Part romantic comedy, part Silicon Valley-inspired look into the lives of young entrepreneurs in Korea, new Netflix series, Start-Up, answers all sorts of start-up industry questions. Think “how do you calculate ‘burn rate’?”, “what makes a great CEO?” and “how to do proper due diligence for investor support?”
But diehard K-drama addicts, K-pop fans, and beauty junkies have one other frequently asked question right after new episodes release every weekend: “What lipstick shade is Suzy Bae wearing?”. Bae plays Seo Dal-Mi, a vivacious, ambitious first-time CEO often spotted swiping on some lipstick to create the perfect Korean gradient lip—a sweet, effortless ombré touch that complements her bouncy bangs, lightly defined eyes and fresh complexion made extra radiant with a few pats of a Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Cushion.
Here, we round up the 10 make-up and hair products you need to achieve Seo Dal-Mi’s beauty looks, from fresh-faced girl-next-door, to the modern, sophisticated Samsan Tech CEO.
Throughout the series, Seo Dal-Mi’s go-to foundation and mirror to check her make-up is the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Cushion. A bestseller in Korea, this cushion compact isn’t available here but those in Singapore can try the liquid foundation equivalent: Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation, which comes in 30 shades.
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If you’d still like a cushion foundation that gives your complexion a fresh, radiant and skin-evening boost, try the new Teint Clarifique Cushion High Coverage. This lightweight formula offers long-wearing, light to high coverage depending on how you pat it on; a good dose of dewy hydration; and optimal protection against urban aggressors with SPF50+ protection and a blend of antioxidants to shield against oxidative stress.
In episode four, Seo Dal-Mi is caught off guard when she bumps into Nam Do Sam at the bookstore. She immediately ducks down to tie up her hair and swipe on Lancôme’s L’Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream Lipstick in Kiss Me Ruby 03—a mauve-y nude shade for a plush but natural-looking petal pout.
It has been reported that Suzy Bae’s other two picks from the creamy, highly pigmented L’Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream collection are deep burgundy Ruby Queen 02 and classic red, Bad Blood Ruby 01.
While a fresh, rosy complexion and ombré lips are Dal-Mi’s signature make-up touches, another subtle detail she always has on is ultra-fine eyeliner. Achieve that similar line of discreet definition with Fenty Beauty’s super slim and smudge-proof Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner in Cuz I’m Black.
In episode seven, Dal-Mi is seen touching up her lip on the way to an important meeting. Her lipstick of choice? Lancôme’s L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte in Not Flirting 130—a fiery coral shade that’s sold out in Korea.
Get your own pillowy pout with the L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte matte veil lipstick in Burning Lips 155, a rich, rosy mauve that blurs out beautifully for a diffused, gradient lip.
For the youthful, rosy flush that Bae Suzy has both on and off screen, sweep on a touch of Lancôme’s Blush Subtil in Make It Pop, a peachy pink shade in the brand’s well-loved luxurious, ultra-fine powder blush formula.
One thing that doesn’t change throughout the series is Dal-Mi’s hairstyle—wispy bangs and airy locks. For soft, undone waves and a bouncy fringe, reach for the GHD Rise Volumising Hot Brush, which is essentially a 32mm curling tong with smooth-touch nylon bristles that allow you to get really close to the root for a volumising lift, and just glide, roll or twist through sections of dry hair for ultra effortlessly silky, bouncy tresses.
Scrunchies are Dal-Mi’s only accessories on her hair and wrist throughout the show, and she reaches for one to put her hair up into a loose bun or low ponytail when it’s time to work. Get yourself some oversized ones in black for a chic but cute up-do.
