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The Makeup Remover, Volume 1
She might have the plainest face in the country . . . and that’s exactly why he wants her. Lee Yeon’s beloved webcomic is now available in English print for the first time.
Kim Yeseul has always heard that everyone glows up in college . . . so why does she feel like the least pretty college student ever?! All of her peers look effortlessly put together 24/7, but Yeseul has no idea how to put on makeup or style her hair. With neither the looks nor the confidence to stand out, Yeseul resigns herself to hiding behind her camera as she completes her photography degree.
Enter Cheon Yuseong, the most sought-after makeup artist in Korea. He needs a model for an upcoming TV competition series, and he’s certain that Yeseul’s plain face is the perfect canvas to showcase his skills. Yeseul isn’t interested in fame or glory—she just wants to look pretty enough to catch the attention of her longtime crush, Seungwoo. But as Yeseul plunges face-first into the cutthroat world of cosmetics, she begins to question whether appearance really is everything.
Volume 1 collects episodes 1–14 of the webcomic The Makeup Remover.
Kim Yeseul has always heard that everyone glows up in college . . . so why does she feel like the least pretty college student ever?! All of her peers look effortlessly put together 24/7, but Yeseul has no idea how to put on makeup or style her hair. With neither the looks nor the confidence to stand out, Yeseul resigns herself to hiding behind her camera as she completes her photography degree.
Enter Cheon Yuseong, the most sought-after makeup artist in Korea. He needs a model for an upcoming TV competition series, and he’s certain that Yeseul’s plain face is the perfect canvas to showcase his skills. Yeseul isn’t interested in fame or glory—she just wants to look pretty enough to catch the attention of her longtime crush, Seungwoo. But as Yeseul plunges face-first into the cutthroat world of cosmetics, she begins to question whether appearance really is everything.
Volume 1 collects episodes 1–14 of the webcomic The Makeup Remover.
272 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 20, 2026
YOUTUBE FIRST IMPRESSION VIDEO: https://youtu.be/swnt9iGBW0A
This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2026, and I definitely feel it met my own expectations because of my being so excited for it!
Yeseul was instantly a relatable character! While I don't struggle with my self-confidence as much as I did in high school, I don't wear makeup and do feel I never got that "glow up." I was very much focused on other things and deeply understood her desire in wanting to feel pretty, but being embarrassed to go to a salon-like place and have them do makeup. I admired her courage a lot, but I'm SO glad Yuseong came when he did and revealed his own secret!
And not just that, but when she becomes Yuseong's "muse" and how he went out of his way to get to know her, AMAZING! It really spoke a lot about his character because throughout the entire volume, he would ask her questions to see what SHE wanted and how she wanted to look. Truly, it was wonderful!
That leads me to say that one thing that surprised me most is how this volume really did teach about makeup! I enjoyed the focus near the end of explaining about different kinds of makeup and how they can be used. (Also, even applying makeup and how to do it!) I even felt pretty excited when they talked about using petroleum jelly and putting it on your skin after moisturizing because I've been trying that in recent weeks, and it really works! It was cool to see that mentioned!
I will say that my favorite part of this volume is definitely near the end when they decide on a concept for the photo shoot! I honestly teared up because that conversation and how Yeseul spoke up about what she envisions and questioning something said to her was extremely empowering. The final result was incredible and gives me goose bumps!
I am definitely going to be tuning into volume two! This first volume was impactful, extremely funny at times, and very heartfelt when it comes to beauty "standards" while not dismissing how makeup CAN give confidence, but not changing your entire personality. I'm very thankful I had a chance to review this thanks to Inklore sending me a copy because this is one I have no doubts I will continue to enjoy (and glad I already had volume two on my preorder list before reading this)!
This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2026, and I definitely feel it met my own expectations because of my being so excited for it!
Yeseul was instantly a relatable character! While I don't struggle with my self-confidence as much as I did in high school, I don't wear makeup and do feel I never got that "glow up." I was very much focused on other things and deeply understood her desire in wanting to feel pretty, but being embarrassed to go to a salon-like place and have them do makeup. I admired her courage a lot, but I'm SO glad Yuseong came when he did and revealed his own secret!
And not just that, but when she becomes Yuseong's "muse" and how he went out of his way to get to know her, AMAZING! It really spoke a lot about his character because throughout the entire volume, he would ask her questions to see what SHE wanted and how she wanted to look. Truly, it was wonderful!
That leads me to say that one thing that surprised me most is how this volume really did teach about makeup! I enjoyed the focus near the end of explaining about different kinds of makeup and how they can be used. (Also, even applying makeup and how to do it!) I even felt pretty excited when they talked about using petroleum jelly and putting it on your skin after moisturizing because I've been trying that in recent weeks, and it really works! It was cool to see that mentioned!
I will say that my favorite part of this volume is definitely near the end when they decide on a concept for the photo shoot! I honestly teared up because that conversation and how Yeseul spoke up about what she envisions and questioning something said to her was extremely empowering. The final result was incredible and gives me goose bumps!
I am definitely going to be tuning into volume two! This first volume was impactful, extremely funny at times, and very heartfelt when it comes to beauty "standards" while not dismissing how makeup CAN give confidence, but not changing your entire personality. I'm very thankful I had a chance to review this thanks to Inklore sending me a copy because this is one I have no doubts I will continue to enjoy (and glad I already had volume two on my preorder list before reading this)!
