Aegyo Sal Makeup: Your 2023 Guide to Achieving the Cutest Korean Eye Look

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Aegyo sal – pronounced ah-gay-yo sal – is a beauty trend that has taken South Korea by storm, and it is now an essential element of the Korean beauty culture. For those not in the know, aegyo sal can be best described as puffiness around the under eyes, creating a wide-eyed, adorable, youthful look. In Korean culture, aegyo sal is seen as a charming and youthful feature that can make a person look more approachable and friendly.

Because of its popularity in Korean beauty culture, many people use makeup techniques to enhance the appearance of aegyo sal or create the illusion of having it. Aegyo sal makeup typically involves using light-colored eyeshadows, highlighter, and other techniques to create a puffy, youthful look under the eyes.

This article will provide a step-by-step guide to achieving the aegyo sal makeup look, including recommendations for specific products and dos and don’ts for the best results. By the end of this article, you will clearly understand how to achieve this cute and popular Korean look.

What is Aegyo Sal?

The term “aegyo” in Korean means “cute” or “charming,” while “sal” refers to the small raised area of skin or fat. Therefore, “aegyo sal” literally translates to “cute or charming skin/fat.” The term is commonly used in Korean beauty culture to describe the small pouches of skin or fat beneath the eyes that become more visible when a person smiles or laughs. Aegyo Sal is often described as the “eye smiles” or “smiling eyes.”

What Is the Difference Between Aegyo Sal and Under-Eye Bags?

Aegyo Sal is a natural and desirable feature in Korean beauty culture, and it is typically more prominent in younger people. It can enhance their overall appearance by making them more approachable and friendly.

On the other hand, under-eye bags are puffiness or swelling that appears beneath the eyes. Various factors, including aging, genetics, lack of sleep, and dehydration, can cause under-eye bags. They are often more noticeable in the morning or after a long day, making a person look tired or exhausted.

Overall, the main difference between aegyo sal and under-eye bags is that aegyo sal is a desirable feature that can enhance a person’s appearance, while under-eye bags are often seen as an undesirable feature that can make a person look tired or older.

Which Korean Celebrities Are Known for Their Prominent Aegyo Sal?

Several Korean celebrities are known for their aegyo sal, and their charming appearance has contributed to their popularity in Korean beauty culture. Some examples of Korean celebrities with prominent aegyo sal include:

• Park Shin-hye: Actress Park Shin-hye is known for her beautiful and youthful appearance, and her aegyo sal is often cited as one of her most charming features.
• IU: Singer and actress IU has a well-defined aegyo sal contributing to her cute and approachable image.
• Han Hyo-joo: Actress Han Hyo-joo has a subtle but noticeable aegyo sal that gives her a friendly and youthful appearance.
• Park Bo-young: Actress Park Bo-young’s aegyo sal is a defining feature of her cute and youthful appearance.
• Song Ji-hyo: Actress Song Ji-hyo’s aegyo sal is often highlighted in her makeup looks, adding to her playful and charming personality.

These celebrities and many others have contributed to the popularity of aegyo sal in Korean beauty culture. They have inspired many people to enhance their aegyo sal or create the illusion of having it through makeup techniques.

How to Get Aegyo Sal Makeup Step-By-Step

Achieving the aegyo sal makeup look may initially seem intimidating, but it can be easily accomplished with the right techniques and products.

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Start by cleansing and moisturizing your face to create a smooth base for your makeup. Apply a lightweight eye cream to help hydrate the area around your eyes.

Read also: Best Korean Eye Cream of 2023

Step 2: Apply Concealer

Using a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone, apply a small amount to the inner corners of your eyes and the area beneath your lower lash line. Use a small brush or finger to blend the concealer outwards, making sure to blend it well with your foundation or BB cream.

Read also: Best Korean Concealer of 2023

Step 3: Add Eyeshadow

Use a light-colored eyeshadow on the same area where you applied the concealer. This will help to create a subtle shadow that enhances the appearance of your aegyo sal. Be sure to blend the eyeshadow well to avoid any harsh lines.

Read also: Best Korean Eyeshadow Palettes of 2023

Step 4: Highlight Your Eyes

Using a highlighter, apply a small amount to the area where you applied the eyeshadow and concealer. This will help to create a bright and puffy look that enhances your aegyo sal. Use a small brush or your finger to blend the highlighter well.

