How to Pull Off K-Beauty for Morenas, According to Gabbi Garcia's Makeup Artist

Preview talked to her trusted MUA, Jason Delos Reyes, to score expert tips.

Published on Aug 4, 2025

Beauty trends popularized by South Korea are characterized by their youthfulness. The looks are achieved with skin that's healthy, dewy, and natural-looking, topped with hues that radiate a fresh and innocent vibe.

Along with the popularity of this direction is the misconception that K-beauty only suits skin complexions that fall under the light or fair range. This thought rises naturally given the trends’ origins, but we’re here to debunk that. Skin tone is no reason to skip on trends that you genuinely want to try out.

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How to Achieve a K-Beauty Look for Morenas, As Demonstrated on Gabbi Garcia

If there’s anyone who understands just how proud Gabbi Garcia is to be a morena, it would be Jason Delos Reyes, her makeup artist for 10 years now. Having grown together, they seamlessly collaborate and experiment on various looks, and K-beauty is no exception to that.

Preview talked to Jason and gathered his know-how on applying the bright and luminous trends on tan skin.

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PHOTO: Instagram/delosreyesjason.

A few signature K-beauty elements inspired the expert, such as dewy skin and soft gradient lips. For a natural flush, he swept blush along the host and actress’ nose and cheeks. “I also kept the brows straight and soft, which is a classic K-beauty touch,” he added. The radiant base or the glass skin effect was achieved by using a lightweight foundation with a golden undertone that’s strategically brightened. For instance, Jason applied liquid highlighter on Gabbi purposefully. Not applying it all over is key “to avoid looking oily, and to be naturally glowing.”

Jason then utilized the aegyo sal technique “to keep everything cohesive and fresh-looking.” For the uninitiated, aegyo sal refers to the small area of fat that appears puffy under the eyes when you smile—a characteristic tagged by K-beauty enthusiasts as cute and charming. Finally, the look was sealed with a dewy setting spray that maintains illumination.

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PHOTO: Instagram/delosreyesjason.

The adjustments made by Jason to customize the K-beauty trends according to Gabbi’s tan skin only require thoughtfulness and intentionality.

“For example,” he expounded, “instead of the typical pale pink blush or lip tint, I opted for warmer pinks and coral tones, which complement morena skin beautifully while still keeping that soft K-beauty aesthetic.” The look is a testament that beauty trends are not a one-size-fits-all. You don’t have to feel boxed into certain shades simply because they’re what’s popular. The fun in beauty lies in making it your own!

Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.