Jisoo from Kpop group, Blackpink, is known for her girly, youthful looks. Can you guess one of her features which accentuates her visuals?

 Name a Korean beauty trend that was popular in the early 2010’s that’s making a comeback this year. Hint- it’s a sign of youth and innocence that is seen in K-pop celebrities such as Jisoo from Blackpink, NaYeon from Twice and JungKook from BTS!

Jungkook from BTS

Did you guess that it’s the aegyo sal? Also known as “ beautiful or cute skin”, the aegyo sal resembles the fullness seen in the lower eyelids of newborns. Interest in achieving the aegyo sal has been revived again with the phenomenal popularity of Korean celebrities as well as Douyin makeup.

Douyin is China’s answer to Tiktok; and creators share short videos including makeup tutorials and tips. Douyin makeup is one of the looks popularised by the app; and it is a cross between sunkissed skin and doll-eyed look. Think pink blusher, emphasis on accentuating the eyes and you guessed it- the aegyo sal. If you’re looking to emulate your favourite K-pop idols, here’s all you need to know about the aegyo sal and how to get it- without surgery.

Douyin makeup look

WHAT IS AEGYO SAL

Aegyo sal translates to love(ae) and beautiful(gyo) and skin (sal) from Korean. It refers to a roll under the lower eyelids that increases when a person smiles. Despite what its name suggests, the aegyo sal is actually not a roll of skin. In fact- the aegyo sal is part of the muscle that surrounds the eye called the orbicularis oculi.

The orbicularis oculi muscle is the muscle that protects our eyes by providing the blinking action. This same muscle also forms the crows feet wrinkles at the outer corners of our eyes as we get older.

In people who have the aegyo sal, the inferior palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle is hypertrophic (i.e. larger), giving rise to a jelly roll or sausage appearance under the lower eyelid. The aegyo sal is more obvious when a person smiles; due to the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle. This association gives the aegyo sal a friendly and happy appearance.

The prominence of the lower part of the orbicularis oculi also tends to be seen in the younger age group; hence aegyo sal’s association with a youthful and innocent look.

Aegyo sal is very different from eye bags!

HOW IS AEGYO SAL DIFFERENT FROM EYE BAGS?

Where the aegyo sal is desired for its youthful look, eyebags on the other hand, are  usually undesired. Eyebags make a person look old and tired, and can be an insecurity for some.

Aegyo sal are completely different from eyebags in their pathology and appearance. Eyebags are due to pseudoherniation of orbital fat under the eyes; however, aegyo sal are due to hypertrophy of the muscles around the eye. They can also be distinguished by their appearance- the position of eyebags are lower than aegyo sal. Also, eyebags make a person look haggard; quite the opposite of aegyo sal.

Related blogpost:

How to Get Rid of Eye Bags Without Surgery: Tear Trough Fillers.

The instant appearance of aegyo sal can be achieved with makeup!

HOW TO GET THE AEGYO SAL

1. Aegyo sal Makeup:

One of the easiest ways to achieve aegyo sal without surgery is by using makeup. TikTok and Douyin have numerous tutorials on how highlighters and contour shades can create the impression of aegyo sal.

2. Face Tapes:

For a 3 dimensional lift, aegyo sal tapes can be used just like upper eyelid tapes. However, I don’t recommend this because you might abrade your skin.

3. Aegyo sal fillers:

Dermal fillers can be injected just under the lower lash line to create a sausage roll shape, just like the aegyo sal. For aegyo sal fillers, a small volume of hyaluronic acid fillers is used. This treatment is an in-office treatment with very little downtime- such as swelling and bruising. You can learn more about dermal fillers in Tear Trough Fillers.

4. Aegyo sal Surgery:

Using fat grafts or implants, aegyo sal can also be surgically created by plastic surgeons

Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick clumps when applied, but with some blending, the finish is nice. It’s a smooth feeling finish; and an almost matte appearance with no white cast for me.

 I DON’T LIKE MY AEGYO SAL OR THE BANDS UNDER MY EYES. HOW DO I GET RID OF THEM?

If you don’t like your natural aegyo sal, relaxing the hypertrophic orbicularis oculi muscle can be achieved with a small dose of Botox. Botox or Botulinum toxin is a neurotransmitter that relaxes muscles; and the mechanism of action is very precise. Only a small dose of Botox is required to relax the aegyo sal muscles, without risking paralysis of your eye muscles or a frozen, expressionless face.

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