Wellness
Gentlemen’s Guide: Bangkok’s 5 Best Barber Shops
These top 5 barber shops in Bangkok are where gentlemen can elevate ...
Go behind the scenes with K-Pop experts sharing idol-approved make-up and hair secrets to try.
Koktail had the opportunity to interview Cho Eun Bee, founder of AOU Cosmetics and make-up artist to some of K-Pop’s biggest stars including Kim Jennie, Lee Taeyeon or idol groups including aespa, IVE, MEOVV and more. Known for her refined approach and deep understanding of how makeup translates both on camera and on stage, Cho Eun Bee shares her professional insights and go-to techniques.
Joining the conversation is renowned hairstylist Lee Kiu, who recommends K-idol hairstyles that are not only performance-ready but also easy to adapt for an effortless everyday look.
Question: When doing on-stage make-up for idols, what is most important?
Cho Eun Bee:
When idols perform on stage, the most important consideration for me is that the stage is very large and the audience is far away. For this reason facial structure placement must be done correctly so that the idol’s features are clearly visible. I focus on defining the overall structure of the face and ensuring that the eyes, nose and lips stand out.
Question: What are the key factors you prioritise when creating make-up looks for your clients?
Cho Eun Bee:
There are two key factors to consider. Firstly, I believe that the location and purpose are the most important. It depends entirely on where the idol or client is going and what they will be doing, whether it is filming a reality programme or performing on stage. The intensity of the make-up should vary accordingly, which is why their schedule or work agenda is extremely important.
Make-up begins with context. A concert stage demands bolder lines and deeper definition so features remain striking even from a distance, while a television appearance calls for a softer, more refined touch that translates naturally on camera.
Stage look
Photoshoot/Event look
Cho Eun Bee:
Secondly, I think the overall colour tone is crucial. If you create a smoky eye look, you would not want the lip colour to be too dark as well. Controlling the intensity of colour is essential, so achieving balance and harmony in the overall colour palette is one of the most important aspects of make-up.
Question: Are there any tips or tricks you always use when doing make-up?
Cho Eun Bee:
To begin with, idols use a lot of glitter but it can fall off easily. Personally, I most often use glitter powder. In this case I spray a small amount of setting spray onto the brush to slightly dampen it before applying the glitter. This helps the glitter stick better and last longer.
Question: Is there a K-idol hairstyle you would recommend to our readers?
Lee Kiu:
K-Pop idol styling is very diverse, but one look that is easy for everyone to try is tucking one side of the hair to the back. When idols dance their hair can become messy, so they often secure one side towards the back of the head to keep it in place.
Kiu told us to start by sweeping one side of your hair towards the back of the head and securing it firmly in place with hairspray. Leave the other side loose at the front for balance and softness. The result is a practical yet polished look that stays neat with movement, working much like a relaxed half-up style.
