9 Best Korean Lipsticks Of 2024 For A Perfect Pout

Author: Veruska Anconitano, Korean Beauty Lover And Korean Beauty JournalistAuthor information
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Veruska Anconitano
Veruska Anconitano is a Korean beauty expert, combining her expertise as a seasoned journalist with a deeply personal passion for K-beauty.
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Among the plethora of K-beauty offerings, Korean lipsticks have emerged as a staple in the cosmetics bags of aficionados and novices. These lip products not only promise vibrant, eye-catching colors but also nourish and protect the delicate skin of the lips. It’s a dual action that resonates with the fundamental Korean beauty philosophy – that makeup should not only enhance one’s natural beauty but also contribute to skin health.

Korean lipsticks are celebrated for their innovative formulas that glide on the lips with a smoothness that feels like a second skin and for their intense pigmentation that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. From the playful pop of neon pink to the understated elegance of a burnt rose, the spectrum of shades and finishes is as diverse as it is expansive. These lipsticks offer a finish for every preference and occasion, whether a sophisticated matte, a trendy velvet, or a hydrating glossy sheen.

In this article, I’ll introduce you to some of the best Korean lipsticks that have captured my attention and the adoration of beauty lovers worldwide. Each lipstick in my list has been tested and chosen for its standout qualities – from its longevity and pigment richness to its moisturizing properties and unique shades.

Whether you’re a K-beauty enthusiast or just starting to explore this segment of the beauty sphere, join me as I reveal which Korean lipsticks deserve a spot in your makeup collection.

Etude House Better Lips-Talk

Etude House Better Lips-Talk is a charming addition to the South Korean beauty brand’s beloved lip color lineup, renowned for its whimsical packaging and high-quality products. This particular range of lipsticks is formulated with the wearer’s comfort and lip health in mind, boasting key ingredients that are as nurturing as they are beautifying.

Infused with a blend of hydrating ingredients such as Murumuru butter and hyaluronic acid, the Better Lips-Talk series ensures your lips remain moisturized and supple throughout the day, effectively combating the dryness that often accompanies long-wear lip color. These emollient components work in tandem to lock in moisture, providing a smooth and pliable canvas for the lipstick’s application.

The texture of Etude House Better Lips-Talk is a dreamy convergence of creamy richness and lightweight wearability. It glides on with an almost buttery consistency, leaving a satin finish that strikes a perfect balance between a subtle sheen and an elegant matte. The product feels comfortable and breathable, without compromising on the longevity of wear.

As for the color range, Etude House has not held back. The Better Lips-Talk series presents a versatile palette from soft nudes and romantic pinks to the more daring reds and plums, catering to both daily wear and more dramatic evening looks. Each shade is richly pigmented, offering full coverage and vibrant color that can be built up from a sheer wash to a bold statement.

Who is this for: Etude House Better Lips-Talk is ideal for anyone looking for a moisturizing lipstick that provides comfortable wear and a diverse color selection. It is especially suitable for those who experience dry lips but still desire a long-lasting color.

Why it’s good: This product stands out due to its hydrating formula that doesn’t sacrifice color intensity for comfort. Including skin-loving ingredients ensures that your lips stay nourished, and the high pigment payoff means you don’t have to compromise on color.

Price Range: Etude House Better Lips-Talk lipsticks are typically positioned as mid-range in terms of price. They are affordable enough for those looking to explore high-quality K-beauty products without the luxury tag, offering good value for their cost due to the blend of skincare benefits and makeup performance.

Main strengths:

  • Moisture-rich ingredients for hydrated lips.
  • Long-lasting, pigmented shades.
  • Versatile range of colors suitable for every skin tone and occasion.
  • Creamy texture that provides a satin finish.

3CE Mood Recipe

3CE MOOD RECIPE LIP

The 3CE Mood Recipe lipstick collection delivers an understated elegance that aligns well with current beauty trends, focusing on enhancing the wearer’s natural beauty with shades that are both timeless and contemporary. This line stands out for its modern and minimalist approach, both in its sleek packaging and the sophisticated shadows it offers.

Key ingredients in the 3CE Mood Recipe lipsticks are carefully selected for their performance and benefits. They typically include a variety of waxes and oils, such as beeswax and argan oil, which provide a smooth application and help to maintain the lips’ hydration. Many formulations also include Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties and ability to protect the lips from environmental stressors.

