Korean skin care brands stateside—but did you know they do color cosmetics, too? Its glowy lip balm, for starters, is a luxurious fusion of skincare and color. Packed with ginseng seed oil, the formula provides deep hydration while smoothing fine lines, leaving lips plump and radiant. Plus, the balm's elegant packaging, inspired by the iconic Moon Jar, adds a touch of sophistication to any vanity.
: Sulwhasoo is one of the most well-known Korean skin care brands stateside—but did you know they do color cosmetics, too? Its glowy lip balm, for starters, is a luxurious fusion of skincare and color. Packed with ginseng seed oil, the formula provides deep hydration while smoothing fine lines, leaving lips plump and radiant. Plus, the balm's elegant packaging, inspired by the iconic Moon Jar, adds a touch of sophistication to any vanity. Key Ingredients : Ginseng seed oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, pomegranate seed oil, jojoba seed oil
: Ginseng seed oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, pomegranate seed oil, jojoba seed oil Finish : Subtle glossy
: Subtle glossy Best For : A non-sticky, tinted lip balm that adds a hint of flush to lips
: A non-sticky, tinted lip balm that adds a hint of flush to lips Size: 0.1 oz
Best Blurred Lip Liner: Rom&nd Lip Mate Pencil
Why We Love It : Another beloved lip pick from Rom&nd, Lee became an instant fan after trying this two-in-one pencil, which features both a pen and brush on the opposite end. 'The pencil tip is bigger and rounder, with a more matte texture, and leaves leaving behind a softer, blurred outline rather than a harsh line,' she says. '[Going for a] subtle, blurred overline on the top lip makes lips look super plump [and round].'
: Another beloved lip pick from Rom&nd, Lee became an instant fan after trying this two-in-one pencil, which features both a pen and brush on the opposite end. 'The pencil tip is bigger and rounder, with a more matte texture, and leaves leaving behind a softer, blurred outline rather than a harsh line,' she says. '[Going for a] subtle, blurred overline on the top lip makes lips look super plump [and round].' Key Ingredients : Synthetic wax, mica, candelilla wax
: Synthetic wax, mica, candelilla wax Finish : Soft matte
: Soft matte Best For : A diffused yet plump lip look
: A diffused yet plump lip look Size: 0.5 g
Best Water Blusher: A'pieu Juicy-Pang Water Blusher
Why We Love It: No, this isn't a nail polish you're looking at—that tiny brush is for precision brush application (and a bit of whimsical packaging, no doubt). A'pieu Juicy-Pang's liquid blush is another cult-favorite K-beauty pick from Lee, which she cosigns for its lightweight, buildable formula packed with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts for a fresh, just-pinched look.
No, this isn't a nail polish you're looking at—that tiny brush is for precision brush application (and a bit of whimsical packaging, no doubt). A'pieu Juicy-Pang's liquid blush is another cult-favorite K-beauty pick from Lee, which she cosigns for its lightweight, buildable formula packed with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts for a fresh, just-pinched look. Key Ingredients: Pomegranate seed oil, grape fruit extract, raspberry extract, blueberry extract, glycerin
Pomegranate seed oil, grape fruit extract, raspberry extract, blueberry extract, glycerin Finish: Dewy
Dewy Best For : A natural flush, with a lightweight non-greasy feel
: A natural flush, with a lightweight non-greasy feel Size: 9 g
Best Matte Lip: Peripera Ink the Velvet Lip Tint
Peripera
Ink the Velvet Lip Tint $11
$7
AMAZON
A weightless, highly pignemted lip tint that smooths on easliy and doesn't budge all day—available in 45 shades.
Why We Love It : Peripera's matte lip tint is a beauty staple in Seoul for it's non-cakey formula and velvety finish (think: a matte liquid lipstick that delivers a comfortable, lightweight wear that doesn't compromise on bold color payoff). Its mousse-like texture glides on effortlessly, providing a soft, blurred effect thanks to a double-layer elastomer that fills in the fine curves of the lips. The result? A smooth, emollient, and silky finish.
: Peripera's matte lip tint is a beauty staple in Seoul for it's non-cakey formula and velvety finish (think: a matte liquid lipstick that delivers a comfortable, lightweight wear that doesn't compromise on bold color payoff). Its mousse-like texture glides on effortlessly, providing a soft, blurred effect thanks to a double-layer elastomer that fills in the fine curves of the lips. The result? A smooth, emollient, and silky finish. Key Ingredients :
: Finish : Soft matte
: Soft matte Best For : A velvety matte lip look that won't flake or cake
: A velvety matte lip look that won't flake or cake Size: 0.14 fl oz
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