FORENCOS: the vintage K-beauty makeup brand founded in 1988
In the historic makeup world of K-beauty, FORENCOS shines with its vintage-cosmopolitan approach since its founding in 1988. Over 32 years of cosmetic innovation, a visual identity that blends vintage vibes and contemporary metropolitan energy, and especially collections of lip tints that have become cult favorites among Korean makeup enthusiasts. The brand is globally recognized for its Tattoo Tint line (available in 41 colors in its ultimate set All About Tattoo Tint Colors Book) and for its organic and cruelty-free formulations, 100% made in Korea.
At Ma Petite Corée, we have included FORENCOS in our makeup catalog, convinced by the brand’s thirty-year heritage and the exceptional richness of its Tattoo Tint palette, which offers a rare chromatic diversity in the K-beauty lip makeup segment. In this article, we deeply analyze the brand’s DNA. History, philosophy, key ingredients and concepts, flagship products, adapted routines: everything you need to know to understand why FORENCOS fully deserves its place in your K-beauty routine.
FORENCOS: the vintage K-beauty makeup brand since 1988
FORENCOS is a Korean cosmetic brand founded in 1988, giving it one of the longest heritages in the K-beauty makeup segment. This rare longevity in a constantly evolving sector comes with deep formulation expertise, over 32 years of continuous innovation in makeup and skincare products. The brand has gone through several decades of beauty trends, maintaining at every era its ability to reinterpret the codes of the moment in line with its vintage-cosmopolitan aesthetic DNA, a rare balancing act that distinguishes lasting brands from passing fads.
The FORENCOS visual identity combines boldness, femininity, and retro sophistication. The brand defines itself by bold, beautiful and daring looks that evoke both 1950s pin-ups and contemporary Seoul it-girls. This creative tension between nostalgia and modernity is found in all aspects of the brand: packaging with golden and pearly finishes, shades inspired by vintage palettes, carefully crafted editorial photography. The positioning targets girly girls, those who embrace their taste for traditional femininity without confining themselves to an outdated stereotype.
FORENCOS focuses on organic and ethical formulations. All products are cruelty-free, with the commitment “Contemporary. Sustainable. Ethical”. Natural ingredients are extracted using technological processes designed to preserve their maximum active potency. The entire catalog is 100% made in Korea, ensuring rigorous quality control and production consistency. The brand became internationally known when its Lips in Love Lip Tint was popularized by K-pop idol SoYou from SISTAR, a marketing trigger that opened global market doors and accelerated its distribution on YesStyle, Amazon, and other international platforms.
The Tattoo Tint and Botanic Velvet: the FORENCOS signature
The Tattoo Tint collection is the absolute signature of FORENCOS. These lip tints with a tattoo finish promise long-lasting wear comparable to a skin tattoo, without drying or mask effect. The Tattoo Clair Velvet Tint offers 21 rich, non-drying matte velvet shades, from MLBB (My Lips But Better) to vampy show-stoppers. The Tattoo Pale Velvet Tint offers 8 soft pastel colors including #22 Fuzz nude peach and #29 Bora pink-lavender mauve. The Tattoo Wonder Velvet Tint delivers the richness of a lip crayon in vibrant colors (candy pink, neon peach). The Tattoo Medium Velvet Tint balances natural and mood-boosting. The Tattoo Glass Tint is a shiny, non-sticky gloss that gives a glass-like finish for a sexy and sophisticated look.
The Botanic Velvet Lipstick collection represents another strong FORENCOS signature. Velvet lipstick in traditional stick format available in 8 shades, with a botanical identity: each shade is inspired by a flower (hence the name Botanic) and includes floral extracts in its formulation. This line offers a more classic alternative to tattoo tints for consumers who prefer the traditional lipstick format. Velvety texture, buildable coverage, comfortable application thanks to nourishing ingredients (botanical oils). An elegant line for those who want to combine tradition and K-beauty modernity.
FORENCOS also excels beyond lips. The Bare Shadow Palette offers 10 quads of eyeshadow mixing matte and shimmer, with shades ranging from pink rose to biscuit brown. The Skinny Tattoo All Proof Eyeliner Pencil provides an ultra-fine waterproof eyeliner for precise feline flicks. The Fiber Double Volume Mascara lengthens and thickens lashes. The Eyebrow Tattoo Precision Pen draws long-lasting tattooed eyebrows thanks to its micro-fork tip. On the skincare side, the Moringa Deep Cleansing Oil and Moringa Mild Cleansing Foam form a double cleansing routine with moringa extracts. The Manuka Melting Sherbet Lip Mask treats dry lips as an overnight mask. A complete makeup and skincare catalog to build an integrated FORENCOS look.
FORENCOS flagship products
FORENCOS builds its legend around several cult products that have lasted through decades. Here are the essentials.
The Tattoo Clair Velvet Tint is THE absolute iconic product of FORENCOS. 21 shades available, from MLBB to vampy red. Rich, long-lasting matte velvet formula, non-drying thanks to integrated moisturizing ingredients. Tattoo finish effect that resists meals and drinks. One-pass application for vibrant coverage. Recommended method: bold application then blotting with tissue for the signature K-beauty blur effect. A must-have for any makeup lover who wants to collect internationally recognized lipsticks.
The Botanic Velvet Lipstick (8 colors) completes the lip signature. Traditional stick lipstick with botanical floral extracts. Velvety texture, buildable coverage, comfortable application. 8 flower-inspired shades. An elegant alternative to liquid tint format for classic lipstick fans. Vintage-chic golden packaging that complements the FORENCOS aesthetic identity. A product that shows the brand’s ability to reinterpret classics without betraying them.
