The Korean drama that has been on everyone’s radar lately? What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim.
Lauded for diverting from the usual K-Drama tropes and the off-the-charts chemistry between the two leads, audiences are also raving about Park Min Young’s makeup look in the show as secretary Kim Mi So: polished, pretty, and oh-so-professional.
Looking to emulate this look for the workplace? Well, you’re in luck then. Here are seven products that we tracked down that you can use to get her makeup look: from what secretary Kim uses to get her hair into that perfect ponytail to how she gets her defined yet natural brows. Let’s get started!
1. The flawless base makeup
A dewy, luminous complexion is practically a requirement when it comes to replicating Mi So’s look. To get the ball rolling, start with a primer that helps conceal pores and smooth out your skin effortlessly. If you can find one that brightens your skin, too, even better!
Our pick? The Benefit The POREfessional Pearl Primer. It has all the great qualities of the original, but with an additional soft pearly pink finish that will is sure to give you Kim Mi So’s radiant complexion. This one comes with a lightweight and oil-free formula too, making it perfect for Singapore’s hot and humid weather. Put on a fine layer before opting for your favourite foundation to go on over it, creating a smooth yet even canvas.
The Benefit The Porefessional Pearl Primer is available at all Sephora outlets and retails for SGD54 (22ml).
2. The glowing, radiant skin
Unsure as to which foundation or BB cream you should pick to layer on over your primer? We recommend something with a natural finish that is both sweat-proof and water-resistant. Trust us, you’ll need something that will hold up in both an air-conditioned office environment and outdoors, especially if you keep long hours. Try not to go for anything with too much of a matte finish— it can be drying on skin, settling into fine lines and flaws easily. Plus, it is a far cry from the dewy, K-drama worthy complexion that all the K-Drama heroines have!
A foundation that is guaranteed to give you a well-moisturised, dewy skin look? This one by Dior. It comes with amazing coverage but also has a second-skin finish that will have people thinking your skin is just that flawless. There are 11 diverse shades to choose from, too, with users loving the lightweight, breathable formula.
The Dior Backstage Face And Body Foundation retails at all Sephora outlets for SGD65.
3. The defined brows
Straight, defined brows that still appear natural are what you have to aim for if you’re looking to emulate Kim Mi So’s look. Use light strokes to fill in sparse areas carefully, making sure to blend them out with a spoolie brush so they don’t come off as harsh. Finish off with a coat of brow mascara (that matches your hair colour, of course) to hold everything in place!
A long-lasting gel brow pencil that lasts just about forever, opt for the Clio Kill Brow Tattoo Lasting Gel Pencil to shape the thick, straight brows that are characteristic of secretary Kim.
The Clio Kill Brow Tattoo Lasting Gel Pencil is available at selected Watsons outlets and retails for SGD17.90.
4. The rosy cheeks
Blushing from Young-Joon’s antics or a really great blusher? We just can’t tell. Either way, re-create this look by going for a soft, sheer blush that blends easily onto cheeks. Dusty pink is always a safe bet, or if you’re looking to try something different, maybe coral, like Kim Mi So’s.
This one by 3CE in the shade Peach Crush is perfect if you’re thinking into venturing into coral blushes. Swirl a brush or your fingers into the pot to mix the two to get a in-between shade that will look amazing on just about every complexion.
The 3CE Duo Colour Face Blush is available at all Sephora outlets and retails for SGD34.
5. The brown eyeliner
Kim Mi So’s doe-eyed look is achieved through her soft brown liner. Black is too harsh, so make sure to go for a soft brown formula that blends out easily for a diffused, natural look. No winged flicks either! Taper your liner out slightly for a full lash line that gives a sophisticated and refined appearance.
With a formula that stays on all day and provides great pigmentation, the Etude House All Day Fix Pen Liner is the one to go for if you’re looking to replicate secretary Kim’s puppy eyes. No dragging or yanking required to dispense just the right amount on your lids!
The Etude House All Day Fix Pen Liner is available at all Etude House outlets and retails for SGD19.90.
6. The gradient lips
Her gradient lips are deceptively easy to replicate! Simply opt for a lip tint in a coral or sheer pink shade, and make sure to concentrate the product on the middle of your lower lip before blending it out slightly towards the edges. You can refer to a full-blown guide to gradient lips here, if you’re still unsure.
We recommend you opt for the Mamonde Creamy Tint Squeeze Lip to get gradient lips effortlessly and effectively. Equipped with an easy-to-use squeeze tube and a just-right formula that dries on lips quickly, you’ll have a pucker like Kim Mi So’s in no time.
The Mamonde Creamy Tint Squeeze Lip is available at all Mamonde boutiques. It retails for SGD18.
7. The sleek ponytail
An elegant, super sleek ponytail is the way to go when it comes to replicating Kim Mi So’s look. No fly-aways, frizziness, or baby hairs poking out, please! Tame your mane by combing it out and parting it with a fine-toothed comb before pulling it up into a pony.
Unmanageable mane? Combat it with the Living Proof No-Frizz Instant De-Frizzer. A dry conditioning spray that adds instant softness, smoothness, and shine, it even works as a sort of dry shampoo, refreshing greasy locks in between washes. Keep it in your makeup bag and whip it out whenever you need a touch-up throughout the day!
The Living Proof No-Frizz Instant De-Frizzer is available at all Sephora outlets and retails for SGD22 (95ml).
