Douyin makeup vs Ulzzang

Understanding the Difference Between Douyin and Ulzzang

Korean makeup has long inspired the beauty world, and two styles that have become particularly talked about on social media are Ulzzang and Douyin makeup. Both originate from Korean beauty culture but express themselves in completely different ways, one more natural and soft, the other more dramatic and glamorous.

In this post, we go through what distinguishes the two trends and how you can try them yourself. You will get a clear overview of the characteristics, product tips, and ideas for when each look fits best.

What is Ulzzang Makeup?

Background and Origin

Ulzzang means “best face” in Korean and became popular as early as the 2000s via Korean online forums. It initially involved appearing as cute and photogenic as possible in selfies. Over time, it developed into a whole makeup style that set the standard for the natural and youthful look that is still central in K-beauty.

Characteristics of the Ulzzang Style

What distinguishes Ulzzang makeup is simplicity and naturalness. The base is even and light with a slight glow that highlights the skin rather than completely covering it. Eyebrows are shaped softly and naturally without sharp edges, and eyes are discreetly emphasized to give an innocent expression. Lips are often soft and rosy, enhancing the impression of youthful charm.

Makeup Techniques and Products

• Base: Cushion foundation or BB cream with dewy finish for a fresh and vibrant skin tone.
• Eyes: Thin eyeliner in “puppy eye” style drawn slightly downward for an innocent look, complemented with natural lashes.
• Lips: Gradient lips with lip tints in pink or red tones where the color fades from the center outwards.
• Eyebrows: Softly shaped and naturally filled to blend into the overall look.

Popular products used for the Ulzzang look often come from Korean brands like Etude House, Peripera, and Innisfree, known for their light formulations and natural colors.

What is Douyin Makeup?

Background and Origin

Douyin makeup originates from the Chinese app Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) and has quickly spread to South Korea and the rest of the world. Unlike the soft and natural Ulzzang style, Douyin is known for its more dramatic and glamorous feel, a look designed to be seen on camera and capture attention on social media.

Characteristics of the Douyin Style

Douyin makeup is characterized by a perfect, almost porcelain-like skin tone and an intense eye makeup focusing on drama. The eyes often get a larger, “doll-like” effect through eyeliner, false eyelashes, and shimmer. Lips are full, defined, and often in deeper red or berry shades, giving a more mature and seductive expression than Ulzzang.

Makeup Techniques and Products

• Base: Full coverage foundation with matte or semi-matte finish for an even, porcelain-like skin.
• Eyes: Defined eyeliner that extends the eye's shape, often combined with long false eyelashes and glitter in the inner eye corner for extra dimension.
• Lips: Deep red or burgundy shades with clear contours, sometimes with gloss for extra volume.
• Highlight & contour: Strategic contouring to enhance the face shape and strong highlight on cheekbones, nose, and eyelids.

Common brands used to create the Douyin look include CLIO, 3CE, and Rom&nd, which offer pigment-rich products and intense colors that are perfect for this trendy style.

Differences between Ulzzang and Douyin

Although both Ulzzang and Douyin are popular styles originating from Korean beauty culture, they differ significantly in expression. Ulzzang focuses on a natural, sweet, and youthful feel, while Douyin is more intense, glamorous, and designed to stand out. Where Ulzzang suits a daily look, Douyin often works better for festive occasions and situations where you want to be noticed a little extra.

• Ulzzang: Natural and soft base, light colors, and gradient lips for an innocent look.
• Douyin: Full coverage base, defined eyes, glitter, and full lips in deeper tones.
• Ulzzang: Focuses on simplicity and a youthful expression.
• Douyin: Focuses on drama, glamour, and enhancing facial features.

When does each style fit?

Both Ulzzang and Douyin have their strengths and can be adapted to different situations. Which one you choose depends on the context and the impression you want to create. Ulzzang is easy to wear daily and gives a soft, fresh expression, while Douyin is perfect when you want to stand out and create a more dramatic feel.

• Ulzzang: Suitable for everyday occasions like school, work, shopping, or a casual date.
• Douyin: Perfect for parties, dinners, events, photoshoots, or when you want to be seen on social media.

How to recreate the look

Trying Ulzzang and Douyin makeup doesn't have to be difficult. With the right products and some simple methods, you can create the looks at home. Here we go through how you can recreate both styles.

How to do Ulzzang Makeup

• Base: Use a light cushion foundation or BB-cream with a dewy finish for a natural glow. The goal is an even but fresh skin tone, not to cover everything.
• Eyes: Draw a thin eyeliner in a "puppy eye" style that follows the eye's shape downward. Add a thin layer of mascara for natural lashes.
• Eyebrows: Fill in the eyebrows softly with a pencil or setting powder in a shade close to your natural color. Avoid sharp lines.
• Lips: Create gradient lips by applying a lip tint in the center of the lips and blending the color towards the edges. Pink and red tones are most common.
• Extra tips: Add some cream blush on the cheeks to enhance the youthful feel.

How to do Douyin Makeup

• Base: Start with a primer and then apply a full coverage foundation. Use concealer to create an even and porcelain-like skin tone.
• Contour & highlight: Shade under the cheekbones, along the jawline, and at the nose. Then apply strong highlight on cheekbones, nose bridge, and eyelids.
• Eyes: Use eyeliner to elongate the eyes into a cat-like shape. Add false eyelashes for extra intensity and complete with glittery eyeshadow in the inner corner of the eye.
• Lips: Choose rich colors like red, burgundy, or dark pink. Apply with a defined lip contour and top with gloss for a "plump" effect.
• Extra tips: Focus on the eye makeup – it defines the Douyin style the most. The more dimension and shimmer, the better.

Some Korean brands often used to recreate these looks are Etude, Peripera, Rom&nd and CLIO. They offer everything from light lip tints to highly pigmented eyeshadows and foundation with high coverage.

Common Questions and Answers about Douyin Makeup and Ulzzang

Is Douyin makeup Korean or Chinese?

Douyin makeup originated in China via the app Douyin, but the style has quickly become popular in Korea and internationally. In Korea, it is often used for more dramatic occasions.

What does Ulzzang mean?

Ulzzang comes from Korean and means "best face." It refers to a look that highlights natural beauty and youthful charm.

What are the biggest differences between Ulzzang and Douyin?

Ulzzang focuses on a natural, soft, and innocent look, while Douyin is more dramatic, glamorous, and intense. The base, eye makeup, and lips differ the most between the styles.

Which style is most popular in Korea right now?

Ulzzang has long been the standard in everyday makeup in Korea, but Douyin has recently grown strongly on social media and among younger makeup enthusiasts.

Can you mix Ulzzang and Douyin makeup?

Yes, many choose to combine the elements. For example, you can use Ulzzang's natural base but add Douyin's glittery eyes or stronger lips for a mixed style.

What products do you need for Ulzzang makeup?

For Ulzzang, you need a light cushion foundation or BB cream, thin eyeliner, mascara, a lip tint for gradient lips, and possibly a little cream blush.

What products do you need for Douyin makeup?

For Douyin, you need full coverage foundation, concealer, contour and highlight, eyeliner, false eyelashes, glittery eyeshadow, and a strong lip color like red or burgundy.

Which look is best for everyday wear?

Ulzzang is best for everyday wear due to its natural and soft style. Douyin is more suited for parties, events, and occasions where you want to stand out extra much.