K-Beauty has long been celebrated for not only innovative formulations but also aesthetically pleasing packaging. While cute and soft-girl aesthetics are still the norm, a new wave of Korean makeup brands is embracing cool and edgy concepts.
As an alt girlie, I’m a sucker for makeup that looks like it belongs in a concept photo shoot. While browsing YesStyle, I came across four cosmetic products featuring visually striking packaging with unconventional design flourishes. Read on for a full breakdown of these swoon-worthy Korean makeup products!
RISKY – Be Bold Lip Blushed
Perfect for alt girlies, RISKY boasts cosmetics in striking colors and edgy aesthetics. One such product is the Be Bold Lip Blushed, a matte lip tint that stands out with its unconventional packaging. The tube container is made of frosted, semi-translucent plastic with a twisted silhouette, allowing the product inside to peek through. Crowning the container is a silver asymmetrical cap in a sculptural design that radiates futuristic Y3K vibes. Coming in a range of deep muted shades, the lip product is a must-have for your makeup collection!
I usually stay away from matte lip products as they dry out my chapped lips, so I was pleasantly surprised that the Be Bold Lip Blushed didn’t have that effect. The creamy formula not only smooths lip lines but also glides on effortlessly for a blurred and pigmented finish. You can also dab onto cheeks for a monochromatic makeup look. Among its range of deep muted shades, the shade Maverick stands out as a neutral-tone terracotta brown with subtle pink shimmer particles. Perfect for office-ready or bold glam, Maverick can elevate any makeup look.
JAVIN DE SEOUL – Wink Foundation Pact
JAVIN DE SEOUL’s Wink Foundation Pact has quickly gained cult status among beauty enthusiasts, and its sleek yet playful packaging certainly contributes to its popularity. At first glance, the compact features a minimalistic design of a portrait with closed eyes. The magic happens when it’s tilted around in your hands. Thanks to its lenticular design, the portrait shifts into a playful wink to create an interactive visual illusion! Beyond its unique packaging, the cushion foundation is also thoughtfully designed for convenient use. It comes with a built-in mirror and blending palette that helps distribute product evenly onto the makeup puff, making base makeup application easier than ever.
The SPF 50 PA+++ formulation offers long-lasting coverage with a semi-matte finish while keeping skin protected from the sun’s rays. Infused with patented ingredient D-Panthenol Recovery Complex™ (containing panthenol, vanilla bean and Indian gooseberry nut extracts), it ensures a non-drying finish. Antioxidants and soothing botanicals in the ingredients also make this cushion foundation ideal for those with blemished or easily irritated skin.
Bbi@ – Last Eye Palette
Want your makeup routine to feel like an art session? Bbi@’s Last Eye Palette offers exactly that with painting-inspired packaging that adds artistic charm to your vanity. Coming in a sleek pan shaped like a painting palette, it includes six shades that let you experiment on a variety of eye makeup looks. While most shades come in matte and glittery finishes, some palette options (like #02 Wish List and #03 Bucket List) feature creamy and velvety textures that can also be applied to the lips and cheeks. Its compact size fits neatly into your palm, making touch-ups effortless wherever you go.
I chose the warm-tone #01 Choco Village palette with four matte shades and two shimmery shades. From soft beige to champagne gold to dark chocolate brown, these versatile shades are perfect for both everyday and special occasions. The soft and buildable formula glides seamlessly on eyelids, offering a watercolor-like finish.
Dinto – Time To Kiss & Blush Alice Collection
Head down the K-Beauty rabbit hole to discover this beauty treasure that looks straight out of Wonderland! Inspired by the Alice in Wonderland fairytale, the Dinto lip and blush palette is designed like an antique pocket watch with vintage-style print. Inside the exquisite case, you’ll find three shades that can be layered for a multi-dimensional finish on the lips or cheek. The palette options are named after seasonal color analysis types and come in matte or dewy finishes. The cherry on top? The multi-use palette has a built-in keychain, so you can carry a piece of Wonderland with you wherever you go!
As I’m a Deep Winter type, I opted for #657 Deep Winter, which includes three deep cool-tone mauves in sheer finishes that perfectly complement my skin tone. It’s infused with nourishing botanicals, such as rose, willow bark and sugar maple extracts. The balm-textured formula melts upon application to help you achieve a juicy and luscious lip look. To create a gradient lip look, I first apply the grayish plum as a base shade, and then add the purplish maroon and wine red shades onto the center of my lips. The result is a plump and glossy pout that looks nothing short of magical!