Frequently asked questions
What type of Korean makeup is good for older skin?
“In Korean makeup, there is often a focus on achieving a skin-like finish and glow, which is particularly beneficial for mature skin, as overly matte products can accentuate texture and dryness,” says Dr. Hwang. Lee agrees: “Dewier coverage, as opposed to matte, can give a more plumped effect,” she says. “There’s also more emphasis on hybrid products in Korea. So it’s common to have skin care ingredients in makeup, which not only sets a nice base but also helps your skin in the long run.”
What ingredients should you look for in Korean makeup for mature skin?
“For mature skin, I usually recommend focusing on hydrating, skin-conditioning ingredients in the formula to help prevent makeup from settling into fine lines,” says Dr. Hwang. His list of recommended ingredients includes glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and brightening antioxidants like vitamin C. “You also want to look for a flexible, lightweight texture that moves naturally with the skin,” he says. The formulas on our list were all tested for their compatibility with skin texture, lines, and wrinkles.
What are some tips on how to conceal wrinkles with Korean makeup?
Our experts agree: It’s less about concealer application technique and more about the right skin prep, and right concealer. “When a product is truly well-made, it should work effortlessly with the skin,” says Cho. “You shouldn’t have to overthink it.”
Lee also says that focusing too much on concealer application technique can actually backfire. “I know that people share all sorts of concealer techniques to mask the harsh shadows of nasolabial folds and other areas, but my hot take is that I think those techniques can sometimes make you look worse,” she says. “I’ll be 51 soon and have realized as I’ve gotten older that a lighter touch with makeup is absolutely most flattering in every way.” Besides applying your concealer in thin, light layers, the best thing you can do is make sure skin starts off hydrated. “My pro tip is to start with great skin care,” says Lee. “Plumping your skin with a good milky toner and moisturizer will help your makeup sit better, so it doesn’t settle into wrinkles and accentuate them.”
What’s a good Korean skin prep routine for mature skin?
The best Korean skin care routine for mature skin is all about enhancing skin elasticity and targeting visible signs of aging. As Lee says, the right toners and moisturisers will help your makeup “sit better” and look fresher throughout the day. Extend that same philosophy to all your skin prep products, including cleanser, cleansing oil, eye cream, ampoule, sunscreen, and serum. While many of the Korean makeup picks on our list are infused with hydrating ingredients, they’re meant to enhance (not replace!) your skin prep. So before you reach for that cushion, make sure you’re treating skin to ingredients like bakuchiol and retinol, which boost collagen production—as well as nourishing and calming ingredients like green tea, ceramide, cica (Centella asiatica), which are essential to support the skin barrier, soothe sensitive skin, and transform even extremely dry skin into dewy glass skin. Start with our list of the best Korean skin care products.
How we tested Korean makeup for mature skin
As a beauty editor since 2013, I’ve had a firsthand look at the most iconic Korean makeup launches, including the best foundations, concealers, and eye and lip makeup for mature skin. For this story, I started by reviewing my personal trend research on noteworthy K-beauty products from past trips to Seoul. I then interviewed a local dermatologist, celebrity makeup artist, and K-beauty expert for additional insights. Glamour testers tried their top picks and evaluated each based on longevity, coverage, ability to blur fine lines and wrinkles, and more. When reviewing each formula, I always take tester experience, expert insights, and my own research into account in order to help Glamour readers make the most informed decision.
