How to Place Contour, Blush, Brows & Highlight for Korean Makeup

1. Base: Achieve Dewy, Glass-Like Skin

Start with a hydrating primer and a light-coverage, luminous foundation or BB cream that matches your skin undertone. Blend thinly to let your real skin show through. Apply a liquid or cream highlighter on the highest points of your cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and chin before foundation for a natural, lit-from-within glow.

2. Brows: Soft & Straight for Youthfulness

Shape the brows to be softly straight, minimizing the arch. Use a brow pencil or powder one shade lighter than your hair color for a gentle effect. Fill in sparse areas with light strokes, focusing on creating a straight line from head to tail. Brush through with a spoolie for a natural finish.

3. Blush: Creamy & High on the Cheeks

Choose a cream blush in soft pink or coral. Smile and dab blush high on the apples of your cheeks, blending slightly outward and up toward the temples. This placement lifts the face and mimics a healthy flush. Avoid dragging blush low or too far out.

4. Contour & Highlight: Subtle and Strategic

• Contour: Use minimal contour, if any. If contouring, apply a cool-toned cream contour very lightly under the cheekbones and along the jawline, blending well to avoid harsh lines. Focus on soft definition, not sculpting.
• Highlight: Apply a liquid or cream highlighter to the high points: tops of cheekbones, tip of the nose, cupid's bow, and inner corners of the eyes for extra radiance.

5. Lips & Eyes: Gradient and Soft

• Lips: For a gradient lip, use a deeper shade in the center and blend outward with a finger or brush, leaving the edges soft for a bitten effect.
• Eyes: Use a light pink or peach shadow on the lids, keeping the look fresh and subtle. Finish with a thin line of brown eyeliner close to the lash line and a coat of lengthening mascara.

For personalized advice on placement and shades, scan your face with Makeup Check AI to identify your exact face shape and undertone.