Not many makeup artists have had a career like Jung Saem-mool. The Korean makeup artist first came onto the scene over three decades over, and in those years, she has worked regularly with some of the biggest names in Korea. From K-pop idols like BoA and Lee Hyo-ri to actresses like Song Hye-kyo, Jung understands what it takes to achieve picture-perfect makeup. After all, K-beauty is known for its flawless bases and attention to detail.
So when Jung opened the flagship store of Jungsaemmool (JSM) Beauty in Singapore this May, the beauty label was an instant hit with K-beauty fans. First established in 2015, JSM Beauty was set up for Jung to create products with just the right formulas. With her own brand, Jung had the freedom and control to create makeup goodies with just the right textures and right applicators—a makeup artist’s dream. So when we asked her about her recent beauty product purchases, she said, “I don’t need to buy any skincare products, because I make what I need.”
Below, we chat with the beauty brand founder on cultivating confidence in herself and her products, plus how the little details in one’s makeup can make a world of a difference.
What is your skincare routine like? Does it differ in the day and at night?
At night, it looks something like this. I remove my makeup with the Double Clean Touch Pads and cleansing oil, making sure to roll and massage the face for a decent amount of time—sometimes even with guasha—before I wash it off with warm water. Then when I hop into the shower, I use the Salon.zip Scalp Renewing Shampoo, once again massaging the scalp with a guasha, before I go into my ends with the matching treatment. When my hair is half-dry, I use the Salon.zip Protein Recharging Hair Oil to protect and enliven my hair.
Back to the face, I tone the skin with the Essential Mool Toner, before reaching for the Pore Perfecting Serum and Pore Tightening Cream. Finally, with the Essential Mool Stick, I apply it on the lips as a lip balm. If I’m feeling a bit lazier, I skip the serum and cream and just use the Essential Mool Stick all over the face after toning.
In the day, I do not use any cleanser, I just wash my face with lukewarm water. Then I use the Aqua Serum Toner to tone the skin using cotton pads and apply it on the hands again. Then I moisturise with the Aqua Recharging Cream and finish it off with the Masterclass Ampoule Sun.
What was the last skincare product that you bought (and loved)?
I don’t need to buy any skincare products, because I make what I need. The most recent skincare products I made are from the Begins by JUNGSAEMMOOL Aqua line. It is a hydration-focused skincare line, [made with] gentle ingredients.
What is one skincare hack that has changed your life?
Using the Essential Mool Cream. This product is a moisture-wrapping cream, with a texture that changes from liquid to cream as you apply. This is one of the first skincare products I made. When you apply the Mool Cream, it locks in hydration on the skin which helps create a dewy makeup base. It also allows makeup products, like foundation, to adhere more easily, making the makeup last longer. This product has always been the skincare hack not only for my own skin but also for celebrities’s glass-like, flawless base makeup.
How do you manage stress? What do you do to unplug?
I try to spend more time with my family and pets when I unplug from work. My children and my dog make me laugh. I also go for a swim, take a relaxing hot bath, and sometimes play golf.
What do you do to prepare your skin before a big event?
I usually take a bath and apply a mask pack. And I massage my head and scalp. For really important events, I also get my nails done and my hair dyed.
What is your go-to festive makeup look?
It’s simple: a cushion foundation, red lips, and defined eyebrows.
Here are my tips to perfect this look: With the cushion foundation, spritz on some setting spray before and after your foundation. For a longer-lasting lip, apply multiple layers of your matte red lipstick. Apply a layer, press lightly with tissue to remove excess product and repeat. For the brows, fill in your eyebrows with a pencil that matches your hair, then fix them in place with a firm eyebrow pomade.
What is one makeup product you can’t live without?
Essential Nuder Cushion Foundation.
How has your relationship with beauty evolved over the years?
I started as a makeup artist. Then I became a teacher, instructor, and mentor for makeup artists, with the opening of the Jungsaemmool Academy. Then I evolved into a product developer, a creative director, and a brand owner.
How do you cultivate confidence?
Honestly, even after 35 years of working, I still feel a sense of nervousness every day. I start my mornings with prayer, expressing gratitude for everything I encounter and trusting in the plan that God has for me. This mindset helps me stay resilient and open to challenges, knowing I have a purpose in everything I do.
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