In 2025, Korean beauty continues to evolve, and much of it is thanks to the ever-growing influence of K-pop idols. With millions of fans across the globe, K-pop stars are more than just musical icons. They’re beauty role models, trendsetters, and style innovators. From skincare routines to makeup techniques, their looks spark viral trends that dominate both Korean and global beauty scenes.
Here are 10 Korean beauty trends inspired by K-pop idols that are taking over in 2025.
1. Dewy glass skin 2.0
Glass skin is nothing new in the Korean beauty world, but in 2025, it has evolved into something even more refined. K-pop idols are no longer going for just shine; they’re aiming for healthy, translucent radiance with added bounce and elasticity. The updated routine includes skincare layers packed with fermented ingredients, barrier-repairing ceramides, and peptides. Idols like NewJeans’ Haerin and BTS’s Jimin have been showing off this glow on stage and during backstage content. Fans are now replicating this look using multi-step routines that focus more on skin wellness than makeup.
2. Blurred soft lips inspired by stage looks
Forget bold lipstick. In 2025, the hottest lip trend among K-pop idols is the blurred, diffused lip look that resembles watercolor or velvet. This “soft focus” effect is often seen during live performances and music video close-ups. Red Velvet’s Seulgi and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo have helped popularize this aesthetic. The look is achieved using powdery matte tints and finger-blended techniques that leave the edges soft and natural. Paired with a hydrating balm or glossy center, the result is effortlessly chic and youthful.
3. Fairy wing eyeliner
Inspired by the fantasy-like concepts seen in many K-pop comebacks, “fairy wing” eyeliner has become a defining trend in 2025. Rather than dramatic cat eyes, this style focuses on a subtle, elongated wing that lifts the eyes with a delicate curve. The liner is often brown or soft burgundy instead of black, adding to the ethereal effect. K-pop idols such as LE SSERAFIM’s Kazuha and TWICE’s Nayeon have showcased this look in both casual and formal settings, making it a staple in idol-inspired makeup routines.
4. Glossy eye lids and shimmer toppers
Glossy lids are making a big comeback in 2025, and K-pop idols are leading the way. Eye gloss or balm-like shimmer is dabbed over pastel eyeshadows or bare lids to create a dreamy, youthful effect. This trend works especially well under stage lights and camera flashes, giving the eyes a “wet” sparkle. IVE’s Wonyoung and aespa’s Karina are known for using this look during fashion shoots and live performances. It has become a go-to for fans who want a subtle glam appearance with a touch of fantasy.
5. Signature idol blush placement
Blush placement has become highly personalized in 2025, with K-pop idols inspiring fans to find their own “signature blush zones.” Whether it’s high on the cheekbones, across the nose bridge (for a sun-kissed look), or placed under the eyes for a youthful “aegyo-sal” effect, these placements help shape the entire mood of a look. Idols like Taeyeon and Hanni have made blush a core part of their makeup identity. As a result, Korean beauty brands are now creating blush palettes with multi-zone blending in mind.
6. Color-changing lip oils
Color-changing lip products have exploded in 2025, and K-pop idols have been instrumental in popularizing them. These lip oils adapt to the pH of your skin, creating a unique hue that enhances your natural lip tone. It’s subtle but personalized, and idols love it for both daily wear and backstage use. Seen on ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon and ITZY’s Yuna, these lip oils are usually hydrating, shiny, and come in sleek packaging. Many fans love the surprise element; they never know exactly what shade they’ll get until it touches their lips.
7. Skincare-infused base makeup
Heavy foundations are no longer the norm. In 2025, K-pop idols are embracing lightweight base makeup that combines coverage with skin-improving benefits. Think cushion compacts and tinted serums packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and SPF. This allows idols to maintain their glow even under harsh stage lights. Popular examples include Jungkook’s natural base during fan meets or IU’s luminous red carpet looks. The goal is to look polished without appearing overly made-up, a “your skin but better” philosophy.
8. Two-tone hair color trends
Hair color has always been a big part of K-pop identity, and in 2025, two-tone hair is having a major moment. Idols like (G)I-DLE’s Minnie and TXT’s Yeonjun are leading this trend, where the top and bottom layers or split sections of the hair are dyed in contrasting colors. Pastel and neon combinations are especially popular, creating an edgy yet artistic style. This trend has made its way into the beauty world with matching nail art, eye shadow, and accessories that reflect the hair’s two-tone theme.
9. Gender-fluid beauty styling
K-pop continues to challenge beauty norms in 2025 by embracing gender-fluid aesthetics. Male idols are wearing dewy makeup, tinted lip balms, and colored contact lenses without hesitation. Female idols are experimenting with strong brows, edgy eyeliner, and minimal glam. Artists like SHINee’s Taemin and NewJeans’ Danielle embody this approach, encouraging fans to see beauty as expressive rather than binary. This shift is also reflected in unisex skincare lines and makeup brands releasing gender-neutral packaging and scents.
10. Idol-influenced skincare tools
In 2025, skincare tools endorsed or used by K-pop idols are flying off the shelves. From LED face masks to facial massage rollers and cryo sticks, fans are eager to use what their favorite idols trust in their routines. Skincare tools are frequently shown in idol vlogs, behind-the-scenes footage, and beauty brand campaigns. Stray Kids’ Hyunjin and BLACKPINK’s Rosé have both been seen using facial sculpting tools to reduce puffiness and prepare their skin before performances. As a result, these devices are now a must-have part of any K-beauty lover’s arsenal.
Bottom line
K-pop idols have always played a massive role in shaping Korean beauty standards, but in 2025, their influence feels more global and more personal than ever. These beauty trends are not just about copying a look; they’re about embracing creativity, confidence, and self-expression. Whether it’s a simple blush placement or a bold new eyeliner shape, each trend inspired by K-pop is helping redefine what it means to feel beautiful today.
As these trends continue to evolve, one thing is certain: if you want to stay ahead in the beauty world, just keep an eye on what K-pop idols are doing next.
