Beauty Across the Globe: Unique Routines from Different Cultures

By Alayah Brantley

Beauty Across the Globe: Unique Routines from Different Cultures

By Alayah Brantley

As the world becomes increasingly connected, trends from around the globe have become more accessible. It has become popular for online posts to showcase different trends from various cultures. Today, we will explore beauty trends from around the world—from South Korea to France—offering makeup tips that everyone can learn from.

South Korea - The Pursuit of Flawless Skin

South Korea is renowned for its strict beauty standards. As a leading country for cosmetic surgeries, South Koreans place a high value on appearance. Healthy, pale skin is the ultimate goal in cosmetics. The concept of “Glass Skin” originated in South Korea, emphasizing flawless, radiant, and hydrated skin. Youthful makeup looks are prioritized, which is why boldness is not a defining feature of most Korean styles.

Lip tints are especially popular for creating a soft, blurred definition, often paired with a gloss for hydration. Korean makeup routines always begin with skincare, often involving 10 steps or more. Foundations are typically in cushion form, providing a dewy, natural finish and often containing skincare ingredients. Eyebrows are shaped to be straight or slightly rounded, avoiding sharp lines for a softer appearance.

The eyes are enhanced by the “Aegyo sal” — the small area of fat under the eyes. Many Koreans draw shadows and contour under the eyes to create the illusion of an Aegyo sal, which helps make the eyes appear larger and more youthful.

@aselbbh Korean makeup hacks ✨ #makeuptutorial #koreanmakeup #asianmakeup #CapCut ♬ Lounge Fashion Chill - MusicHead

United Kingdom - The Love for a Sun-Kissed Glow

There is no doubt that the U.K. has received some criticism for certain makeup looks. However, the U.K. is home to several prominent makeup brands and styles that are nothing short of stunning. Brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Pat McGrath, and Bobbi Brown—originating in the U.K.—have dominated the cosmetics market. U.K. makeup focuses on achieving a bronzed glow and healthy-looking skin.

It is common for many to use fake tan or bronzing drops before applying makeup to create that sun-kissed glow. U.K. makeup often leans towards the more dramatic side, utilizing techniques like baking and product layering. Sculpted cheekbones, bright under-eyes, and bold brows are all defining features of U.K. makeup trends.

Black U.K. makeup artists have also developed their own distinctive style, emphasizing sculpted cheeks, bright under-eyes, and, of course, a bronzy glow. Like in the U.S., people in the U.K. frequently use tints and laminations to achieve long-lasting boldness.

@makeupbymonicaa THIS WAS NOT WHAT I WAS EXPECTING 🫢 Base Queen @NATORI 🌩 SLAYS on my FYP daily 😍 I just had to try it 👀✨ Products with shades used are linked in my in my bio 💕💋 @Huda Beauty @NARS Cosmetics @maccosmetics @Pat McGrath Labs @milkmakeup @makeupbymario #ukgirlmakeup #makeuproutine #makeuptutorials #baddiemakeup #ukmakeup #browngirlmakeup #browngirlfriendly #ukblackgirlmakeup #uchenatorimakeup #makeuponbrownskin ♬ original sound - Monica Ravichandran ✨

China- Douyin Makeup

Chinese makeup has gained widespread popularity online, especially through the Douyin makeup trend. Like in South Korea, pale skin is highly valued; however, Chinese makeup tends to be more thematic compared to its South Korean counterpart.

Douyin makeup places a strong emphasis on the eyes, often featuring chunky glitters, dramatic wispy lashes, and an enhanced Aegyo sal. The colors used are typically cool toned but highly pigmented. This style of makeup employs strategic contour and blush placement to soften and round out facial features. Nose contour is commonly used to create the appearance of a petite button nose.

@itsjennze This datenight makeup look is the perfect mix of sexy and cute. #viralmakeup #makeuptutorial #datenight #angelicmakeup #xiaohongshu #douyinmakeup ♬ original sound - JennZe

France- Chic and Clean

French beauty enthusiasts gravitate toward effortlessness and simplicity. The French cosmetic and skincare industry is one of the leaders in the global cosmetic market, known for its hallmark of luxury and quality. French consumers often invest in a few high-quality items and keep their routines minimalistic.

French makeup follows the simple rule of emphasizing one feature. For example, if you create a dramatic eye look, keep your lips natural. Alternatively, if you opt for a bold lip, wear little to no makeup on the eyes. French makeup users often use one product for multiple purposes. For instance, when creating a classic French red lip, they might use the same lipstick as blush. This approach results in a cohesive look that remains understated yet elegant.