How to Ace Korean Aegyo Sal Makeup

Scroll through Douyin feeds or watch any K-pop stage cam, and one detail shows up again and again. That soft under-eye puff that makes the eyes look brighter, bigger, rounder, and full of charm. Aegyo sal has moved far beyond a niche K-beauty trick and into a defining detail of modern Asian makeup.

From fourth-gen idols to drama leads, this look signals youth, warmth, and approachability without being overdone. Some people are born with it, others enhance it with makeup, but no two aegyo sal looks are ever the same. When done with intention, it looks effortless, like your eyes are smiling before you do.

So, how exactly can you pull off the aegyo sal makeup?

Step 1: Mark the Eye Puff Location

Before any product touches the skin, you will first have to identify where your natural under-eye volume appears.

To do so, look into the mirror and smile just enough to activate the area beneath your eyes. A soft crescent usually forms slightly below the lower lash line, often less than two millimetres down. This is your reference point.

Using a muted brow pencil or light brown liner, sketch a faint line just beneath that puff to map out the crease to guide the placement.

Step 2: Selecting the Ideal Blending Tool

Applying makeup to the under-eye area demands control so that the result is not heavy-looking, which is why brush choice matters more than most realise.

A slim, flat brush with supple bristles allows the product to sit evenly without disrupting the skin underneath. For definition, an angled brush helps refine edges along the crease, while a smaller blending brush softens transitions below.

Step 3: Defining the Natural Crease with Contour

With the structure in place, you will need to contour to add dimension. Using a brown-toned shade close to natural shadow, apply some product just beneath the marked line or close to the lower lash area with your flat brush. Keep the placement tight and deliberate.

Then, switch to an angled brush to clean up the upper edge so the crease appears blended and natural under both daylight and camera lenses, without looking drawn on.

Step 4: Sweeping Colour Across the Under-Eye

With the crease defined, it is time to add softness through colour. Choose an eyeshadow that closely mirrors your natural skin tone, like those in the Artist Eye Palette #Nude, and using a light hand, sweep the shade across the puff you mapped earlier to create organic fullness. This layer should sit softly over the contour, diffusing the edges. Finish by lightly dusting away excess pigment with a fluffy brush.

Step 5: Finishing with Dimensional Shimmer

This is where the aegyo sal comes alive. Using a small, pointed brush, place a hint of shimmer along the upper edge of the under-eye puff, just beneath the lower lashes. Soft reflective tones like champagne, pale pink, or sheer lavender work beautifully here, especially when paired with a long-lasting shimmer formula like the JUNGSAEMMOOL Artist Drawing Shadow Pencil, which keeps the eyes looking bright throughout the day. This adds dimension and gives the eyes that unmistakable brightness seen on stage and screen.

Step 6: Enhancing Eyes with Liner and Mascara

To complete the look, add contrast to the eyes with a thin line of eyeliner along the upper lash line. Follow by curling the lashes to open up the eye area, then apply a volumising mascara like the Style Up Lash Mascara to thicken and define.

Professional Tips for a Flawless Result

Once the main shape is set, it is the finishing approach that decides whether your aegyo sal looks chic. Consider these tips so that yours look effortless:

Start with Minimal Intensity

Aegyo sal works best when the effect builds slowly, so begin with very little product and layer only where needed. This gives you control over how visible the puff appears as your expression changes.

Choosing Complementary Colours

Shades that sit close to your natural undertone, such as neutral taupe or soft brown, create under-eye depth without dragging the face down. Avoid tones that lean grey, as they can make the eye area appear dull or tired rather than bright and youthful.

Locating the Ideal Placement

As mentioned, a slight smile reveals where your under-eye naturally lifts, which should guide where the colour should sit. Beyond the placement, keep the shadow line diffused and proportionate, roughly matching the width of your pupil. This keeps the aegyo sal visible without overpowering the entire eye makeup look you are trying to pull off.

Blending Quickly and Seamlessly

Timing matters when it comes to drawing on a perfect aegyo sal. This means that you will have to work while the product is still fresh so the edges soften easily. Blend outward and slightly upward so the shading integrates smoothly with the rest of your eye makeup and prevents harsh lines from settling in place.

Boosting Dimension with Highlighter

Highlighter completes the look when used with intention. Therefore, be sure to apply it just above the crease you created to catch light naturally. For extra brightness, a slight touch at the inner corners or the centre of the lid can lift the entire eye area.

Key Products and Tools for the Aegyo Sal Look

If you have ever wondered what makeup works best for creating aegyo sal that looks natural and camera-ready, the answer lies in formulas and the tools used.

These essentials from JUNGSAEMMOOL support detailed under-eye work without overpowering the rest of the eye makeup.

1. Artist Drawing Shadow Pencil

Designed for detail-focused eye makeup, the Artist Drawing Shadow Pencil is ideal for creating luminous points, soft lines, and dimensional accents around the under-eye. Its precise square-cut tip allows controlled placement, whether you are defining the aegyo sal or adding subtle shimmer. The lightweight formula adheres smoothly without creasing, while customised glitter in each shade delivers clear, multi-dimensional radiance.

For shaping and structure, the Artist Edge Eye Pencil works as a cream-based liner that supports the look. It adheres cleanly without skipping, allowing you to add definition under the eye with consistency. Plus, its built-in sharpener supports precise lines that stay crisp throughout the day.

2. Artist Eye Palette #Nude

The Artist Eye Palette #Nude brings together six wearable shades in varying finishes that enhance eye contours. The tones sit close to natural skin hues, making them ideal for under-eye shading and soft dimension. Each colour delivers even payoff with minimal fallout, supporting luminous eyes that still feel lightweight.

3. JUNGSAEMMOOL Masterclass Eye Shadow Brush

Designed for control, the JUNGSAEMMOOL Masterclass Eye Shadow Brush helps regulate how much product is picked up and placed. The lighter bristle tips act as a visual guide, making it easier to apply just enough pigment. Its shape supports detailed work around the under-eye, translating artist-level technique into everyday application.

4. JUNGSAEMMOOL Masterclass Smudge Brush

The bullet-shaped design of the JUNGSAEMMOOL Masterclass Smudge Brush allows shading to stay precise while softening edges where needed. Firm yet flexible bristles help diffuse colour under the eye without dragging product too far. It is especially useful for shaping the aegyo sal crease and keeping transitions clean.

5. Artist Face Palette #Contour

The Artist Face Palette #Contour is structured to replicate how light and shadow naturally fall across the face. The shades work across multiple zones, from facial depth to detailed eye contouring. Its mix-and-match tones also allow customised shading that complements most under-eye makeup.

Getting a real feel for what aegyo sal makeup is all about comes from practice, guided by the right products. With the correct formulas and tools, the under-eye looks more defined, and your eyes will look bigger without tipping into anything overdone.

Discover Korean cosmetics online by JUNGSAEMMOOL, see techniques up close in our Korean makeup studio, or build stronger fundamentals through our Korean makeup academy grounded in professional artistry.