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As someone who has been obsessed with Korean skin care for a decade, I’m here to tell you: The best Korean makeup rivals anything you can find stateside. And, no, it's not limited to lip tints (even though they are some of the best out there, K-beauty or otherwise). For example, Korean blushes are quickly claiming top spots in my rotation, along with shimmery eye shadows and glitter liners that add just the right amount of everyday sparkle.
Our Top Korean Makeup
- Best Glossy Lip Tint: Rom&nd The Juicy Lasting Tint, $17
- Best Lip Gloss: Hera Sensual Nude Gloss, $40
- Best Sparkly Eye Shadow Palette: Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette, $18
- Best Radiant-Finish Cushion Foundation: Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion, $32
- Best Semi-Matte Cushion Foundation: Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion The Original, $25
- Best Cream Blush: AOU Soft Cream Blush, $17
- Best Setting Spray: TirTir Mask Fit Make Up Fixer, $15
As with skin care, Korean makeup products are often formulated with hydrating ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid, mango seed butter, and more) for a healthy, lit-from-within glow. K-beauty puts emphasis on lightweight, softly-blurring textures and sheer, buildable coverage that lets your natural skin peek through, instead of completely masking it.
Interest piqued? Along with sharing my top recs from a rapidly growing collection, I tapped my fellow Allure editors to share their favorite Korean beauty products. Think viral hits like Laneige and TirTir, industry staples like Jung Saem Mool and Clio, and indie darlings like AOU. Consider it your insider look at the Korean makeup trending in Seoul right now—and a little inspiration for your next look.
Jump ahead to:
- Best Korean Lip Makeup
- Best Korean Face Makeup
- Best Korean Eye Makeup
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What is Korean makeup known for?
- What are the top 2026 Korean makeup trends?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Korean Lip Makeup
Best Glossy Lip Tint: Rom&nd The Juicy Lasting Tint
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Rom&nd
The Juicy Lasting Tint
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If you haven’t tried a Korean lip tint yet and love a glossy, high-shine finish, let this be your sign to pick up Rom&nd’s Juicy Lasting Tint. (You may’ve seen them pop up on your TikTok FYP if you’re on BeautyTok.) Every shade is inspired by a fruit, such as Jujube, Bare Grape, and Papaya Jam, and the formulas smell as good as they sound. The lightweight, barely-there formula dries pretty quickly, and there’s absolutely no sticky finish. You still get enough playtime to blur the edges for that soft, popsicle-stain effect, too. One swipe gives you plenty of coverage, but it layers beautifully—two coats, in our experience, give you that sweet spot of maximum color payoff without tipping into gloopy.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Rom&nd The Juicy Lasting Tint in Plum Coke
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Rom&ndThe Juicy Lasting Tint in Plum Coke
Sarah Han
As you can probably guess by now, most Korean lip tints are infused with skin-care ingredients that lend that plump, fine-line-blurring effect. Key players include hyaluronic acid (or derivatives such as sodium hyaluronate, featured in this Rom&nd) and fruit-derived oils. While it might not be the most long-lasting lip tint we’ve ever tried, it leaves behind a pretty stain as it wears down—and we clearly don’t mind reapplying every few hours. The hype is well-deserved and Allure-approved.
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint
Jessica Curel
Cruel after applying the Romn&d Juicy Lasting Tint
Jessica Cruel
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“This is my most-worn lip tint by far, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. The finish is perfectly balanced: dewy but not too dewy. It's also so lightweight, even after two layers. The color range also hits, whether I'm in the mood for a pinky, MLBB moment, or a deep berry that pops against my light skin.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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"I wholeheartedly believe that no one does lip stains better than Korea. When I travel to Seoul, I do a haul in Olive & Young. This one has been a favorite. I love a red lip and this is a subtle stain that lasts through multiple meetings. You can build the watery texture from just bitten flush to a deeper red. It dries down to feel like absolutely nothing on the lips." —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Notable ingredients: plum oil, mango seed butter, raspberry seed oil, sodium hyaluronate
- Shades available: 23
Best Matte Lip Tint: Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint
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Peripera
Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Amazon
Olive Young
Han applying the Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Affordability is one of K-beauty’s biggest draws, and at just $10, Peripera still manages to land impressively on the lower end of the spectrum. The Ink Velvet Lip Tint not only picked up an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2024, but it’s just as popular in South Korea. "The love for this lip tint begins in the teenage years,” Allure Korea digital editor Song Yein shared. “Most young girls keep it stocked in their cosmetic pouches, and the appeal doesn’t fade. It’s a mega hit in Korea, beloved for its staying power and smooth, velvety finish." The color range is extensive—ranging from light peachy nudes to rich-berry fuchsias—and the whipped, mousse-like texture gives your lips a soft-focus, blurred look that lasts for hours on end.
