How to Master the K-Pop “Under-Eye” Blush Look

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Whether you’re scrolling through a Stray Kids music video or keeping up with the latest from Seoul Fashion Week, there is one makeup trend that is currently inescapable: the high-placed, ethereal “under-eye” blush.

While the look has become a signature for idols like Hyunjin and Felix of Stray Kids, it actually traces its professional roots back to the iconic Korean makeup artist Risa Bae.

How to Get the Perfect K-Pop Under-Eye Blush Look — Courtesy: @hyunjinvir

As the visionary behind some of the most iconic idol transformations, Risa Bae popularized this specific “flushed” aesthetic, turning what used to be a makeup “don’t” into a high-fashion “must.”

However, there is a fine line between looking like a K-pop star and looking like you’re suffering from a seasonal allergy.

To help us bridge that gap, skincare and beauty creator Jihoon Suh (@jihoon_suh) took to TikTok to break down the exact geometry required to nail the look.

@jihoon_suh
looking beat up is fine too tbh #kbeauty #mensmakeup #mensbeauty #makeuptutorial #makeuptips
♬ original sound – junejuly_08 – junejuly_08

If you’re ready to achieve that “sexy and put-together” idol vibe, here is the step-by-step breakdown of the Risa Bae-inspired technique.

Step 1: Prep a Bright, Clean Base

The secret to a bold blush look isn’t actually the blush; it’s the skin underneath.

To ensure the color pops without looking muddy, you need a flawless foundation.

Jihoon suggests starting with a slightly lighter canvas than usual.

“I like to use a slightly brighter foundation for this because the blush stands out more,” he explains, adding that the extra brightness is necessary since “we’re going to use contour later on anyway.”

Step 2: Strategic Blush Placement

This is where the Risa Bae influence truly shines. Unlike traditional blush placement on the apples of the cheeks, this technique pulls the pigment upward. However, precision is key to avoid looking “drunk.”

Jihoon advises applying the blush directly under the eyes but being mindful of the surrounding areas.

“Apply the blush on the areas I marked out and keep the rest of the areas like your smile lines and your inner eye bright,” he says.

This contrast ensures the look remains editorial rather than messy.

“The placement of your blush is really important… you still want to look sexy and kind of put together.”

Step 3: Define with “Dimensional” Contour

To prevent the high blush from making the face look flat, you must reintroduce structure.

Jihoon uses a contour stick to create a frame around the color.

“Draw an inverted C or V shape on your cheekbones,” Jihoon instructs while blending the product along the sides of the nose.

This specific “C-shaping” method is a classic idol trick to narrow the mid-face.

As Jihoon notes, “This step really ties in your blush to the rest of your face and makes it look way more dimensional.”

Step 4: The “Bitten” Lip Finish

No Stray Kids-inspired look is complete without the signature gradient lip.

The goal is a flushed, natural finish that looks effortless. “For the lips, we want it to look like you’ve been biting on them for a bit,” Jihoon says.

To achieve this, use a berry-shaded lip tint and focus the pigment strictly on the inner side of the lips, blending outward for a soft, diffused edge.

The K-Pop Idol Checklist

To keep your look in the “Idol” category and out of the “Irritation” category, remember these three professional pillars:

High Contrast: Keep your concealer bright to make the blush look intentional.
The Inverted V: Always anchor your under-eye blush with a sharp cheekbone contour.
Berry Tones: Stick to cool-toned pinks or berries to mimic a natural flush.

Here is a YouTube video of the full makeup tutorial by RisaBae: