It can be extremely shocking how someone can look like a nobody at one instance, and look like a complete superstar the next.

We all know the power of make-up, and as much as this is a potent tool used frequently by the fairer sex, guys are catching up on the make-up trend as well -  and this is no surprise. People are constantly trying to better themselves on the inside, and this is no less true for one’s external appearance.

K-Pop stars are role models in almost every way. The legions of K-Pop fans are continually trying to emulate their idols in the way they dress themselves, and also the make-up looks. As much as there is interest in how K-Pop stars look like without make-up (bare faced), there is an equal number of K-Pop fans who wish to transform their bare faces to look as dazzling or presentable as K-Pop stars when they are made-up.

Here we explore great examples of K-Pop looks from famous YouTube make-up gurus who are lauded for their interpretation of how a female K-Pop idol does her make-up.

1. “How To Look Like A K-Pop Star”, Michelle Phan

Exactly as the title of the video suggests, Michelle Phan transforms herself and her boyfriend Dom into female and male versions of K-Pop stars. She derives her make-up look from Girl’s Generation, with Dom’s look being inspired by TVXQ.

The enhanced cat eye effect brought about by intense eyeliner is especially reminiscent of many make-up looks attempting the sexy K-Pop look. The addition of glitter eyeliner in the inner corners of the eyes accentuate and brighten tired eyes, adding to that particularly dazzling and doe-eyed Korean make-up trend which continues to be popular among Asian females especially.

Michelle Phan is a Vietnamese-American make-up YouTube phenomenon who has over 6 million subscribers. Her popularity and success has extended into her very own make-up line called Em.

2. “2NE1 "Can't Nobody" CL Monolid Makeup Tutorial”, Jen Chae (FromHeadToToe)

One of her most popular make-up tutorial video is based on CL’s regular made-up look. She attempts to bring about the famous eyeliner look always spotted on CL at events, music videos, etc.

The tutorial is also particularly targeted towards females with monolids –that is, without the double eyelids. This could also, perhaps explain Jen’s particular rapport with her Asian viewers.

The appearance of one’s eyes can be further enhanced or tweaked with varying amount of eyeliner. It can be applied as a thicker layer on the lids, or also extended outwards from the natural eye-line to lengthen the eye to make it seem both bigger and wider.

The heavy eyeliner look that is popularised by idols like 2NE1’s charismatic CL only goes to show that make-up can alter one’s natural appearance to a great extent. However, it is in fact the technique to make-up that is the most crucial – to ensure that it is a tool that is used appropriately to render a tasteful enhancement of one’s features.

Make-up in K-Pop mostly does just that, often being lauded for its natural-looking, healthy skin and outlook on idols. Ironically though, as much as emphasis is placed on au naturel make-up in the K-Pop industry, there is also as much plastic surgery going on among idols. But that perhaps, is worth another discussion altogether.