Jennie of Blackpink, actor Choi Hwa-jung show off bold red lips, offer beauty tips

Jenny and Choi Hwa-jung show off bold red lips. Captured from Jenny, "Power Time" social media

Bold red lips have long been a favorite among celebrities, and they continue to dominate makeup trends in 2025. From Jenny of BLACKPINK to veteran actor Choi Hwa-jung, stars are putting their own spin on the iconic look — and sharing tips on how to wear it flawlessly.

Jenny recently turned heads at the “2025 Billboard Women in Music Awards” with her striking red lips. By keeping the rest of her makeup minimal — using soft eyeshadow tones and a subtle blush — she highlighted her lip color for a modern, trendy finish. Her approach proves that balancing a strong lip with understated makeup elsewhere can create a clean, sophisticated style.

Actor and TV host Choi Hwa-jung, known for her love of red lips, has also offered her own beauty insights. In a recent video on her YouTube channel, she emphasized the importance of technique.

“Even with the same red lipstick, it looks completely different depending on whether you apply it with a brush or just dab it on with your finger,” she said. “There are deep reds, and there are perfectly ripened tomato reds.”

Choi also shared a unique layering trick: “You apply it, wipe it off, apply it again and wipe it off — this stains the lips gradually. You need to let the color soak into the lips.”

Jung So-min, Lee Sung-kyung, and Sunmi flaunt their charm with bold red lips. Captured from Jung So-min, Lee Sung-kyung, and Sunmi’s social media

Red lipstick can also add vitality to otherwise monochrome outfits. Actor Jung So-min paired a black dress with a red lip for a glamorous, sultry look, tying her hair back to enhance the elegance.

Actor Lee Sung-kyung matched a sky-blue outfit and long, straight hair with red lipstick for a striking contrast. Meanwhile, singer Sunmi combined minimal base makeup with a bold red lip to deliver a look that felt both daring and effortless.

Renowned makeup artist Jung Saem-mool also weighed in via her YouTube channel, explaining that lip condition plays a key role. “You need to keep your lips in a good, flake-free condition for red lipstick to look its best,” she said.

Jung offered a step-by-step guide.

“Lightly apply the lipstick across the lips, then use a cotton swab to blend the shape up to the most flattering edge. Remove any oiliness with a tissue, then carefully draw the outline again. Don’t overdraw the edges — that can make the lips look unnatural. Finally, dab a little more lipstick on the center for a refined finish.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.