Everything you need to know about Just Makeup — Korea’s first K-Beauty survival reality show

If you’re a fan of K-beauty or simply love a good reality competition, Just Makeup is the newest show you’ll want to binge. This six-part Korean reality series transforms the art of makeup into an exhilarating survival contest, blending the intensity of popular survival shows like Physical: 100 with the creative flair of Culinary Class Wars.

A glamorous battle of brushes: Korea’s top makeup artists compete

The show brings together 60 of Korea’s top makeup artists and beauty creators, including industry veterans who have painted the faces of stars like Han Ye-seul and Kim Tae-hee, as well as viral YouTubers and influencers boasting millions of followers. Over the course of the competition, they face a variety of makeup-related challenges — from stage makeup to bold special effects — all in pursuit of the title of Korea’s next makeup superstar.

Who are the judges of Just Makeup?

Hosted by entertainer Lee Hyo-ri, the judging panel includes top Korean beauty professionals like Jung Saem-mool, Seo Ok, and Risabae, offering expert guidance and a critical eye on artistry and innovation. Together, they offer a rare combination of traditional expertise and contemporary insight, evaluating contestants on artistry, innovation, and storytelling while providing viewers with tips and behind-the-scenes knowledge of the beauty industry.

Lee Hyo-ri: Renowned Korean singer and entertainer, serves as the charismatic host of Just Makeup. Known for her multifaceted career, she brings a blend of star power and authenticity to the show. This marks her return to hosting a competition show after 16 years, following her role in Superstar K in 2009.

Jung Saem-mool: A celebrated makeup artist with over 30 years of experience. She has worked with top Korean actresses like Song Hye-kyo and Jun Ji-hyun, and founded her own beauty brand. Her expertise and innovative approach to makeup artistry have made her a respected figure in the industry.

Seo Ok: Seo Ok is a seasoned makeup artist with over three decades in the industry. She has been instrumental in shaping the beauty trends in Korea and has worked on numerous high-profile projects. Her extensive experience brings a wealth of knowledge to the judging panel.

Risabae (Lee Sa-bae): Risabae, also known as Lee Sa-bae, is a popular beauty creator and influencer. With millions of followers, she has significantly impacted beauty trends through her online presence. Her insights into digital beauty culture offer a contemporary perspective to the show.

A familiar concept, but with a K-beauty twist

Produced by the creators of Culinary Class Wars, Just Makeup reimagines the survival-show formula for the beauty world, testing contestants on speed, creativity, and technical precision. Contestants are tested on more than just technical skill; they must manage time pressure, conceptual thinking, and storytelling through makeup. Each challenge requires a delicate balance between speed, precision, and originality, revealing not just who can apply makeup, but who can translate vision into art under high-stakes conditions. This blend of competition and creativity elevates the show beyond a typical reality series, positioning it as a landmark in K-Beauty entertainment.

A premiere challenge that sets the tone

In the first episode, contestants pair with models to design signature looks under a strict time limit, showcasing creativity, adaptability, and the high-pressure artistry that defines the series. Contestants were andomly paired with models and tasked with designing a signature makeup look that highlighted each model’s unique features — all under a strict time limit. This first challenge immediately showcased the participants’ creativity, adaptability, and technical skill, setting the stage for a season defined by innovation and high-pressure artistry.

As cameras captured every brushstroke, viewers got a glimpse of the contestants’ thought processes, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, revealing the human stories behind the glamorous makeup. The tension, excitement, and bursts of inspiration in this episode perfectly illustrate the show’s unique blend of competition and craftsmanship.

When and where to watch Just Makeup

The six-episode first season culminates in a highly anticipated finale on October 17, streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and Coupang Play.