Lee Se Young - Cosmopolitan 2014 Interview

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Lee Se Young’s Base Makeup Secret

We finally know why actresses always seem to have flawless, glowing skin in photos—no matter how casually the pictures are taken. The secret lies in using a photogenic foundation that makes the skin look retouched and perfected.

Actress Lee Se Young, who recently starred in the drama Lovers of Trot, shared her tip:

"Even if you have great skin, using the wrong foundation can ruin how you look in photos. That’s why I always use Dior foundation for my base makeup. It brightens my skin tone while covering any imperfections," she reveals.

Q: I still vividly remember seeing you on TV when you were little. Now that you’re acting as an adult, how is it different from when you were a child actor?

A: One of the biggest differences is definitely in beauty care. When I was young, I didn’t know any better. I just used whatever products people said were good, without thinking whether they suited my skin or if I even needed them at the time. But now, I carefully consider what my skin really needs in its current condition and choose products that will actually help improve it. My skincare routine is much more thoughtful and tailored.

Q: That doesn’t seem like a realization everyone easily comes to with age...

A: You’re right. I used to think, “It’s probably fine for now,” and got lazy with my routine. But at some point, I started getting constant breakouts, and my skin naturally became more sensitive. When I really thought about it, I realized the biggest reason was that I often went to bed without properly cleansing, using tiredness as an excuse after coming home.

Q: Your skin looks so good now, it’s hard to believe you ever had breakouts.

A: I really put in a lot of effort these days. But I don’t do any kind of special beauty care. After my skin got worse, I focused on just two things: thorough cleansing and plenty of moisture. That alone helped my skin slowly recover. No matter what products I used before, nothing worked until I committed to those two basics. That’s when I realized that cleansing is the foundation of clear, healthy skin.

Q: Can you share your own moisturizing tip?

A: I don’t use tons of skincare steps or products. I keep it simple and only use what my skin really needs.

Q: Then what are those short-but-effective products?

A: I love Sisley’s moisturizing mask. It has a light texture, so it’s comfortable even when I sleep with it on. And when my skin feels extra dry, I use Fresh’s Crème Ancienne. It’s pricey, but I only invest in these two. Even if there’s a big sale or everyone raves about a product, I don’t get swayed.

Q: You really have a firm beauty philosophy.

A: Yes. If my skin hadn’t gone through that bad phase, I think I’d still be chasing whatever others said was good.

Q: How do you take care of your body?

A: I used to only exercise when I had to lose weight quickly. But over time, I hit my limits, so now I’m working out regularly with a personal trainer. I’m not good at working out on my own, but if someone guides me, I’m really consistent.

Q: Sounds like you’re really determined!

A: Am I? (Laughs) But seriously, I’ve learned this from experience. No matter how hard you work out, you won’t lose weight if your blood sugar drops. A trainer once told me that to see actual results, you need to walk for a long time without breaking into a sweat.

Q: You really know your beauty stuff! Do you have a beauty icon you look up to?

A: Kim Hee Ae sunbaenim. She’s a great example of how important consistent self-care is.

Q: So you focus on the basics.

A: Even in daily life, I don’t like heavy base makeup or trying to make my face look overly bright. I just clean up the shape of my eyebrows, but I don’t overdraw or style them unnaturally.

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