Leaving the Familiar Behind for Somewhere New…
Q. Could you introduce yourself?
I’m currently in Australia on a Working Holiday visa. Back in Korea, I worked as a team leader in the marketing team of a beauty brand. My main responsibilities included product planning, photo shoot planning, developing concepts for models, website content and layout, influencer marketing, and e-commerce.
I actually majored in International Relations and Politics, but as my interest in skincare and cosmetics grew, I decided to pursue a career in the beauty industry. I also became certified as a Customised Cosmetics Preparation Manager, which allowed me to consult with people about their skin concerns and create personalised cosmetic products for their individual needs.
Q. Beauty is quite different from what you studied. What sparked your interest in the industry?
I’ve always had a lot of skin allergies, including allergies to dust, sunlight, and dairy products. Because I had so many skin concerns myself, I naturally became interested in studying cosmetic ingredients.
My skin used to be quite clear, but I began experiencing skin problems in middle school. For a long time, I kept asking myself, “How can I get my skin back to the way it was?” As I tried different things and learned more through my own experiences, I became increasingly interested in skincare. Eventually, that led me to become certified as a Customised Cosmetics Preparation Manager.
Q. What exactly does a Customised Cosmetics Preparation Manager do?
Simply put, we customise cosmetic products by mixing approved ingredients according to each customer’s skin condition and personal preferences.
It begins with a one-on-one consultation. We assess whether the customer’s main concern is wrinkles, pigmentation, dehydration, sensitivity, or something else, and then select and blend suitable ingredients accordingly. The concentration of active ingredients can also be adjusted depending on the condition of the skin.
For example, someone with extremely dry skin may need more than just hydration—we also need to consider the balance of oils in the skin. For sensitive skin, the formulation needs to be adjusted to minimise irritation.
Through this work, I realised how important it is to use exactly what your own skin needs rather than simply using the same finished product as everyone else.
Q. Is there a particular experience that stands out to you?
The most rewarding moments were when I saw improvements in people who had been under a lot of stress because of problematic skin.
Of course, medical conditions such as atopic dermatitis cannot be treated with cosmetics alone. However, for people dealing with dryness or needing support for their skin barrier, adjusting the ingredients to suit their skin often resulted in very high satisfaction.
When we regularly measured their skin condition, we could actually see gradual improvements. Seeing customers regain their confidence was incredibly rewarding. I think I was able to empathise with them even more because I had personally experienced many skin concerns myself.
Q. As someone with professional skincare knowledge, what skincare tips would you particularly like to emphasise?
Lifestyle habits are extremely important. Sometimes the basics matter much more than expensive skincare products.
For people with sun allergies or sensitive skin, it can be helpful to reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes to an hour when needed. There are also many products designed to be reapplied over makeup.
Washing your bedding and pillowcases regularly is also more important than many people realise. If you have a dust allergy, even regularly using a lint roller to remove dust can help.
And one of the most important rules is: don’t touch your face. It’s something people in the skincare industry emphasise almost habitually.
There are also many different types of acne, so having acne while also having dry skin doesn’t necessarily mean you have oily skin. In fact, some people with extremely dry skin develop breakouts because their skin lacks sufficient oils. So it’s important to consider not only hydration but also the skin’s oil balance.
Skin is complex, and many different factors need to be considered together.
Q. You worked as a marketing team leader for a beauty brand in Korea. Is there a strong connection between marketing and beauty?
Absolutely. I believe the product itself is important, but how the product is presented to consumers is just as important.
For example, if we were photographing a cosmetic cushion and wanted to emphasise how lightweight it feels, rather than simply explaining it with words, we might use imagery such as feathers so people can instantly associate the product with lightness.
These days, content needs to capture people’s attention within the first one to three seconds. You constantly have to observe what people like and what kinds of elements they respond to.
That’s why I think being a good marketer is less about creating the content you personally like and more about understanding the content that other people want to see.
Q. What made you decide to come to Australia?
I had always wanted to experience living overseas. I originally planned to do it during the COVID period, but I wasn’t able to, which was disappointing.
After working for several years and constantly focusing on my career, I suddenly realised that if I didn’t do it now, I might never get the chance. Turning 30 was a particularly significant turning point for me. I thought, “If I’m going to do the things I really want to do, now is the time.”
Travelling was certainly part of the reason, but I also really wanted to improve my English.
Q. How are you finding life in Brisbane?
I’ve only been here for about 20 days, but Brisbane already feels like a city that suits me well.
I prefer somewhere quiet and relaxed rather than loud and hectic, and Brisbane has that kind of atmosphere.
I especially love the weather and nature here. I used to work a lot of overtime in Korea, so being here, sometimes just breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the sunshine feels rewarding in itself.
Q. What are your goals for the future?
I’d like to continue working with beauty content and marketing while eventually building my own personal brand.
I’m also creating content as an influencer. I currently have around 700 followers, and some of my content has reached as many as 360,000 views. I’m particularly interested in content related to health, wellness, and beauty because I believe skin and overall health are closely connected.
In the long term, my goal is to combine my marketing experience with my skincare expertise and eventually create a business or brand of my own.
Q. Finally, what would you like to say to people who are already in Australia or are considering coming here?
I would say, “If you’re wondering whether you should come or not, give it a try.”
Things may not go according to the plans you had in mind, and learning and communicating in English certainly isn’t easy. But there are experiences here that allow you to try something new and learn more about yourself along the way.
Especially for someone like me who had been putting off taking on a new challenge, I think it’s an experience worth having at least once in your life.
