If When Life Gives You Tangerines left you sobbing into your pillow (same here), welcome aboard the emotional rollercoaster we all willingly boarded—no seatbelt, just tissues.
In the tearjerker drama, IU takes on not one but three roles – a literature-loving high schooler, a young mother, and a weary, middle-aged mum with (cue the sobs) two or three children, depending on how far you are in the story.
While we were busy crying over the story, we couldn’t help but notice how IU’s makeup looks subtly evolved with each character she played, telling a quiet story of its own. Here are four looks that made just as much of an impact as the show itself.
Oh Ae Sun as a High Schooler
This is the first time we see her in the film – a teenager with big dreams of becoming a poet.
Her short bob, slightly tousled by the afternoon breeze, frames her face in a way that makes her look both innocent and full of quiet determination. She wears her school uniform neatly, the fabric a little worn but still well cared for, a reflection of her everyday life.
She wears just enough makeup to enhance what’s already there. Her skin has that effortless glow of youth, her lips a soft shade of pink, like she’s just basked in the sun.
Products to Achieve This Look:
Too Cool For School Art class By Rodin Shading Master
Credit: Xiao Hong Shu
For her character’s high school phase, we recommend keeping the makeup soft and subtle to mirror her youthful charm.
A light contour using the Too Cool For School Artclass by Rodin Shading Master in Modern helps define the cheekbones, nose, and eyelids without looking overdone. Pair it with a gentle flush of blush and a barely-there lip tint to evoke that effortless, innocent vibe of teenage years.
Too Cool For School Art class By Rodin Shading Master retails for S$17 on Shopee official store.
ROM&ND Better Than Cheek
Credit: Simply Saima Blog
IU sticks to a neutral makeup look, using a peachy and apricot blush that adds a natural flush to her cheeks, reminiscent of the youthful glow we had when we were younger.
This soft, warm blush by ROM&ND in shade Fig Chip helps her maintain the look of a high schooler, keeping her appearance fresh and natural.
ROM&ND Better Than Cheek retails for S$8 on the official Lazada store.
Oh Ae Sun as a Teen Mom
In this scene, IU plays a pregnant teen mother of one, now living with her husband.
Her hair and makeup work together to subtly reflect the emotional shift she is experiencing. Once pin-straight, her hair now carries a delicate wave, as if love itself has softened her—a quiet, visual echo of the changes unfolding within her.
Her makeup, too, feels more delicate, yet still holds the weight of her ambition. A pinky nude lip keeps her grounded, understated yet intentional, while her straight brows serve as a reminder of who she once was.
Products to Achieve This Look:
CHIOTURE Minuteness Ultra Thin Liquid Eyeliner
To achieve that enlarged eye look, use the CHIOTURE Minuteness Ultra Thin Liquid Eyeliner. This eyeliner ensures a clean, precise one-stroke application, giving your eyes a beautifully defined shape without appearing too dramatic, helping to enhance her natural features.
CHIOTURE Minuteness Ultra Thin Liquid Eyeliner retails for S$6.90 on the Shopee official store.
CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet
Credit: Xiao Hong Shu
IU uses the CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet in shade 62 Libre. This slightly matte, velvety shade emphasises the simplicity of life, complementing her character’s natural and understated beauty while still adding a touch of sophistication.
CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet retails for S$70 on the Chanel official website and physical stores.
Guem Myeong as a Young Adult
As we transition into the early 2000s of the drama, IU steps into the role of Ae-sun’s daughter, and with that, we see a noticeable shift in her appearance.
Her long hair now flows with effortless grace, contrasting her earlier, youthful look. The bold cheeks and lips are a clear nod to the beauty trends of the time, making a strong statement.
Products to Achieve This Look:
Holika Holika My Fave Mood Palette
Credit: Olive Young
To recreate the soft, daydreamy eye look, we suggest reaching for neutral pinkish tones that subtly enhance the eyes while keeping things fresh and youthful.
The Holika Holika My Fave Mood Palette in 13 Almost Grape is a perfect pick – its mix of mauves, rosy pinks, and muted shimmers gives you that effortless “your eyes but better” effect.
Holika Holika My Fave Mood Palette retails for S$28 on the Shopee official store.
Berrisom Real Me Water Colour Blusher
To achieve that effortless, natural flush seen on IU’s cheeks during her high school phase, we recommend the Berrisom Real Me Water Colour Blusher in 01 RoseBud.
This delicate tint strikes the perfect balance – it looks peachy in the bottle, but blends out to reveal a soft pink undertone that melts seamlessly into the skin. The result is a subtle, nostalgic glow that ties the whole look together without ever feeling overdone – ideal for capturing the quiet charm of youth.
Berrisom Real Me Water Colour Blusher retails for S$12 on the KoinShop store.
Peripera Water Bare Tint
Credit: Xiao Hong Shu
The Peripera Water Bare Tint in shade 08 Pure Pink is a perfect balance between bold and effortlessly natural. It gives your lips that fresh, juicy pop of colour without looking overdone.
Peripera Water Bare Tint retails for S$12 on the Shopee official store.
Guem Myeong as a Middle Aged Mother
As the daughter becomes a mother, her appearance shifts once again, now reflecting a more modern, confident look.
Her lips carry a subtle gradient, giving a soft, modern vibe to her overall look, while her pixie cut signals both a bold and functional choice, shedding any remnants of the past and embracing a fresh, empowered version of herself.
Products to Achieve This Look:
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Airy
To recreate the mature glow of IU’s middle-aged character, we recommend the Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Airy with SPF 50+.
This cushion delivers full coverage while maintaining a lightweight, breathable feel – perfect for achieving a polished, sophisticated finish. It blends seamlessly into the skin, offering a luminous look that feels elegant and age-appropriate, just like her character’s quiet strength and grace.
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Airy retails for S$100 on the official Sephora website.
Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder
Set your makeup for 12 hours with the Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder. The lightweight formula controls oil, ensuring your makeup stays fresh and smooth.
Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder retails for S$13 (5g) on the Innisfree official website and physical stores.
Peripera Ink Glasting Lip Gloss
Credit: Olive Young
To complete the look, opt for a neutral gloss that adds just the right touch of sophistication. We recommend the Peripera Ink Glasting Lip in Good on You – a flattering shade that enhances the lips with a soft, natural sheen.
It’s the kind of finish that feels effortless yet refined, perfectly complementing the graceful maturity of IU’s character.
Peripera Ink Glasting Lip Gloss retails for S$12 on the Shopee official store.
