Eye makeup

Korean-style eye makeup often focuses on soft shading and a fresh, bright look rather than heavy color. Many people layer sheer beige, brown or coral shadows and lightly brighten the area under the eye. Trends change quickly, though, so the best approach is to adapt the look to your own eye shape and personal style.

Aegyo-sal makeup highlights the small puffy band right under the lower lashes. Apply a light, softly shimmering shadow to that area, then draw a very faint brown shadow just below it to create depth. Keep the shadow line extremely soft and blended, because a dark or harsh line can look like under-eye circles instead.

With monolids or hooded eyes, plan your shadow based on what shows when your eyes are open. Blend color slightly higher than you normally would so it stays visible, and deepen the outer corner for definition. A small touch of shimmer in the center of the lid adds dimension without making the eye area look puffy.

Start by controlling oil around the eyes, since oil is the main cause of smudging. Apply a thin layer of eye primer or powder, draw your line, then press a matching shadow over it to set it. Products labeled waterproof or smudge-proof also tend to last longer, especially in humid weather.

Pencil liner glides on softly and is forgiving for beginners. Liquid liner creates crisp, sharp lines and is ideal for wings. Gel liner sits in between, making it easy to fill the lash line or create a smoky effect. Choose based on the look you want and how steady your hand is.

Many Korean mascaras focus on long, separated lashes and a curl that holds through the day. Slim brushes designed for short or straight lashes are also common. Results vary from person to person, so it helps to check the brush shape and formula in store before choosing one.

Curl your lashes in several small presses, moving from the base to the tips for a natural lift. Follow with a curl-holding base or a lightweight mascara so the lashes are not weighed down. A heated lash curler can help set the curl, but keep it away from the skin and eyes.

Soak a cotton pad with an eye makeup remover, hold it on the lid for a few seconds, then wipe gently. Rubbing hard can irritate the thin skin around the eyes and pull out lashes. Oil-based removers work best for waterproof products, and you should follow up with your usual cleanser.

You can, but choose gentle formulas and introduce one new product at a time. Avoid lining the inner waterline, which can irritate the eye, and throw away old or expired products. If you notice itching, redness or swelling, stop using the product and see an eye doctor.

For beginners, a palette with a light base shade, a medium transition shade and a deeper accent shade is the easiest to use. Test colors close to your eye area rather than only on your hand to see how they suit your skin tone. A mix of matte and shimmer finishes gives you more options from day to night.

Start with your natural brow line and face shape, and refine from there. In Korea, straight brows or softly arched brows with even thickness are common. Fill sparse areas with a pencil and keep the front of the brow lighter than the tail for a soft, natural finish.

A brow color that matches your hair or is about one shade lighter usually looks most natural. If you have lightened or dyed your hair, a tinted brow mascara can adjust the color while grooming the hairs. Very dark black brows can look harsh, so gray-brown or soft brown shades are a safer starting point.

Clean any oil from the lid, place the tape along the crease you want, and check how it looks with your eyes open. Thin, clear tapes are the least noticeable for first-time users. If your skin turns red or itchy, stop using it, and remove the tape gently with a makeup remover rather than pulling it off.

Trim the strip to fit your eye length first. Apply glue along the band and wait a few seconds until it turns tacky, then place it from the center outward and press the corners down. Half lashes on the outer corners look more natural, and remove them right away if the glue causes irritation.

Lash extensions involve adhesive used very close to the eye, so choose a clean, reputable shop. Tell the technician about any past reactions, since some people are allergic to lash glue ingredients. If your eyes sting, swell or turn red after the appointment, contact the shop and see an eye doctor promptly.

Pat glitter on with a fingertip or flat brush instead of sweeping it, which helps it stick and reduces fallout. A cream shadow or glitter base underneath improves grip. Holding a tissue under your eye while applying also makes it easy to catch and remove stray particles.

Mascara and liquid liner touch the eye directly and can harbor bacteria, so they should be replaced sooner than most cosmetics. Check the period-after-opening symbol on the packaging, and throw a product away early if its smell or texture changes. Avoid sharing eye products with others.

Lenses can make eyes look smaller or larger, so adjust your makeup accordingly. With lenses for nearsightedness, eyeliner and mascara help eyes look more defined. With lenses for farsightedness, which magnify, keep lines clean and neat. It also helps to make sure your brow color works with your frames.

A common recommendation is to wash your hands, insert lenses first, then apply eye makeup. At night, remove the lenses before taking off your makeup. Choose low-fallout products and avoid lining the waterline. If discomfort with your lenses continues, consult an eye doctor.

In Korea you can test eye makeup at health and beauty chains, brand flagship stores, department stores and duty-free shops. Most stores offer testers so you can compare colors and payoff. For hygiene, it is safer to swatch testers on the back of your hand rather than near your eyes.