KATSEYE on New Music, Fan Edits, and What They Admire the Most About Each Other

There are plenty of aspects that go into assembling a global girl group like KATSEYE. As fans of the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy know, it takes various combinations and permutations to create just the right chemistry, look, and sound—a fusion found in the reality music competition’s six winning members: Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoon-chae.

Since their official debut last year, KATSEYE has become one of the biggest girl groups in the world, amassing over eight million followers on Instagram and TikTok. Backed by their devoted fanbase (known online as EYEKONS), the group released their first extended play SIS (Soft Is Strong) featuring the viral single “Touch.” On June 27, the group is slated to drop their follow-up EP Beautiful Chaos, where fans can expect “a whole new side” of KATSEYE.

“It’s very, very, very different from SIS,” says Manon. “It’s a very new side of us. I feel like ‘Gnarly’ was the perfect little introduction, but yeah, it’s very diverse.”

Over Zoom, the girls are huddled around the camera and dressed in casual tank tops and sweats. They’re taking a quick break from rehearsals to talk about their latest venture: a beauty campaign with Glossier for the brand’s newest Lip Glaze launch. The glossy lip oil features six different shades, all worn by different members. While chatting, Daniela whips out her tube and applies her preferred shade: Icy, a shimmery blue gloss that she promises isn’t actually blue.

“It’s actually pretty sheer. It’s clear. I feel like when you swatch it, though, there is a little loose sparkle to it,” she says, swiping it on. “It’s pretty glossy and sheer, and it sparkles. It’s so pretty. I always love a clear lip gloss, and it’s so smooth and creamy on my lips. I love it.”

Beauty is a huge part of KATSEYE’s group ethos. At the time of our interview, the girls have just returned from a set of shows in Korea, where they changed their nail designs for each performance.

“Our nails look a little rough right now,” Manon admits, with only Daniela and Sophia showing their manicures to camera. Sophia’s set features gems, butterflies, and (what else?) cat eyes. “The nails are a big, big, big part of the new era because we do the ‘Gnarly’ choreography,” adds Lara.

Ahead, KATSEYE shares their go-to getting-ready music and internet obsessions—plus, their beauty compliments to each other in the latest edition of Big Beauty Questions.

Glamour: What was it like working on this campaign with Glossier?

Manon: We’ve all been fans of the brand. It felt very authentic to us. Glossier, their team did a great job at making us feel super comfortable, so it didn’t even feel like work. It was just fun.

What’s a beauty trend you’re obsessing over right now?

Lara: For me, it’s an eyebrow slit. I’m so obsessed with it, and I have one right now. I’ve been doing it on and off since the documentary release, which was last September-ish, end of summer last year. So I’ve been doing it on and off, but now I’m so in love with it. I’m like, it’s here to stay.