5 Minutes with Celebrity Makeup Artist Jung Saem Mool
We catch up with one of South Korea’s most respected makeup artists, Jung Saem Mool, who speaks to us here about her brand and its new flagship store in Singapore
If we’re on the topic of beauty greats, the name Jung Saem Mool will likely come to mind. After all, the visionary is one of South Korea’s most respected and celebrated professional makeup artists in the game, with over 30 years of experience in painting the faces of Asian entertainment’s most prominent stars — think Lee Hyori, Jun Ji-hyun, BoA, Song Hye-kyo, Kim Tae-hee, Choi Jiwoo, Tang Wei and Kim Yuna.
Jung was also the pioneer of the natural makeup trend, first seen in the 2001 South Korean romantic comedy My Sassy Girl starring Jun Ji-hyun and Cha Tae-hyun, where she gained recognition and praise for Jun’s “transparent makeup” — a look that emphasised a flawless barely-there base, naturally-fluffed brows and tinted lips. Now, you’ll see Jung’s signature style reinterpreted in many ways across many faces, such as the popular no-makeup makeup trend so often talked about and worn by the beauty community all over the world. It’s a trend you probably would have tried yourself too.
Following her success on this front, Jung opened her beauty school, JUNGSAEMMOOL Makeup Academy, in 2005 to teach aspiring artists her skills and techniques through intimate masterclasses. She proceeded to launch her makeup brand, JUNGSAEMMOOL ten years later. Both establishments are still thriving to this day. As a matter of fact, the brand remains a trusted companion to many South Korean stars and beauty enthusiasts, including TWICE’s Jihyo, who is said to religiously use JUNGSAEMMOOL’s Essential Skin Nuder Long Wear Cushion — a foundation, known for its seamless coverage and long-lasting wear, which gives users a natural and glowy complexion.
Earlier this May, Jung entered another chapter of her career by opening a flagship store in Singapore, located at a colonial bungalow along Scotts Road. A reason, she says, is a vision she had upon first seeing the building. “As this is a black-and-white heritage shophouse, there were many features to be conserved,” she says. “While retaining its colonial charm, the establishment has been infused with modern design elements showcasing my distinctive creative vision. Picture attention-grabbing touches of contemporary art seamlessly blended with a refined Korean sensibility, breathing new life into the space. This has enhanced the harmony between the East and the West.”
The store will feature three main pillars of Jung’s brand — her retail store, salon and beauty academy — all under one roof. “I was first invited to Singapore to train makeup artists at Mediacorp 10 years ago,” she explains when asked why she chose Singapore to house the JUNGSAEMMOOL flagship.
“Since then, I came to Singapore for my children’s summer and winter camps. As I explored the city, I saw the potential for expanding our global business here. I wanted to bring together our successful models from Korea: a retail store, a salon, and an academy to show who we are, what we do, and what we have. Integrating these businesses under one roof was the best way to show our identity. We didn’t want to limit ourselves to a small space, but to create a space where our brand holistically could shine in a more relaxed and elegant way,” she adds.
Jung’s role as an experienced makeup artist has also allowed her to craft the perfect space, for artists, which differs from the norm — a place where people can get the best beauty services, aspiring makeup artists can cultivate their skills, makeup enthusiasts can try and purchase more artist-friendly beauty products that are infused with Jung’s know-how. “In essence, this establishment stands as the first-ever JUNGSAEMMOOL store worldwide to offer the ultimate JUNGSAEMMOOL experience,” says Jung.
Here, we speak to the makeup artist and businesswoman about her career, brand and personal beauty routine.
What steered you into a career in makeup artistry?
In my youth, I aspired to follow in my mother’s footsteps as a fine artist, drawn to the beauty she created on canvas. Yet, the harsh reality of my father’s business downturn diverted my path so I turned to makeup instead. The face became my canvas, and makeup, my paint. In 2006, after working for 15 years as a makeup artist, at the peak of my career, I left for San Francisco to study fine art at the Academy of Art University. Combined with my years of experience in makeup, learning fine art only made my makeup philosophy more concrete. It brought clarity and depth, enriching my creative expression in ways I had never imagined.
What do you love most about makeup and how have your techniques evolved over the years?
Makeup is about learning individuals. Every individual possesses a unique combination of lines, colours and textures, and it’s through makeup that I help unveil their inherent beauty. Having worked with countless faces over 30 years, I’ve encountered a rich tapestry of diversity and individuality. Each interaction has been a lesson in understanding and celebrating the distinctive features that make every person special.
What truly fuels my passion is witnessing the transformation that occurs when someone embraces their natural beauty. It’s a joy to see confidence bloom as they recognise and appreciate their own uniqueness. For me, makeup isn’t just about enhancing appearances, it’s about empowering individuals to embrace their authenticity and shine from within.
Talk us through your beauty routine.
For my evening routine, I use cleansing wipes, oil or foam (alternate depending on skin condition, followed by a toner with a cotton pad — works almost as a second cleansing for refining skin texture), a serum (alternating between pore perfecting, vita clearing and green calming depending on skin condition), seeding cream (applied generously from the earlobes to the neckline), mool cream for extremely dry areas, lip balm (applied generously around the lips, especially where there are many wrinkles), and then eyelash serum.
Morning routine-wise, I skip my cleanser and cleanse with water, and use a toner, essence, water cream, lip balm, sunscreen, cushion foundation, concealer, eyebrow mascara (pomade) and end with a lip product, in that order.
Consistency is key. It’s crucial not to skip a day, regardless of how tired you may feel. Also, utilising cotton pads and applying products tailored to your skin’s condition each day is the secret to maintaining youthfulness.
You’ve built quite an impressive clientele over the years. Who was your favourite celebrity to work with?
Honestly, every interaction I’ve had is meaningful for me. Every individual gave me different experiences. If I were to choose one though, it would be Tang Wei. I have been doing makeup for her for more than 10 years, since The Baeksang Arts Awards for Late Autumn in 2010. The aspect of my relationship with her, which made me grateful, was feeling respected for things that are taken for granted in Korea. Throughout our time together, she always did her best to take care of things. It felt like we were working in the same team.
What’s the biggest takeaway from your years of experience in the industry?
Throughout these years as a makeup artist, I’ve learned that respecting personal beauty is paramount. Makeup artists are not designers. A makeup artist is a person who brings out personal beauty with the correct products and skills. Through this journey, I’ve become intimately acquainted with faces, perhaps more than anyone else. With this insight, I’ve realised the power to discover and accentuate each individual’s unique beauty, helping them shine even brighter.
Is there anything else you would like to do in the future that you haven’t done already?
One of my bucket list items is learning paragliding. Another is to learn and dance salsa with my husband. I want to try both. From a business perspective, I’d like to focus on expanding into more global markets and developing various useful products tailored to these markets.
What do you hope our local readers can get out of your new flagship store in Singapore?
I tried to create a space where people can experience JUNGSAEMMOOL through service, product and education. The message I have been trying to convey is that your innate individuality should transcend the trend, and what you naturally have should always be prioritised. I hope the readers can feel this at the flagship store.
You teased some Singapore exclusives for JUNGSAEMMOOL. Can you give us a hint of what Singaporeans can expect?
I cannot tell you in detail but we are currently working on a special edition design for Singapore and a new shade as well. Please stay tuned!
