Bestie, you NEED to see what’s happening in Seoul right now! π The Korean beauty scene just exploded with this viral makeup trend called “Kirakira Ppoyong” (ν€λΌν€λΌ λ½μ©), and I went down a rabbit hole researching everything about it.
So here’s the tea β – legendary makeup artist Risabae just transformed Youngseo from ALLDAY PROJECT using this dreamy pink aesthetic, and Korean netizens are calling it the “upgrade button” for idol visuals. The Theqoo forums are absolutely buzzing with over 1,200 upvotes on posts about this look!
What Exactly is Kirakira Ppoyong?
Let me break this down for you because this term is EVERYWHERE on Korean beauty sites right now:
- Kirakira (ν€λΌν€λΌ) = Sparkly, shining, glittery
- Ppoyong (λ½μ©) = Soft, bright, filtered pink glow
It’s basically the opposite of that sharp, cat-eye idol makeup we’re used to seeing. Instead, think doll-like features with bouncy, glossy cheeks and strategic pearl highlights that make you look like you stepped out of an anime! π
What I found fascinating is that Youngseo came prepared with a hand-drawn sketch of exactly what she wanted – talk about being specific with your makeup goals! Korean beauty enthusiasts on Instiz are praising how this look is “less aggressive than NMIXX-style glam, more approachable for daily fairy looks.”
The Secret Base: Glass Skin Meets Matte-Soft Finish
Girl, the base makeup technique in this transformation is pure genius. Risabae doesn’t just slap on foundation – she creates what Korean beauty experts call a “bright, even canvas” using super thin layers.
From what I observed in the video, the key is building coverage gradually to achieve that perfect glass skin effect but with a matte-soft finish instead of the usual dewy look. Korean makeup artists on Naver blogs are calling this the foundation for any successful Kirakira Ppoyong transformation.
The Game-Changing “Melting” Contour Technique
Okay bestie, this part had me shook! π± Instead of harsh contour lines, Risabae uses cream products to sculpt the face in a way that looks completely natural.
Korean beauty influencer @ponplipplin (who has 1M followers) explains in her tutorial recreation: “The melting technique makes your face look naturally smaller without any harsh lines.” The video shows how the cream contour literally melts into the skin – it’s like magic!
The Viral “Pearl” Nose Highlight π
This technique is blowing up on Korean YouTube shorts with 300k+ views! It’s called the “pearl” nose highlight, and it’s specifically designed to make your nose look more “button-like” – very K-idol aesthetic.
Based on Risabae’s explanation in the video comments, you place a tiny, concentrated dot of highlighter on the very tip of your nose. Korean beauty enthusiasts on Coupang reviews are saying: “YSL λμ νλ¦¬μΉ΄λ‘ nose pearl μμ±. μ λ° κ°κ²©μ λκ°μ” (Completed nose pearl with Holika instead of YSL. Same result at half the price).
Creating the Perfect Kirakira Eyes β¨
The eye technique in this transformation is called “four-way eye opening” – and let me tell you, Korean makeup artists are obsessed with this method right now!
From analyzing the video, this involves extending the eye shape in ALL four directions:
- Inner corner highlighting
- Outer corner extension
- Upper lid definition
- Lower lash line enhancement
The result? That dramatic but wearable idol gaze that’s trending all over Seoul. Korean users on Instiz are calling it the “μμ μ κΈ λ²νΌ” (Youngseo upgrade button) – and honestly, I can see why!
The Trendy “Tanghulu” Glossy Lips π
Girl, wait till you hear about this lip technique! It’s called “Tanghulu” (after those glossy Korean candied fruits), and it creates this syrup-like finish that’s absolutely stunning.
The video shows Risabae layering a nude coral base with pink rose tint, then adding high-shine gloss. But here’s the Korean insider tip I found on beauty forums: she also overlines the cupid’s bow and adds highlighter to the philtrum for extra lip volume!
Korean dermatologists on Naver Cafe are recommending proper lip prep before attempting this look: “Use a hydrating lip serum first, or the gloss won’t apply evenly.”
The Final Kirakira Touch: Heart Stickers & Crystals π
This is where the look gets really playful! The video shows strategic placement of heart-shaped stickers and crystals near the eyes for that 3D doll effect Korean netizens are raving about.
Korean beauty enthusiasts have found amazing dupes for this! According to Instiz users: “TonyMoly Face Crystal Stickers or even Daiso ones for 3,000 won work perfectly for recreating the Youngseo look.”
Where to Get the Look: Korean Shopping Guide ποΈ
I researched where Koreans are actually buying these products, and here’s the insider info:
Premium Options (Original Products):
- YSL Enamel Highlighter (nose pearl): 62,000 KRW at Olive Young
- Dior Backstage Powder: 52,000 KRW on Coupang
- Rom&nd Better Than Gel Eyeshadow: 15,000 KRW
Korean-Approved Dupes (What Locals Actually Use):
- Holika Holika Water Drop Highlighter: 12,000 KRW
- Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder: 8,000 KRW
- Face crystals from Daiso: 3,000 KRW
Real talk – Korean users on Coupang are saying: “Bought everything for the Risabae Youngseo look on Coupang, arrived in 2 hours. Best value for recreating this trend!”
What Korean Experts Are Saying π©ββοΈ
I dug deep into Korean beauty expert opinions, and here’s what they’re recommending:
From Korean Influencer @ponplipplin: “For Kirakira makeup, over-highlighting is essential, but prep your skin with Dr.Jart+ serum first or the pearls will look patchy.”
Dermatologist advice from Naver Beauty Cafe: “Be careful with excessive pearl highlighter – it can clog pores. Use only 2x per week and remove with cleansing oil.”
Pro tip from Risabae herself: “Apply nose pearl with your fingertip, not a brush, for that perfect water-drop 3D effect.”
Bestie, I hope this breakdown helps you understand why Korea is absolutely obsessed with Kirakira Ppoyong right now! The combination of doll-like innocence with strategic sparkle is just *chef’s kiss* π
Have you tried any K-beauty trends lately? Let me know in the comments – I love hearing about your makeup adventures!
Sources & References
Original Video: Risabae YouTube Channel – ALLDAY PROJECT Youngseo Transformation
Korean Community Research: Theqoo, Instiz, Naver Cafe discussions and user reviews
Product Information: Coupang, Olive Young, and Korean beauty retailer listings
Expert Opinions: Korean beauty influencers and Naver Beauty Doctor Cafe consultations
