K-pop Stars’ Favorite Beauty Products That Are Blowing Up K-Beauty Trends

K-pop Stars’ Favorite Beauty Products and How They Shape Global K-Beauty Trends

Stella's Meta Description: From BTS and BLACKPINK to EXO and Red Velvet, K-pop idols are driving the global K-beauty craze. Learn which beauty products they use and how they influence the hottest skincare and makeup trends.

Introduction: When Music Meets Beauty

K-pop isn't just about catchy tunes and high-energy dance routines—it's a complete aesthetic experience. Beyond their chart-topping hits, K-pop stars are admired for their impeccable fashion sense, flawless skin, and trend-setting beauty looks. In fact, many of today’s global beauty trends can be traced directly back to a K-pop music video, backstage selfie, or a single product shoutout.
 
This seamless fusion of entertainment and beauty has positioned K-pop idols as unofficial ambassadors of Korean beauty—known worldwide as K-beauty. Their influence has transformed niche Korean products into international must-haves almost overnight.

Let’s take a closer look at the beauty products these idols actually use, how they influence trends, and why fans can’t get enough.

The Beauty Products K-pop Idols Actually Use

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask — BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s Hydration Secret

Jennie from BLACKPINK is known for her effortlessly chic look and plush lips. She has shared her love for Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask, and ever since, this product has become a must-have for fans and beauty lovers alike. With its rich texture and subtle fragrance, this overnight mask hydrates and plumps lips—a key feature of the soft, "glass skin" aesthetic that defines K-beauty.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass — BTS J-Hope’s Skin Soother

BTS members frequently deal with heavy stage makeup and stressful schedules, which can lead to irritation and breakouts. J-Hope, known for his clear, glowing complexion, is rumored to favor Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair line, especially the Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment. This green-tinted cream helps calm redness and evens out the skin tone—a go-to for performers who want to look flawless even offstage.

Innisfree No Sebum Powder — The Industry's Backstage Hero

This unassuming, budget-friendly powder is an essential item in many idol makeup kits. It's especially popular among groups like TWICE and SEVENTEEN, who need long-lasting oil control under the intense heat of stage lights. Its cult status among idols has led to frequent sellouts and international recognition, particularly in Southeast Asia and the U.S.

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum — Luxury Meets Idol

EXO’s Baekhyun and other stars from mature boy and girl groups often partner with high-end skincare brands like Sulwhasoo. Their First Care Activating Serum is a luxurious pre-serum that balances and energizes the skin. Thanks to celebrity endorsements, even younger fans are willing to splurge on premium skincare—seeing it as an investment in beauty and self-care.

3CE Velvet Lip Tint — Red Velvet Seulgi’s Go-To Lip

Known for her edgy yet feminine look, Seulgi of Red Velvet helped catapult 3CE's Velvet Lip Tint into the spotlight. Its creamy texture and buildable pigment are ideal for achieving K-pop’s signature gradient lip, a subtle, youthful look that contrasts Western bold-lip trends.

The Ripple Effect: How K-pop Idols Drive K-beauty Trends

Instant Virality Through Social Media

When idols post their skincare or makeup routine—even casually during a live stream—those products often sell out within hours. For instance, when IU mentioned a specific sunscreen in a vlog, it trended on Korean shopping sites and international e-commerce platforms almost immediately.

Brand Collaborations and Endorsements

K-pop idols frequently partner with K-beauty brands, either as ambassadors or by launching special collections. 

For example:
Lisa (BLACKPINK) x MAC Cosmetics: Created global buzz with her limited edition collection.
Aespa x CLIO: Helped CLIO rebrand as a Gen Z powerhouse brand.
NewJeans x Banila Co.: Reinvented the “clean girl” K-beauty look for a new generation.

Globalization of K-beauty Ideals

Thanks to K-pop’s international reach, beauty ideals like glass skin, straight brows, and soft blush tones are now trending even in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Many global beauty influencers cite K-pop idols as style inspiration, creating a cross-cultural feedback loop.

Fans as Active Trend Spreaders

K-pop fandoms are incredibly organized and loyal. When an idol uses or endorses a product, fan communities on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit break down how to buy and use it. This grassroots style of marketing is organic, authentic, and incredibly effective.

From Seoul to Sephora: K-beauty Goes Global

K-pop idols have helped usher K-beauty into mainstream shelves at Ulta, Sephora, and Amazon, proving that Korean products are no longer niche—they're global standards. As more Western brands try to emulate Korean innovation, the line between Western and Asian beauty continues to blur.

Conclusion: Idols Who Inspire More Than Music

K-pop stars are not just performers—they’re cultural tastemakers. Their influence has propelled K-beauty to new heights, introducing millions to innovative products, skincare rituals, and makeup aesthetics. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a beauty enthusiast, watching what K-pop idols use is the best way to stay ahead of the beauty curve.