Korean Drama Beauty Trends 2016 Wrap Up!

by HappySqueak, November 21, 2016

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Korean Beauty Trends 2016

This year we were treated to some great on screen makeup applications that might have carried forward from 2015 and were adapted well into 2016. Trends usually stick for several months before a new approach is presented and if it's well received then keep it going.

#1: Brows

(pictured below. Kim So Eun)

Still going strong are straight across brows and tinted/colored brows. Korean makeup seems to be on top of their game especially when applied to female leads in the most current dramas. Brows and Brow coloring. A full and straight across brow can be soft, youthful and visually attractive on many types of female characters from students, young women and even Ajhummas.

*model image with brow-mascara application

There are some splendid techniques for achieving a Korean style straight across brow makeup application, and also specific 'brow mascaras' to help color change your brows without a permanent dye tint at a salon.

#2: Bright Skin

Brightened dewy faces. So from current dramas, a lot of our leads are sporting fresh/dewy faces with a brightened look, thanks to some great products that are on the market. From concealers with light reflectors to help diminish problem spots on actors and of course for those who aren't, and would like to replicate the styles and looks.

(pictured below Kim Yun Seo as seen in long-running drama A Woman's Secret)

A concealer with light-reflecting qualities gives a minimal shine to an actor's face without looking heavy, oily or greasy. It makes the actor's facial appearance seem radiant and bright. Matte looks are also still strong and they work well for various scene lighting situations, where makeup needs to have a nice flat finish but remain consistent.

#3: Gradient Lips

(Oh Yeon Seo pictured below from Please Come Back, Mister)

Did these ladies forget to do a full lipstick application? Nope! The Gradient lip can be a multi-lip color application, though the base is usually softened down for a natural lip look with a dab of color on the lower lip with the lip color lightly fanned out and a slight hint of color to the center of the top lip.
This lip look draws a lot of attention to an actresses' mouth.

(Model and application pictures below)

It is visually pleasing, though it can appear like the actor forgot to finish putting on their lipstick at first until you get used to the style.

The gradient color pallet is very open, often bright pastel pinks and soft mauves for students and young adults and more deep bold like burgundy and red gradients for the slightly older female characters.

#4: Hair

There always seems to be that one character with minor bleached out hair, or rocking soft copper brown locks. The light brown color is actually very attractive looking on both male and female characters.
But one thing is certain, Korean drama character hairstyles are usually highly attractive, even the simplest hairstyle, say for a 'poor girl' female lead, will still be pretty and well suited to her. We've seen some very attractive cuts and styles in 2016. What is your favourite?