Korean brows are probably best characterised by their unusually linear and full look. They’re bushier but also softer compared to “Western brows”, which typically feature a sharp arch and well-defined strokes.
The big question is how did Korean brows gain popularity in recent years?
Besides the influence of K-drama and K-pop, the straighter Korean brows are said to look more natural and are associated with a youthful innocence and charm, which complement the glowy, fresh-faced K-makeup look when done right.
Take note, however, the standard Korean brows may not be suitable for all face shapes. Better worn by those with oval-shaped faces, the standard Korean brows may look odd on other face shapes, even though you can create a variation of the original to suit your face shape better.
We have a comprehensive guide on the most flattering brow shape for your face shape you can read.
But the great thing about makeup is that you can always try it and then remove it if you feel that it’s not for you. So if you’re ready to learn how to draw Korean brows, read on for a step-by-step guide we put together, including tips we picked up from makeup artist and YouTuber Beautifymeeh.
How to draw Korean brows
Step 1: Conceal or pluck your arch
Korean brows have a straighter look that appears like there’s no obvious arch.
If you’re committed to the look, you can certainly consider trimming your brows so they no longer have an obvious arch. You can do this yourself or with a brow artist.
However, the safer option is to hide your arch with a concealer. Make sure your brow hairs are trimmed to a shorter length to conceal more easily. Use your finger to blend out the concealer with a dabbing motion for a more natural look.
Step 2: Draw a straight line from under your brows
From under your brows, draw a straight line from the start of it to the ends of it, meeting the point where you want your brows to end.
Step 3: Connect to the top of your brows
Now that you’ve got the straight line from under your brow done, draw the top of your brow, connecting it to meet the end of the brow.
Step 4: Blend it out
Using a cotton swab or a spoolie, blend out the makeup. Focus on the start of your brow to make sure that it has an angular look.
Step 5: Intensity the look
Finally, if you’re satisfied with the brow shape, intensify the look by adding more brow makeup. Take note that Korean brows look subtle, so make sure you don’t go overboard with the intensity.
Best Korean brow pencils
Now that we’ve got the steps nailed down, it’s time to assemble the tools you need. Brow pencils are great for creating Korean brows because they can create precise lines while offering a subtle, natural-looking finish.
innisfree Auto Eyebrow Pencil Most affordable
This beginner-friendly Korean brow pencil is a beauty must-have for K-beauty experts and rookies alike.
With an oval-shaped tip that allows for the creation of thin or thick lines, depending on how you angle the pencil, this product is easy to use and glides on seamlessly. It comes with a built-in spoolie brush that makes the blending of the product much easier and faster.
Available in seven shades and retails for S$6.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Cult-favourite
It may not be from a Korean brand but this precision mechanical pencil that comes with a retractable tip has been a crowd-favourite for a while now and it’s no surprise!
With a waxy consistency that does a great job at mimicking actual hairs, achieve a full brow easily without looking like you’ve taped on caterpillars on your face – even if you’ve got sparse brows to begin with!
Available in 12 shades and retails for S$36. Click on the link to check for promotions.
Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil
If you’re looking for a classic brow pencil (and not pressed sticks like the first two recomemndations), consider this one from Rimmel.
This may be a budget buy, but reviews have proven it to be a worthy purchase against many high-end options.
Its creamy formula makes it a breeze to outline and fill in brows for an ultra-defined look – all without breaking the bank! Its long-lasting wear stays put no matter the weather too so you can be sure your brows will withstand Singapore’s humidity.
Available in three shades and retails for S$9.90. Click on the link to check for promotions.
3CE Brow Pencil & Cushion
This dual-ended Korean brow pencil comes with a classic pencil on one end and a cushion on the other end.
Use the pencil for precision so you can get a perfectly shaped brows, then fill in the brows with the cushion tip so you can get a gradient Korean brow look.
Available in three shades and retails for S$23. There’s an ongoing promotion at the time of writing, so click on the link to check for latest price.
Best Korean brow powders
When it comes to the dense Korean brow, brow powder might seem useful for filing in barren areas but one vital key point to note: choose a good brow brush!
And that has everything to do with the product you’re pairing it with. When done right, the brow brush can majorly help with even blending and make your brows look more natural.
Judydoll Colouring Eyebrow Powder
This handy eyebrow powder palette comes with four shades that are coordinated to help you create natural-looking Korean brows.
It comes with a tiny brush that you can use for easy touch-ups.
Available in four shades and retails for S$17.90. There’s an ongoing promotion at the time of writing, so click on the link to check for latest price.
Excel Styling Powder Eyebrow
This four-shade eyebrow palette can be used on your eyebrows and as a nose shadow.
Infused with squalane, a moisturising ingredient, it ensures that the formula glides on more easily and last longer.
Available in three shades and retails for S$22.90. Click on links to compare prices.
Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zing Pro Palette Popular
There’s no way you can talk about a brow palette without mentioning this.
This kit comes with seven shades (including a clear one) and two dual-ended brushes (including hard-angled brushes and a spoolie) and is essentially everything you need to fill, sculpt, and define brows.
Go for the Light shade to create Korean brows.
Available in two shades and retails for S$68. Click on the link to check for promotion.
Best Korean brow mascaras and brow tints
Brow tints and mascaras are the saving grace for those of us with sparse eyebrows. They grip onto the skin and hair to darken the areas covered by the formula and typically require a brush, cotton swabs, cotton pads, and water for complete application.
If you’ve got a little extra time in the morning and steady hands, we’re all for this method. If not, it might be a little hard to create the Korean brow shape for makeup rookies.
TONYMOLY Perfect Eyes Silky Touch Brow
This popular brow tint from Korea is formulated with nourishing oils that help stain your hairs and skin for a pair of better looking arches.
To start, simply use the given applicator or brow brush to feather through hairs in small gentle flicks and create the shape that you want. Clean up any excess around the edges with a damp cotton swab and let set for a few minutes, depending on how dark you’d like your brows to be. Wipe off with a damp cotton pad.
Available in two shades and retails for S$8.86. There’s an ongoing promotion at the time of writing, so click on the link to check for latest price.
ETUDE Color My Brows Affordable
Brow mascaras work to keep hairs in place too and can be used before or after the whole process. We’re loving this brow collection from ETUDE.
If you have a set of extremely dark brows, try using one to lighten them before you start! Swipe them on in a thin layer to achieve a mellow look.
Available in five shades and retails for S$7.70. There’s an ongoing promotion at the time of writing, so click on the link to see latest price.
Aritaum Matte Formula Brow Mascara
This comes with a natural matte finish and fast drying speed so you can create Korean brows quickly and effortlesslyt.
You’ll love that it doesn’t cause brows to stick together even with multiple touch-ups and comes in subtle shades that are perfect for Korean brows.
Available in four shades and retails for S$13.73. There’s an ongoing promotion at the time of writing, so click on the link to see latest price.
Video tutorial to draw Korean brows
Prefer watching a video? Here’s one we love:
