South Korea has always had a finger on the pulse of what’s next, setting makeup trends before the rest of the world catches up. But in 2026, it’s undergoing a transformation.
This new era of Korean makeup is rooted in skincare science, whipped up with sensorial textures, and powered by a cultural shift that treats makeup as both wellness and self-expression.
To find out what’s coming next, we spoke to Lucie Shin, Chief Industry Analyst at Trendier.AI. From food-inspired formulas to gender-fluid glam, she breaks down the five biggest Korean makeup trends set to shape your vanity (and your FYP) in 2026.
Korean Makeup Trends 2026: Care-Fused Makeup
TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
Skincare-makeup hybrids are nothing new, but in 2026, they’re getting a serious upgrade.
Dubbed the “skinification of makeup,” this trend involves fusing clinically minded skincare ingredients into everyday makeup staples.
“Makeup products that seamlessly integrate skincare benefits – BB/CC creams with treatment ingredients, lip balms that bridge lip care and makeup, and base products designed for sensitive skin with acne and redness concerns,” says Shin.
The rise of the “skincaring makeup” keyword reflects how global consumers are no longer settling for coverage alone. They’re reaching for makeup that calms, treats, and protects, especially in fast-paced lifestyles where wellness and efficiency go hand in hand.
“It aligns with wellness-driven routines and ‘professional home care’ culture, meeting needs of busy lifestyles that want clinical-level treatment without salon visits,” Shin adds.
Try these products:
MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream (left), ATHÉ Authentic Lip Glowy Balm (right)
- MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream (S$16.55): This cult-favourite BB cream evens out skin tone, hydrates, and protects with SPF 42 PA+++ in a featherlight formula.
- TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation (S$30): Delivers full coverage with a breathable, semi-matte finish that lasts all day.
- ATHÉ Authentic Lip Glowy Balm (S$65.21): A tinted balm that bridges the gap between lip care and colour payoff.
Korean Makeup Trends 2026: Sweet Treat Formulas
Laneige x Baskin-Robbins Rainbow Sherbet Lip Sleeping Mask
K-beauty’s love affair with food is going strong in 2026, but this time, it’s showing up in textures, scents, and packaging. From jelly-like cheek pots to milky lip tints, Korean brands are creating dessert-inspired makeup that’s as fun to apply as it is to wear.
“Food-inspired texture cosmetics that create playful, dessert-like experiences,” Shin describes. “These products feature textures, colours, and concepts inspired by sweet treats and beverages.”
These adorable products are activating our sensory cravings, too. “Brands are leveraging the flavour and sensory qualities food evokes to recreate favourable tastes and textures in cosmetic products,” she adds.
Laneige’s buzzed-about collaboration with Baskin-Robbins was just the start.
Try these products:
Dasique Chewing Glow Pot (left), lilybyred Sweet Liar Milky Tint (right)
- Laneige x Baskin-Robbins Rainbow Sherbet Lip Sleeping Mask (not available in Singapore): A dessert-inspired lip mask complete with a mini pink spoon applicator.
- Dasique Chewing Glow Pot (S$18.24): A juicy, dewy balm with skincare ingredients and a jelly-soft finish.
- lilybyred Sweet Liar Milky Tint (S$13.42): A milky pink tint that melts into lips for a blurred, soft-focus effect.
Korean Makeup Trends 2026: Makeup as Accessories
Entropy Charm Tint Matte
The rise of “charmified” cosmetics sees beauty brands releasing mini-sized, wearable products designed to double as accessories. Think lipsticks on keychains, pocket-sized mascaras, and adorable compacts that make your beauty stash look like a toy store.
“From bag charms to beauty,” Shin explains, “the ‘Charmification of Beauty’ takes over as consumers’ bags become ‘jangling menageries of trendy, mini-sized beauty products.’”
Even global brands like Fenty Beauty are embracing the trend with keychain lip glosses, while K-pop idols like Twice, Lisa, and Jennie are turning bag charms into full-blown fashion statements.
Try these products:
AMUSE Powder Lip & Cheek (left), Etude Curl Fix Mini Keyring Mascara (centre), Clio Glaze Lip Serum (right)
- AMUSE Powder Lip & Cheek (S$21.60): A multi-use pop of colour for lips and cheeks, packed in a palm-sized, bag-attachable compact.
- Etude Curl Fix Mini Keyring Mascara (S$10.80): A smudge-resistant mini mascara with major curl power and a keyring to match.
- Clio Glaze Lip Serum (S$18.90): A glossy lip tint-serum hybrid that doubles as a charm-worthy accessory.
- Entropy Charm Tint Matte (S$20):A matte lip tint meets keychain collectable with a pro makeup artist seal of approval.
Related read: Functional Beauty Accessories You Need to Touch Up Your Makeup on the Go!
Korean Makeup Trends 2026: Soft-Focus Perfection
Luna Pro Photo Finisher
Matte isn’t dead – it’s just been reborn. Korean makeup in 2026 is all about soft-focus, blurred finishes that deliver an airbrushed effect without flattening the skin. These formulas give you filtered skin IRL while maintaining glow where it counts.
“Makeup techniques and products that create naturally blurred, soft-focus effects, making skin appear filtered in real life while maintaining natural radiance,” Shin explains.
This evolution of the “my-skin-but-better” look comes in response to digital filter fatigue. And, of course, Korean brands are leading the way with “matte, blurry looks” that still feel modern and wearable.
Try these products:
Fwee Lip & Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot (left), Wakemake Shaking Blur Cheek (right)
- Fwee Lip & Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot (S$26): A mousse-textured tint that airbrushes lips and cheeks in a soft matte finish.
- Wakemake Shaking Blur Cheek (S$20.25): A blendable liquid blush that delivers a soft-focus glow without caking.
- Luna Pro Photo Finisher in 02 Blur Powder (S$37.80): A silky, pink-tinted powder pact that blurs pores and sets makeup with a touch of SPF.
Korean Makeup Trends 2026: Neo-Gender Neutral Glam
Wakemake Soft Blurring Balm Stick in 14 Wild Taupe
If 2025 was about soft glam, 2026 is going bold with gender-neutral makeup that blends metallic textures, smoky techniques, and androgynous colour stories. This is where editorial meets K-pop stage makeup, with a strong focus on grey tones, shimmer finishes, and unapologetic self-expression.
“Androgynous makeup featuring metallic finishes, grey tones, and semi-smoky techniques that transcend traditional gender boundaries, creating striking, editorial-inspired looks,” says Shin.
She adds, “Japanese dancer Kyoka from the well-known TV dance competition show World of Street Woman Fighter has become hugely popular in Korea for her androgynous ‘쇠맛’ (metallic/edgy) aesthetic.”
Other inspirations include aespa members and artists from All Day Project, whose bold makeup has made metallic lids and moody tones aspirational around the world.
Try these products:
Laka Bonding Glow Lipstick in Boy (left), Risky Pigment Eyeshadow Palette in Shatter (right)
- Laka Bonding Glow Lipstick in Boy (S$20.85): A greyish mauve lipstick with a glossy, non-sticky shine that suits all skin tones.
- Risky Pigment Eyeshadow Palette in Shatter (S$52.32): A cool-toned palette packed with metallic shimmers and editorial-worthy payoffs.
- Wakemake Soft Blurring Balm Stick in 14 Wild Taupe (S$21.60): A creamy taupe balm that defines lips with a softly blurred, genderless edge.
Related read: Aespa’s Makeup Artist Shares The Exact Products She Uses On The Members So You Can Achieve Their Glow
As Shin puts it best, K-beauty is about aspiration, expression, and intention. Whether you’re into soft-focus skin, collect-them-all minis, or lip tints that double as treatment, 2026’s Korean makeup trends are proving that beauty can be both fun and functional.
