Reviewed · SEOUL K-BEAUTY & STYLE EXPERIENCES
Seoul: Personalized Korean-style Makeup Experience
Your face gets the plan, not a template. I like this Korean-style makeup experience because it starts with a real look analysis, then turns that into a practical routine you can repeat later. Two things I really enjoy are the personalized design (foundation shade, skincare steps, and eyeliner layout) and the PDF product guide you leave with. One consideration: it is designed for natural, daily Korean makeup, so if you want Western party glam or false eyelashes, you may need a different service.
The session is taught by Riha Kim, with English support, and it is built to help you get your best match without guessing. You’ll get 1:1 guidance on selecting cosmetics and tools, plus step-by-step direction so your makeup stops feeling like a mystery. The only drawback to keep in mind is timing: you need to arrive on time, because late arrival can end the session right away.
Key highlights worth your attention
- Custom face analysis that checks the balance of the upper, middle, and lower sections before makeup decisions
- Foundation and skincare guidance aimed at your needs, not just whatever product is on hand
- Eyeliner design for your eye shape, including practical tips that tend to feel like a reset
- Beginner-friendly 1:1 lesson option where you learn to apply your own makeup
- No false eyelashes, no party Western glam, so the result stays in the natural Korean style lane
- A takeaway PDF with product information so your Korea shopping trip becomes easier
Korean makeup that starts with your proportions, not trends

This experience is built around one simple idea: Korean makeup works best when it fits your facial structure. Instead of picking from a few stock looks, Riha Kim analyzes your face shape and how your features sit across the upper, middle, and lower sections. Then you get a bespoke Korean makeup design tied to your balance, not a one-size-fits-all vibe.
What I like about this approach is how it connects theory to action. You are not just getting makeup applied, you are also learning what to do next time. That matters in Seoul, where product shelves are packed and it is easy to buy the wrong shade or the wrong brush and then wonder why nothing looks like the video.
Also, the style is meant to be wearable. You should expect daily styled Korean makeup that enhances your features naturally. If you are worried that Korean makeup will look too dramatic or too flat, this design-focused process is the reason it usually lands well.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Seoul.
Your session flow: what happens in 40 to 60 minutes

The whole experience runs about 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on starting time availability. In that short window, you’ll cover the core parts of Korean makeup that most people struggle with: complexion match, skincare prep, and eye definition.
Here is the practical rhythm you can expect:
First, you go through an assessment of your face shape and feature balance. This step is the backbone of the design, since it determines how the look is proportioned.
Next comes your personalized makeup plan: foundation color recommendation, skincare products to fit your routine, and eyeliner design ideas. Korean eyeliner is especially targeted here, because eye shape often changes how thick, winged, or lifted the line should look.
If you choose the lesson format, you also get taught how to apply it yourself. You learn which cosmetics and brushes work for your approach, and you follow along until you can complete the look on your own.
One small but important note: the experience recommends arriving with only basic skincare completed. If you show up already fully made up, your service may be limited, because the makeup application and matching process needs a clean starting point.
The 1:1 makeup lesson option, made for beginners (not pros)

There are a couple of ways this experience can run, but the 1:1 personalized make-up lesson is the most instructive. It is designed for beginners and for anyone who struggles with applying makeup in a way that actually suits their face.
In this format, the goal is not only to look good for the moment. You’ll learn:
- how to choose suitable cosmetics for your features
- how to use brushes (and which tools matter for certain steps)
- how to apply the look with guidance so you can reproduce it later
You should also know who this format is not for. If you already have strong makeup skills and a stable routine, the lesson may not feel like the best fit. This part is built around teaching and troubleshooting, not advanced techniques.
I like this setup because it turns Korean makeup from something you watch online into something you can do. And since the eyeliner design is tailored to your eye shape, you are less likely to end up with the classic problem: eyeliner that looks right in the mirror but wrong on camera.
Full makeup and recommendations, if you want the results first

If you are more focused on the final look than on learning every step, there is also a full make-up and cosmetic recommendations service option. In that case, you receive full makeup, plus an email listing the cosmetics and tools used.
This version can be a smart choice if:
- you have a specific event coming up
- you want the Korean-style look applied correctly from the start
- you prefer to shop with guidance rather than learn the technique live
It also still leaves you with a takeaway. Even if the format is more results-forward, the experience is set up so you can understand what was used and why, so your shopping list is less guesswork.
Either way, the takeaway products and methods are what help the experience keep paying off after you leave Seoul.
The PDF guide: your post-session roadmap for shopping and repeats

The most practical benefit here is that you do not just walk away with a prettier face. You leave with a PDF file containing the information discussed during your session.
What that PDF can do for you is bigger than it sounds. In Korea, cosmetic shopping can become a scavenger hunt unless you already know what you are searching for. A guided, personalized shopping list helps you buy with confidence, including help for items like foundation shade matching and skincare product selection.
Another smart part is how the guidance is broken down. Some of the feedback highlights that the guide is easy to follow step-by-step, which matters if you tend to quit once makeup feels too complex. If you want a routine you can repeat on future trips, this is where you get traction.
You also receive the designs and recommendations tied to your own face, not random trends. That is how you go from one good look to a consistent one.
Finding RihaKim in Ssangyong Namsan Platinum, without wasting time

