There is no denying how much society values girls looking like girls – feminine, pretty and cute. This is especially highly regarded in the world of K-Pop. Although the audiences love to see their female idols in sexy outfits looking teasingly hot and sensual in their mature outfits, the same can be said for the cute concept, but perhaps even to a more favorable extent.

The bottom line is this. Both males and females like the ladies innocent looking and cute. Although this statement is perhaps more inclined towards the tastes of the East (culturally), it is apt to understand a little bit more about the popularity of cuteness or aegyo as being the one particular trait that females revere and wish to possess – be it a physical or intrinsic aspect.

This article sums up “cuteness” in one particular kind of look – the “dolly” look.

When fashion and make-up is concerned, a lot can be done about one’s appearance. It certainly isn’t as difficult to resemble their favorite K-Pop idol through styling as much as one chooses to believe.

The “dolly” look has been popular for the longest time, especially amongst the female population. This is certainly attributed to the fact that dolls in general look alluring, charming and delicate. And as much as they are in fact very exaggerated and overly enhanced toys created to resemble human beings, their current look is extremely desirable and often emulated.

The most extreme cases include real-life or human Barbies like Ukrainian model Valeria Valeryevna Lukyanova and Sarah Burge of whom are just part of the increasing population of people going all out to look like a Barbie doll. But putting aside plastic surgery, utilizing the more “natural” tools (as compared to plastic surgery) of make-up and way of dress can in fact enhance one’s appearance to a great extent.

In this article we will explore some concepts in K-Pop where the idols look like beautiful porcelain dolls mostly through fantastic styling and make-up.

The Beautifully Haunting

2NE1 “It Hurts”

Who can possibly forget the concept of 2NE1’s “It Hurts” - it is not only aesthetically brilliant and detailed; the girls all resemble individualistic dolls with unique allure. The colors and shapes of their odd-looking wigs are in contrary, very well suited to each individual and gives off an incredibly emo vibe, making it darkly fascinating and moving. Special mention would include Dara’s wildly large hair that also strongly works in favor of the entire style of the MV, adding depth to their peculiar yet captivating cinematic style.

The Innocent and Whimsical

IU “You & I”

Orange Caramel “Catellena”

IU and Orange Caramel make up the prime examples for K-Pop Doll-idols, always exuding with playful cuteness, tinged with innocence.

The more common “Dolly” look would include a more innocent take on the concept by paying attention to make-up which enhances the eyes and by using a rather copious amount of mascara and cheek blusher. The latter does not certainly work well in everyday life, but undeniably renders that very adorable and precious dolly look so highly revered in Asia.

The Gory Brilliant

VIXX “Voodoo Doll”

And last but not least, who says only girls can look like dolls? VIXX shows that men can look like dolls just as much as the fairer sex, but in an eerily handsome kind of way. Putting aside the distraction from the flesh and blood, the smokey eye make-up and nude lips work towards a very cutting-edge male “dolly” look. It is chic and stylish – yet definitely not something everyone will rave about if not for the video’s goriness.

As seen, the Doll style concept works in many ways and continues to be a highly popularized concept in K-Pop, despite its often unrealistic physical aspects that is attributed to an actual toy doll.