April 4, 2026
I so completely loved this more than I expected to. The fierce but not sexy female warrior look was SPOT on. Definitely looking forward to the next volume!
4, I don’t know makeup but I appreciate learning about it via this series, stars.
4, I don’t know makeup but I appreciate learning about it via this series, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2026
Thank you so much Inklore for sending me a finished copy in exchange for an honest review!!
This book was extremely funny. I can’t even count the times I busted out laughing from the unhinged comments and cute chibis.
There’s nothing I love more than seeing an FMC come to love herself and grow into her own skin. And a green flag MC? Where he uplifts her? Please. I’m already in love. I need to get my hands on the next volumes STAT.
This book was extremely funny. I can’t even count the times I busted out laughing from the unhinged comments and cute chibis.
There’s nothing I love more than seeing an FMC come to love herself and grow into her own skin. And a green flag MC? Where he uplifts her? Please. I’m already in love. I need to get my hands on the next volumes STAT.
May 1, 2026
For fans of True Beauty, The Makeup Remover is all about the power of makeup. Kim Yeseul is an average college junior with an even more average face. She wants to learn how to transform herself with makeup, but doesn’t know where to start. When she has a really bad interaction with an MUA who not only belittles her looks, but talks about her behind her back (where she hears everything), a flip switches.
This is where Cheon Yuseong comes in (and to the rescue). He’s been looking for a new model to join his team for a reality competition, finding the new face of a makeup brand. To really drive the nail in that makeup can do magic, he’s trying to find someone with a plain look and when he sees Kim Yeseul, he knows he’s found his muse. But getting her on board is a whole other problem.
This was really cute. Not only is the art gorgeous, but the story is fun (and makes me want to try out more makeup tbh). Seeing as how it is a popular webcomic (that until now I haven’t heard of), I now need to find it to read more, because the next volume isn’t out for months. 😭🫠
Thank you to Inklore publishing for my gifted copy of the book.
This is where Cheon Yuseong comes in (and to the rescue). He’s been looking for a new model to join his team for a reality competition, finding the new face of a makeup brand. To really drive the nail in that makeup can do magic, he’s trying to find someone with a plain look and when he sees Kim Yeseul, he knows he’s found his muse. But getting her on board is a whole other problem.
This was really cute. Not only is the art gorgeous, but the story is fun (and makes me want to try out more makeup tbh). Seeing as how it is a popular webcomic (that until now I haven’t heard of), I now need to find it to read more, because the next volume isn’t out for months. 😭🫠
Thank you to Inklore publishing for my gifted copy of the book.
April 17, 2026
A cute and weird little story about a plain girl whose face is the perfect canvas for a master cosmetician. I like comics like this that not only tell you a story but also teach you about various industries, cultures, or techniques while you read. I especially appreciate that the comic regularly challenges gender norms, toxic men, and modern beauty standards. I also love the main character’s interpretation of what a female warrior should look like.
Looking forward to seeing where this goes from here.
Looking forward to seeing where this goes from here.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I did not expect this to be so funny! There were so many times it had me cackling. I LOVED the main character, Yeseul, she was so reminiscent of a younger version of me before learned to embrace myself for who I am.
Yeseul has been patiently waiting for her glow up, that doesn't seem to be coming any time soon. She feels plain while everyone else seems flawless. Enter, Cheon Yuseong, pro makeup artist who is determined to make Yeseul his model for a competition. What follows is plenty of hilarity with a huge dash of important life lessons about learning to love yourself.
It seems like everything that was said had meaning and was there for a reason. So many important messages woven within the pages of this one!
This was a great introduction to the series and I can't wait to read more about these goofballs.
Thank you Inklore for the ARC
Yeseul has been patiently waiting for her glow up, that doesn't seem to be coming any time soon. She feels plain while everyone else seems flawless. Enter, Cheon Yuseong, pro makeup artist who is determined to make Yeseul his model for a competition. What follows is plenty of hilarity with a huge dash of important life lessons about learning to love yourself.
It seems like everything that was said had meaning and was there for a reason. So many important messages woven within the pages of this one!
This was a great introduction to the series and I can't wait to read more about these goofballs.
Thank you Inklore for the ARC
May 24, 2026
Rarely do I get surprised by a graphic novel but boy did this surprise me.
Initially worried that this would be the case of OMG I'm so ugly with my glasses, my messy hair and it takes a boy and some makeup for her to be revealed as an inner goddess.
Instead with this book, there's so much depth and perception about self-expression without and with makeup that I was genuinely impressed with
Initially worried that this would be the case of OMG I'm so ugly with my glasses, my messy hair and it takes a boy and some makeup for her to be revealed as an inner goddess.
Instead with this book, there's so much depth and perception about self-expression without and with makeup that I was genuinely impressed with
May 25, 2026
I thought this was okay so far. I liked the makeup look portion that was fun. It seems more right now about exploring his makeup talents rather than just glam. None of the characters really pull me in yet and the art was just okay really. I mean, I know makeup can change people but I don't get why they aren't using wigs too honestly.
4/6 stars
4/6 stars
March 14, 2026
This is at its best when it eviscerates modern beauty standards. There's no reason for women warriors to be sexy - they're meant to scare people, not arouse them, and bravo to this book for pointing that out.
April 26, 2026
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews