Hello, Beauty Besties! Who here isn’t mesmerized by the always fresh and on-point looks of K-Pop idols? From Blackpink, IVE, to BabyMonster, they seem to have a secret formula for always looking captivating. Well, good news! In 2026, K-beauty will offer us tons of new makeup trend inspirations that will boost our confidence. Curious to know what they are? Let’s uncover the secrets together, Salwa Salon style!
Explore Korean Makeup Trends 2026:
- Minimalist ‘Lingerie’ Makeup: Focus on healthy skin, soft nude colors, and a natural matte finish.
- ‘Inner Corner’ Glow: A touch of highlight on the inner corner of the eyes makes the look fresher and more ‘awake’.
- Lower Lash Charm: Mascara on the lower lashes defines the eyes without the need for dramatic eyeliner.
- Blended Blush: The ‘draping’ technique on the cheekbones and bridge of the nose gives a natural healthy flush.
- Dominance of Pink & Lavender: Fresh pink and ‘glazed’ lavender are key for lips and cheeks.
1. Lingerie Makeup: Healthy Skin, Natural Look
Imagine wearing ‘lingerie’ that’s incredibly comfortable on your skin. This 2026 makeup trend encourages us to embrace maximum natural beauty. It’s not about covering up all imperfections, but rather highlighting the beauty of your real skin. Use products with super soft beige tones and a smooth matte finish, like loose powder. Its function is to naturally shape and add dimension to your face without looking ‘heavy’ at all. Simple, but the results are stunning!
2. ‘Inner Corner’ Eyes: K-Pop Idols’ Secret Weapon
Have you ever noticed how K-Pop idols’ eyes always seem to sparkle and look fresh? One of their tricks lies here, Beauty Besties! The key is a touch of glow on the inner corner of the eyes. Whether it’s glitter eyeshadow or iridescent highlighter (colors that look like a rainbow when hit by light), the right placement in this area instantly gives a bright effect. Just like Jennie Blackpink’s eyes that always make us swoon!
3. Focus on Lower Lashes: Effortless Eye Definition
Want to make your eyes look more ‘alive’ but don’t feel like wearing thick eyeliner? Try focusing on your lower lashes. It’s super easy: apply mascara evenly to your lower lashes. Then, to make them neater and prevent clumping, you can use tweezers to tidy up the strands a bit. The result? Your eyes will be more ‘framed’ and beautifully defined without the hassle of black lines. Want more drama? Just add a few strands of slightly longer false lashes to the outer corners of your eyes. You’ll instantly be the center of attention!
4. ‘Draping’ Blush: Blended Natural Flush
This is a trend that’s really taking over the streets of Seoul. Blush is applied skillfully until it blends perfectly with the skin. The ‘draping’ technique is crucial here. Apply it on the bridge of the nose and the area between the under-eyes and the upper cheeks. The key is to use just a little, Beauty Besties, so the result looks like a natural flush from sun exposure, as if you’re healthy from within! Not tacky, not overdone, but still fresh.
5. Dominance of Fresh Pink: Everyday Chic Color
If you stroll through cosmetic stores in Korea, like Olive Young, you’ll definitely find a variety of fresh and adorable pink products. Why is pink so favored? Because the color has an instant brightening effect, making your face look more cheerful right away. From eyelids to lips, pink is the champion! Here’s a tip for a more harmonious look: try combining a matte finish for your blush with a slightly glossy touch on your lips. A perfect balance between matte and shine!
6. ‘Glazed’ Lavender Lips: Unique Nude That Refreshes
Forget those same old nude colors! In 2026, our go-to nude lip color will be shiny lavender, or ‘glazed lavender’. This color is unique, yet still neutral and won’t make your face look pale. It’s predicted to become even more popular among fifth-generation K-Pop idols like Illit. To avoid looking too cool or pale, choose products that have a mix of pink and purple pigments, plus a high shine. Guaranteed to make your lips look fresh, healthy, and full! Absolutely cool!
7. Caramel Brown: Warm and Sexy
For those who want to stand out from the current pink and shimmer trends, there’s another equally captivating alternative: a warm caramel brown look. This color gives a more intense impression than minimalist makeup, but still has a captivating glow. It’s similar to singer Dayoung’s style, who always looks chic and elegant. Perfect for those who want to look a bit ‘bold’ but still appear natural and not overdone. Ready to turn all eyes on you!
So, Beauty Besties, what do you think? Can you already imagine which 2026 Korean makeup trend you want to try? Don’t forget, the most important thing is to be confident and comfortable with your own appearance. If you need further consultation or want to try these techniques firsthand, just come to Salwa Salon! We’re ready to make you shine even brighter!
