Want skin like a K-pop idol? These are the exact products their makeup artists swear by

A flawless base and smudge-proof eye makeup that survives through hours of performance after performance — it’s almost as if K-pop makeup artists work magic. Whether it’s a three-minute performance or a full concert under the bright spotlight, K-pop idols somehow emerge still looking picture-perfect at the encore, even with little to no time to even touch up.

Professional makeup artist and YouTuber, bbomni, frequently collaborates with fellow K-pop makeup artist friends on her channel to share expert tips and recommended products for perfecting K-pop idol makeup, providing her viewers with authentic advice and tricks, directly from the pros themselves.

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To save you some time while you get ready, we’ve rounded up the most raved about products from even the most popular and professional makeup artists featured on bbomni’s channel. Straight from the hands of the makeup artists behind top girl groups like Blackpink, Aespa and IVE, here are their go-to holy grail products that keep idols glowing, fresh, and camera-ready. If these products can last through hours of sweat, lights, and intense choreography, we’re certain that they will be able to last throughout even the most hectic of your days.

Base Makeup

Base Original, $25, Courcelles from Shopee

Perfect for touch-ups and fixing makeup, the Courcelles Base Original is best used for those whose makeup tends to get flaky around the nose or mouth. With a creamy formula, this product goes on smoothly and makes reapplying makeup easier and more seamless. For an expert tip, use a cotton bud to make your touch-ups more precise!

Tone Stain Colour Correcting Primer, $33, VDL from Shopee

A must-have for Singapore’s hot weather, this primer works like a colour concealer and hides inflammation on the skin, while brightening your complexion.

One Step Correct Serum Primer, $62, Stila from Sephora

Yoon Sojung from Oui Oui Atelier salon, who does IVE and Twice’s makeup, has already emptied two bottles of this product and is now on her third. Known to make even the biggest pores disappear, the Stila One Step Correct Serum Primer applies onto the skin smoothly, hydrating the skin while brightening complexion, all while blurring pores. Candid and zoomed–in shots are not a problem for idols with this primer, with their skin and makeup looking flawless for the camera.

Soft Matte Complete Foundation, $62, NARS from Sephora

Yoo Min, the trusted makeup artist behind Aespa, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, and STAYC, swears by the NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation for creating a flawless, long-lasting base that won’t budge or oxidise, even after hours under stage lights and intense choreography, withstanding heat and sweat. As she flew across the world with Aespa for their world tour, she made sure that this foundation followed right after her in her makeup pouch.

Breathable Blemish Balm, $36, Glow from Shopee

Often paired with the NARS Foundation mentioned above, the Glow Breathable Blemish Balm helps create an ultra long-lasting base. Ideal for those whose skin oxidises quickly, this hydrating and tone-brightening BB cream delivers a glowing yet firm finish. This foundation and BB cream combo is a favourite among makeup artists at Kitts Salon—the same top celebrity hair and makeup salon in Korea where Yoo Min works, and is popular amongst many K-pop idols.

Concealer

Penta Berry Penthanol Repair Concealer, $27.80, Heveblue from Shopee

A cult favourite at Oui Oui Atelier makeup salon, the Heveblue Penta Berry Penthanol Repair Concealer is well loved for good reason. It offers impressive coverage along with its non-drying and stay-put formula, which is great if you’re concealing fine lines and wrinkles. Pro tip: For a natural finish, apply a thin layer before setting your makeup.

Cover Perfection Tip Concealer, $9.80, the SAEM from Shopee

A longtime K-beauty classic, the SAEM Cover Perfection Tip Concealer has earned its status as the OG of Korean concealers. Known for its high coverage and smooth blendability, it won’t budge your base makeup — and the best part? It’s incredibly budget-friendly.

Eyebrows

Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo, $45, Anastasia from Sephora

A staple in nearly every makeup artist’s kit and salon, this product is known for being a hit-the-pan essential—with zero grease and no fallout. The shade Taupe is especially popular for its versatility, complementing idols with any hair colour. Pro tip: It also works perfectly to fill in sparse areas along the hairline for a more polished look.

