Imperfect romance is the most captivating: Jennie is leading the “bandage aesthetic” trend—do you dare try this broken, weird kind of beauty?

If you’ve wandered through the alleyways of Seongsu-dong in Seoul lately or scrolled through the Instagram feeds of fashion-forward influencers, you may have noticed something interesting: people are wearing highly designed bandages across the bridge of their noses or on their cheekbones beneath their eyes. It’s more than makeup; it’s a form of “image investment” that rejects the long-held pursuit of flawlessness in favor of a “broken beauty” aesthetic that’s slightly melancholic, retro, and completely relaxed.

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Why has the “scar aesthetic” championed by Jennie become 2026’s viral formula?

K-pop idols have played a major role in making this trend a viral formula for 2026, and Jennie is its most prominent example. The “scar aesthetic” she boldly incorporates into her stage makeup makes her look as though she’s just returned from a romantic adventure. The simple bandage beneath her eye doesn’t detract from the look; instead, it creates a strong sense of story and vulnerability. This state of being “imperfect in just the right way” instantly gives off an elegant air that makes you want to protect her.

aespa’s Winter shows how cute text bandages can create a girlish feel

If you don’t want a look that’s too melancholic, take a cue from aespa’s Winter. She chooses bandages with “cute text” or hand-drawn doodles and places them on either side of the bridge of her nose. This effectively softens the sharpness of the makeup, adding approachability and a playful, girlish feel that perfectly suits 2026’s most popular retro, relaxed aesthetic.

Is the bandage aesthetic not just for girls? Cortis James creates a “weathered” look

Who says bandages are only for girls? Cortis James opts for skin-tone or solid-color bandages placed high on his cheekbones. They add a cool, weathered edge to his facial contours, giving his overall look more dimension and the feel of an old-school film. The “bandage aesthetic” acknowledges men’s vulnerability and imperfections, turning this sense of brokenness into a sophisticated form of adornment. This slightly decadent elegance is the very definition of 2026’s core relaxed aesthetic. 2026

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