Han before applying the Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“I reach for glossy tints most days, but Peripera's Ink The Velvet Lip Tint has been one of my favorite matte, soft-blurred formulas for so many years, and it's an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner–the ultimate flex. The applicator holds a lot of product and the triangular tip is perfect for lining my outer corners and defining the Cupid's bow. I like to go pretty hard with the shading, but you can concentrate your application on the middle of the lips and blur out the edges with your finger for a subtle gradient effect.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Notable ingredients: jojoba oil, marine collagen, hyaluronic acid
- Shades available: 31
Best Lip Gloss: Hera Sensual Nude Gloss
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Hera
Sensual Nude Gloss
Amazon
Olive Young
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Hera Sensual Nude Gloss
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: Kiss those sticky glosses in your makeup storage collecting dust goodbye, because Hera’s Sensual Nude Gloss—which frequently tops Hwahae’s lip gloss ranking, including at the time of writing—is going to replace them all. (If you’re not familiar, Hwahae is basically Korea’s go-to beauty app, where real users rate and review products.) Hera sits in that luxury K-beauty lane, but compared to Western brands, the price point feels surprisingly reasonable (K-beauty for the win, once again!) The shade curation is tighter than other lip products, but it does capture the essence of MLBB (my lips but better). So, if you’re the type of person who loves a subtle lip color—that’s also very moisturizing and barrier-friendly—this one’s for you. And if you like a little insider detail: Felix (of Stray Kids) is the brand’s ambassador, and his pick is #415 Brownie Boy.
Lee before applying the Hera Sensual Nude Gloss
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Hera Sensual Nude Gloss
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’m not really a lip girl, but when I do wear one, I always go for a gloss. The lightweight formula is so comfortable I almost forget I’m wearing it, and the menthol gives this refreshing, cooling sensation that feels invigorating. Plus, all the shades are super wearable, making it easy to swipe and go.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Notable ingredients: evening primrose oil, phytosterol
- Shades available: 8
Best Korean Face Makeup
Best Radiant-Finish Cushion Foundation: Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion
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Jung Saem Mool
Essential Skin Nuder Cushion
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Han applying the Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Since launching her career in 1991, Jung Saem Mool has become—and remains— one of Korea’s most iconic celebrity makeup artists. (Fun fact: She’s widely credited with popularizing the whole “glass skin” phenomenon.) In 2015, she introduced her namesake brand, and her hero product, the Essential Skin Nuder Cushion, has been topping Olive Young charts and picking up awards year after year.
It’s all about creating an effortless, lit-from-within glow—like you’ve gotten eight hours of sleep, worked out, and drank six glasses of water. As the brand expands globally, the shade range has grown to 30, with more on the way. What’s particularly special about the packaging is that there’s a textured “mix and touch” area tucked under the lid that lets you sheer out the product before it hits your sponge, which means no accidental over-application. The key is to start with less and build up as needed for the most natural finish.
Han before applying the Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“This was the first very cushion foundation I ever tried when I first visited South Korea in 2018, but honestly, the habit of applying cushion foundation never stuck with me once I returned home. That, and I found most shade ranges to be too light—even though I’m pretty close to Korea’s demographics as a Chinese woman! (Pale skin is considered a beauty standard in eastern Asia, and that’s never been my vibe, personally.) Someone on Jung Saem Mool’s team actually shade-matched me and I’m obsessed with the match. (I’m wearing 22C Petal Light, which is shocking, because I always go for neutral undertones.) It really meshes with my natural tone (I really don’t like going brighter or darker)—and while I can tell that I have something on, it doesn’t feel like I have anything on at all.
