How ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon Brought K‑Pop Glam to the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Torch Relay — A Detailed Hair and Makeup Breakdown

Key Highlights
Introduction
The Olympic Moment and Why the Look Mattered
A Closer Look at the Hair: Technique, Tools, and Products
Skin Prep and the Logic Behind the Product Choices
Foundation Strategy: Why a Skin Tint?
Eye Work: Neutral Shades and Soft Definition
Lips and the Case for Sheer, Hydrating Color
Recreating the Look: A Step‑by‑Step Guide
Product Alternatives and Budget Options
Cold‑Weather Makeup Science: What to Prioritize
On‑The‑Go Touchups and Practical Logistics
The Intersection of Athletic Identity and Pop Performance
Ingredient Considerations and Ethical Notes
Visual Communication: What a Look Says on Camera
Broader Takeaways for Everyday Wearers
Cultural Moment: K‑Pop, the Olympics, and Global Visibility
Frequently Asked Questions

Key Highlights

Sunghoon combined K‑pop polishing with cold‑weather practicality for the Milan‑Cortina 2026 torch moment: velvety skin, neutral, glowy makeup, and soft, voluminous hair held with strategic hairsprays.
Stylist and makeup choices prioritized skin barrier protection and flexible hold: soothing essences and creams for prep, a radiance‑boosting skin tint, neutral eye shadows, and light, hydrating lip balm.
The look is reproducible at home with a focus on layering lightweight, hydrating skin products, targeted hair‑drying technique for natural lift, and long‑wearing but flexible finishing sprays.

Introduction

When a K‑pop idol steps into a global sporting moment, the image must perform on multiple levels. It needs to read well in photographs, resist the elements, and reflect the individual’s persona. ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon—an idol with a decade of competitive figure‑skating experience—met those demands during the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics torch relay. His look married the soft glow and meticulous grooming fans expect from K‑pop with the functional needs of outdoor, cold‑weather presentation. Stylists chose products and techniques that preserved natural movement while ensuring long wear under wind and low temperatures. This article parses each element of that look, explains the rationale behind product selection and technique, and offers practical, budget‑conscious ways to recreate it for everyday wear or special‑occasion cold‑weather outings.

The Olympic Moment and Why the Look Mattered

Sunghoon carried more than a torch. As a former competitive skater, the moment had personal resonance; as a public figure and member of ENHYPEN, the visual had to match the cultural moment. The Winter Games are a visual spectacle: cameras, long lenses, and broadcast lighting amplify every detail. That makes skin texture, hair movement, and makeup longevity critical.

A matte, heavy stage look would read as harsh outdoors and risk flaking in the cold. Conversely, a dewy, wet‑look finish could be out of place against winter outerwear and chilled air. The chosen middle ground—velvety, lightly glowy skin with neutral, enhancing eye work and a sheer lip—translates across media while feeling appropriate for the season. Hair needed to look voluminous but not stiff, able to move with the head and withstand wind. The resulting styling choices prioritized a natural silhouette amplified with structure, not rigidity.

A Closer Look at the Hair: Technique, Tools, and Products

The hairstyle read as effortless but required intentional technique. Stylist Ahn Chihyun used a two‑phase drying process to create lift and soft bends: first, blow‑drying in the hair’s natural growth direction to establish the foundation; then a second pass to lock in volume. The final steps were strategic finishes with flexible‑hold hairsprays.

Why two blows? Hair shape is built in stages. The initial drying sets the hair’s natural direction and base texture. A second, targeted pass—often from a slightly different angle or with a round brush—adds shape and amplifies volume while smoothing the surface. That second pass is also an opportunity to apply a light amount of product where needed without overburdening the roots.

Products on the official list:

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray (extra strong, unscented) for flexible hold.
AMOS Design Hairspray for a final, longer‑lasting finish.

Elnett is a salon‑mainstay for a reason. Its formulation provides hold without leaving a chalky or crunchy residue, so hair can still move naturally on camera. For an outdoor event where wind and shuttle movement are variables, a final topcoat of a firmer spray—here AMOS Design Hairspray—adds endurance without sacrificing the soft look. The mix of flexible and firm finishes preserves shape while keeping hair from stiffening into an unnatural silhouette.

