Recreating Korean makeup looks from different eras with AI
Summary
The vast archive of model images accumulated by Amorepacific is an invaluable asset that reflects the distinctive aesthetics of each era.
Drawing inspiration from these materials, we used generative AI tools to create new images that align with the trends of different decades,
recreating looks that capture the essence and characteristics of each period from the past to the present.
Background
While working on the Trend Makeup Project, I had the opportunity to review Amorepacific’s extensive archive of past materials.
I realized that if we could recreate the makeup, fashion, and emotions unique to each era using generative AI, it could tell a story that only trend makeup can express.
▲ Excerpt from Beauty Curation Book “Trend Makeup”, p. 51
Process 1. Exploring AI Tools
From September to October, I focused on exploring different workflows.
Initially, I used ChatGPT to generate prompts based on the defining features of each era and extracted images using Midjourney, but the results often fell short of expectations.
To improve accuracy, I used the /describe command in Midjourney to generate more suitable prompts from the archival images and re-ran the prompts to extract refined visuals.
Since the /describe feature often identified subjects as Chinese or Japanese, I manually adjusted the wording to specify Korean characteristics or fine-tuned the prompt for greater precision.
▲ PROMPT: a korean woman is wearing an orange jacket, in the style of korean photography, 1990s, light silver and light brown, strong facial expression,
elegantly formal, dark emerald and light brown, wavy hair —ar 3:4
▲ PROMPT: asian woman in suit, in the style of neo-geo, timeless beauty, associated press photo,
classicist approach, explosive pigmentation, 1990s, dark emerald and light brown —ar 3:4
Process 2. Refining the Workflow
Starting in November, I selected specific reference images from the archives as motifs and recreated the looks using a ‘third face’ approach.
While makeup styles before the 1990s had distinct characteristics, I viewed the 2000s and beyond as an era of coexistence among diverse forms of beauty, so I generated multiple image variations.
The workflow involved writing down my interpretation of the defining makeup features of each era, translating them into English using DeepL, generating initial images in Midjourney, and then using Photoshop’s Generative Fill feature to adjust or composite areas that lacked era-specific details or required further refinement.
The workflow involved writing down my interpretation of the defining makeup features of each era, translating them into English using DeepL, generating initial images in Midjourney, and then using Photoshop’s Generative Fill feature to adjust or composite areas that lacked era-specific details or required further refinement.
▲ First-round image generated in Midjourney using a DeepL translation of “1980s characteristics.”
▲ Revised using Photoshop Generative Fill to add blue eyelids and composited with the vintage Hyangjang layout.
Output
After translating the defining makeup characteristics of each era, I used Midjourney and Photoshop to complete a series of images recreating looks from the 1960s to the present day.
1960s
For the 1960s, we drew inspiration from the beauty imagery of the era. Prompts were crafted to emphasize thick arched eyebrows, pink-tinged skin tones and makeup, and elegant updo hairstyles, which together defined the decade’s feminine aesthetic.
▲ PROMPT: Korean woman, 1960s, pink skin tone, dark arched eyebrows, long lashes, dark nose shading, matte textured lipstick, dated photo, side view, close up, —ar 3:4
1970s
For the 1970s, we referenced fashion magazine spreads that featured iconic makeup trends.
Since Midjourney had limitations in achieving the desired results, we extracted faces and hairstyles that aligned with our vision,
then used Photoshop to adjust the makeup colors—such as shadows, blush, and lips—to match the tone of the original editorials.
Clothing details and hand gestures were also composited in Photoshop to complete the visual narrative.
▲ PROMPT: noisy photograph, aged mood, white background, Korean woman, 1970s, slightly curly hair with open forehead, thin arched eyebrows, blue shadowed eyes, dark mascara, matte textured skin, strong contour shading, glossy pink lip, —ar 3:4
1980s
This decade was characterized by voluminous permed hair, bold eyeliner, and blue eyeshadow.
To recreate the nostalgic charm of the time, we added prompts suggesting retro outfits and grainy screen textures,
then finalized the images through detailed post-production in Photoshop.
▲ PROMPT: 1980s South Korean woman, close-up, side view, permed hair, black thick eyeliner, blue eyeshadow, pink lips, shabby clothing, noisy screen, —ar 3:4
1990s
For the 1990s, we took inspiration from makeup illustrations featured in trend books of the time.
Since brown over-lined lips were a defining trend, we emphasized this element to capture the essence of the decade’s beauty style.
▲ PROMPT: brown eyeshadow, thin eyebrows, light green background, korean woman, side view, close-up, 1990s, brown over lips, no kohl eyes, short bobbed hair, black eyes, noisy screen, shiny clothing, —ar 3:4
2000s ~
From the 2000s onward, beauty became increasingly diverse and multifaceted.
We reflected this by generating a broader range of contemporary faces that represent the coexistence of various forms of beauty.
▲ PROMPT: brown eyeshadow, thin eyebrows, light green background, korean woman, side view, close-up, 1990s, brown over lips, no kohl eyes, short bobbed hair, black eyes, noisy screen, shiny clothing, —ar 3:4
▲ PROMPT: Korean beauty model, straight long hair, peach-colored eyeshadow, glowing skin, white dress, innocent face, —ar 3:4 —v 5.2
▲ PROMPT: Korean woman, 2010s, side view, glowing skin, bright eyeshadow, glossy lips, extra volume in eyelashes, trendy fashion, —ar 3:4
▲ PROMPT: Korean woman, 2000s, side view, glowing skin, bright eyeshadow, glossy lips, extra volume in eyelashes, Y2K fashion, —ar 3:4
Review
Traditionally, recreating these looks would have required model contracts and collaboration among hairstylists, makeup artists, stylists, and a production director.
However, with Midjourney, it became possible to generate images of multiple model types directly from the office, dramatically reducing both time and cost.
This experience reaffirmed how AI can be a powerful tool in practical creative workflows. Although prompts sometimes yield unexpected results, these outcomes often lead to new inspiration.
I believe such unpredictability can spark creativity, and I look forward to seeing how AI continues to transform the visual design landscape in the years ahead.
- Amorepacific Creatives
- Planning & Design
- 조은민
