Top three on ‘Just Makeup’ redefine beauty as art

Nov 19, 2025, 10:39 am

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From left, Son Tail, Pari Geumson and Oh Dolcevita, the top three finalists of Coupang Play’s beauty survival show “Just Makeup.” / Courtesy of Coupang Play

Pari Geumson (Kim Min), winner of Coupang Play’s beauty survival show “Just Makeup,” spoke in an interview held recently in Sogyeok-dong, Seoul. The program, which featured 60 makeup artists from Korea and abroad competing in a series of missions, drew attention by ranking No. 1 on Coupang Play’s popularity chart for five consecutive weeks and entering the top 10 on OTT platforms in seven countries.

With missions such as creating completely different moods on twin models under a single theme, or designing customized looks for senior actresses according to distinct concepts, the show broke away from conventional beauty entertainment formats. It has been praised for “expanding makeup into the realm of art.”

All three finalists agreed that the show’s greatest achievement was “broadening the way people see makeup.” Pari Geumson said, “Once a theme is given, the artist designs the concept, persuades others, and takes responsibility for the finished look. That whole process, led by the artist, was deeply moving.”

Son Tail explained, “Makeup is about orchestrating the whole picture—where the client is going that day, what they’re wearing, what atmosphere they need. It’s not just a technique to make someone pretty; it’s about completing an entire worldview.” Oh Dolcevita added, “People often saw makeup only as ‘beauty care,’ but this was our chance to prove why we’re called ‘artists.’”

The glamour of the final cuts belied a grueling shoot behind the scenes. All three pointed to the team mission as the toughest challenge.

Pari Geumson recalled, “When I was named team leader, I worried, ‘Will my teammates really choose me?’ But thanks to the trust from my team members, including Oh Dolcevita, I was able to stay steady to the end.”

Son Tail said, “If I get eliminated alone, that’s one thing. But in a team mission, everyone goes out together, so the pressure is much heavier.” Oh Dolcevita mentioned the mission inspired by artist Ko Sang-woo’s work Kamadhenu, saying, “Using my mother as a model took a lot of courage. I wasn’t trying to create a tear-jerker, but the moment I saw her waiting in the green room, I kept getting choked up.”

Each finalist also holds a different core philosophy. For Son Tail, the top priority in any concept is “delicacy.” Oh Dolcevita emphasized “balance,” from the position of the brows and eyeshadow to the eyeliner. Pari Geumson said the most important standard is “harmony,” where every element connects like parts of a single painting.

Although even artists with 20 years of experience in France and 30 years in Korea found the intensity of the shoot overwhelming, the trio say the reason they continue in this line of work comes down to “fun and fulfillment.”

Pari Geumson said, “Even if I stay up all night, if the result is good, I feel like I could go right back to set the next day. That’s how enjoyable the work is.” Son Tail added, “The greatest driving force is the moment when I’m satisfied with the result and the other person is too.”

Oh Dolcevita said, “The happiest moment is when someone who couldn’t see their own beauty starts to love their face again.”

Looking ahead, the three had a common message for potential contestants if a second season is produced. “We’d tell them: make sure you enjoy it,” they said. “Even if you get eliminated, we hope you hold onto your own philosophy until the end and fully enjoy the experience.”

#Just Makeup #Pari Geumson #Son Tail #Oh Dolcevita #K-beauty artistry