The texture of the Mood Recipe lipsticks is nothing short of luxurious; they boast a matte finish that feels velvety upon application. Unlike some matte lipsticks that can feel drying, 3CE’s formula is designed to be comfortable to wear, offering a non-drying matte finish that doesn’t sacrifice the health of your lips. Despite their matte nature, these lipsticks do not settle into fine lines or creases, ensuring an elegant look throughout the day.

Color-wise, the 3CE Mood Recipe collection offers an array of muted tones inspired by the natural hues of everyday life. From rosy pinks to warm browns and subdued nudes, each shade is highly wearable and designed to complement a variety of skin tones. The colors are deeply pigmented, yet they can be sheered out or built up, giving the wearer control over the intensity of the look.

Who is this for: The 3CE Mood Recipe collection is perfect for anyone who loves a matte lip without the typical dryness. It’s for the beauty lover who appreciates nuanced, muted colors that make a subtle statement.

Why it’s good: These lipsticks strike an ideal balance between a matte finish and a comfortable feel. The high-quality ingredients ensure a smooth application and all-day wear without compromising lip health.

Price Range: The 3CE Mood Recipe lipsticks are generally priced in the mid-range. They are accessible for those who want a premium K-beauty product without venturing into luxury pricing.

Main strengths:

  • Non-drying matte texture.
  • A sophisticated range of muted, versatile shades.
  • Contains moisturizing ingredients like Vitamin E.
  • High pigmentation with buildable coverage.

Romand Juicy Lasting Tint 

Romand Juicy Lasting Tint is indeed a jewel in the crown of Korean lip products, striking a coveted balance between aesthetic appeal and skincare benefits, ensuring your lips are not only striking in color but also drenched in nourishing ingredients.

This lip tint features vital ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and fruit extracts (e.g., pomegranate and grapefruit). Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that helps draw moisture into the lips, keeping them hydrated and plump. The fruit extracts provide nourishment, and their antioxidants protect the lips from free radicals, promoting overall lip health.

The texture of the Juicy Lasting Tint is a delightful balance between lightweight and rich, offering a lustrous sheen that isn’t sticky or heavy. It glides on with the ease of a gloss yet provides the lasting power of a stain. As the name suggests, it leaves the lips with a juicy pop of color that can be blotted for a more natural look or layered for full vibrancy.

The color range is playful and varied, with shades that cater to every mood and occasion. From the perfect everyday coral to a bold berry, each shade is designed to be buildable, allowing you to customize your look – from a sheer wash of color to a more intense, statement-making hue. The finish is naturally glossy, giving the illusion of fuller lips while still maintaining a wearability that works for both daytime and evening looks.

Who is this for: Romand Juicy Lasting Tint is for anyone who wants the staying power of a lip tint with the high shine of a gloss. It’s perfect for a versatile, hydrating lip product with a youthful, vibrant finish.

Why it’s good: This product combines the best of both worlds: the longevity of a tint and the glossy appeal of a lip gloss without the stickiness. Its formula is designed to nourish while providing beautiful color payoff.

Price Range: The Romand Juicy Lasting Tint sits comfortably in the affordable price range, making it a great value option for those who wish to dabble in the popular K-beauty lip tint trend without a significant financial commitment.

Main strengths:

  • Dual-action formula that hydrates and colors lips.
  • Long-lasting wear that doesn’t sacrifice glossiness.
  • A wide range of playful and buildable shades.
  • Contains beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and fruit extracts.

Peripera Ink Mood Matte Tint

Peripera Ink Mood Matte Tint

Peripera Ink Mood Matte Tint exemplifies what many seek in a lip product: the ability to make a bold statement with their makeup while still caring for the health and comfort of their skin. This product line has truly mastered the art of matte lip color, offering a weightless feel and a palette of colors that can cater to every preference and occasion.

The Ink Mood Matte Tint boasts a formula rich in essential ingredients to ensure your lips stay conditioned and soft. Ingredients often include dimethicone and silica, which provide a smooth application and help control excess oil, giving you that sought-after matte finish without the drying effect. They may also contain moisturizing agents, like hyaluronic acid, to keep the lips hydrated underneath the matte veneer.

In terms of texture, the Ink Mood Matte Tint offers a soft, airy feel that closely resembles a mousse. This texture allows the product to glide over the lips effortlessly, offering high-opacity coverage with a very light touch. The finish is a powdery matte that doesn’t flake or cake, maintaining a fresh look for hours.

The color range of Peripera’s Ink Mood Matte Tint is both expressive and versatile, with shades that range from subtle nudes and pinks to bold reds and purples. Each tint is formulated to provide a burst of color that mimics the natural hue of flushed, healthy lips. These pigments are designed to be buildable, so you can easily transition from a soft, diffused look to a more striking, full-coverage effect.

