In the realm of beauty, before the advent of glass skin, there existed a concept known as ‘transparent’ make-up. Its genesis can be traced back to 2001 with the release of the South Korean romantic-comedy, ‘My Sassy Girl.’ This cinematic masterpiece showcased an unconventional love story while delving into universal themes of grief, gender norms, and more. Its critical acclaim can be attributed to the exceptional screenplay and captivating performances by lead actors Cha Tae-Hyun and Jun Ji-Hyun. While ‘My Sassy Girl’ propelled actress Jun Ji-Hyun to stardom, it also served as a launchpad for another visionary: Korean make-up artist Jung Saem Mool.
Jung Saem Mool, a creative force, spearheaded a revolutionary approach to make-up, emphasizing natural and ‘transparent’ aesthetics. Her signature style is characterized by a blemish-free complexion, defined brows, and a mere hint of lip color. This marked a significant departure from the prevalent trend of heavy eyeliner and smoky eyeshadows favored by celebrities at the time. Jung Saem Mool’s philosophy embraced the concept of ‘less is more,’ signaling the beginning of a new era in make-up artistry.
It’s important to clarify that Jung Saem Mool’s approach to subtle make-up did not involve sacrificing product quality or technique. Instead, her expertise stemmed from an in-depth understanding of facial structure and color theory, which laid the foundation for her signature style and the success of her eponymous label, JUNGSAEMMOOL.
In 2015, JUNGSAEMMOOL made its much-anticipated debut, generating significant buzz within the beauty community. The brand’s complexion products, particularly the Essential Star-Cealer Foundation and Essential Skin Nuder Cushion, quickly attained cult status among beauty enthusiasts. Both products were meticulously designed to enhance and refine the skin, embodying Jung Saem Mool’s personal philosophy of make-up that reveals the natural beauty within. This credo is encapsulated in the brand’s signature catchphrase, ‘#FindYoutiful,’ which adorns the walls and floors of the recently opened JUNGSAEMOOL flagship store in Singapore.
Occupying a prime location at 27 Scotts Road, this beauty emporium marks several milestones for the brand. It is JUNGSAEMOOL’s first flagship store outside of Seoul and the inaugural space to house the label’s retail, salon, and academy under one roof. This flagship destination provides a comprehensive and immersive beauty experience. The ground floor features an expansive retail area where customers can explore an extensive range of JUNGSAEMOOL products, from revered base make-up items to hidden skincare gems. A few steps away lies the masterclass room, where Jung Saem Mool herself, currently residing in Singapore, imparts her knowledge and skills to aspiring make-up artists alongside her team. Ascending the stairs leads to the salon and make-up studio, respectively, where clients can indulge in a wash, blowdry, and styling session, complemented by a transformative make-up experience courtesy of JUNGSAEMOOL beauty professionals.
While a visit to the JUNGSAEMOOL flagship store is highly recommended, it’s not always possible to gain insights directly from Jung Saem Mool herself. Fortunately, the Vogue Singapore team has done the groundwork for you. Below, you’ll find an exclusive make-up demonstration by the icon herself, sharing her expert tips and techniques for achieving a flawless base even in Singapore’s unforgiving heat. Get ready to take notes and elevate your make-up game!
In the interview, Jung Saem Mool offers invaluable recommendations for Singaporeans to combat the challenges posed by the country’s combination skin conditions, often characterized by a combination of oiliness and dryness due to air-conditioning. She highly recommends the Essential Skin Nuder Cushion Foundation for its ability to conceal imperfections and create a smooth canvas. The BeginS Pore Perfecting Serum is another must-have, effectively minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores prevalent in humid climates. Lastly, she suggests the Sun-sual Vita-capsule Sun as a sunscreen that nourishes and moisturizes the skin while preventing make-up smudging, ensuring a long-lasting finish.
Looking ahead, Jung Saem Mool expresses optimism for the future of K-Beauty, believing it will continue to flourish. She attributes this to the core philosophy of ‘individual uniqueness’ that underpins K-Beauty, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and amplifying one’s inherent beauty through professional color analysis. Jung Saem Mool envisions K-Beauty becoming a global phenomenon, as the concept of ‘individual beauty’ transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with people worldwide.
When asked about exciting K-Beauty trends on the horizon, Jung Saem Mool identifies two areas of interest. Firstly, she highlights the integration of technology into the industry, leading to innovative and effortless ways to incorporate glitters and other pigments into make-up looks. Secondly, she emphasizes the growing emphasis on sustainability in beauty, recognizing the importance of environmentally conscious practices and aesthetics that champion a clean and natural look.
