Korean cosmetics have been concentrated on basic cosmetics but recently begun to develop color cosmetic to satisfying consumers’ preference and fast-changing cosmetics trend. This paper selected two countries, China and Vietnam where there is a high demand of Korean cosmetics. The study compared the differences in characteristics of color usage in color cosmetics of these two countries’ women by comparing with Koreans demands with its characteristics for further understanding in each countries’ color system. Data collection were done in 3 steps. 4 items (Skin Cover, Blusher, Eye-shadow, and Lipstick) were chosen. Purchased popular products by visiting places like Seoul in Korea, Beijing and Shanghai in China, and Hanoi in Vietnam and collectred pictures of color cosmetics pictures from beauty magazine. The items were collected total of 968 products such as, 476 products from 10 different brands in Korea, 299 products from 11 different brands in China, 193 products from 12 different brands in Vietnam. Measurement Munsell value of collected items using spectrophotometer, MINOLTA CM-700d. For data analysis, color data were distribued by applying 40 Hue Scale and Kobayashi Hue & Tone System.
About each tone and hue of color, 3 countries share some similarity and differences. Common Characteristics of color usage is mainly focused on R(Red), YR(Yellow Red), and RP(Red Purple) with soft(sf), light grayish(ltgy), and pale(p.). For each product, three countries share a skin cover color tone most collectively YR, R color, but Korea prefer YR color series and showed high value than China and Vietnam, while China and Vietnam prefer red color and lower value than Korea. Blushers and lipsticks are preferably R, YR, RP color for these three countries, each country has some differences of distribution in color hue and tone. Eye-shadows has shown most various distribution of color hue and tone for each countries than other items. Korean cosmetics brand need to develop color palette based on the similarities and differences of each color cosmetics item reflecting culture of make-up, skin color, aesthetics of China and Vietnamese women.