How to adapt that method at home:

Start with towel‑dried, lightly detangled hair.
Use a heat protectant if you apply high heat. If hair is fine, set the blow‑dryer on medium heat and increase airflow rather than temperature.
Blow‑dry in the direction of natural hair growth to remove excess moisture and create a smooth base.
For added lift, flip the head forward or use a round brush at the crown and roots. Finish with a cool shot to set lift.
Do a second, quick pass to sculpt ends and create soft bends—don’t over‑brush or you’ll lose texture.
Apply a flexible hairspray all over and follow with a brief second spritz focused on the crown and bangs for longevity.

Styling notes for cold weather and outdoor events:

Cold air reduces humidity and can make hair static. Use a leave‑in conditioner or light oil sparingly on mid‑lengths and ends to avoid static without weighing hair down.
Carry a travel‑size flexible hairspray for touchups; avoid heavy gels that can freeze or clump in frigid temperatures.
If wind is likely, secure key pieces (bangs, crown) with discreet bobby pins before the public appearance to maintain the intended shape without visible hardware.

Skin Prep and the Logic Behind the Product Choices

Sunghoon’s skin read as velvety and slightly luminous—calibrated to suggest warmth without appearing oily. Makeup artist Maeng Hayeong started with hydration and barrier care, then layered products to balance coverage and radiance.

Key prep products cited:

Mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence
Mixsoon Bean Cream Barrier Repair Moisturizer

Centella asiatica is a botanical that is widely used in skincare for its soothing and barrier‑supporting properties. Applied as an essence, it enhances hydration and calms redness or sensitivity—important when a subject will face cold air, which often increases vascular reactivity and surface dryness. A barrier repair moisturizer like the Mixsoon Bean Cream provides emollients and occlusives that lock in moisture and reduce the likelihood of makeup flaking.

The order matters. Essence first restores a lightweight hydration layer that improves the skin’s receptivity to subsequent creams and makeup. The moisturizer then seals that moisture and creates a smooth surface for makeup application. That surface reduces foundation settling into fine lines and prevents dry patches from puckering under camera lights.

Practical prep at home:

For cold weather: use a hyaluronic acid serum or an essence with humectant ingredients (glycerin, sodium hyaluronate) to attract hydration.
Follow with a cream that contains ceramides, fatty acids, or plant oils to strengthen the skin barrier.
If your skin is oily but dehydrated, use a lighter gel‑cream to avoid shine while maintaining hydration.

Foundation Strategy: Why a Skin Tint?

For the event, Hayeong used Estée Lauder Futurist SkinTint Serum Foundation to add radiance and even skin tone. The choice of a skin tint or serum foundation—rather than a full‑coverage matte foundation—supports a few goals:

It preserves natural texture so the skin reads believable in photographs.
It layers easily over moisturizers without cracking.
It provides luminous coverage that counters winter’s tendency to flatten features under overcast light.

A skin tint also helps with rapid on‑site touchups. Blotting and light patting with a cushion or sponge can refresh radiance without reapplying heavy product. For people who work outdoors or move between temperature extremes, a light, hydrating foundation reduces the risk of product separation that can occur when oil and sweat interact with thick formulas.

Tips for application:

Apply with a damp sponge or low‑pile brush to ensure even blending.
Build coverage only where needed—center of the face, redness zones—leaving the cheeks more sheer for dimension.
Finish with a very light dusting of finely milled translucent powder at the T‑zone only if you need shine control; otherwise, embrace the soft glow.

Eye Work: Neutral Shades and Soft Definition

The eyes were kept neutral and enhancing, using ABOUT_TONE Return To Basic Shadow Palette in #06 Dawn. Neutral palettes perform well for public, mixed‑lighting settings because they define without distraction. For Sunghoon’s look, the focus was on subtle enhancement rather than dramatic contouring.

Techniques likely employed:

A soft matte shade in the crease for depth without harsh edges.
A satin or slight sheen shade on the lid to catch light and make eyes appear brighter.
Tightlining or a very thin line along the upper lash line to define lashes without heavy liner.
Minimal lower‑lash definition—perhaps a smudge of shadow—so the overall look remains clean.

Why this approach works for an outdoor Olympic moment:

Heavy eyeliner can look too theatrical against winter clothing and broad camera shots.
Slight sheen on the lid translates as health on camera without appearing shimmery in a way that could be distracting.
Neutral tones age well across different skin tones and lighting conditions.

Recreate this at home:

Use a small, dense brush for crease work and a flat synthetic brush for lid application.
Blend edges thoroughly to avoid hard lines.
For a lasting effect in cold conditions, consider a long‑wear cream shadow as a base, topped with powder shadow to lock color in place.

Lips and the Case for Sheer, Hydrating Color

A Mixsoon Vegan Melting Lip Balm in Dry Rose provided a sheer, natural wash to the lips. In cold weather, a hydrating balm prevents flaking and chapping—both uncomfortable and visually obvious under camera scrutiny. Choosing a balm with a hint of color gives a polished finish without requiring frequent reapplication of heavier pigments that can smear.

Why serum or balm formulas are preferred outdoors:

They protect the lip barrier with emollients and occlusives.
They provide a natural finish that complements a dewy base.
They can be layered over or under more pigmented formulas if you want a stronger color later.

If you want a longer‑wear color for events:

Use a deeply hydrating balm as a base.
Layer a stain or long‑wear lipstick and blot to set, but be prepared to reapply in extremely cold conditions where lip dryness accelerates.

Recreating the Look: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

This section translates the professionals’ choices into a reliable routine suitable for most skin and hair types, with practical adjustments for different budgets.

Skin

Cleanse with a gentle, non‑stripping cleanser. Pat skin dry.
Apply a hydrating essence or light serum (look for glycerin, sodium hyaluronate).
Follow with a barrier repair moisturizer. If prone to oiliness, opt for a gel‑cream with ceramides.
Apply a broad‑spectrum sunscreen if you’ll be outdoors during the day. Choose a formula that layers well under makeup (mineral sunscreens can pill under creams).
Dot a skin tint (like the Futurist SkinTint) and blend with a damp sponge.
Spot‑conceal only where necessary; avoid dense under‑eye layering to prevent creasing.
Lightly dust a finely milled translucent powder on areas prone to shine, or use a mattifying primer selectively.

Eyes

Prime lids with a thin smear of hydrating eye primer or a touch of skin tint to smooth texture.
Apply a matte neutral in the crease to create depth.
Swipe a satin lid shade on the center of the lid for a subtle catch of light.
Tightline the upper waterline with a soft pencil or a dark matte shadow applied with an angled brush.
Curl eyelashes and use a water‑resistant mascara if you expect moisture or high humidity.

Cheeks and Contour

Use cream products for cheek color to maintain luminosity. Tap lightly and blend outward.
If contouring is desired, use a cool, subtle powder applied sparingly beneath cheekbones.

Lips

Layer a hydrating balm (Mixsoon Vegan Melting Lip Balm or similar).
Add a sheer tint or stain if you want more color; blot to set. Reapply balm as needed.

Hair

Apply a heat protectant to damp hair.
Blow‑dry in the direction of growth, using fingers or a brush to encourage natural bends.
Do a second, shaping pass to enhance volume and form.
Spray a flexible hairspray (Elnett) all over for a soft hold.
Finish with a light topcoat (AMOS Design Hairspray) focused on crown and any areas prone to wind.
Pack a small brush and travel hairspray for on‑site touchups.

Product Alternatives and Budget Options

Not everyone can access the exact products used by celebrity stylists. Below are practical swaps that replicate the same functions.

Hydrating Essence

Higher price point: Mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence (as used).
Budget alternative: any centella‑containing toner/essence or a lightweight glycerin/hyaluronic acid serum from a reputable brand.

Barrier Moisturizer

Higher price point: Mixsoon Bean Cream Barrier Repair Moisturizer.
Budget alternative: a ceramide and fatty acid rich cream from drugstore brands, or a simple occlusive layering of a lightweight moisturizer followed by a thin layer of petrolatum or plant oil.

Skin Tint/Foundation

Higher price point: Estée Lauder Futurist SkinTint Serum (as used).
Budget alternative: lightweight tinted moisturizers from mainstream brands, or a BB/CC cream offering luminous coverage.

Eyeshadow Palette

Higher price point: ABOUT_TONE Return To Basic Palette.
Budget alternative: neutral palettes from mid‑range or drugstore brands—focus on mattes for depth and a satin shade for the lid.

Lip Balm

Higher price point: Mixsoon Vegan Melting Lip Balm.
Budget alternative: any nourishing, tinted balm with humectants and emollients—lanolin‑free options for vegans.

Hairspray

Higher price point / salon staple: L’Oréal Elnett.
Budget alternative: flexible‑hold sprays from mass brands; for final hold, use a regional spray with medium‑to‑firm hold.

The key to substitution is matching function, not branding. Identify whether the original product is delivering hydration, barrier repair, flexible hold, or long‑lasting finish, and seek a substitute that accomplishes the same purpose.

Cold‑Weather Makeup Science: What to Prioritize

Cold weather alters skin physiology and the way makeup behaves. Focus on these science‑based principles to increase performance and comfort:

Hydration first. Cold air is drying and constricts surface blood vessels, which can make skin look pale and accentuate dryness. Humectants and occlusives counteract these effects.
Layer lightweight products. Thick layers trap temperature differential and can crack when you warm up indoors; thin, buildable layers adapt more easily.
Avoid heavy powders. While powders control shine, too much powder on dry skin reads chalky and can emphasize texture. Use them sparingly and only where necessary.
Choose flexible film‑forming products for hair and makeup finishes. Formulations that maintain pliability resist brittleness caused by cold.
Consider SPF and windburn protection. Even in winter, UV light reflects off snow and can cause sun damage; choose compatible SPFs that don't disrupt makeup layers.

On‑The‑Go Touchups and Practical Logistics

Public appearances at large events require logistics. Sunghoon’s team likely planned for travel, wind, and camera proximity. For anyone recreating such a look away from a full backstage service, plan a compact kit:

Essential touchup kit

Travel hairspray (flexible formula)
Mini styling brush or comb
Hydrating lip balm
Blotting papers or a small dab of translucent powder
Refreshing facial mist or small misting spray bottle with a hyaluronic solution
Cotton swabs for small cleanups
Concealer stick for quick spot correction

Touchup strategy

For hair, a few strategic spritzes and a quick brush through will restore shape.
For skin, a light mist followed by press‑in of a thin cream or relayer of skin tint avoids cakiness.
Lips: reapply balm, blot with tissue, then reapply color as needed.

Travel tip: Keep liquids under airline rules if you’re flying. Solid or balm formats often pass through security more easily and are simpler to manage in sub‑freezing temperatures.

The Intersection of Athletic Identity and Pop Performance

Sunghoon’s past as a competitive figure skater and current role as a K‑pop performer make his Olympic torch appearance a layered image. Athletes and performers both rely on visual clarity for audience perception, but they approach presentation differently. Athletes prioritize functionality and mobility, while performers often emphasize stylized identity.

Sunghoon’s look bridged those priorities. The hair retained movement and shape; makeup augmented, not obscured, natural features; skin prep protected against the environment. The final result read athletic and polished rather than theatrical, a reminder that visual messaging at a global civic event like the Olympics must honor both the performer and the moment.

K‑pop aesthetics are influential in global fashion and beauty. The genre’s emphasis on polished skin, meticulously crafted hair, and carefully curated minimalism translates well to international events. When a K‑pop artist participates in civic rituals like a torch relay, the styling choices become part of cultural exchange: they showcase contemporary Korean beauty trends while adapting to the practical demands of the event.

Ingredient Considerations and Ethical Notes

Two characteristics of Sunghoon’s product choices are worth highlighting for those mindful of ingredients and ethics.

Centella asiatica: The ingredient appears in many K‑beauty formulas for its anti‑inflammatory and barrier‑supporting effects. For reactive or sensitized skin, formulas that contain standardized extracts and minimal fragrance often perform best.
Vegan balm: The Mixsoon Vegan Melting Lip Balm indicates an increasing market shift toward plant‑based formulations. When choosing vegan products, verify the full ingredient list if you have specific preferences about palm oil sourcing or other sustainability concerns.

For those with sensitivities:

Patch test new active botanicals like centella extracts to ensure tolerance.
Avoid heavy fragrances in face products before outdoor events; scent can be irritating in cold, windy conditions.

Visual Communication: What a Look Says on Camera

Fashion and beauty are language. In a televised torch relay, every visual cue conveys something about the subject.

Velvety skin signals health and discipline. It reads as intentional grooming rather than heavy cosmetic intervention.
Neutral, well‑blended eye work suggests focus and approachability.
Hair with natural movement communicates authenticity and vigor; frozen, stiff hair can appear artificial and less flattering in motion.

Sunghoon’s choices broadcasting a balance: disciplined preparation (skincare, styling) and a natural, youthful presentation suitable for a global audience. For people working in public professions—athletes, performers, broadcasters—the same balance often applies. The goal: appear human, well‑polished, and resilient to the environment.

Broader Takeaways for Everyday Wearers

Not everyone needs a stage‑ready kit, but the principles behind Sunghoon’s look apply broadly:

Prioritize skin health. A well‑prepped base reduces the need for corrective layers.
Use lightweight, buildable color. Subtlety performs better across diverse lighting.
Mix products for function: a flexible styling spray plus a firmer topcoat keeps hair alive but stable.
Carry minimal, multifunctional touchup items—balm, hairspray, blotting paper, mist—for unpredictable conditions.

These practices improve how makeup and hair perform in cold weather without requiring a celebrity team.

Cultural Moment: K‑Pop, the Olympics, and Global Visibility

When a K‑pop artist participates in an Olympic ceremony, the cultural signal is reciprocal. The artist gains a civic platform; the Games benefit from contemporary pop cultural relevance. Sunghoon’s involvement as both a former figure skater and a current idol made his appearance resonate on two levels—personal narrative and cultural export.

The makeup and hair choices reflect that duality. They are rooted in K‑beauty discipline—hydration, skin barrier focus, natural luminosity—yet calibrated for a formal, public ceremony. This approach demonstrates how Korean beauty trends adapt to global contexts while retaining core elements of the aesthetic: healthy skin, subtle enhancement, and a preference for natural motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I recreate Sunghoon’s look if I have oily skin? A: Yes. Prioritize oil‑balancing but hydrating products: a water‑based essence, a lightweight gel moisturizer with ceramides, and a skin tint rather than a cream foundation. Use blotting papers and a very light touch of translucent powder at the T‑zone. Choose a flexible hairspray and avoid heavy oils on the scalp.

Q: Which products are essential and which are optional? A: Essentials are a hydrating essence/serum, a barrier cream or moisturizer, a lightweight skin tint or tinted moisturizer, a neutral eyeshadow, a hydrating tinted balm, and a flexible hairspray. Optional items include specialty hair topcoats, high‑end palettes, and specific brand products used by professionals.

Q: How do I keep makeup from flaking in cold weather? A: Focus on barrier repair (ceramides, fatty acids), use thin, buildable layers, and avoid heavy powders. For extra hold, set delicate areas with a finely milled powder or use long‑wear cream products topped by a thin layer of powder. A facial mist can restore humidity when you warm up indoors and prevent tightness that leads to flaking.

Q: Are Elnett and AMOS the only hairsprays that work? A: No. They were chosen for their particular balance of flexibility and hold. Many flexible hold sprays perform similarly; for the final coat, select a regional spray with medium‑to‑strong hold. The principle is to layer a pliable base hold with a more durable topcoat for endurance.

Q: Is centella asiatica suitable for sensitive skin? A: Centella asiatica is commonly used for soothing and barrier support and is generally well tolerated. However, individual sensitivity exists. Patch testing a small area or using a product with lower concentrations first is prudent.

Q: How should I store products when attending an outdoor winter event? A: Keep creams and balms in an inner pocket close to your body to maintain a moderate temperature. Aerosols and very fragile products may be affected by extreme cold; test them beforehand or bring solid alternatives. Use travel‑size containers to comply with event and security rules.

Q: Can this look translate to a performance stage? A: Yes, with adjustments. Increase coverage and definition where needed for stage lighting—slightly more pronounced contouring and bolder eye definition—while retaining the hydrating base to avoid texture exaggeration under lights.

Q: What’s the best way to prepare hair for wind? A: Secure the most important pieces with hidden pins before leaving for the event. Use a flexible yet durable hairspray and a small topcoat for exposed areas. If severe wind is expected, consider a strategic updo that still allows for movement but reduces wind exposure.

Q: Are there sustainable or cruelty‑free alternatives for these products? A: Many brands now offer cruelty‑free, vegan, or sustainably sourced formulations that serve the same functions—barrier creams, centella essences, skin tints, and vegan balms. Verify certifications and ingredient sourcing if sustainability is a priority.

Q: How long will this look last outdoors? A: With proper preparation and layered products, the look can hold through a ceremony of several hours, especially with touchups. Hairspray and balm reapplication is straightforward; the skin base will perform best if you avoid over‑heating indoors and abrupt temperature swings without misting to restore humidity.

This breakdown translates the professionals’ choices into a durable, approachable routine. The combination of barrier care, lightweight radiance, neutral eye work, everyday lip hydration, and staged hair technique created a look that served both the symbolic gravity of an Olympic torch relay and the aesthetic vocabulary of K‑pop. Whether preparing for a public appearance or refining a winter day‑to‑night beauty routine, these principles provide a resilient framework that holds up under camera scrutiny and the weather.