Makeover and K-beauty tips with Laneige makeup artist Cat Koh

Since we’re are in tropical country where not one snowflake drops in December, it appears we tend to make up for it by way for decorations. Reindeers and sleighs have been springing up in record speed all over town and we can almost begin to hear malls playing various holiday tunes, which could only mean one thing, that Christmas is officially hot on our heels.

While we scramble to start on our hunt for gifts, at the corner of our minds, we’re similarly stressing out over what to wear and what festive beauty look to flaunt this season. Well, our lack of ideas brought us to a rather convivial makeover session with Laneige’s Korean makeup artist, Cat Koh.

By using the Korean brand’s petite-sized Holiday 2014 set, filled with lip glosses, nail polish and an eyeshadow set, Cat waved her hands around and effortlessly gave me a brilliant party-ready look. A look where the lashes were the main star – none of my signature eyeliner got to creep in here.

Once I was all made up and looking slightly out of place in my casual wear, we sat down for another round of jovial conversations. Here’s what Cat Koh had to share about Korea’s beauty trends and what it takes to get ready within 4 minutes – this you’ll want to know.

Currently, what makeup or beauty trends are popular in Korea?

Actually, in Korea there is still an obsession with dewy skin or rather having good skin. We tend to avoid putting on too much powder since it dries out the skin and we won’t be able to achieve the dewy look. We also don’t prefer to have so much colour on the eyes. Now the focus is now on lashes. It’s all about your mascara technique – no more about the eyeliner. Bright lip colours are also very popular. For instance, this Fall season, reddish and bluish burgundy is big in Korea.

However, for people who live in the summer countries, I don’t recommend burgundy although you can try the gradation look.

Personally, what is your opinion on the eyebag trend?

People are actually confusing themselves with the ‘Ae Gyo Sal’ – which is a kind of muscle under your eyes – and the eyebags. So when you’re smiling, the fold of the muscle will appear but eyebags has more to do with loosened skin and it appears towards the same line as your dark circles. ‘Ae Gyo Sal’ appears right under your eyes. It’s popular to have these – some people are getting plastic surgery for it – just to make the girl appear happy even when she’s not smiling.

What are some common beauty mistakes that women make?

The routine is really important. You don’t need to use so much of one product but keep the routine and use just the right amount to attain good skin. Having multiple layers is really important because they essentially work differently.

Makeup wise, I think thin eyebrows is no longer a good look – thick eyebrows would be better. In the past, arched eyebrows were preferred because it gives the matured and sexy outlook but now women want to look younger so straight, thick eyebrows help to create that illusion.

How can we attain a naturally, flawless complexion? What’s your beauty advice?

Of course you can use a really good product to achieve the look but why not spend a little bit more time on your skincare. Also like drinking water and ensuring that you remove your makeup. And instead of going for targeted beauty products (anti-aging, whitening etc), simply invest in a basic range. For makeup, I suggest using the concealer first and then the BB cushion because it would be easier to blend as opposed to blending on top of BB cushion, which may be more difficult based on the different textures.

Is there one makeup product that women should never leave the house without? Why?

Lipstick. It’s versatile because you can use it on your eyes and cheeks as well. But how about take two? So I would say take the BB cushion and the lipstick. One is too sad.

What would be your go to everyday look (or tip) for the working woman who wants to be ready to go in 10 minutes?

Just use the BB cushion, lipstick and some mascara which would take you only 4 minutes so you have 6 minutes for some milk and cereal.

What are your tips for those who want to look like their favourite K-Pop stars?

Some are really girly but some are really strong. If you want to be a K-Pop star then I’d suggest focusing on a bold and strong eyeliner – black or coloured. Lashes are also important but it’s still important to have stronger eyeliner.

What are some key looks that women can wear for the upcoming Holidays?

Sparkle. Take advantage of the light rather than going with colour. Try golden or reddish pink like the eyeshadow palette in our Holiday set. Lip colour, you should also go with pink.

What do you think will be the next big makeup buy after the cushion compact?

Actually, we’re also thinking about that a lot because there definitely should be one. We are currently developing one but that would be a secret for now. Instead of cushion, we are thinking of a new category and a product that would be easy to use for a regular girl so all I can say is to expect something from us.

Tarandip Kaur