Step 5: Add Eyeliner

Using brown or black eyeliner, line your upper and lower lash lines. For the lower lash line, keep the line thin and close to the line, as this will help enhance your aegyo sal and create a more natural look.

Step 6: Curl Your Lashes and Apply Mascara

Curl your lashes using an eyelash curler (Shu Uemura is our curler of choice), then apply a coat or two of mascara to your upper and lower lashes. This will help open your eyes and enhance your aegyo sal even further.

Step 7: Final Touches

If necessary, touch up areas where you have over-blended or applied too much product. Use a clean brush or your finger to blend out any harsh lines.

And that’s it! By following these steps, you should be able to achieve the aegyo sal makeup look and enhance the natural charm of your eyes. Remember, subtlety is the key to this look, so use a light touch and blend well.

Tips and Tricks for Perfecting the Aegyo Sal Look

Achieving the perfect aegyo sal makeup look can seem daunting, but with the right tips and tricks, anyone can enhance the natural features of their under-eye area. This paragraph will provide valuable tips and tricks to perfect the aegyo sal look. From choosing the right products to application techniques, we will cover everything you need to know to achieve a natural and charming aegyo sal makeup look.

• Choose the right products: When selecting makeup products for aegyo sal makeup, choose light and natural-looking ones. Avoid heavy, cakey products that can make the under-eye area look unnatural.
• Focus on the raised area: When applying eyeshadow and highlighter, focus on the raised area of the aegyo sal. Use a small brush or fingertip to target this area and blend the products onto the surrounding skin.
• Blend, blend, blend: Blending is critical to a natural-looking aegyo sal makeup look. Use a small brush or your fingertip to blend the eyeshadow and highlighter onto the raised area of the aegyo sal, making sure to blend out any harsh lines.
• Don’t forget the waterline: Applying a nude or white eyeliner to the waterline can make a big difference in enhancing the appearance of the aegyo sal. This technique can make the eyes look larger and more awake.
• Experiment with different shades and products: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and products to find the ones that work best for your skin tone and desired look. Try using different shades of eyeshadow and highlighter to find the perfect combination.
• Use false lashes sparingly: While false lashes can enhance the aegyo sal makeup look, choosing a natural-looking style and applying them sparingly is essential. Avoid using too thick or long lashes, as they can overpower the aegyo sal and make the makeup look unnatural.

Aegyo Sal Makeup Dos and Don’ts

You should follow a few dos and don’ts when achieving the perfect aegyo sal makeup look. One of the most important things to remember is that less is more with this look. You want to create an effect that enhances your natural features without making it obvious that you’re wearing makeup. Use a concealer to brighten dark circles, then blend carefully for a natural finish. When applying eyeshadow, opt for subtle shades that will open the eyes without looking overdone. Use gentle strokes with eyeliner along the lash line, and highlight under the brow bone and in the inner corner of the eye to draw attention and add brightness.

Another critical factor of this look is choosing products with hydrating properties, ensuring your skin looks fresh and luminous. Always use a primer before applying makeup (this one from The Saem is perfect), which helps keep your products in place throughout the day. To complete your aegyo sal makeup look, avoid overdoing it on blush or contouring; instead, opt for a light dusting of powder or bronzer around the cheekbones to warm up your complexion. Finally, set your look with a face mist or setting spray to last all day!

Blocking all your products seamlessly is important to achieve that perfect Korean-style aegyo sal look. Use a damp makeup blender (here is a selection of the best products) or brush when applying each product and blend gently; you don’t want harsh lines or edges that won’t blend into one another. Make sure to add dimension by using multiple shades of eyeshadows but keep it subtle by using light colors such as browns, beiges, taupes, and even whites. Avoid using too many dark colors, which may overpower the look and make it appear unnatural. Finally, remember that everyone’s face shape is different; use trial and error to determine which techniques work best for you!

What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Attempting the Aegyo Sal Makeup Look?

