What to know | MEOVV Makeup Artist Sungeun Jin on Aegyo-sal, Blush and Choosing the Right Tools
The key details: In a public interview, Jin explains two visual focuses of K-pop makeup. Her approach starts with the effect you want and the tools you already use.
In a public interview, Sungeun Jin, the makeup artist who collaborates with the Korean girl group MEOVV, focused her observations on K-pop makeup on aegyo-sal (the fullness beneath the eyes) and blush, and emphasized the importance of makeup tools and makeup application habits. Her advice is not to make a long list of must-buy items, but to first understand the effect you want to achieve, and then see if the products and tools at hand can match it.
Cover image: Instagram @meovv
A pairing of makeup brushes and cream products. Image: M·A·C Cosmetics
Aegyo-sal and blush, which visual emphasis will be changed respectively?
Jin believes that aegyo-sal (the fullness beneath the eyes) can make eyes appear more smiling, while blush can provide brightness and complexion. This is her description of the makeup style. It does not mean that everyone needs to use the same color and the same range to paint; the stage, photography and general daily lighting will also make the same makeup look different.
If you want to try this direction, you can first choose a part to adjust, and then observe the overall balance. For example, if you keep your usual base makeup and only change the tone and position of the blush, it will be easier to see where the change comes from. If you change the eye makeup, base makeup and lip color at the same time, it will be difficult to judge which one you really like.
Girl group style eye makeup and blush hints. Image: M·A·C Cosmetics
Why should you choose tools and products together?
Jin mentioned that the same makeup may have different effects when applied with brushes or fingers. Before choosing new products, think about what tools you are accustomed to using, so as to avoid finding out that you lack the corresponding makeup application method after buying it home. This also extends the purchasing decision from brand and color to actual use.
Close-up of blush brush. Image: M·A·C Cosmetics
Readers can first take stock of the brushes, sponges and daily steps on hand, and then read the product instructions. If a product requires a very different operation method from what you are used to, it is worthwhile to try the makeup first, rather than buying the entire set at once just because it looks good on the image. Methods that can be used repeatedly are usually closer to life than a single shot.
M·A·C makeup products. Image: M·A·C Cosmetics
Refinement does not require emphasizing every feature
Jin also reminded that constantly stacking products may make the makeup lose its lightness and freshness. If you want to make the details more obvious, you can first check whether the color, border and position are sufficient, and then decide whether you need to add more. Adding each layer to the deepest level may not necessarily lead to a more complete shape.
When practicing, you can fix the positions of the light source and the mirror, and keep one side or part for comparison. This makes it easier to tell whether the change is color, lightness, or amount of product, rather than attributing all differences in camera filters and scene lighting to a certain product.
Turn girl group makeup inspiration into methods that you can use
K-pop styling often serves the stage, video and overall costumes, while daily makeup needs to match personal time and occasions. You can keep the key points you like, you don’t have to follow all the steps, and you don’t need to use makeup as a fixed standard to change your facial features.
The most practical sequence for this sharing is: first clearly explain the desired effect, then choose an observable part, then check the tools and amount, and finally decide whether to purchase additional products. Aegyo-sal and blushes provide a style entry, while tools and layers make the idea truly a daily makeup look you can pull off yourself.
