I’ve been following IU for some time now and she is not your typical Korean beauty. In fact, without makeup, her face can seem quite “ordinary.”
Yet, there is a level of gorgeousness that I can’t put into words.
See for yourself.
The Forgotten Pre-debut Look
This was IU during her pre-debut audition at JYP.
With her mushroom curl and makeup-less face, who would have thought that this girl would one day become a superstar?
High School Selfie
Unlike most Koreans, IU has naturally beautiful eyes that doesn’t require any enhancement. Even without eyeliner or mascara, her natural double eyelids were enough to make her eyes glow.
Stunning Graduation Photo
IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun in real life, was still studying when she began her professional singing career. She eventually graduated from Dongduk Girls’ High School and decided to pursue her dream as an artist. This was one of her graduation photos.
I can’t tell whether she had makeup on, can you?
Natural and Infectious Smile
This picture clearly shows how beautiful her natural smile looks. With no foundation, blushes or lipstick, IU is displaying her purest face in public.
One question though…would you recognize her on the street?
Inside The Plane
When IU boards a plane, you’d know that it’s either on a private jet or first class.
That’s why she’s so comfortable bare faced.
Just Woke Up
I don’t know anyone who looks more beautiful the moment they just woke up.
Please enlighten me!
Black Hair Rules
One thing I’ve come to realize is that IU doesn’t like to dye her hair much. You don’t see her change hair colors often. Perhaps she enjoys sticking to her roots with natural black hair?
To be honest, I think it makes her natural skin tone stand out even more.
Eating ice-cream is more important
Who needs makeup when you have an ice-cream in your hand?
I don’t.
Naturally Short Eyebrows?
Is it the camera angle or does IU’s eyebrows appear shorter than usual?
She’s obviously au natural here and wouldn’t have used an eyebrow pencil. Hmmm…interesting.
Too Sunny, No Problem
Most Korean girls love their white skin. They would use whitening cosmetics, face masks and would avoid the sun at all costs. Not IU though.
While having fair skin herself, IU doesn’t seem too bothered by the sun. In fact, she seems to be enjoying the sun ray by lifting up her hair to expose her forehead.
Washing Her Face
You’d know if someone has amazing skin right before they wash their faces in the morning.
Enough said.
Pure Happiness Is Simple
When I look at this picture, I see pure joy.
Even though IU’s raw face looks ordinary without contouring, but at the same time, she doesn’t need to hide behind cosmetics. It seems like a weight has been lifted off her shoulder. She no longer needs to be the standard of Korean beauty. She can be her true self, Lee Ji-eun.