“Just Makeup,” a large Korean beauty survival series produced by the team behind “Black and White Chef” and hosted by Lee Hyori, debuted recently on Coupang Play. By its third week, views rose 748 percent compared with the first week, as the show spotlights makeup artists competing for recognition.
“Just Makeup” must see highlight 1: Powerful production team, Lee Hyori leads as host
Want to watch top makeup artists go head to head? South Korea’s first large scale beauty survival show, “Just Makeup,” is produced by the team behind “Black and White Chef,” and features pop icon Lee Hyori as host. Since its debut, the series has generated growing buzz. “If I was once under the spotlight, now I hope those behind the mirror, working with their brushes, will be seen,” Lee Hyori said.
“Just Makeup” must see highlight 2: All star judge panel, the go to artists for top celebrities
The judging panel reads like a dream team of South Korea’s beauty world. Leading the panel is Jung Sunmo, known as the godmother of K Beauty, who has worked with stars such as Jeon Ji Hyun, Kim Tae Hee, and Tang Wei. She founded a beauty brand and a makeup academy that helped bring K Beauty to the global stage. Also on the panel is Seo Ok, the go to makeup artist for IU, Taeyeon, and Jang Wonyoung, along with Lee Jinsoo, chief makeup director at Amorepacific, and popular beauty influencer Risabae, who has more than one million followers. Together they form a comprehensive professional jury.
“Just Makeup” must see highlight 3: Behind the scenes access, 60 beauty talents compete on one stage
The show brings together 60 top makeup artists and beauty creators from different fields, including celebrity makeup artists, special effects makeup artists, YouTubers with millions of followers, and veteran beauty instructors. Contestants must complete themed looks under time pressure, such as a twin look blind test challenge and one on one showdowns, demonstrating their full professional range. The production team captures every step with precise camera work, showcasing color mixing, priming, and blending techniques in a way that makes viewers feel like they are in a professional makeup class.
“Just Makeup” must see highlight 4: A beauty world version of Hell’s Kitchen
The show uses a strict anonymity system, with contestants appearing under titles such as “idol makeup artist” and “special effects makeup artist,” so talent speaks for itself. The first round requires dual group judging, and contestants must earn approval from two judges to advance. The blind judging rounds are even more intense, with judges evaluating only the finished work. Each challenge has a strict time limit, testing artists under pressure, and prompting viewers to call it a beauty world version of Hell’s Kitchen.
“Just Makeup” must see highlight 5: K POP stage makeup showdown, TWS and STAYC make surprise appearances
The third round team challenge is the most anticipated. Contestants design stage makeup for the trendy boy group TWS and the popular girl group STAYC. They must interpret the song concepts precisely, matching makeup and styling to capture youthful energy for TWS and a sweet but distinctive stage presence for STAYC. This challenge combines fan voting and professional scores, and each team advances or is eliminated as a group, raising the stakes dramatically.
The series is available on Coupang Play, and will stream globally on Amazon Prime Video beginning Oct. 10.