Who is this for: The Peripera Ink Mood Matte Tint is perfect for anyone seeking a matte lip color that doesn’t compromise comfort or wearability. It’s particularly suitable for those who desire a long-lasting, pigmented lip product that feels like nothing on the lips.

Why it’s good: It combines the matte lip trend with an ultra-comfortable formula, offering an enduring, pigment-rich color that stays put without drying out the lips.

Price Range: These tints are generally affordable, placing them within the budget-friendly range while offering the performance and quality often found in more expensive brands.

Main strengths:

  • Comfortable, mousse-like texture with a matte finish.
  • Intense color payoff with buildable shades.
  • Long-lasting wear without the dryness.
  • Moisture-retaining ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Romand Zero Matte Lipstick NEW

In a marketplace where matte lipsticks are plentiful but often compromise comfort, the Romand Zero Matte Lipstick shines as a product that maintains lip health and provides a luxurious matte aesthetic without the typical drawbacks.

Key ingredients in the Zero Matte Lipstick range often include a fusion of botanical waxes and oils, such as sunflower seed oil and jojoba oil, which provide a smooth, moisturizing base. These natural ingredients help to nourish and protect the lips, ensuring that the matte finish does not crack or crease over time. They also allow for a silky, featherlight application, delivering opaque color without the weight.

The texture of the Zero Matte Lipstick is one of its most lauded features – it’s as if the lipstick melts onto the lips, leaving a soft, powdery finish that feels almost imperceptible. Unlike traditional matte lipsticks, the Zero Matte Lipstick doesn’t tug at the lips during application; instead, it sweeps across easily, offering a comfortable and velvety feel.

Romand’s color range for this line is a sophisticated collection of nudes, pinks, reds, and corals. Each shade is thoughtfully selected to provide a modern and chic look, capable of complementing a wide array of skin tones and personal styles. The pigments are rich and long-lasting, providing a saturated matte look that can easily be built up or blended out.

Why it’s good: This product line provides an authentic matte finish without the typical dryness. Its inclusion of nourishing oils ensures lips stay moisturized, making it stand out in the matte lipstick category.

Price Range: Romand Zero Matte Lipsticks are positioned in the affordable luxury segment, providing premium quality at a price accessible to a wide range of consumers.

Main strengths:

  • Non-drying, nourishing ingredients ensure comfortable wear.
  • Ultra-lightweight, powdery texture.
  • Intense color payoff with a true matte finish.
  • Elegant color range suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Lilybyred Smiley Lip Blending Stick

With the Lilybyred Smiley Lip Blending Stick, you get more than just a lip color — you get the joy of artistic expression and the benefits of a balm, wrapped up in one delightful package.

Crafted with ingredients that prioritize lip health, the Smiley Lip Blending Stick often features a combination of emollients like castor oil, which provides a smooth glide and comfortable wear. Hydrating elements, possibly including hyaluronic acid or ceramides, help to keep the lips moisturized, ensuring the product applies evenly without accentuating dry areas. The inclusion of vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to nourish and protect the lips from daily environmental stressors.

The texture of the Smiley Lip Blending Stick is creamy and buildable, enabling easy transition from sheer to more intense coverage. What sets this lipstick apart is its innovative design, which combines two complementary shades in one stick. This allows for creating an ombré effect, a full-coverage look, or even mixing the shades to customize a brand-new color.

Color options in this line are usually playful and versatile, ranging from soft pinks to bold berries and neutral tones. Each stick offers a harmonious duo of colors that can be used separately or blended for a gradient look that is effortlessly chic and completely customizable.

Who is this for: The Lilybyred Smiley Lip Blending Stick is perfect for the creative individual who enjoys experimenting with their lip color and embraces a more playful approach to makeup. It’s for those who appreciate hydration and nourishment in a lip product without sacrificing vibrant color options.

Why it’s good: This lipstick’s dual-color design and blendable formula allow for multiple looks in one product, making it versatile and fun. The hydrating formula ensures lips stay moisturized and comfortable.

Price Range: The Smiley Lip Blending Stick sits in the affordable price bracket, offering innovative Korean beauty technology without a hefty price tag, making it accessible to a broad audience.

Main strengths:

  • Dual-color stick for a variety of looks and finishes.
  • Creamy texture that hydrates and nourishes.
  • Versatile, buildable coverage from sheer to bold.
  • Affordable price point for a multi-functional product.

MACQUEEN Air Kiss Lip Stick

The MACQUEEN Air Kiss Lip Stick is the go-to for anyone seeking the staying power of matte lipstick with the no-fuss, no-feel application, offering a splash of confidence with every swipe.

Formulated with various key ingredients, the Air Kiss Lip Stick typically includes nourishing oils like argan oil and jojoba oil. These ingredients are known for their hydrating properties, ensuring the lips are moisturized and soft, even with a matte finish. Vitamin E is often included as an antioxidant to protect the lips, while silicones may be used to give that smooth, velvety application and finish.

In terms of texture, the Air Kiss Lip Stick boasts a featherlight feel, hence the name “Air Kiss”. The formula is designed to glide on the lips effortlessly, delivering high pigmentation with a matte finish that doesn’t dry out the lips. Instead, it wears like a second skin, providing comfort and color that lasts throughout the day.

The color palette ranges from demure nudes to vibrant reds and deep plums, catering to various tastes and occasions. Each shade is formulated to saturate the lips with color that has a blur-like effect, smoothing out imperfections and creating a flawless look.

Who is this for: The MACQUEEN Air Kiss Lip Stick is ideal for anyone looking for a matte lipstick that offers full coverage while feeling as light as air on the lips. It’s perfect for those who value a product that combines the elegance of a matte lip with the comfort of a hydrating balm.

Why it’s good: It stands out in the world of matte lipsticks for its unique air-light formula that doesn’t sacrifice the health of your lips for the sake of long-lasting, vibrant color.

Price Range: The Air Kiss Lip Stick is generally mid-range, making it an affordable option for those looking to enjoy quality Korean makeup without overspending.

Main strengths:

  • Ultra-lightweight, comfortable texture.
  • Nourishing ingredients ensure lips stay hydrated.
  • Matte finish with a smooth, blur effect.
  • A diverse color range suitable for every skin tone and occasion.

Sulwhasoo Essential Lip Serum Stick 

Sulwhasoo - Essential Lip Serum Stick

The Sulwhasoo Essential Lip Serum Stick is a testament to the brand’s commitment to creating products that not only enhance beauty but also embody the essence of holistic care, delivering a sensory and beneficial experience with every application.

Key ingredients in the Essential Lip Serum Stick include a blend of Korean herbal oils derived from camellia, apricot, and safflower. These oils are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, which are known to deeply nourish and plump the lips, while also providing a protective barrier against environmental stressors. Additionally, the serum stick may contain ginseng saponins, which are revered in Korean skincare for their anti-aging benefits, promoting a youthful and healthy pout.

The texture of this product is exceptionally silky and balm-like, gliding onto the lips with ease and enveloping them in a cocoon of moisture. Unlike some lip treatments that feel heavy or sticky, the Essential Lip Serum Stick has a lightweight formula that delivers hydration and a subtle, glossy finish.

Sulwhasoo’s color range for this line tends to be sophisticated and understated, offering sheer to medium coverage that enhances the natural color of the lips. The shades include soft pinks, warm corals, and rich reds, each designed to impart a healthy, natural-looking tint that complements the inherent beauty of the wearer.

Who is this for: The Sulwhasoo Essential Lip Serum Stick is perfect for those who prioritize skincare in their makeup routine and desire a product that not only beautifies but also treats the lips. It’s an excellent choice for anyone with dry or mature lips that require extra nourishment and care.

Why it’s good: It uniquely combines the treatment properties of a serum with the aesthetic appeal of lipstick, offering a product that genuinely cares for the lips while providing a touch of color.

Price Range: As a high-end beauty product, the Essential Lip Serum Stick is positioned at a premium price point, reflecting the quality and sophistication of the Sulwhasoo brand.

Main strengths:

  • Nourishing herbal ingredients with anti-aging benefits.
  • Moisture-rich, lightweight texture.
  • Provides a natural tint with a glossy finish.
  • Luxurious packaging and presentation.

How To Choose The Best Korean Lipstick

Choosing the best Korean lipstick involves navigating a delightful spectrum of finishes, coverage levels, and hydration properties, each tailored to different preferences and lip needs.

The finish of lipstick can dramatically alter the appearance of your lips and the overall impression of your makeup look. Korean lipsticks range from high-gloss to matte finishes, with the former offering a lustrous, light-reflective sheen that can make lips appear fuller, and the latter providing a sophisticated, velvety look that is long-lasting and currently very trendy in K-beauty. There are also satin and creamy finishes that balance matte and gloss, giving a subtle sheen with a softer look.

Coverage is another vital aspect, ranging from sheer, offering a hint of color that showcases the natural lip, to full coverage that completely conceals the lip’s natural pigment. Sheer lipsticks are excellent for an honest, everyday look or for those who want to keep their makeup minimal and fresh. On the other hand, full-coverage lipsticks are perfect for making a bold statement or for evening wear. Medium coverage is versatile, providing some color intensity while still allowing the natural aspects of your lips to shine through.

Hydration is paramount in Korean lipsticks, as many consumers favor a healthy, dewy look. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and various natural oils are standard and serve to moisturize and protect the lips. This is particularly important for matte lipsticks, which historically can be drying. Korean matte lipsticks defy this by including these hydrating ingredients, ensuring that even the most pigment-packed lip color won’t leave your lips parched.

When selecting a Korean lipstick, consider the condition of your lips, the look you aim to achieve, and how long you need the wear to last. Those with dry lips might lean towards hydrating glosses or satin finishes, while someone seeking a bold, low-maintenance lip might opt for a matte finish with high coverage. By balancing these factors—finish, coverage, and hydration—you can choose a Korean lipstick that not only complements your beauty routine but also maintains the health and comfort of your lips throughout the day.

How to Apply Korean Lipsticks for the Best Effect

Korean lipstick application methods differ significantly from Western styles, often aiming for a softer, more diffused look. Here’s how you can master these techniques to achieve the desired effect:

Gradient Lip: The Signature Korean Look

The gradient lip, known as the “just-bitten” look, is a hallmark of K-beauty. Here’s how to achieve this subtle yet striking style:

  1. Prime Your Lips: Start with clean, moisturized lips. Apply a lip balm if needed and let it absorb for a few minutes. Gently exfoliate if there’s any flakiness to ensure a smooth canvas.
  2. Conceal the Edges: Lightly dab a bit of concealer or foundation around the edges of your lips. This helps to mute the natural lip line, enhancing the gradient effect.
  3. Apply a Base Color: Choose a light, nude lipstick or tint and apply it over your entire lip as a base color. Blot to remove excess product.
  4. Add Your Main Color: Select a brighter or darker shade than your base. Dab the color onto the center of your lips, both top and bottom. The concentration of color should be at the very center, fading out towards the edges.
  5. Blend for the Gradient: Using a clean fingertip, a small sponge, or a lip brush, gently tap and blend the color outwards, softening the edges so the color disappears into the lighter base naturally.
  6. Final Touches: If necessary, clean up the borders with a concealer and a fine brush for a neat finish. Avoid blending the concealer too much into the lipstick to maintain the gradient.

Full, Vivid Lip Look

For those occasions when a bold, vivid lip is desired, Korean lipsticks deliver with their intense pigmentation and creamy textures:

  1. Preparation: As with the gradient lip, start with exfoliated, moisturized lips for a smooth application.
  2. Outline Your Lips: For a precise look, use a lip liner that matches your lipstick to outline your lips. This will also prevent the color from bleeding.
  3. Apply Lipstick: Swipe your chosen Korean lipstick across your lips, starting from the center and working your way outwards. For better precision, use a lip brush, especially around the edges.
  4. Layer for Intensity: If you want a more dramatic look, apply a second layer. Blot between layers to remove excess oils and to help set the color.
  5. Clean Edges: Use a small brush dipped in concealer to clean up the edges and define the shape of your lips.

How To Maintain Korean Lipstick Longevity

To keep your Korean lipstick vibrant and intact throughout the day, consider the following tips:

  1. Use Lip Primer: A primer can fill in lines and prevent the lipstick from feathering.
  2. Set with Powder: After applying your lipstick, place a thin tissue over your lips and lightly dust translucent powder over the tissue. This helps to set the lipstick without altering the color.
  3. Reapply Wisely: For touch-ups, blot your lips gently before reapplying to avoid caking.
  4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water will help keep your lips naturally hydrated, keeping the lipstick from cracking or flaking.

Embrace the Charm of K-Beauty Lipsticks

Korean lipsticks stand out in the global beauty market not only for their innovative formulas and wide color range but also for their ability to cater to various styles—from the effortlessly chic gradient lip to the full, richly pigmented pout. With options that offer lasting hydration, buildable coverage, and finishes that range from high-gloss to velvety matte, there’s a Korean lipstick to suit every preference and occasion.

Whether you’re already a K-beauty enthusiast or new to the game, the products we’ve discussed are just a glimpse into the vibrant world of Korean cosmetics. I encourage you to dive in and experience the transformative power of these lipsticks first-hand. Their unique qualities—such as skincare-infused ingredients and trendsetting shades—make them more than just a makeup choice; they’re a beauty statement.

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