의견 Oh Seongseok
Seoul’s most sought-after makeup artist.
BEAUTY
FACIAL TREATMENTS: The Korean beauty industry has come to be recognized for its focus on innovation and skin health. Korean skincare products are increasingly sought after in the West and many of those in search of “glass skin”—the glowing and flawless skin coveted in Korea—are now traveling to the country for specialized treatments. The Lamiche Dermatology Clinic in Jamsil is popular with influencers and Korean celebrities alike. Following a 3D skin analysis, patients are treated with lasers that target pigmentation and acne scars, encourage skin rejuvenation and clean pores. The results might take weeks to show but instructions for aftercare and prescriptions are provided. (RR) 14 Baekjegobun-ro 7-gil, Songpa District
15-STEP SCALP TREATMENT: Eco Jardin’s viral 15-step 90-minute scalp treatment starts with a microscopic scalp consultation to identify issues such as dryness and oiliness. Practitioners will then perform a variety of treatments and massages to open up follicles and relieve tension. A “galvanic sealing brush,” which emits a low-level electric current to soften the hair follicle, and has red and blue LED lights, is used to encourage growth and remove bacteria. The hair is gently rinsed, followed by a “mist tonic,” shampooing and styling, leaving hair soft, voluminous and Instagrammable. (RR) 2F, Hyosung Harrington Square Building B, 92 Mapo-daero, Mapo District
COLOR ANALYSIS: Color consultations have been around for decades but the practice, which identifies which colors best suit your skin tone, has grown in popularity on social media in recent years. The Cocory Personal Color Research Institute has three branches in Seoul and offers consultations in English. The experience begins with a crash course in color theory followed by an assessment of your skin tone with a spectrometer. You are then draped in a rainbow of fabrics corresponding to the four-season color theory before being given your results—summer pale or dark autumn, for example—as well as recommendations for everything from makeup and jewelry to hair and nail color and even perfume. (RR) 193-3 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun District
Oh Seongseok set out to become a makeup artist at 16 and has since become one of the most sought-after in Korea for what he describes as his “rough and tough” portfolio. While the person I sit down to interview has a gentle demeanor and exudes a boyish shyness, he takes a daring approach to his medium.
Best known for his long-term collaboration with photographer Cho Gi-Seok and his use of dramatic forms, intense colors and elaborate prosthetics, his work stands out in a country that prefers a natural-looking style and has led to his work appearing in global magazines and celebrated campaigns for international brands.
Fiona Bae: What’s your creative process?
Oh Seongseok: I’m always sketching on my iPad and I’ll often talk with [Cho] Gi-Seok when we work together. It’s a back-and-forth: “It looks good.” “How about changing this?” “Yeah, I think it looks better.” I mostly work with Gi-Seok, but recently I’ve started to work by myself. I’ve been improvising, without having a particular theme or series in mind. At the moment it’s just for fun, but then it’s important for me to have fun through my work. It’s okay if what comes out isn’t great.
FB: How did you get started in the industry?
OS: Rather than working for a company and climbing up the ladder from the bottom, I longed to become a freelancer. Since I didn’t know people in fashion, I read lots of magazines and asked around for my first commissions. I didn’t like the standardized aesthetics that I was asked to follow as a makeup artist. I didn’t think it was beautiful. On the other hand, people said that my work, which I felt was beautiful, was coarse and scary. And now people find it difficult to ask me for a natural look!
FB: What’s your view on the Korean makeup scene?
OS: [Successful] artists overseas have distinctive styles. In Korea, everyone feels the same; they don’t take any clear stance. But I don’t know if I can argue against that since the Korean way has had such a global success. And the techniques to make the look super natural and real are amazing.
FB: You moved to Seoul from Jeju Island when you were a child. How do you find working and living in Seoul?
OS: I like Yeonhui, where I live—it’s quiet, and the buildings are low. And I’m fine with eating the same food and going to the same places. When photographers visit Seoul, I learn a lot working with them and it makes me wonder if I should live abroad. But I don’t want to change things up too quickly. I want to make sure I can continue doing what I’m doing for a long time. (FB)
BEAUTY
FACIAL TREATMENTS: The Korean beauty industry has come to be recognized for its focus on innovation and skin health. Korean skincare products are increasingly sought after in the West and many of those in search of “glass skin”—the glowing and flawless skin coveted in Korea—are now traveling to the country for specialized treatments. The Lamiche Dermatology Clinic in Jamsil is popular with influencers and Korean celebrities alike. Following a 3D skin analysis, patients are treated with lasers that target pigmentation and acne scars, encourage skin rejuvenation and clean pores. The results might take weeks to show but instructions for aftercare and prescriptions are provided. (RR) 14 Baekjegobun-ro 7-gil, Songpa District
15-STEP SCALP TREATMENT: Eco Jardin’s viral 15-step 90-minute scalp treatment starts with a microscopic scalp consultation to identify issues such as dryness and oiliness. Practitioners will then perform a variety of treatments and massages to open up follicles and relieve tension. A “galvanic sealing brush,” which emits a low-level electric current to soften the hair follicle, and has red and blue LED lights, is used to encourage growth and remove bacteria. The hair is gently rinsed, followed by a “mist tonic,” shampooing and styling, leaving hair soft, voluminous and Instagrammable. (RR) 2F, Hyosung Harrington Square Building B, 92 Mapo-daero, Mapo District
COLOR ANALYSIS: Color consultations have been around for decades but the practice, which identifies which colors best suit your skin tone, has grown in popularity on social media in recent years. The Cocory Personal Color Research Institute has three branches in Seoul and offers consultations in English. The experience begins with a crash course in color theory followed by an assessment of your skin tone with a spectrometer. You are then draped in a rainbow of fabrics corresponding to the four-season color theory before being given your results—summer pale or dark autumn, for example—as well as recommendations for everything from makeup and jewelry to hair and nail color and even perfume. (RR) 193-3 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun District