Location is one of those details that can make or break a short session. The meeting point is RihaKim makeup on the first floor, Ssangyong Namsan Platinum Building.
Here is the straightforward way to get there:
If you enter through the entrance right next to the CU convenience store in Ssangyong Namsan Platinum, there is an elevator. Take the elevator up to the first floor, then walk all the way down the hallway. The studio is the last office.
Plan to arrive early because late arrival can cause the session to stop immediately. Since the service is timed and private, there is no buffer built in.
I also suggest you come with a clear goal. For example, tell Riha Kim if you want your makeup to look more natural for daily wear, or if you mainly want help with eyeliner and eye shape. The session is short, so a few focused questions help a lot.
Price and value: why $86 can be more than a one-time makeover

At $86 per person, this is not a casual add-on. But it also is not trying to be a giant theatrical production. The value comes from what is included: personalized analysis, makeup design tied to your features, and a PDF guide for the products and tools used.
The private group format matters here too. Even though the session is not long, you get direct time with an instructor who can adjust the look and recommendations to your face shape and needs. If you have ever spent money on makeup that never matched your skin tone or your eye shape, you already understand why better matching is valuable.
So the money is not only paying for cosmetics. It is paying for:
- correct foundation shade guidance
- eyeliner design that fits your eyes
- instruction on tools and application (in the lesson format)
- the plan you can shop and repeat from afterward
If you are the type who likes learning, this can save you time and cost later. If you just want someone to do your makeup with no teaching, the full makeup option with recommendations may feel like the best match.
Style rules you should know before you book

This experience is specifically Korean-style and designed for everyday enhancement. That comes with some clear boundaries.
You should expect:
- daily styled Korean makeup designed to naturally complement your features
- a focus on precision, including foundation color selection and eyeliner layout
And you should not expect:
- party makeup
- Western-style makeup
- false eyelashes
If your ideal look is a full glam, heavy lash, or a Western party finish, this may not give you what you want. But if you want something that looks clean, flattering, and camera-friendly in a natural way, it fits the mission.
This also tends to be why many people feel the eyeliner guidance is a turning point. Korean eyeliner often follows different logic than the approach people pick up elsewhere, especially when it comes to shaping the line to suit the eyes you actually have.
Best for: who should book this makeup experience

This is a strong fit if you:
- want a custom Korean makeup design tied to your face shape
- are a beginner who wants structure and instruction you can repeat
- struggle with eyeliner and want it built around your eye shape
- want a useful Korea shopping list that reduces trial and error
It is also good if you have an upcoming photoshoot or an event where you want your makeup to read well on camera without going overboard. The whole process is tuned toward natural enhancement rather than costume-level drama.
On the other hand, it may feel like the wrong tool if you already know your makeup routine perfectly and just want a quick application. In that case, you might still prefer the full makeup and recommendation option, where the focus is more on results than on learning.
Tips for getting the most out of your appointment
A few small choices can make a big difference in how helpful the session feels.
First, arrive with only basic skincare completed. This keeps the makeup matching process accurate and lets the instructor build the look from the right starting point.
Second, come prepared to talk about your current routine. If you already use certain products, mentioning them helps your recommendations connect to real habits instead of starting from scratch.
Third, decide what you want most. If eyeliner is your biggest issue, focus that question early. If you are unsure about foundation shade or skincare steps, ask for those first. The session is short, so you want the highest-impact guidance early.
Finally, plan to use the PDF afterward. It is not just a souvenir. Treat it like your at-home guide, then use your shopping list in Seoul to buy the items you actually need.
Should you book Riha Kim’s personalized Korean makeup session?
I think you should book this if you want a Korean makeup look that is built for your face and you want to leave with a clear plan for products and application. The custom face analysis, the practical focus on foundation and eyeliner design, and the PDF guide make it feel like real value, not a one-time vanity stop.
Skip it if your goal is party glamour, Western styling, or false eyelashes. The experience stays in the daily Korean enhancement lane, so it performs best when that matches what you want.
If you are unsure, choose the service format that fits your goal. The 1:1 lesson is best for beginners or anyone who wants to learn. The full makeup and recommendations option is best if you want the look first and the shopping list second.
FAQ
How long is the personalized Korean makeup experience?
The session runs about 40 minutes to 1 hour. Starting times depend on availability.
Where is the meeting point for RihaKim makeup?
Meet at RihaKim makeup on the first floor of the Ssangyong Namsan Platinum Building. Enter through the CU entrance, take the elevator to the first floor, then walk to the end of the hallway to the last office.
What should I do before I arrive for the session?
The experience recommends arriving with only basic skincare completed. Arriving with makeup on may limit what services can be provided.
Do they teach you makeup or only apply it?
There is a 1:1 personalized make-up lesson option where you learn and apply your own makeup, guided step-by-step. There is also a full make-up and cosmetic recommendations option where you receive full makeup.
Is false eyelashes included?
No. The service does not include false eyelashes.
What style of makeup will I get?
You will receive daily styled Korean makeup that naturally enhances your facial features. It does not include party makeup or Western-style makeup.
What do I get after the session ends?
You receive a PDF file containing the information provided during the session, including product information and guidance from your session.
What languages are supported during the experience?
The instructor offers English and Korean.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
More Tour Reviews in Seoul
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Seoul we have reviewed
Seoul K-Beauty & Style Experiences, compared.
★ 4.9Personal Color, Fashion, and Make-up Analysis SessionFrom $179297 reviews
★ 4.9Create Your Own Natural Perfume with a PerfumerFrom $55109 reviews
★ 4.6Traditional Korean Hair and Scalp Care Beauty TourFrom $11641 reviews
★ 5.0Make your K-scent perfume: Modern oneday class in SeoulFrom $9640 reviews
★ 4.5K-Pop Dance Class & idol short Video shooting&Hair/Makeup StylingFrom $3525 reviews
Browse the lists this tour appears in





















