Buzz
Literally translating to 'best face' in Korean, the term ulzzang has become a popular cultural phenomenon, representing the quintessential South Korean beauty ideal. This style is often characterized by large eyes, a petite mouth, a high nose bridge, and fair skin, reminiscent of Korean models. The ulzzang trend gained traction through photo contests on the social media platform Cyworld, where users voted for the most attractive photos. If you're interested in adopting this style, you can learn techniques for enhancing your eyes, styling your hair, coordinating outfits, and exploring ulzzang fashion online. Check out step 1 for detailed guidance.
Steps
Eyes and Lips
Consider using contact lenses. You don't need naturally large eyes to achieve the ulzzang look. Contact lenses can create the illusion of bigger eyes, even if your eyes are naturally small or average-sized.
- Consult an optometrist and seek parental permission before using contact lenses. They may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with astigmatism or other eye shape issues. Alternatively, makeup techniques can also make your eyes appear larger.
Draw a thin eyeliner line. Combined with contact lenses, your eyes will appear more defined.
Apply mascara to the tips of your lashes. You can use false lashes if desired, but ensure they aren’t overly thick. Ulzzang beauty is known for its natural makeup style, so heavy or clumpy lashes should be avoided.
Use eyeshadow in nude and other natural tones.
Clothing
Wear skinny jeans or shorts. Ulzzang fashion is famous for its colorful skinny jeans, worn by both men and women.
- Find a pair that fits well and experiment with various colors and styles that complement your body type.
Purchase classic graphic tees. T-shirts featuring unique designs, often printed in the center, are quite popular. These tees are commonly sold at youth clothing stores and promoted on social media platforms like Instagram.
- Avoid shirts with prominent brand logos; instead, opt for ones with cartoon characters or artistic designs. Many of these tees are designed to look handmade, screen-printed, or limited edition, often featuring witty phrases or wordplay.
Wear oversized sweaters. Pairing skinny jeans with loose-fitting sweaters is a hallmark of the ulzzang style. V-neck sweaters and brightly colored, well-fitted sweaters with prints, similar to classic graphic tees, are also popular.
Coordinate outfits or accessories with your boyfriend/girlfriend. A unique aspect of online ulzzang culture is the trend of cute couple photos, where partners wear matching outfits based on a specific theme or color palette.
- Choose complementary colors or matching styles rather than clashing designs. Ulzzang-themed clothing is often sold in pairs, allowing couples to wear tees with messages like 'I love him' or 'I love her,' or to sport matching heart-shaped necklaces.
Hair Styling
Style your hair like an ulzzang.
Trim your hair to a suitable length. There’s no universal standard for ulzzang hairstyles. Consult with a stylist to choose a cut that highlights your unique features, accentuating your jawline and face shape. A well-chosen haircut can enhance your appearance far more than a generic one.
Take excellent care of your hair.
Online Activities
Take photos using your phone.
Photoshop
Take plenty of selfies. Curating your online image with adorable selfies is a key aspect of ulzzang culture. Capture moments of fun, or turn a dull afternoon into something exciting by dressing up and snapping photos.
- Look to fashion catalogs and magazines for inspiration. Many ulzzang photo sets on social media resemble the latest spreads from high-end fashion brands. Plan a cute photoshoot with your partner during a date.
Enter ulzzang photo contests. Soompi, a site dedicated to K-Pop and Korean culture, often hosts competitions with prestigious prizes, such as auditions and interviews with top Korean fashion magazines. Similar contests can also be found on Facebook and other social media platforms.
- Many K-Pop stars began as famous ulzzangs by participating in such contests. Give it a try—you might be next!
Tips
- Accessorize your hair with cute items like bows or clips.
- Create an online account to share your ulzzang photos and connect with others.
- Try learning to read and speak Korean.
- Familiarize yourself with Photoshop for photo editing (while Photoshop can be expensive, there are ways to use it for free).
Warnings
- When using contact lenses for the first time, avoid wearing them for more than 3 hours to prevent discomfort. Gradually increase the duration by 2 hours each day—for example, 3 hours on the first day, 5 hours on the second day, and so on.
What You'll Need
- Wigs (optional)
- Contact lenses
- Camera
- Eyeliner
- Lip gloss
- Mascara
- Natural-looking false lashes