Here are some common mistakes people make when attempting the aegyo sal makeup look and how to avoid them:

• Applying too much product: One of the most common mistakes people make when attempting the aegyo sal makeup look is applying too much. This can make the under-eye area look cakey and unnatural. To avoid this, use a light hand when applying makeup products and gradually build the color.
• Using the wrong products: Using the wrong products can also lead to a less-than-desirable aegyo sal makeup look. Make sure to use light, natural-looking products that enhance the natural features of the under-eye area. Avoid heavy or dark products that can create an unnatural appearance.
• Forgetting to moisturize: Moisturizing the under-eye area before applying makeup is crucial to achieving a natural and seamless aegyo sal makeup look. Dry skin can make makeup look cakey and emphasize wrinkles or fine lines. Apply an eye cream or a lightweight moisturizer before applying makeup.
• Applying makeup too close to the lash line: Applying makeup too close to the lash line can create a droopy or tired appearance. Instead, focus on enhancing the raised area of the aegyo sal using eyeshadow and highlighter, and apply eyeliner to the waterline to create the illusion of larger, more awake eyes.
• Using false lashes that are too thick or long: False lashes can enhance the aegyo sal makeup look, but using too thick or long lashes can overpower the under-eye area’s natural features. Choose a natural-looking style that enhances your eye shape and apply them sparingly.
• Overdoing the highlighter: While it is essential to achieving the aegyo sal makeup look, it can make the under-eye area shiny or oily. Use a light hand when applying a highlighter and focus on enhancing the raised area of the aegyo sal.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can achieve a natural and charming aegyo sal makeup look that enhances your natural beauty and draws attention to your eyes.

What Are the Best Korean Beauty Products for Aegyo Sal Makeup?

Achieving the aegyo sal makeup look requires using specific makeup products that work together to enhance the natural features of the under-eye area. Each product serves a unique purpose in creating the brightening effect and highlighting the raised area of the aegyo sal. In this paragraph, we will explore the various makeup products needed to achieve the perfect aegyo sal makeup look and provide recommendations for specific k-beauty products that work well to enhance the natural beauty of the under-eye area.

• Eye Cream: Eye cream is essential to hydrate and moisturize the under-eye area. This is important to prevent dryness and make the makeup application process smoother. A good option for an eye cream is the Snail Repair Eye Cream from Mizon.
• Color-Correcting Concealer: A color-correcting concealer neutralizes dark circles or discoloration under the eyes before applying makeup. A great option is Apieu Moist Creamy Concealer.
• Light-Colored Eyeshadow: A light-colored eyeshadow creates a brightening effect under the eyes and enhances the aegyo sal. The Peach C – Soft Mood Eyeshadow Palette is a good choice for this product.
• Eyeliner: A nude or white eyeliner pencil is used to apply to the waterline of the lower lash line to create the illusion of a bigger and more open eye. A recommended product is MACQUEEN – Waterproof Pen Eyeliner.
• Highlighter: Highlighter is used further to enhance the raised area of the aegyo sal. A good option for a highlighter is the 3CE – Face Highlighter.
• Mascara: Mascara volumizes and curls the lashes, drawing attention to the eyes. An excellent option for mascara is the Romand – Han All Fix Mascara.
• False Lashes (optional): False lashes can further enhance the aegyo sal makeup look. A recommended option is the Individual False Eyelash by Lashie.

Enhance Your Natural Beauty with Aegyo Sal Makeup

In conclusion, aegyo sal makeup has become a popular trend in Korean beauty culture, with many individuals seeking to enhance the natural features of their under-eye area. We have explored the essential makeup products needed to achieve the aegyo sal makeup look and provided recommendations for specific k-beauty products that enhance the natural beauty of the under-eye area. Additionally, we have shared valuable tips and tricks to perfect the aegyo sal look and avoid common mistakes.

We encourage you to try the aegyo sal makeup look and experiment with different products and techniques to achieve their desired cuteness. Remember to embrace natural beauty and use makeup to enhance your unique features. Finally, our last advice is to practice the aegyo sal makeup look in various lighting conditions to ensure that the raised area of the aegyo sal is prominent and adds a youthful, charming touch to your overall appearance.

Incorporate the aegyo sal makeup look into your beauty routine and watch as it enhances your natural beauty and draws attention to your eyes. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect the first time, keep practicing and experimenting until you find the perfect technique.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, meaning we may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase through a link.