For the most part, Korean makeup isn't quite as heralded as Korean skincare products. The country's beauty scientists have unquestionably unlocked the secrets to healthy, ageless, and glowing skin, but products like eye shadow and matte lipstick are often more coveted for cute packaging and wild colors than because the formula is superior.
The exception to that general rule is mascara. Because many Koreans are born with eyelashes that are shorter and straighter than eyelashes on people of other backgrounds, Korean makeup makers have made huge inroads with mascara wands and formulas that curl, add major volume, and lengthen lashes.
Plus, because Korean women are often on the go and work long hours, Korean mascara almost always far outperforms its Western competitors in staying power. Don't be afraid to keep these on all day without smudging or flaking, even if you're super sweaty, rubbing your eyes, or hanging out at the beach with friends.
Intrigued? Check out some of the best Korean mascaras here:
Holika Holika Magic Pole Mascara
This is one of the main mascaras you'll hear about if you look into Korean mascara, mostly for its innovative wand (or, as Holika Holika calls it, the pole.) It starts off with your typical bristles, but also has a little ball at the tip of the wand designed to make it easier to lengthen and separate your outer lashes. A few Western brands have followed suit with this design, but the Holika Holika version is an affordable version that also comes in fabulous colors like Mystic Purple.
Etude House Lash Perm Curl Fix
Even if this didn't have a roll brush that pulls lashes top, bottom, front and back to ensure a serious curl, this mascara would be a killer buy because it comes in fantastic colors. Want a sultry burgundy lash or a music video-worthy hot pink blink? Yeah, this is your mascara.
The company that brought you Korea's best-selling eyeliner knows you can't complete a smoky lined eye without a decked-out lash. Clio also knows all lashes have different needs. The company has three mascaras in its Salon collection, all optimized for different effects. Between the Roller Cara, Brush Cara, and Hand Cara, you've got super long, super curled, and super volumized lashes, respectively. Some beauty bloggers report that it takes a while to get the application of this mascara just right, but once you do, it's worth the time and effort.
The name 'skinny' here comes from the wand, which measures only 2.5 mm wide. In case you can't visualize...that's super skinny. The smaller (smallest!) brush helps to separate and lift lashes, leading to a very fine, natural look. This isn't the mascara that's going to give you the mega volume of a K-pop star's magazine spread look, but this is a fantastic mascara for long, natural looking everyday lashes.
Too Cool for School Dinoplatz Escalator Mascara
This is quickly gaining cult status among the mascara fiends of the world. Its innovative adjustable wand allows users to choose their volume and curl each time they use the product. One day you can get some vavoom! lashes and the next you can get a more natural, lengthy curled look - all with the exact same product. It's revolutionary. Snag it before it sells out after being on every beauty blogger's favorites list.
Saem Eco Soul 90 Degree Mascara
Leave it to G-Dragon to figure out what the world needed in a mascara brush. The idol endorses this mascara brush, which can bend to a 90 degree angle for more controlled and precise application. Its small brush and perfect bend is especially perfect for those bottom lashes, which don't usually get the special care that they deserve.
