Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the simplicity of K-beauty was already getting noticed on social media. In the past 18 months, given that all of us have been behind masks, the perfectly crafted liquid lip and contour popularised by Instagram make-up gurus have become pointless. Instead, many of us started looking to the dewy complexion and natural make-up techniques that are the hallmark of K-beauty trends, taking a leaf out of Bae Suzy and Yoona’s book. The best thing about this make-up look is its focus on less-is-more, and it’s so simple that it can be achieved in 10 minutes. Are BTS K-pop’s most generous band? Here’s what they bought their parents It’s skin-deep The first step, oddly enough, isn’t make-up at all – it’s skincare. Because a flawless complexion is essential for K-beauty, it’s paramount you take good care of your skin and use the right ingredients to treat it so it’s healthy, happy, hydrated and clear. Remember that skincare is incredibly individual, and that it takes trial and error to get it right. Aim to build a routine that includes a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum and a good sunscreen or moisturiser with SPF for the day. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Supergoop! (@supergoop) After you cleanse, apply your serum followed by your moisturiser or SPF immediately, don’t wait till your skin feels dry after cleansing or between steps. Why 2021 is Jang Ki-yong’s year Also, to keep your skin healthy, use an oil or balm make-up remover as your first cleanse in the evening, followed by your cleanser, a serum and a nourishing nighttime moisturiser. A toner with AHA/BHA/PHA to use between your cleanser and serum can’t hurt either. Neither would a hydrating mask and a deep cleansing one to use in rotation once or twice a week. Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels, and respond accordingly. Nothing to hide Coverage is definitely not the signature of a K-beauty make-up look. Instead, you want to use as little as you can get away with to even out your complexion. Depending on how your skin is looking that day, maybe a tinted moisturiser is all you need. If you must use concealer or foundation, play around with using it only on areas where you need it, instead of all over your face, and blending it out so it melts seamlessly into your skin. The key is to look like you’re not wearing any make-up at all. Inside IU’s lavish new US$11.7 million penthouse Double duty Because K-beauty is built upon minimalist, natural beauty with feminine flair, you can get away with not using that many products. Instead of trying to perfect a killer cut crease or smoky eye, try using whatever blush you’re using as your eyeshadow as well. Going monochromatic can look super sweet and effortless, and very polished. Tap on and blend out the blush on your cheeks in a shape that flatters your face, then press the same product onto your eyelids and blend out the edges. If your skin is on the dry side, you can even use a cream product instead of a powder one for added glow. All BTS’ luxury homes – including RM and Jimin’s new ‘Beverly Hills of Korea’ splurge To give your eyes some definition, apply a dark brown shadow or pencil liner along your upper lash line, and smudge it out a little to keep it nonplussed. Or, if you’re more into a liquid eyeliner, just remember to keep the line thin and the wing subtle. Lock it in View this post on Instagram A post shared by MAKE UP FOR EVER (@makeupforever) In the summer, it’s hard to keep make-up on your face no matter where you are, but particularly if you’re in a humid climate. To keep your simple K-beauty look from melting off your face, set it all with a fine, translucent setting powder. Try using a smaller, fluffier brush like a blush brush instead of a big powder brush so you can better control the amount of product you put on and where. To ensure it all stays put, mist your entire face with a setting spray; it’ll also help reduce the powdery look that can often result from using power products. 5 Korean celebs who have been caught up in drug scandals Pucker up As a final touch, swipe on a few layers of a tinted lip balm to keep your lips moisturised but also give it some colour and shine. The Nars Afterglow Lip Balms are excellent – great colour payoff, high shine and very nourishing. For a brighter pop of colour, you can tap your favourite lipstick on to your lips with your fingertip, or just at the inside of your mouth and blend it outwards for an ombre effect, then top off with a clear lip gloss or balm. Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter .