Korean Makeup Tips From Jung Saem Mool

Instead of the way we're used to being told how to apply foundation: start from the centre of the face and blend outwards towards the perimeter of the face, Saem Mool recommends the opposite. She says a heavier application of foundation on the outer edges of your face works better because the skin is “thicker”, and a thinner layer of foundation in the centre — such as under the eyes, around the mouth and chin — works best because the skin around these areas is “thinner". If you apply this way, she says it gives you a more natural and dewy finish.

For an added glow, apply brightening or highlighting powder on the inner areas (thin) and a mattifying loose powder on the outer (thick) areas.

Try: Shu Uemura Lightbulb Foundation and Sponge Set ($77), and Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo ($110).

For ladies who aren't fans of eyeliner, or have issues with smudged eyeliner (#AsianGirlProblems), Saem Mool has a great trick. Give your eyelashes a good curl and then load up the roots of your lashes with mascara. Then add a light sweep of nude, pearly eyeshadow along the lower lash line to help make your eyes look brighter and bigger.

If you're concerned with pearly eyeshadow highlighting your under-eye circles (aegyo-sal in Korean!), don't worry, South Korean girls celebrate and accentuate their aegyo-sals as a symbol of youthfulness!

Try: Models Prefer Eyelash Curler ($9.99), Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara ($44) and Clarins Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow in Aquatic Rose ($34)

Saem Mool likes to apply powder blush using a brush with a patting motion onto the apples of her cheeks, instead of sweeping. This makes the blush more seamless and natural-looking.

For her lip colour, Saem Mool is known to gradiate her lip shades. Apply your lipstick, or pencil, from the centre of your lips and blend outwards for a modern take on a bold lip that will take you from desk to dinner.

Straighter eyebrows give an illusion of youthfulness. Saem Mool is a fan of using a brow gel or pomade to add texture on her arches.

Try: Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow ($37) or Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade ($16)