Skinny Brow Pencil, $6, Peripera from Shopee

Widely used in salons across all shades, the Peripera Skinny Brow Pencil is a go-to for filling in brow edges with precision. Its ultra-fine tip mimics real hair, ensuring a natural finish and eliminating any awkward gaps — especially under harsh lighting in photos.

Eyeshadow

Backstage Eye Palette, $87, Dior from Dior Beauty

A hot favourite among makeup artists, the Dior Backstage Eye Palette is the go-to for creating a range of looks—from smoky and sultry to soft, pink fairy-like finishes. Available in three versatile shades, the shadows blend effortlessly on the eyelid and deliver a rich and smooth pigmentation.

Better Than Palette, $18, rom&nd from Shopee

A must-have staple in every K-pop makeup artist’s kit is the rom&nd Better Than Palette, with shade 04 Dusty Fog being the most popular and raved about. Ideal for both base and buildup in smoky eye looks, its grey tones are free of any red undertones and are perfectly suited for creating a cold and bold finish.

Matte Eye Colour, Cognac, $44, Laura Mercier from Cosmeticsnow

Often used to define cat-eye shapes or add depth to the triangular area beneath the eyes, Laura Mercier’s Matte Eye Colour remains a staple in many makeup kits despite its single-pan packaging. A popular shade among makeup artists would be Cognac, a versatile, natural-looking tone ideal for subtle eye contouring or as a base shadow. Its neutral colour makes it suitable for both cool and warm skin tones, especially for light or everyday makeup looks.

Eye Tone Single Eyeshadow, $13,TONYMOLY from Dodoskin

Known for their strong pigmentation and fine shimmer, the Tony Moly Glitter Eyeshadows are often used to add a soft but noticeable shine to the eyes. Favoured by many makeup artists, these eyeshadows are commonly applied to highlight the aegyo-sal area, where the subtle glitter enhances the eyes without overpowering the overall look. Shade #423 Icy Pink is especially popular for its flattering colour and finish.

Eyeliner

Eye Kohl, Teddy, $36, M·A·C from iShopChangi

Perfect for smoky looks, the MAC Teddy Eye Pencil is a must-have for lining the lower waterline and defining the triangular zone, creating a bold, edgy effect. It’s a staple for achieving a sultry vibe essential to dark or ‘hip’ makeup concepts.

Mascara

All Day Mascara, $21.98, AOU from Shopee

AOU’s mascara lineup is thoughtfully designed to cater to a range of looks—from clean and defined to effortlessly natural. Their bent wand version, for instance, delivers that subtly “greasy” lash effect often used for soft, everyday makeup. Each formula offers a distinct finish, which is why makeup artists often carry multiple versions—old, new, and bent—to create different lash moods. With AOU’s diverse range, there’s no need to mix and match across brands — they’ve got it all covered.

Blusher

Rouge Blush, $88, Dior from Sephora

With a subtle hint of glitter, Dior Rouge Blushes make an ideal base blush, especially when layered under red-toned shades for added dimension. Consistently showing up as a soft pink or beige-pink regardless of your undertone, this blush is a favourite for creating natural, nude looks— particularly for airport appearances. Its toned-down, sophisticated hue helps avoid the heavy or cakey look that can be exaggerated by flash photography.

Mood Recipe Face Blush, Kinda Shy, $16, 3CE from Olive Young

Described as a muted mauve, the shades in this collection flatter all undertones—whether bright or deep. A standout favourite is the shade Kinda Shy, offering a soft, delicate charm that adds to a fresh, everyday look.

Soft Cream Blush, $16, AOU from Lazada

Popularised as Aespa Karina’s go-to airport blush, the AOU Soft Cream Blushers feature a soft semi-matte finish with a cream-to-powder formula. Created by aespa’s makeup artist, Cho Eun Bee, AOU’s blushes are designed to stay put all day without disrupting your base makeup. Tried, tested, and makeup-artist approved.

