Think natural makeup with a clear complexion, full brows, and a hint of lip colour. This style is none other than the “transparent makeup” pioneered by Ms Jung Saem-mool and popularised in the 2001 Korean rom-com My Sassy Girl.
It goes without saying that this iconic figure in the beauty industry, boasting 33 years of experience, has achieved numerous milestones throughout her career.
Most recently, she unveiled her inaugural global flagship store in Singapore, providing a comprehensive beauty hub offering retail, masterclasses, and hair and makeup services.
The makeup artist is no stranger to the Lion City, having visited about a decade ago to train makeup artists at Mediacorp. After participating in various shoots and advertisements, she recognised the potential for her children to thrive and learn in Singapore.
Driven by her entrepreneurial drive, Jung Saem-mool saw the opportunity to expand her market and gradually developed a fondness for Singapore.
@mizchiefmagikk jsm can take all my money #makeup #review #jungsaemmool
Jung Saem-mool’s eponymous label is dedicated to creating complexion products that bring out your natural beauty. The label has gained a strong following among beauty experts and influencers, thanks to its cult-favourite products.
In a recent interview with Daily Vanity, the renowned Korean makeup artist and founder of JUNGSAEMMOOL Beauty discussed makeup trends, her sources of inspiration, her beauty and wellness philosophy, and the secrets to achieving long-lasting base makeup that can withstand hot and humid climates.
Read all about JUNGSAEMMOOL’s First Global Flagship Store in Singapore here!
Credit: @jsmbeauty_/Instagram
Did you know since you were young that you would be a makeup artist?
“No, when I was young my mother was a fine artist so I wanted to be one too. However, I wasn’t able to pursue fine arts as my father started having a hard time in business.”
She was just a teenager when she took on any part-time job she could to support the family financially (from babysitting and serving at restaurants to working at a fabric store and selling clothes at a department store).
Even at a young age, Jung Saem-mool understood the importance of passion and enjoyment in jobs. If she were doing it just for the sake of money, she would find herself mentally and physically ill. She kept on looking for more jobs and eventually found something that’s good for her: makeup.
“I’m very glad and thankful that I have become a makeup artist instead of a fine artist. Although it could be a coincidence that what I found instead resembles fine arts.
The canvas in makeup is the face and all the ingredients or materials used in fine arts (paint, pencils, and brushes) are similar to what we use for makeup. One is a flat, 2D drawing while the other is 3D with a different base each time since each person is individually different.”
Call it what you will, but we think that Jung Saem-mool truly evokes the allure of a painter who’s creating a masterpiece each time she does a makeup look!
Related read: 11 Korean Celebrity Makeup Artists to Follow on Instagram – Including Newjeans’!
You attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 2006. What was that experience like? Did it help your work as a makeup artist in any way?
“Of course, I learned so many forms of art — drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and more. I had 15 years of experience in makeup before I went to San Francisco. And on top of that experience, I learned colour theory and several various things in art which made my purpose clearer.”
She married her knowledge of makeup theory with art theory to create her philosophy in colour theory, which was what crystallised her principles.
@anniedayoon Thanks @jsmacademy so much for inviting me to have this amazing experience!! I couldn’t film the entire process, but I have so many tips I want to share with you guys and I definitley think you should look into this if you have the means and time to when you’re visiting Korea!! #seoulkorea #koreatrip #kbeauty #makeuplesson #koreavlog #koreanmakeuptutorial #koreanmakeuplook
Why is colour theory important in makeup?
“Everyone has their own unique colours and colour theory; their own personal line, colour, and texture. Certain colours, lines, and textures will actually enhance and bring out one’s innate beauty. They can be used along with the colour theory concept and according to each person’s individual features.”
Colour theory, of course, will be one of the things students can learn at the JSMACADEMY and her workshops.
Classroom for JSMACADEMY, inside JUNGSAEMMOOL Singapore. Credit: Daily Vanity
You’ll be able to witness the intriguing scene of Jung Saem-mool analysing three different categories of complementary colour — red and green (red-brown), yellow and purple (yellow-brown), and blue and orange (orange-brown) — and how every individual can be categorised into one of the three groups.
