Did you know that every country has its own beauty standards? This is what makes beauty trends in each country so unique! One of the beauty meccas in Asia is Korea, which is often in the spotlight. But, what differentiates Korean beauty standards from Western countries? Let's find out! ✨

Korean beauty standards differ from Western beauty standards, especially in terms of body size, facial features, and skin tone. Korean beauty standards usually emphasize a youthful and natural appearance, while Western beauty standards lean more toward a bold and mature look.

Korean beauty standards have significant differences from Western beauty standards in several aspects, such as:

1. Facial Features:

   

• Korea: Korean beauty standards emphasize sparkling eyes, clear glowing skin, and a V-shaped chin. Double eyelid surgery is extremely common and is even often given as a graduation gift. In addition, a tiny face and even elf-like ears are considered ideal, leading many people to undergo strict skincare routines to achieve healthy and blemish-free skin. Some even undergo plastic surgery to make their face shape slimmer.

  
  
  

  

• Western: Defined facial structures such as high cheekbones, full lips, and a prominent nose are often considered attractive. Therefore, procedures like lip fillers or botox are frequently performed to accentuate facial features. However, Western beauty standards tend to be more accepting of diverse face shapes, so they are not fixated on a V-shaped face.

1. Body Shape:

   

• Korea: A slim and petite body is the ideal standard in Korea, with a focus on looking slender yet still healthy. Many Korean women are inspired by idols who perform with long legs, a tiny waist, and small hips. To achieve a body shape like their idols, many go on strict diets and follow idol-style eating patterns, working hard to resemble the figures they admire.

  
  
  

  

• Western: Western countries are now beginning to embrace body diversity more by promoting plus-size clothing brands and inclusive designs, showing a positive shift. Additionally, body features such as large buttocks and large breasts have also become a trend.

1. Skin Tone

   

• Korea: In Korea, smooth, glowing, and fair skin is a central aspect of beauty. White skin is considered a symbol of status and elegance, rooted in history where fair skin indicated a life not involved in outdoor physical labor. The main focus is hydration and sun protection, with many products containing high SPF to keep the skin bright.

• Western: Tanned Skin: Conversely, in Western countries, tanned or sun-kissed skin is often desired. Darker skin is considered exotic and attractive, with many people striving to get this skin tone through sun exposure or tanning products. Skincare products often focus more on treating concerns such as acne or aging.

1. Make-up Style

   

• Korea: Focuses on a natural and soft look with minimal makeup. Glowing skin like "glass skin" is a priority, often using cushion foundation and skincare-infused products. Eyeshadow in pastel or neutral colors, thin eyeliner, and the aegyo-sal effect for a larger and more youthful eye look. Gradient lips with soft colors like pink or peach are a signature feature.

  
  
  

  

• Western: Highlights a more bold and dramatic look, often using contouring techniques for a defined face. Full-coverage foundation is more commonly used to create a matte and flawless look. Eyeshadow with bold colors, smoky eyes, and winged eyeliner are favorites. Full lips with bold lipsticks like deep red, burgundy, or nude using a lip liner to provide definition.