Contour

Ink V Shading, $14.54, PERIPERA from Shopee

Another hit-pan favourite, the Peripera V Shading Palette (Cool) is a go-to for soft, natural definition, especially when it comes to nose contouring. According to K-pop makeup artists, the key to a sculpted yet effortless look lies in the base, subtly enhanced with contour only where needed. Most often, that means a light touch along the nose to add structure without harsh lines, perfect for close-up pictures and photoshoots.

Highlighter

Mini Highlighter, Cloud 9, $77, Ofra from Sephora

An absolute essential for makeup artists, hitting the pan on this highlighter comes quickly. Often used for performances due to its no-shift and intense pigmentation, it’s often used on inner corners of the eyes and the tip of the nose. Quoted as THE highlighter and irreplaceable, it’s a must-have on every pro’s holy grail list.

Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, $61, Fenty Beauty from Sephora

Frequently used on the aegyosal to add a touch of sparkle to the eyes, the Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighters are a go-to for makeup artists — not just for the face, but also for accentuating the collarbones with a radiant shine on stage. Shades like Wattabrat and Girl Next Door are especially popular among idols with fair skin, thanks to their flattering pink tones.

Skin Luminous Highlighter, $32, Dear Dahlia from Sephora

Known for its striking large glitter particles ideal for stage makeup, the Dear Dahlia highlighter comes in flattering shades that complement a wide range of skin tones. Popular for how beautifully it shows up on camera, it’s often applied to the cheeks for a luminous pop. It’s also a favourite of Iseul, the renowned makeup artist behind the looks of LE SSERAFIM and Red Velvet.

Setting spray

All Day Tight Make Up Setting Fixer, $27.89, So Natural from Shopee

Once a secret guarded by pro makeup artists, this setting spray quietly earned cult status until beauty YouTuber RISABAE brought it into the spotlight. Since then, it’s become nearly impossible to find, with shelves at Olive Young stores across Korea wiped clean. How is it different from other setting sprays, you might ask? An ultra-fine mist that glides onto the skin without leaving droplets, dries in seconds, and locks makeup in place without smudging or clumping. A true essential for long-lasting wear.

Setting Powder

Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $89, Laura Mercier from Sephora

The ultimate backstage secret for makeup that withstands sweat, stage lights, and long hours, Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting Powder is a true essential for performances. Beloved for its ability to lock in base makeup like a second skin, it forms an invisible barrier that resists oil, humidity, and shine—even under the sun. The Tone-Up Rose version adds a soft, pinkish radiance that complements light K-beauty looks, making it a staple in every makeup artist’s kit.

Pro Photo Finisher Powder, $33.79, Luna from Shopee

Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, Luna’s Powder visibly blurs pores and controls excess shine—all without leaving behind a chalky or murky cast, thanks to its translucent finish. Beloved by pros, it’s a go-to for Sojung, IVE’s makeup artist, who’s already gone through more than five compacts.

Lips

M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick, $40, MAC Cosmetics from Sephora

A staple in every makeup artist’s kit, MAC Lipsticks have long been the go-to for delivering a matte finish without the dryness. Known for their rich pigments and smooth coverage, they effortlessly conceal the natural lip tone, allowing for layering over a neutral base to create a true-to-colour finish that isn’t distorted by natural lip undertones. For a cool, nude edge, Velvet Teddy remains a favourite, while Peachstock and Peach Blossom are ideal picks for soft, natural looks that pair beautifully with minimal makeup.

Sensual Nude Gloss, $34.50, HERA from Shopee

For a plump, polished finish, layering the Hera gloss over the MAC lipstick creates the perfect lip duo, adding dimension and a subtle sheen that is said to elevate your looks from matte to mesmerising.

Sculpt lip shaper, $29.79, TWO SLASH FOUR from Shopee

Perfect for defining lip shapes and filling in a neutral base, the Two Slash Four lip pencil is a versatile hidden gem beloved by makeup artists for a wide range of looks. Bonus: it’s created by the popular beauty YouTuber and K-pop makeup artist, RISABAE herself.