“Not only a person or individual, but every colour that exists and everything or every creature on Earth can fall into this colour theory. In time and with enough practice, one can easily see complementary colours and apply the concept of colour theory everywhere.”
Related read: ChatGPT Can Help You Find the Colours That Flatter You in 4 Simple Steps – Here’s How!
@dailyvanity 🩷 Ms Jung Saem-mool welcomes us to her first global flagship in Singapore 🇸🇬 Here are 12 reasons why it’s a must-visit!! 😉 📍 27 Scotts Road, Singapore 228222 ⏰ 10am — 7pm (Mon to Sat) @jsmbeauty #jungsaemmool #jsmbeauty #jungsaemmoolsingapore #koreanskincare #koreanmakeup #makeupclasses #makeupservices #hairservices
What are your thoughts and feelings about being a legendary and world-renowned makeup artist and having successfully launched your first global flagship in Singapore?
“It’s amazing. I think a big part of what made me who I am now is because of my philosophy and the contrast in my process and journey to the present day.”
For the uninitiated, one of the key concepts preached by Jung Saem-mool is all about contrast and balance. And we don’t mean just contrast in makeup — it applies to life too.
All the contrasts and big differences in her life shaped her path towards success and led her to where she is now.
Inside JUNGSAEMMOOL Singapore flagship store. Credit: Daily Vanity
“I’m so thankful for the beautiful space, supportive environment, and great staff and customers who come to me. I cannot take any of these for granted as I’ve experienced something totally different and yet, somehow, everything has aligned nicely.
I’m very thankful and appreciative, and I know that I now have more responsibility to take care of all of it. I will remain humble and continuously work hard for this.”
Speaking of hot and humid Singapore, how would you advise us to prep our skin or what would you recommend for us to use?
“It’s too hot and humid so we need to make use of ‘contrast’ well. Instead of using only good products, it’s better to keep them in the refrigerator and make them cold so that your pores can be tight.
There’s also really strong air conditioning indoors which can lead to dryness and accumulated dead skin. It’s important to know how to use warm and cold to keep our skin condition balanced. And to also eat well!”
Related read: Makeup Artist for Aespa, NewJeans & Blackpink Reveals Her Trick to Achieving Silky-Smooth Skin
@chrissyjeffries Nothing more refreshing to me than chilled masks and skincare! #skincare #skincaretips #skintok #skincare101 #skincaretiktok
The most important beauty tip or advice?
You might have heard of this before but how well your makeup looks and holds depends on your skincare and skin prep.
“You have to understand what your skin type and individuality is and use the right products. If your skin is too dry or too oily, the most important thing is to choose a product that can take good care of it and make your skin very stable.
It’s also crucial to be consistent. Keeping a good daily routine consistently and following through is how you can achieve fresh and youthful skin. Of course, ample sleep and what you eat matters too!”
Is there a hit pan JUNGSAEMMOOL product?
“Not really, as we would use and recommend specific products for everyone based on their unique skin tones and the colour theory technique.
But if I had to choose one product that’s suitable for everyone it would be the Essential Mool Micro Fitting Mist, which can be used anytime and anywhere to keep your makeup nice and fresh.”
JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Mool Micro Fitting Mist retails for RM59.40 (55ml) and RM99.89 (120ml) at Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. All JUNGSAEMMOOL products are also available at the Singapore flagship store.
Related read: Korean Makeup Artists “Hit Pan” on These 30 Products; See the List of Most Used Makeup by the Pros
Tell us more about the “transparent makeup” look you masterfully created, which features flawless skin.
Credit: @ jungsaemmool11/Instagram
The creation of the now ever-popular glass skin makeup was actually because of a moment that happened when Jung Saem-mool was young.
She would put on makeup and her mother told her that “masters should be able to do the makeup or create the masterpiece without letting anybody know what you have done”. A “secret” or specialised method that only the masters themselves can execute.
That message is what inspired her and what she kept in her mind as she became a pro makeup artist, leading up to the conceptualisation and inception of “transparent makeup”.
