5 Must Have Korean Glosses & Tints
People actually stop me on the street to ask what I’m wearing.
My makeup dreams growing up?
Perfect skin, a swipe of mascara and a beautiful lip color. Nothing more.
It’s taken a long time to get even marginally close to achieving that look, but more often than not that’s what I do. If your overall makeup is natural and minimal, it takes something special to highlight the one pop of color on your lips.
These are the five tints and glosses I always find myself coming back to.
I discovered this one thanks to a makeup artist. I love how youthful and pink the color is, without straying into childish territory. It makes me think of peonies, and has a nice shine.
I have noticed many Korean makeup artists use this color when I’m on a shoot that calls for natural, fresh makeup. Try it here.
Now let’s go the other way.
This is my most recent addition to my lip color collection. I picked it up in Olive Young in Hongdae after testing a few reds - I was on the hunt for something rich, glamorous, and dare I say femme fatale-like? Once it’s set, the color has great staying power.
My color theory isn’t amazing, but I must’ve landed on something exceptional by accident because every time I use this, my whole face warms up. But beware - it’s a powerful red. The first time Cedric saw it, he stopped in his tracks and said, “I…. don’t know if I like that or not.”
Wear it for you ;) Try it here.
Not quite matte.
That’s what I always think when I use this. It’s creamy, smooth, matte-like, with a faint shine. This color is a dusky pink, more mature than the Benefit one, and suitable for the work-place.
However, the bad news. They no longer make this one! So I moved onto the next one below…
A similar vibe, but I actually like this one better.
It’s creamy, chic, not-quite-matte, subtle and grown up. The smooth, non-sticky formula applies beautifully, and it just looks so good. The colors are also very close. I think this one is slightly pinker.
Now. This one is ALSO out ㅠ But fear not. It looks like Hera has updated their formula and I can vouch for it just as much. I’ll gladly finish this bottle and move onto the next.
I saved the best for last.
This is my favorite color at the moment - if the moment lasted two years.
I carry it with me everywhere. I dab it on right before meetings, fittings, running out for errands, zoom calls, just everything. It goes on so perfectly. The shape of the applicator is just right and spreads evenly. Once it’s set, it’ll stain and lasts for a while.
It’s a deeper pink, with just the right amount of shine. It’s not glossy or sticky. This one gets me compliments all the time. I was crossing the street in New York when a woman who was running by actually doubled back to ask me what my lip color was. Luscious lips for everyone!
You can see how the colors differ. Depending on your own natural lip color and how much you apply, the color will change slightly. The best way to find out what works for you is to just try it out.
While I can’t promise how it will look on you, what I can promise is
non sticky
non-fragranced
easy application
good staying power
Perhaps it’s my personal aesthetics or just being accustomed to Korean makeup artist techniques, but I’ve always found Korean makeup suits me better.
It’s just how it absorbs into my skin and the way it feels. If you haven’t explored Korean makeup yet, and especially if you’re mixed Korean, here’s your cue to start. My whole makeup world changed when I embraced my Korean features and found products that were actually designed for me (more or less.)
