People from all corners of the world, particularly in Asia, are paying big bucks to imitate the looks and styles of their favorite Korean singers, actors and actresses. So where do these stars go to get their looks and to ensure that they’re constantly camera-ready? Jenny House in Cheongdam-dong, one of three branches of the city’s premier beauty salon, is a hands-down favorite of Korea’s top celebrities. I was fortunate enough to be invited to tag along with the Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Center for my own personal K-star makeover last month and it didn’t take me long to realize why it’s the go-to salon for Korea’s top celebs.
Upon entering, a few fellow bloggers and I were greeted by the Jenny House stylists and staff members like VIP guests. The salon’s interior was more modern and funky than luxurious and big windows offered views of SM Entertainment, one of K-pop’s biggest labels, which is located just across the street. We were seated and were given a brief introduction to the salon and some of its clients. I was impressed with the patronage: Son Yejin, Choi Jungyoon, Lee Dahae, Kim Sarang, Park Jinhee and the ladies of T-ara. They’ve even done work for TV shows and movies such as “Art of Seduction”, “No Breathing”, “Single Again”, “Good Days”, and “Good Doctor.”
One of the hottest actresses in the biz at the moment is Park Shinhye, thanks to her popularity as Lee Minho’s love interest on “The Heirs.” Hallyu fans have put great effort into mimicking her hair and makeup so I felt lucky to get a personal instruction by her very own stylist and makeup artist. I’m pretty much hopeless at hair and makeup so the class was quite helpful.
We were then split into groups for the makeover. I lucked out and got Hong Sunghee as my makeup artist. As one of Korea’s top celebrity makeup artists, she has not only worked with K-stars but also supermodel Miranda Kerr and international diva Lady Gaga. Yes, I was having my makeup done by Lady Gaga’s Seoul-based makeup artist! She was eager to talk about New York as she used the salon’s signature Perfect Skin One Shot Cover Stick Foundation to give me beautiful skin. (Oh, the power of makeup!) Before I knew it, I had soft, smokey eyes and a hot pink pout.
Afterwards, I met Gina to get my new hairstyle. She and her assistant (as is common in Korean beauty salons) twisted, curled and strategically placed every last hair into a near-perfect do. I was impressed with my final look, and although I still very much looked like myself, I could see the Hallyu influence in my makeup and hair. Jenny House was also kind enough to hook us up with some beauty swag, including their signature stick foundation, hair treatment and a copy of J-Style, the salon’s own beauty magazine that’s published yearly.
I had a really positive experience at Jenny House and had a fun time conversing with the staff, many of whom can speak not only English but also Japanese and Chinese. While on the pricier side, it’s a great place to go if you’re looking to splurge or pamper yourself to a beauty makeover from some of the best stylists and artists in the industry. Even if you don’t spot any K-stars on your visit to Jenny House, it’s guaranteed that you’ll leave feeling like one.
Thanks to the Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Center for inviting me to participate in this fun event. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for information on monthly events for foreigners, including beauty classes like the one mentioned above.
More Information about Jenny House
Address: Cheongdam Building, 3-4 Floors, 79-15 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Phone: 02-514-7243
Hours of Operation: 10am-7pm (Mon-Sat), 10am-6pm (Sun)
Website: http://www.jennyhouse.co.kr/ ; https://www.facebook.com/jennyhousepr
Get There: From exit 3 of Apgujeongrodeo Station (Bundang Line), walk straight for 5 minutes. Jenny House will be on your right.
Words and photos by Mimsie Ladner of Seoul Searching. Content may not be reproduced unless authorized.