If I’ve learned anything about cushion foundation, it’s all about sheer layers and building up, and also taking the time to pat the foundation in for a super seamless finish. Because I’m really pressing the formula into my skin, wearing a very lightweight sunscreen (usually a Korean sunscreen…surprise!) underneath is important to avoid pilling. Not only are cushion foundations compact and easy for on-the-go touchups, but I don’t need any other tools or the back of my hand (where I apply skin tints or foundations first to warm up with my fingers). Big wins! I’m officially back on the cushion foundation hype train.
P.S. The blue casing I have isn’t the original one it comes in—I just popped the compact into the blue one (which I was also gifted) because I loved the color. Yet another fun element of K-beauty products!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Shades available: 30
- Notable ingredients: glycerin, adensosine
Best Semi-Matte Cushion Foundation: Clio Kill Cover Founwear Mesh Glow Cushion
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Clio
Kill Cover Founwear Cushion
Amazon
Olive Young
Lee applying Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion The Original
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: Newsflash: Just because you have combination or oily skin, doesn’t mean you have to skip the glow. Clio’s Kill Cover Founwear Mesh Glow Cushion strikes that in-between balance, giving skin a fresh, healthy radiance while still keeping excess shine in check. The formula is impressively airy, with a hit of skin-care benefits (hi, niacinamide) baked in. And the packaging isn’t just for looks. The square compact is easier to grip, and the tapered edges of the puff make it surprisingly good at getting into all those tricky spots—around the nose, under the eyes—without the usual awkward maneuvering you get with round cushions.
Lee before applying Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion The Original
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion The Original
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from Lee
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“I usually find foundation just ‘sits’ on my skin, but Clio’s Kill Cover Founwear Cushion blends in seamlessly and feels like a second skin. I especially love the Mesh Glow version—it has a sheer, radiant finish and feels even lighter, though its shade range is more limited compared to the original. No matter if I’m in the mood for the glow or the semi-matte original, I keep reaching for both because they feel so comfortable and weightless.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Shades available: 20
- Notable ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin, adenosine
Best Matte-Finish Cushion Foundation: Banila Co. Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion
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Banila Co
Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion
Amazon
Olive Young
Yesstyle
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Banila Co Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: Hydrating cushion foundations aren’t always kind to combination and oily skin, but Banila Co’s Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion somehow pulls it off—mattifying shine and keeping it in check all day long. Your complexion doesn’t look flat as a result, either, thanks to skin-care ingredients like radiance-boosting white truffle. A blend of eight white flowers helps keep skin calm, too, which is especially nice if you’re dealing with the occasional breakout. If you’ve written off cushion foundations for not delivering enough coverage, this one might change your mind. It gives you that sweet spot: medium coverage, blurred pores, and a satin-matte finish that still looks like skin.
Pai before applying the Banila Co Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Banila Co Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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"Off the bat, I loved that it was pretty easy to determine my shade—a big feat, since I have medium-tan skin with neutral undertones (which doesn't seem to be super-common, based on what I've swatched in the past). But I also adore the feel of the foundation, which gives my skin medium coverage with a second-skin finish. The compact has made it convenient for travel, and it's so good at oil control that my skin looks matte even by the end of the day." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Shades available: 20
- Notable ingredients: white truffle, white flowers (jasmine, lotus, and edelweiss)
Best Cream Blush: AOU Soft Cream Blush
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AOU
Soft Cream Blush
Amazon
Olive Young
Yesstyle
Why we love it: AOU may have gone viral for its Glowy Tint Balm, but we think the Soft Cream Blush is being slept on. Short for “Always for Our Use,” the brand was founded by a makeup artist and centers around that glass-skin-inspired makeup that’s easy to use on a daily basis. (Think: K-pop idol makeup, just more approachable.) This blush leans extra creamy, with buildable pigment that melts into the skin for a dewy, diffused finish—the kind that makes it look like your glow is coming from you, not sitting on top. Not sure what shade to start with? We love 02 Pinky Cheeks—it’s that just-right cool pink that instantly brightens everything up.