The key idea is to get people to wonder: “How did you do this makeup look” and “What have you done to your skin?”. It’s a concept that Jung Saem-mool is very proud of (rightfully so) and something meaningful that she wishes to relay to the whole world.
What would you say is the most popular makeup look in 2024?
Credits: @leebyulbyul/TikTok, @rumahizar/TikTok, @lydiafowlermakeup/TikTok
“There are two different trends I see these days. One is similar to glass skin but is more earthy, natural, and nature-inspired like freckles or vegan products. On the other side, due to the development of technology, more people are utilising AI and machines for makeup.
For example, we’d use pencils for drawing eyeliners if it’s the natural look but nowadays many are also using thin, shiny tapes. So that’s an amazing contrast as well.
It’s really interesting to see because it’s like a global trend. Those who are interested in sustainability and preserving the Earth would pursue the natural look, natural pigments, and natural products.
Whereas more advanced people who are more future-orientated would utilise technology to their advantage while they embrace what the future holds.”
Related read: Korean Makeup Trends 2024 That Will Be Seen On Every Feed
What’s one beauty product you must have with you at all times?
Retail section inside JUNGSAEMMOOL Singapore. Credit: Daily Vanity
You may or may not be surprised to learn that there are at least eight products Jung Saem-mool carries with her daily but if she were to pick one it would be the cushion foundation.
“It’s our signature product and one of our best sellers. It’s also very suitable for Singapore’s hot and humid weather where your makeup tends to melt. So this cushion foundation comes in handy whenever you need to touch up.”
JUNGSAEMMOOL cushion foundations are priced from RM76.99 to RM159.50 at Shopee. Discounts are offered at the time of writing. All JUNGSAEMMOOL products are also available at the Singapore flagship store.
Related read: 10 Cushion Foundations Adored by Your Favourite Idols That Will Give You That Coveted Glow
What’s your skincare regimen like?
Credit: Daily Vanity
- BeginS Kombutox Water Cleansing Pad with JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Mool Cleansing Water added on top of the pad so it’s more hydrating, focusing on areas where the pores are easily clogged to remove any blackheads or whiteheads.
- JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Mool Deep Cleansing Oil to clean the pores deeply (to alternate between the cleansing water or use the cleansing oil before the water, depending on your skin’s condition). In this step, she does a simple massage on her face to stimulate blood circulation, thoroughly remove dead skin cells, and improve the skin tone.
- BeginS Kombutox Skin Toner with cotton pads to gently exfoliate the skin and get rid of dead skin cells.
- In Singapore, she always uses the BeginS Pore Perfecting Serum which helps improve excess sebum production and shrinks the pores. This serum works best when chilled and kept in the fridge.
- Applying moisturiser, specifically the BeginS Energy Seeding Cream, only to the dry parts of her skin, not the whole face.
Credit: Daily Vanity
Bonus products: JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Mool Stick Glow and JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Mool Stick both available here.
When in Korea, during wintertime, or on flights, Jung Saem-mool uses the hydrating glow stick on areas that are very dry like the elbow and cuticles. You can even apply this to areas that are more “wrinkly” like the under eyes and smile lines.
Meanwhile, when her skin needs a hydration boost but the climate is hot (like in Singapore), she reaches for the regular, cooling stick with oil control and skin-soothing properties.
Related read: Korean Skincare Trends 2024: What Will Be Taking Over
What would your perfect self-care routine look like?
“I consider scent a really significant part of my self-care. When I get home I’ll change into nice, soft, and comfortable clothing before heading to the bathroom to light a candle or use scented products like aroma oil on my skin. If I have time I’ll even take a bath!
I also use scalp products and pair those with a scalp massage, and of course, conditioner for my hair to take proper care of my hair and scalp.
Every night, I relax and rewind with my massage chair for about 30 minutes too. Once I’m feeling more relaxed I’ll look over my schedule for the next day while listening to music and before reading a daily quote or affirmation.
Then I’ll end the night by tucking my kids into bed, making sure that the temperature’s good and they’re both comfortable.”
Featured image credit: Daily Vanity, @jsmbeauty_/Instagram
