From The Straits Times    |

Photo: tvN

We are all used to seeing Korean actress Song Hye Kyo in her long locks in “Descendants of the Sun” (DOTS) , but in her most recent series, “Encounter,” she appears on it with a refreshing, short bob, which we think is a way you can refresh your look this year (or if you are looking for other inspirations, we have more here).

In “Encounter,” Song Hye Kyo plays an accomplished hotel chief executive, Cha Soo-Hyun who meets and falls head over heels in love with a younger and free-spirited man, who is portrayed by Park Bogum. This drama marks Song Hye Kyo’s return to the small screen since her marriage to DOTS co-star and dreamboat Song Joong Ki in 2017.

While wanderlust, chance and romance are conventional themes portrayed in K-dramas, “Encounter” excels particularly in making the ordinary extraordinary. This holds true even for the hair and makeup in the show. Read on to get inspiration from the show to update your beauty look.

 

Chin length bob with bangs

Photo: tvN

A sleek, blunt chin length bob can easily feel stiff, but Cha Soo-Hyun keeps the movement intact with wispy bangs that skim her eyebrows.

 

Smooth skin 

Photo: tvN

Here’s the good and bad news – you can’t make your pores disappear, but you can certainly make them look less noticeable with a good primer.

Primers not only make your skin more refined and smoother, they also help your foundation adhere better to your skin.

For large pores, it’s best to use primers that are formulated with silicone such as the POREfessional Face Primer from Benefit Cosmetics as these have a thicker consistency that work better to smoothen out pores, wrinkles, icepick scars and fine lines.

 

Korean-style soft eyeliner

Photo: tvN

If you don’t have time to draw in your standard winged liner, this time-saving eyeliner look seen on Soo-Hyun is perfect for you.

There’s not much in the way of equipment, either. The only makeup item you’ll need on hand is a creamy pencil liner.

Restraint is of the essence here. Follow your eye’s curvature and get as close to the lash line as possible with your eyeliner.

You want to rim the entire upper lash line and the outer third of your lower lash line.

Instead of creating a flick, stop lining at the farthest end of your natural lash line.

When you get to the tail end of your line, work backwards to the inner eye to thicken the line, gently sweeping your pencil nub in a windscreen wiping motion.

 

Glossy lips

Photo: SBS

Didn’t we tell you that glossy lips was making a comeback? It was seen on stars like Lady Gaga at the Grammys and now on Song Hye Kye. 

Even if you don’t have a lot of makeup on, a slightly glossy lip just elevates your look and enhances the shape and size of your lips without looking overly done.

As a rule of thumb, choose a shade that enhances your natural lips, instead of washing them out. In the drama, Song Hye Kyo is often seen sporting a vibrant pink colour.

 

Natural brows

Photo: tvN

For that natural look, stick to a brow colour that’s a perfect match to the hair on your head.

If you need to fill in any sparse areas or clean up the shape, use an eyebrow pencil.

 

ALSO READ: SAMMI CHENG’S AMAZING BROW-FORMATION: FROM SPARSE TO LUSH

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