Bo-eun leads the digital content team. She has covered foreign affairs, North Korea, tech, economy and gender issues at The Korea Times. She did a short stint at the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, where she obtained a new perspective on news production and life. Small sources of joy for her are lounging in the sun, having a good latte and swimming.
More men using cosmetics, social media shows
Male employees of Korean Air learn how to apply makeup in this file photo. / Korea Times file
By Kim Bo-eun
Korea is known for its pretty-boy idol groups and men’s cosmetics market _ and social media is increasingly reflecting this.
The buzz over men's cosmetics has risen, according to SK Planet's social analysis system BINS 2.0.
Mentions of the term “men's cosmetics” from January to August this year rose 55.3 percent from same period a year earlier.
Last year, men said they used cosmetics for "style" or to "take care of themselves," reflecting that make-up was optional. This year, using cosmetics seems to be more of a must, with mentions that makeup is “necessary” for men up 93 percent.
New keywords such as "smoky (eye makeup)," "idol" and "to look pretty" also appeared this year.
The most mentioned products were "toner," "cream," "lotion," "toner and lotion," "essence," "BB cream," "moisturizing cream," and "sunscreen."
The buzz over "men's waxing" also grew 25 percent, as men increasingly wax their eyebrows and armpits.