So, What Shade of Lipstick Did Jun Ji Hyun Wear on "Man From the Stars"?

We all know that television can spark fashion and beauty trends, but when’s the last time you heard about a K-Drama that caused an international cosmetic shortage? That’s just what “Man From the Stars” appears to have done. Almost two months after the final episode ended, consumers around the world are trolling makeup counters in the hopes of replicating the hue worn by the drama’s lead actress. But is the lipstick that they’re seeking actually the same one worn by Jun Ji Hyun? Let’s see if we can find out!

The Holy Grail: YSL Rouge Pur Couture in No. 52 Rosy Coral

Those who watched the drama probably noticed the gorgeous lip color that Jun Ji Hyun wore throughout the series — a bright shade of coral-based pink. Once the news broke that the color was YSL’s Rouge Pur Couture in No. 52 Rosy Coral, Korean fans snapped up tubes faster than Do Min Joon transporting to protect Cheon Song Yi. By late January, the color had completely sold out in Seoul. The YSL counter at Shinsegae Gangnam reported that they had moved 2,577 units that month alone, to the tune of 103 million won (about 96 thousand dollars). The demand for No. 52 soon spread overseas, catching the attention of media outlets worldwide. Elle Australia reported that one duty-free shopper at the Melbourne airport attempted to buy 52 tubes, while UK’s Daily Mail announced that fashion editors were scouring stores to try to find the color during the Fashion Weeks in Europe. Finally, a public relations representative at Yves Saint Laurent confirmed that the color had sold out as a result of “Man From the Stars.”

The National Bestseller: IOPE Water Fit Lipstick in No. 44 Forever Pink

However, obtaining Jun Ji Hyun’s lip color may not be as easy as shelling out a hundred dollars to a YSL reseller on eBay. Korea Herald reported that the actress never wore the lipstick on the show. According to an industry source, “The color of her lips cannot be produced by a single product. The makeup artist mixed a number of different (products), and YSL was not one of them.” One of the official sponsors of “Man From the Stars” was Korean cosmetic giant Amore Pacific, which reportedly considered taking legal action against YSL. Amore brand IOPE also confirmed that Jun Ji Hyun had worn three of their shades on the show. Of these, the most popular color turned out to be Water Fit Lipstick in No. 44 Forever Pink, sales of which doubled during the drama airing.

The Alternative: IOPE Color Fit Lipstick in No. 23 Violet Pink

Another shade confirmed by IOPE was Color Fit Lipstick in No. 23 Violet Pink, a strong fuchsia shade which was worn by Jun Ji Hyun during the stunt scene in Episode 14. (Also, if you needed any more proof of the actress’ selling power, just take a look at the trench coat worn in that same scene. Korean clothing company ShesMiss sold out of all 2,500 coats within days of the drama airing, prompting the brand to offer Jun Ji Hyun a two-year exclusive contract.)

The Dark Horse: IOPE Color Fit Lipstick in No. 18 Classic Red

Another IOPE lipstick, Color Fit Lipstick in No. 18 Classic Red, was advertised to have been worn by Jun Ji Hyun during the wedding scene in Episode 4. Last we checked, the shade was still readily available in stores throughout Seoul. We can’t say we’re totally surprised — women in Korea tend to prefer lighter-hued lipsticks. Nevertheless, it’s a gorgeous color.

The Unknown: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in No. 105 Corail Hold Up, YSL Gloss Volupte in No. 202 Rose Jersey, YSL Gloss Volupte in No. 203 Corail Gandoura

Finally, various other YSL products have been said to be responsible for the fetching coral hue — it just seems that no one can agree on which one. A Naver search result shows “Cheon Song Yi lipstick color” being attributed to Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in No. 105 Corail Hold Up, as well as Gloss Volupte in No. 202 Rose Jersey and No. 203 Corail Gandoura.

Until YSL’s Rosy Coral and IOPE’s Forever Pink return to shelves, it almost seems a moot point to figure out Cheon Song Yi’s signature shade. We did come across one lucky beauty blogger who managed to find not one but both lipsticks, but the rest of us will probably have to wait — either for the stores to be restocked, or the next big K-Drama to provide us our newest source of beauty inspiration! Stay tuned!

See also: “Man From the Stars” Fashion: Cheon Song Yi’s Best Outfits, Everyone Wants to Wear What Jun Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun Wear