Han applying AOU Soft Cream Blush in 02 Pinky Cheeks
Sarah Han
Han after applying AOU Soft Cream Blush in 02 Pinky Cheeks
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“AOU has been on my radar for quite some time because, hello, when a makeup artist (Cho Eun Bee) who works with top K-pop stars like AESPA's Karina and Winter, as well as IVE's Wonyoung launches a brand, you pay attention. Anyway, as I was perusing Hemeko (an indie K-beauty store in Seoul), these heart-shaped blushes caught my eye right away. I can’t overstate just how creamy these formulas are. I like taking a slightly denser brush to pick up the pigment (with gentle taps!) and tap/buff it into my cheeks, though fingers work well in a pinch.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Best Setting Powder: Laneige Neo Blurring Powder
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Laneige
Neo Blurring Powder
Amazon
Sephora
Olive Young
Han applying the Laneige Neo Blurring Powder
Sarah Han
Why we love it: If you’ve ever caught your reflection in a flash photo and immediately zeroed in on that telltale T-zone shine, you get it. Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder solves this issue and goes a step further with innovative packaging. Instead of shaking loose powder into a cap (and inevitably wasting half of it), everything stays contained in the compact. Press down on the mesh, pick up just enough product with the (surprisingly plush) puff, and tap it on. No wonder this once Korea-exclusive has become so popular stateside—everything about it just makes sense. As for what’s inside, you’ve got oil-absorbing silica paired with soothing extras like matricaria flower extract, hydrating hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, and a hint of wild mint for a subtly refreshing feel.
Han before applying the Laneige Neo Blurring Powder
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Laneige Neo Blurring Powder
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“What I love most about the Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder is how compact, mess-free, and lightweight it is—it’s a no-brainer travel pick, and I even drop it into my purse if I’m going to have a busy day out in the city. It nixes any shine in my T-zone just like that without making my complexion look downright flat, and I never feel like I’m wasting product and making a mess. The mirror is a nice bonus, too, for on-the-go touch-ups. I haven’t used this in super hot weather yet, but I’m confident this will help me survive the dog days of NYC summer.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Notable ingredients: silica, matricaria flower extract, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, wild mint extract
- Size: 0.24 oz.
Best Setting Spray: TirTir Mask Fit Make Up Fixer
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Tirtir
Mask Fit Make Up Fixer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Olive Young
Han applying the TirTir Mask Fit Make Up Fixer
Sarah Han
Why we love it: While TirTir has made a name for itself with standout skin care (like the ceramide-infused Milk Skin Toner), the makeup deserves just as much attention. Case in point: The Mask Fit Make Up Fixer, which claimed the title of best dewy setting spray in our 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Awards. “Dewy” doesn’t mean it’s off-limits for oily skin, though. The formula includes green apple polyphenols to help keep excess sebum in check, even if the finish leans more glow-boosting than your average setting spray. On no-makeup days, we even reach for it as a refreshing face mist. Whether you’re locking everything in place or just giving your skin a quick pick-me-up, it leaves behind that fresh, healthy-looking sheen that tends to earn a few compliments.
P.S. It is water- and sweat-resistant, but if you’re after something fully waterproof, Mask Fit Waterproof Setting Spray (with a more semi-matte finish) is the one to reach for.
Tester feedback from Han
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“I usually use a powder to set my troublesome T-zone and then spray all over once I’m done with my entire face. With a few spritzes of this TirTir mist, my skin looks glowy but balanced (a.k.a. not a greasy mess by mid-afternoon). I can’t stand a mist that doesn’t feel like it’s actually landing on my face—I like to drench my face in setting spray, and TirTir’s (though still quite fine and gentle) helps me achieve that in just three spritzes.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Tester feedback from beauty closet associate Edward Horgan
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"This setting spray mastered the art of a fine mist without the typical chemical scent found in many competitors. It locks makeup in with a soft, long-lasting finish and is genuinely enjoyable to use." —Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate
More to know
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- Notable ingredients: green apple polyphenols, Centella asiatica extract (cica)
- Size: 2.7 fl oz.
Best Korean Eye Makeup
Best Sparkly Eye Shadow Palette: Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette
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Unleashia
Glitterpedia Eye Palette
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Soko Glam
Why we love it: Some say “put a pep in your step,” but we’re more in the “sprinkle some glitter on it" camp. Unleashia’s Glitterpedia Eye Palettes may be compact (and very travel-friendly) with just six shades, but they flex their worth. Each one mixes mattes, shimmers, and glitters in different textures and sparkle levels, so you can go subtle or a little extra without overthinking it.
