Happy Birthday, IU! The multi-talented Korean singer, songwriter and actress turns 29 on 16 May. It’s no secret that her role as bossy and beautiful Jang Man-Wol in the Dark Fantasy K-drama Hotel Del Luna has made us fall back in love with whimsical pieces and dramatic, vintage-inspired silhouettes. That said, we’re also equally smitten with her stylish take on all things beauty. Read on as we highlight our favourite beauty moments from the star and recommend the makeup picks you’ll need to recreate these looks.
Channelling cocoa
Chocolate brown is a tricky hue to pull off, but IU does it with ease. Following her unveiling as GQ Korea’s Woman of The Year in 2020, the media site published a stunning series of images of the singer in a variety of androgynous outfits by Gucci (P.S. She was named as the fashion house’s ambassador in 2020) and cool, cocoa-coloured makeup. This impactful look is a refreshing departure from IU’s usual ensembles, which tend to feature more feminine frocks, looser cuts and softer hues.
(Left) Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows in Soft Brown, SGD50/~USD37. (Right) Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Cushion SPF 40 Foundation, SGD86/~USD64. (Photo from: lazada.sg)
Recreate her look: Define your brows using Charlotte Tilbury’s Legendary Brows to achieve a more boyish aesthetic that’s similar to IU’s. This tinted brow gel’s micro-precision brush makes it easier for you to coat and define your brow hairs to make them look fuller and thicker. For a subtly radiant complexion just like hers, try Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Serum Cushion, which provides your skin with medium to full coverage while protecting it against damaging UV rays and blue light.
Pastel press-on nails
(Photo from: program.tving.com)
It’s safe to say that IU’s Jang Man-Wol has made romantic, ruffled dresses and long wavy hair become part of her signature look in Hotel Del Luna. But beyond these, she’s also the queen of details and has been experimenting with different stylish manicure designs. Speaking of which, check out the beautiful immortal’s ensemble above, with her nails in pastel colours that complemented her bow-tie blouse and flared skirt.
Khaki Olives press-on nails in “Eden Garden”, SGD68/~USD51 (Photo from: khakiolives.com)
Recreate her look: Take your manicure game to the next level with this lovely set of “Eden Garden” press-on nail designs from Khaki Olives, which features a mint green and beige palette that’s complete with floral illustrations.
Pink-powered pout
Shine on, sister! The singer took to Instagram to share a compilation of her recent beauty looks, and one of them included a sparkling pink makeup look that was completed by silver chandelier earrings and an off-shoulder blouse. On her cheeks, she wore a glittery pink blush that featured more cool, bluish undertones. As for her lips, she went with a bright pink hue with a glossy texture to enhance her pout.
(Left) Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in ‘Wattabrat’ (Photo from: sephora.sg) Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in ‘Candy’, SGD36/~USD27 (Photo from: clarins.com.sg)
Recreate her look: Try Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Wattabrat, which features a cream-to-powder finish and super-fine shimmer pigments. Then, nourish and add shine to your pout with Clarins’ Lip Comfort Oil in the shade Candy, which is infused with plant-based active ingredients to protect, plump and soften your lips.
Smokey auburn maven
Here’s another gorgeous look that we don’t see from IU every day! In 2019, the singer released a music video teaser for her song The visitor. In a little over 60 seconds, we see her in a more mature get-up, which featured smokey, red-hued eyelids, dainty pearl earrings and a printed wrap dress. We’d love to see more details of her ensemble; however, it seems that her full music video is still under wraps for now as it has yet to be released.
(Left) Natasha Denona Sunset Eyeshadow Palette, SGD190/~USD142 (Photo from: sephora.sg). (Right) Mark Your Liquid Lips Matte Liquid Lipstick in ‘Pink Terra’, SGD37/~USD27 (Photo from: sephora.sg)
Recreate her look: In the meantime, you can copy her look with Natasha Denona’s Sunset Eyeshadow Palette, which boasts 15 richly pigmented shades for you to play with — from vibrant matte red and burnt orange to metallic, chromatic gold and bronze hues. To complete the look, glide the brand’s Mark Your Lips Matte Liquid Lipstick in Pink Terra over your lips for a matching red pout.
Trendsetting in tangerine
Orange has never looked this good. IU was almost unrecognisable in her cover for W Korea’s April 2021 issue. Dressed in a preppy, librarian-inspired outfit (we should’ve recognised her from her full Gucci get-up!), the singer also sported blue-coloured contacts and bright orange makeup. Once again, not a usual look that you’ll expect from her but that’s what makes it so delightful and fashion-forward to us too.
(Left) Rose Hermès Silky Blush in ‘Abricot’, SGD115/~USD86 (Photo from: hermès.com) (Right) Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick in ‘Rouge Exotique’, SGD63/~USD47 (Photo from: hermès.com)
Recreate her look: Get a taste of tangerine with the Rose Hermès Silky Blush in Abricot, which features a velvety orange-pink hue and a semi-matte finish. Next, swipe the Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick in Rouge Exotique for long-lasting colour.
Which look of IU’s is your favourite?
(Cover photo from: @dlwlrma and program.tving.com)
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