The Bare Shadow Palette is the star of eye makeup. Quad of 4 shadows combining matte and shimmer, 10 variations available. Sophisticated shades from pink rose to biscuit brown that flatter most skin tones. Buildable pigmentation, minimal fall-out, blended application. Perfect for travel thanks to the compact format. Ideal paired with the Skinny Tattoo Eyeliner and Fiber Double Volume Mascara to complete a romantic and impactful eye look. A must for any serious makeup wardrobe.
FORENCOS for whom? Adapting the brand to your style
FORENCOS primarily targets sophisticated makeup enthusiasts who love long-lasting lipsticks and bold looks. Lip tint collectors will find their happiness in the 41 colors of the All About Tattoo Tint Colors Book set. Fans of the velvet tattoo matte finish will choose the Tattoo Clair Velvet Tint (21 shades) or the Tattoo Pale for softer pastel shades. Those who love glass-like shine will pick the Tattoo Glass Tint. Those attached to classic stick lipstick will prefer the Botanic Velvet Lipstick.
Consumers sensitive to the vintage and feminine identity will appreciate the brand’s overall aesthetic as well as the refined packaging, romantic shades, and openly girly communication. Korean makeup aficionados who want to step off the beaten path (away from ultra-marketed brands) will find in FORENCOS a rare historic house. Sensitive skin and ethically engaged consumers will appreciate the cruelty-free and organic formulations, with no animal testing at any stage. Makeup addicts who travel will find practical and versatile formats in the Bare Shadow Palette and Skinny Tattoo Eyeliner. K-beauty beginners looking for a complete makeup brand with integrated skincare (Moringa cleansing line, Manuka lip mask) will find a coherent entry point in FORENCOS.
Building your complete FORENCOS makeup look
A complete FORENCOS makeup look starts with makeup removal and skin preparation. The night before, use the Moringa Deep Cleansing Oil then the Moringa Mild Cleansing Foam in a double cleansing routine to remove residues. At bedtime, apply the Manuka Melting Sherbet Lip Mask as an overnight treatment to prepare the lips. The next morning, on hydrated and dried lips, start with your usual skincare routine.
For eye makeup, apply the Bare Shadow Palette choosing your favorite quad (10 variants available). Start with a neutral matte shade all over the eyelid, place a darker shade in the crease to create depth, add shimmer on the center of the mobile lid for brightness. Draw your line with the Skinny Tattoo All Proof Eyeliner Pencil in a precise feline flick, waterproof and therefore resistant. Apply two coats of Fiber Double Volume Mascara for length and density. Complete the brows with the Eyebrow Tattoo Precision Pen micro-fork for a natural long-lasting tattooed effect.
For signature lips, apply your favorite Tattoo Clair Velvet Tint (21 shades available) using the K-beauty blur technique: apply a thick layer on the lips, wait 30 seconds, blot with tissue, repeat 2-3 times for a lasting tattoo effect. For evenings, prefer the shiny Tattoo Glass Tint for a sexy glass-like finish, or the Botanic Velvet Lipstick stick format for quick elegant application. Complete with your choice of blush and a light highlighter. FORENCOS recommends investing in the All About Tattoo Tint 41 Colors Book Special Set for collectors who want to explore the entire signature palette, a dream kit that allows composing any look according to mood, season, or social occasion, embodying FORENCOS’s fundamental promise: limitless chromatic expression.
Frequently asked questions about FORENCOS
How to recognize an authentic FORENCOS product?
Authenticity of a FORENCOS product involves several simple checks. First, the packaging must be perfectly clean, without spelling mistakes or blurry prints — counterfeits often have subtle but noticeable visual defects. Next, the barcode must correspond to a product listed in official Korean databases. Finally, the printed batch number allows verification of the manufacturing date and traceability. At Ma Petite Corée, all our products are sourced directly from South Korea through official channels, eliminating any risk of counterfeiting.
How to store your FORENCOS products daily?
Optimal storage of Korean cosmetics relies on a few simple rules. Store your FORENCOS products away from direct light and temperature variations, ideally between 15 and 25°C. The bathroom, often humid and warm, is not ideal for sensitive actives like vitamin C or retinol. Always close caps tightly and avoid contaminating jars with fingers: use a clean spatula. Respect the expiration date after opening (PAO) indicated on each package, generally between 6 and 12 months depending on the product.
Our FORENCOS selection at Ma Petite Corée
At Ma Petite Corée, we carefully select each FORENCOS reference. All our products come directly from South Korea, through verified short supply chains. Here is our favorite selection, available in stock and shipped from Seoul to mainland France in just a few days.
Why choose FORENCOS at Ma Petite Corée?
Buying Korean products in Europe can bring unpleasant surprises on general marketplaces. Counterfeits, expired products, poor storage in non-air-conditioned warehouses: the risks are real. At Ma Petite Corée, we import each FORENCOS product directly from Korea. Our team based in Seoul checks each batch before shipping to guarantee absolute authenticity and formula freshness.
We also offer exclusive references rarely distributed in France. Korean novelties, limited editions, special formats unavailable elsewhere: our catalog constantly evolves with new products selected by our Franco-Korean team. We test products beforehand to offer you only what really works in practice, without giving in to passing marketing trends.
FORENCOS embodies historic K-beauty makeup excellence for over thirty years, offering cult lip tint collections (Tattoo Velvet Tint 21 colors) and cruelty-free formulations that combine vintage heritage and cosmopolitan modernity. Find the entire FORENCOS range on Ma Petite Corée and let yourself be tempted by this brand that embodies an essential facet of contemporary K-beauty.
Also explore our other Korean skincare brands, our K-beauty makeup universe, and discover our new arrivals imported from Seoul every week.
— Jihyun, Ma Petite Corée team