What makes them feel especially approachable is how easy they are to use. Pick a shimmer, swipe it across your lids, and suddenly it looks like you spent way more time on your makeup than you actually did. In fact, the brand recommends using your fingers versus a brush for the best payoff. (Our editors can attest this is the best method.) Who says glitter has to be saved for special occasions? Surely not us.
Han applying the Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette in No.1 All of Glitter
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette in No.1 All of Glitter
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“One thing about me is that I looooove shimmery eye shadow. There’s a 90% chance that if I’m wearing eye shadow on any given day, it’s a shimmer or glitter swept across my lids. I like how they brighten and emphasize my eyes without creating shadows. And there’s very little (if any!) blending required, unlike with mattes, I find. (An art form, honestly.) This Unleashia palette is one of the rare ones that I find myself wanting to dig into every shade, instead of purely sticking to one or two. The compactness of it also helps, because I’m definitely going to throw it into my work bag or carry-on over my many bulky palettes. The shades are just so fun to use—what more can I say? Eye shadow isn’t something I wear too often, but when I do, I want it to speak for itself.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Colorways available: 8
Best Matte Eye Shadow Palette: Clio Pro Eye Palette Air
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Clio
Pro Eye Palette Air
Amazon
Olive Young
Why we love it: Olive Young’s annual awards are pretty much Seoul’s beauty Olympics, and closing out 2025 at the #3 spot was none other than Clio’s Pro Eye Palette Air. If you’re a matte eye shadow person, 08 Latte Senior is especially easy to love—this 12-shade palette is filled with those everyday shades you actually reach for: soft beiges, peaches, nudes, and deeper browns, plus a touch of gold and rose-gold shimmer for a little dimension. The end result is that kind of eye look that feels almost suspiciously effortless—and it’s genuinely hard to overdo. The powders are so finely-milled that you can buff your chosen colors in very light layers and build up to your desired intensity. Our testers especially like using the lighter shades to brighten inner corners and along the crease. We won’t lie: The stickers that these palettes come with (for optional adornment) are an extra cute touch.
Han applying the Clio Pro Eye Palette Air in Latte Senior
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Clio Pro Eye Palette Air in Latte Senior
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“If you’ve ever met me or seen a photo of me, it’s pretty clear that mattes are not my thing—but makeup is all about experimentation, and I don’t ever want to be stuck doing things just one way. I was browsing Hwahae, one of the most popular Korean beauty review sites and multiple Clio Pro Eye Palettes top the list, so I knew I had to give them a shot. While the colorways like Peach Mate Apple, which have a more balanced blend of shimmers and mattes, are more my usual style, I can definitely see myself using Latte Senior on a regular basis when I want a more low-key look. It’s a very thoughtful curation of neutrals, which are a staple in any makeup kit—even as a self-proclaimed shimmer obsessive. I love how soft the powders are themselves; they feel like nothing on the skin and leave a very true-to-Korean-beauty, blurred finish.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Colorways available: Latte Senior, Rose Connect, Lavender Staff, Crystal Paw, Peach Mate Apple, Shopping Cheese
Best Liquid Eye Shadow: Colorgram Milk Bling Shadow
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Colorgram
Milk Bling Shadow
Amazon
Olive Young
Why we love it: The easiest way to add a touch of sparkle to any look is with these Colorgram Milk Bling Shadows. There’s no need to blend them, since these liquid eye shadows dry pretty much as soon as they touch skin. You do have to be a bit intentional with placement—and yes, a good cleansing oil is your friend when it’s time to take them off—but once they’re on, they stay put. Sweep one over your lids as a topper for full-on shimmer, or tap a bit into the inner corners for a quick pop. It’s less about precision and more about those little flashes of sparkle that pull everything together.
Tester feedback from Han
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"I always get compliments and questions when I wear this glittery liner-shadow hybrid on my lower lash line for an extra pop. Colorgram's Milk Bling Shadow isn't heavy or chunky at all, and it dries quickly, so there's no fallout or residue. It's the easiest trick in my book to elevate a simple eye look." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Shades available: 4
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