How to recreate Choi San’s viral unisex sunburn makeup look

Ateez’s latest hit single "Bad" has once again put member Choi San at the centre of social media attention. While fans continue to praise his high-energy stage presence and sharp choreography, beauty lovers around the world have become especially captivated by his striking visual styling, most notably his provocative unisex sunburn makeup

Picture: Instagram @choi3an

Instead of relying on traditional, polished idol glam, San opts for a raw, heat-flushed complexion. A saturated wash of muted coral and warm rose is swept across his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose, creating a sultry, sun-baked effect that balances wild summer intensity with subtle sculpted dimension. If you’re ready to try this genderless, sun-kissed aesthetic yourself, the following step-by-step guide uses beauty staples to help you recreate San’s iconic look at home. 

Dior Beauty Dior Forever Skin Wear

Picture: Dior Beauty

To achieve San’s camera-ready complexion, start with Dior Beauty’s Dior Forever Skin Wear. This blurring formula balances a natural matte finish with buildable medium-to-high coverage, evening out skin tone while allowing natural skin texture to subtly show through. Its 24-hour no-transfer formula ensures your flushed blush tones stay locked in place all day without slipping or oxidising. 

Nars Insatiable Liquid Blush and Petal Play Collection Blush

Picture: Nars Cosmetics

Picture: Nars Cosmetics

The defining element of San's look is the seamless, gradient blush that spans across the centre of his face. To mimic this multidimensional flush, start by tapping a few drops of Nars' liquid blush across the high points of your cheekbones and directly over the bridge of your nose. Its lightweight, pigment-packed formula melts into the skin for a dewy, long-wearing stain. Next, set and intensify the colour by lightly sweeping a powder blush in coral and soft pink over top. Blending liquid and powder formulas creates a rich, airbrushed finish that mimics skin naturally warmed by the summer sun. 

Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Soft Matte Powder Bronzer

Picture: Sephora

To transition the blush from a sweet flush into a sultry, sunburnt look, dimension is key. Using Rare Beauty’s Warm Wishes Soft Matte Powder Bronzer, lightly sweep the warm pigment right through the middle of your nose bridge, blending it directly into your cheek blush. Adding a touch of bronzer across the nose sculpts a 3D effect while grounding the pink tones with an authentic, sun-baked warmth that looks effortless and lived-in. 

Kanebo Lunasol Eye Coloration N

Picture: Kanebo

To keep the focal point on the flushed cheeks, the eye makeup should remain understated yet structural. The Eye Coloration N quad in brown-orange offers muted, low-saturation neutral shades with subtle grey undertones that melt seamlessly into the skin. Sweeping a soft wash of warm terracotta brown across the lids and lower lash line gently defines the eye socket without competing with the blush, enhancing natural bone structure with quiet sophistication. 

Chanel Beauty Rouge Coco Baume (Satin) 

Picture: Chanel Beuaty

Complete the look with a natural, hydrated lip that complements the warm undertones of the skin. Chanel Beauty’s Rouge Coco Baume delivers a dual "colour and care" benefit, offering a sheer wash of tint that elevates your natural lip colour. Swiping a layer or two gives lips a subtle, luminous sheen that gradually sets into a soft matte finish as it wears, perfecting the relaxed, off-duty idol aesthetic. 

Also see: How to recreate Twice Momo’s ethereal pink makeup look