The Korean lip look is soft, radiant, and youthful. It has become a popular beauty trend worldwide. Whether you want to look like a K-drama star or try a natural pout, this style is easy to master. Unlike bold Western lip trends, the Korean lip style focuses on gradient lips, blurry lips, and a shiny finish.
In this Korean lip tutorial, we will show you how to get a beautiful glow. You will need red lipstick, tinted gloss, and some careful touches. Ready to elevate your beauty game? Let's start.
Step 1: Exfoliate for a Smooth Canvas
Before applying any colour continue your lips, prepping the skin is key. Dry, flaky lips won’t hold pigment evenly, resulting in patchy colour and uneven gloss. For a true K-beauty lip look, you want your lips to look soft and supple.
Start by using a gentle lip scrub or a warm, damp flannel to slough away dead skin. Massage in circular motions for 30–60 seconds, then pat dry. Follow with a nourishing balm and let it sink in while you do the rest of your makeup.
Exfoliation makes your lips smoother and helps them look fuller and healthier. This is similar to what you see in Korean lip tutorials.
Step 2: Overline with Precision
Next, it’s time to play with shapes. One of the key techniques in Korean lip makeup is strategic overlining. But forget the exaggerated lines often seen in Western trends. Instead, gently outline the centre of your upper and lower lips.
Use a nude or pink liner that matches your natural lip colour. The goal is to create a fuller, more youthful appearance without making it too obvious. Focus your liner slightly above the cupid’s bow and below the lower lip.
This subtle touch enhances volume while keeping the overall look soft and natural. When done right, overlined lips can blend well with your gradient lips for an incredibly flattering look.
Step 3: Add Depth with Red Lipstick
Now comes the magic: the gradient. This is where red lipstick truly shines. Use a creamy or matte red lipstick. Apply it only to the inner parts of your lips. Imagine a petal effect that starts in the centre and fades outward.
You don’t need a brush (though it helps with precision). Simply dab the lipstick in the middle and use your fingertip to gently blur the edges. For an ideal product, try Brittany Cosmetics’ Luscious Lips – Beirut, which offers the perfect balance of pigment and blendability.
The result? A romantic, lived-in effect that mimics naturally bitten lips—a hallmark of every true Korean lip tutorial.
Step 4: Highlight the Cupid’s Bow
To bring light and structure to your lips, apply a small amount of highlighter or glowy balm above the cupid’s bow. This reflects light and draws attention to the centre of your lips, enhancing the illusion of plumpness.
Highlighting the cupid’s bow is a subtle but impactful technique that ties the whole look together. You can use a creamy highlighter stick or even a touch of your favourite illuminating concealer. Just make sure to blend well into the skin for a seamless glow. Many Korean lip tutorials emphasise this step as a secret to that “glass lips” illusion.
Step 5: Lock In Shine with Lip Gloss
To finish your Korean lip makeover, apply a light layer of lip gloss. Choose a formula that’s either clear or lightly tinted to avoid overpowering the gradient effect. You want just enough shine to catch the light and give that coveted “glass lips” finish.
For a soft glow, try Brittany Cosmetics’ Sparkle Lips – Holographic or Its Sheer. These glosses give a shiny finish without being sticky. They are great for layering over red lipstick while letting the colour show through.
You can use a tinted lip gloss to further blend the edges of your red pigment if you want a slightly rosier tone. The gloss adds hydration, reflects light, and gives your lips a soft, three-dimensional finish. This look defines every Korean lip style.
Bonus Tip: Add a Plumping Gloss for Modern Appeal
Want to add a modern twist to your gradient lip look? Finish off with a light dab of lip plumper. A product like Bold ‘N’ Bright from Brittany Cosmetics gives your lips a fuller appearance while keeping the look soft and wearable.
Layer a bit of the plumper over the centre of your lips and blend outward. This not only adds volume but also gives your lips a youthful, dewy look. This look is popular in Korean beauty trends.
How to Customise Your Korean Lip Look
While this tutorial outlines the classic Korean lip tutorial method, don’t be afraid to experiment. Here are some ideas:
- For a bolder look: Use a more intense red lipstick like a cherry or wine shade and keep the gloss minimal.
- For daytime wear: Stick to soft pinks or coral tones for a subtle gradient.
- For extra shine: Mix your gloss with a pearlescent highlighter before applying.
- For longevity: Set the base colour with translucent powder before applying gloss.
K-beauty is all about versatility and layering. No strict formula exists—just guidelines for enhancing your features while keeping things fresh and natural.
Final Thoughts
Korean lip makeup isn't about perfection—it's about embracing softness, glow, and a touch of playfulness. With a few key products like red lipstick, lip gloss, and highlighter, you can create a beautiful pout. It will look effortless and elegant.
The Korean lip look is versatile. It works well for photoshoots, date nights, or any occasion when you want to look good. It always looks great.
By following this Korean lip tutorial, you can get a soft gradient effect. You will also highlight your cupid’s bow and make your lips look fuller and overlined—no fillers needed.
So go on—glide on that gloss, blend out that red, and glow with confidence.