Popular Korean Lash Styles and Products: A Guide to Achieving Idol-Worthy Lashes
- Claudia D'Agostino
- Sep 1, 2024
- 5 min read
Following our previous discussion on Korean base makeup, we’re now moving to the eyes in a two-part series, starting with lashes and followed by eyeshadow, eyeliner, glitter, and drawing aegyo sal. In this first part, we'll dive into the secrets behind Korean lash styles and how you can recreate them with some of the best Korean products on the market.
Characteristics of Korean Idol-Style Lashes
Korean idol-style lashes are defined, separated, and often appear meticulously styled down to each individual lash. The key is to create a look that’s polished but still natural, avoiding the heavy, clumped "spider eye" effect. Typically, Korean lashes are longer in the center and taper towards the ends, giving the eyes a rounder appearance. This contrasts with the “cat eye” style, where lashes are longer at the outer edges—this style is less common and usually reserved for specific looks that suit the idol's features and concept.
Koreans, including idols, are not generally known for having naturally thick or long lashes, so treatments like lash dye, perm, and lift are incredibly popular. However, these treatments can be high maintenance and aren’t accessible to everyone. Fortunately, there are ways to achieve beautiful lashes with makeup alone, coupled with proper lash care.
Caring for Your Lashes
Before diving into makeup tips, it's important to start with healthy lashes. Your eyelashes, like your hair and nails, require proper nutrition to thrive. Key nutrients include vitamins from the B group and minerals like zinc. Many Korean supplements also or exclusively contain a lot of collagen, but it's not as useful as you thin unless you have a general protein deficiency, since it will be hydrolised down to the peptides during digestions. If you suspect you’re not getting enough vitamins and minerals through your diet, on the other hand, consider supplements like:
Asahi - Dear-Natura B Vitamins: A Japanese brand known for affordability, providing essential nutrients without the hefty price tag.
APLB - Collagen Peptide Beauty Tablet: Although it does contains collagen, it’s also packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals, making it a still affordable but comprehensive choice for lash, hair and skin health.
When it comes to makeup removal, avoid stressing your lashes by tugging or pulling. Instead, use cleansing oils or balms that can be gently massaged directly onto your lashes, helping to dissolve makeup without friction. If you find this method challenging, consider a dedicated mascara remover:
FOCALLURE - Instant Mascara Remover and FLORTTE - Mascara Remover are excellent choices, softening even stubborn waterproof mascaras without harsh rubbing.
If your lashes still aren’t achieving the length and thickness you desire, lash serums can help promote growth and strength by delivering biotin and other nutrients directly to your lashes:
These serums are applied like a mascara to clean lashes before bed and can make a noticeable difference over time.
Makeup Tips for Korean Lash Styles
Once your lashes are healthy, it’s time to style! Here are some tips and product recommendations to achieve that coveted Korean lash look:
1. Mascara:
The right mascara can transform your lashes. Korean mascaras often feature thin or even metal wands that apply a small amount of product evenly, ensuring separation and avoiding clumps.
Top Picks:
romand - Han All Fix Mascara: Available in multiple colors for a more subtle look.
3CE - Super Slim Waterproof Mascara: Perfect for a defined, everyday look.
Judydoll - 3D Curling Eyelash Iron Mascara: With a metal wand applicator that focuses of achieving great curling results.
NEOGEN - Dermalogy Extra Volumecurl Metal Maxicara: With a classic metal wand for precise application.
2. Lash Primer:
Lash primers help mascara adhere better, enhance curl, and prolong wear.
Top Picks:
FLORTTE - Long Curling Mascara Primer: Available in different styles, clear or slightly pigmented
PERFECT DIARY - Lash Building Primer Mascara: Nourishing and slightly pigmented to also add a bit of color.
3. Eyelash Curler:
An eyelash curler can significantly enhance your lashes' shape before applying primer and mascara.
Top Picks:
Lashie - Stainless Steel Eyelash Curler: Reliable and effective for at-home use.
Epoch - Plastic Eyelash Curler: Compact and great for travel.
4. Eyelash Comb:
To keep lashes perfectly separated after mascara application, use an eyelash comb.
Top Picks:
MSQ - Stainless Steel Eyelash Comb: Simple and durable, for at-home use.
Rhodanthe - Set: Eyelash Curler + Stainless Steel Eyelash Comb: Foldable, comes with a mini eyelash curler, perfect for on-the-go.
5. Tweezers:
For a more defined look, use tweezers, either regular ones or ones specifically for fake eyelashes if you're interested in them for their primary purpose as well, to lightly press together the tips of a few lashes.
Top Picks:
Lashie - Eyelash Tweezers: Different styles, very fine for enhanced precision.
6. Mascaras and Primers with Fibers:
For added length and volume, opt for mascaras or primers with fibers that adhere to your lashes.
Top Picks:
mude - Inspire Longlash Curling Mascara: Both lengthens and protects the lashes, with a curled wand to enhance their curvature.
KARADIUM - On The Top Fiber Mascara: Extremely waterproof, with extra-fine lengthening fibers.
FOCALLURE - Eyelash Fixing Primer Mascara: A strong holding, slightly colored product that can be used on its own or as a primer.
A popular trick used by Korean makeup artists is to use slightly burnt and hot wooden stick to make the curl of the lashes last longer and apply a little color in a natural way. I haven't tried this method myself yet and it does require a little skill, so I'll do a dedicated tutorial once I've figured it out better.
False Lashes: Customizing Your Look
The most popular false eyelash styles in Korea are individual lashes or small clusters rather than full sets, allowing for a highly customizable and defined look. They can be used on both upper and lower lashes and offer more control over density and length.
Top Picks:
Lashie - Individual False Eyelash: Different styles of individual lashes and small clusters.
Nreain - Individual Cluster False Eyelashes: Small clusters for both upper and lower lashes.
FLORTTE - 5 In 1 False Eyelashes Set: A useful set with both natural and slightly bolder styles.
Desireaore - Lower False Eyelash Clusters: Small clusters specifically for the lower lashes.
Nafinya - Lower False Eyelashes: Single lower lashes for a very defined, almost drawn-on effect.
If individual lashes seem too time-consuming, consider full sets that mimic the spiky look of small clusters:
Top Picks:
Mogugu - False Eyelashes: A very easily blendable and natural style.
Lashie - False Eyelashes: A slightly more glam but still natural style, with a beginner-friendly application
Nafinya - Lower False Eyelashes: Strip lashes specifically for the lower lash line.
For those who prefer not to use lash glue, glueless options are available:
Top Picks:
FLORTTE - Glue-Free False Eyelash: Different styles of clusters with pre-applied strip glue.
Buttermilk - Magnetic False Eyelashes with Applicator Clip: Cluster-style full strip lashes with an easy-to-use magnetic application.
Lastly, while it’s common to draw on lower lashes with pencil or eyeliner, we’ll cover more on this in our upcoming article about overall eye makeup!
Final Thoughts
Achieving idol-worthy lashes is all about the right care and the right products. Whether you prefer natural lashes enhanced with mascara or the defined look of false lashes, there’s a Korean lash style for everyone. Don’t forget to check out my other articles on Korean makeup and skincare, and I hope you found this guide useful! Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll explore Korean eyeshadows, eyeliners, and more!
All the linked products are from Yesstyle, you can save 5% on your order by using my code CLAUDIA252 at checkout!
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