[Interview] Makeup Artist Lee Junsung's Items

Makeup to Restore the Skin's Natural Beauty
From Foundation to Lip and Blusher, Makeup Artist's PICK

Makeup artist Lee Joon-sung. Photo by Esteem

[Culture & Life Reporter Eunji Kim] Light. Transparent. The light rising from within the skin is pure and fresh.

The touch of makeup artist Lee Junsung breathes life and gives an elegant flush. We asked Lee Junsung for natural makeup tips that highlight the charm of the skin and reveal its inherent beauty, as well as the base, brow, eye, lip, and cheek items he actually uses.

Q. How should one do base makeup to achieve 'flawless yet natural skin expression'? Also, which foundation product does the makeup artist favor?

A. I think the most important thing is to purchase a foundation that matches your own skin color well. No matter how well it covers or how well it expresses the skin, if the color is off, it can look very unnatural. These days, I mainly use NARS's 'Sheer Glow Foundation.' Its natural glow and increasing coverage with layering suit natural skin expression well.

Q. What are your tips for 'natural yet full brow makeup'? I would also like to know about your favorite brow makeup items.

A. I use Dior's 'Diorshow Pump 'N' Brow' to shape the eyebrows. You need to brush it along the direction of the eyebrow hairs. This makes the eyebrow hairs clear and defined, looking as natural as your own.

Make up Lee Joon-sung Makeup Artist. Photo by W, Marie Claire, Vogue

Q. How do you create 'moist and subtly shimmering light' on the skin? I would like to know how you use highlighter products and which ones you pick.

A. These days, before foundation, I apply Chanel's 'Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid' on the skin. This product gives a natural radiance to the skin. Applying a light foundation over it allows you to express natural skin.

Q. What products did you use for the 'naturally flushed nude lip makeup'? What lip items do you recommend for fall 2020?

A. The quality of domestic beauty brand lip products has really improved. I often use Espoir these days. Among them, I reach for 'Nowear Chiffon Matte' a lot. It applies smoothly and adheres firmly to the lips. It's great for creating natural lip makeup.

Make up by Lee Joon-sung, makeup artist. Photo by Jeon So-mi, 'What you waiting for' MV screen, Singles

Q. I would also like to ask about the 'deep juicy makeup.' When working on the music video with singer Jeon Somi, what characteristics did you give to the lip and blusher makeup? Please recommend a blusher item perfect for bringing out a cute vibe.

A. I think the key to juicy makeup is the skin expression. Apply the base lightly without thickness, then apply a bright-toned blusher widely. Next, use a sponge. There will be foundation left on the sponge from earlier; lightly tap this over the blusher-applied area to add natural vitality. Spraying mist all over the face is also good. It helps the foundation and blusher blend into the skin, giving a moist glow. The blusher I recommend is Chanel's 'Baume Essentiel Rose.'

Q. Lastly, what do you think will be the 'fall 2020 makeup trend'?

A. From shadows to blushers and lips, items in dried rose colors have been released in various ways. I think toned-down colors rather than bright ones will be trendy, with a natural mood tinged with a slightly unnatural sensibility.

▲ Makeup Artist Lee Junsung

2014 KOREAN FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER AWARD Makeup Artist of the Year / 2012 HARPERS BAZAAR AWARD Makeup Artist / Appeared on ON STYLE's 'Get It Beauty 2018' and 'Korea Next Top Model 3' / Worked on magazine covers such as W, Vogue, Elle, Allure, Singles, Marie Claire / Collaborated on Gentle Monster and Jeon Somi's 'What You Waiting For' MV