"Growth Over Fear" — Pari Geumson, Son Tail, and O Dolcevita from 'JUST MAKE UP' [Interview]

[Financial News] On the 7th, the Coupang Play variety show 'JUST MAKE UP' concluded its first season in the spotlight, crowning Pari Geumson as the winner. 'JUST MAKE UP' is a makeup survival show where leading K-beauty artists fiercely compete, each showcasing their unique style. The top three—Son Tail, Pari Geumson, and O Dolcevita—gathered at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 18th to candidly share their reasons for joining the show and their philosophies as artists.

Pari Geumson said she immediately accepted the producers’ offer without hesitation. Having worked in Paris, France, with international actors, she saw this as an opportunity to showcase her work to a broader audience. However, not knowing what kind of K-beauty missions would be presented, she focused on mental preparation and honing her skills.
Son Tail, who spent 19 years at JUNG SAEM MOOL Inspiration and Academy, became independent last September. "I wondered if I was stagnating, unable to grow. It was a time when I felt very small," she recalled. "When I received the offer, I saw it as a chance for growth. Although competing with professionals on TV was daunting, the meaning of the challenge outweighed the outcome."
O Dolcevita, an artist affiliated with an overseas brand, wanted to gauge her standing in the field. She actively persuaded her company to let her participate in the competition. "If I failed, it could have affected the brand’s reputation," she reflected. "Getting company approval was also a tough process."
When asked about the performance they were most satisfied with, after presenting various works throughout the competition, Pari Geumson chose the 'Red Horse Mission.' She felt it best showcased her creative approach.
Son Tail highlighted the 'Kamadhenu' mission, based on a painting by Ko Sang-woo, which brought her to the finals. "I spent nearly two weeks searching for the right model to fit the concept. I wanted someone with a Black or Latin American vibe, but repeated issues with overseas travel kept falling through. The final model was only confirmed three days before the shoot," she recalled. "The process was tense due to these difficulties, but once I started the makeup, the work felt alive. The experience was both fascinating and enjoyable."
O Dolcevita also cited the 'Mermaid Hunt' mission, inspired by a novel by Cha In-pyo, as her best result in the finals. "After fully understanding the message of the novel, I created a mermaid that could only exist in that world," she explained. She especially mentioned Cha In-pyo's reaction, saying, "I felt proud knowing my story and message were conveyed as intended."
O Dolcevita added that the most challenging moment was using her mother as a model for the 'Kamadhenu' mission. "It was incredibly difficult to have my mother judged," she said. "She thought other contestants’ mothers would also appear, but the atmosphere was different than expected, making her very nervous. Her face turned red, and it took a long time to calm her down. I kept the makeup restrained, but I couldn’t restrain my emotions."

Although O Dolcevita’s work did not make the top three in that round, it moved judge Jung Saem Mool and the other contestants, bringing many to tears.
Son Tail also admitted to being moved by that stage. "I teared up seeing my mother’s anxious expression on the huge screen," she said, adding, "The crew even brought me tissues."

The top three also shared their personal philosophies. Pari Geumson said, "People call me a makeup artist, but I want to emphasize the 'artist' more than the 'makeup.' I want to be an artist who expands genres and boundaries, and a creator who freely shares my stories."
"Recently, a photographer told me that butterfly colors are fading due to environmental issues and suggested interpreting that through beauty. It was a wake-up call. As an artist, I want the freedom to express what I want through makeup. I hope to use makeup as a tool to deliver my messages as an artist."
O Dolcevita emphasized the importance of storytelling. "Every makeup look needs a reason," she said, adding that the competition clarified her philosophy. "I dislike applying makeup without meaning. The mood, story, and emotion must be clear, and only then is the makeup complete."
Son Tail said, "People often say my strength is in the details, but through this competition, I learned how to let go. It’s a process of finding my own color."
Makeup artistry is a creative yet service-oriented profession. When asked for advice for aspiring makeup artists, Son Tail replied, "Consistency, patience, and sincerity. And a genuine affection for people are truly important." She added, "You need the attitude that you can learn from juniors, and you shouldn’t dismiss clients’ complexes as mere complaints. For them, it could be a very important issue, so empathy is essential."
O Dolcevita highlighted the importance of seeing the strengths in others, given the nature of meeting many people in this job. She practices meditation and yoga to maintain composure. "If you only focus on the negative, you won’t last long. You shouldn’t just decorate someone, but strive to make them beautiful with your own sensibility. You need to see things from an artist’s perspective."
Pari Geumson emphasized curiosity. She advised, "Experience various cultures and engage in creative activities." She also stressed, "If you dream of working abroad, language is essential. It cuts your struggles in half."
jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter