Korean vs Japanese Makeup

by Joanne Millares June 09, 2017 Fashion & Beauty

We love that matte, strong eye-liner, eye brows on-point look but when the Korean-style, dewy look hit the mainstream, everyone couldn't stop doing it. 

Korean makeup helped spark Asian makeup styles and even if they all somehow look the same, if you look a little closer, they still vary too. 

To prove that there are still differences, here are two popular Asian makeup techniques. Scroll down to see the difference between the Koran ulzzang makeup and the Japanese gyaru style makeup.

1. Skin

ILLUSTRATION Gab Gutierrez

Left: Japanese gyaru makeup. Right: Korean ulzzang makeup

In Japanese makeup, a more matte finish is preferred for the skin. A slightly matte base looks more natural. On the other hand, K-beauty focuses in strobing for a dewy skin that looks hydrated and plump.

2. Brows

ILLUSTRATION Gab Gutierrez

The Japanese makeup has naturally arched eyebrow. Eyebrows can either be straight or slightly angled as long as they don't look too dark and too dramatic. In Korean makeup, they want it flat and soft, no angles and no arches. Both of them don't go for very structured and dark brows.

3. Blush

ILLUSTRATION Gab Gutierrez

While the blush colors might look the same, the application is different. Japanese makeup goes for that "hangover" look. This requires putting blush almost directly under the eyes. This technique makes the face look more innocent. Korean makeup applies the blush either on the cheekbone or slightly lower.

4. Eyeshadow  

ILLUSTRATION Gab Gutierrez

They both use shimmer but in different ways. Japanese makeup keeps most of the shimmer on the eyelids to make eyes look more open. Korean makeup highlights the bag underneath the eyes to achieve a youthful feel.

5. Eyeliner

ILLUSTRATION Gab Gutierrez

 A fatter, cuter cat eye dominates Japanese makeup, while K-beauty usually prefers a thin wing that points slightly downwards, or the "puppy liner" technique. The techniques may be different but the goal for both styles is to make the eyes look innocent.

6. Lips

ILLUSTRATION Gab Gutierrez

The Japanese style lipstick fills in the entire lip with color but fades a little in the lip line for a softer look. For the Korean makeup, there's a gradient. The lip color is stronger in the center then it fades into a nude shade for a natural bare look.

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Which do you prefer? Comment below!