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Style & Beauty

Jeanette Aw’s secret to good skin: ‘I stopped using foundation’

The 41-year-old actress doesn’t look a day older than when she first stepped into the spotlight two decades ago. Just how does she defy time? CNA Lifestyle finds out.

Ask any woman and she will tell you that the way she wears her makeup is more often than not a personal choice – with fingers or using professional brushes, bold or barely there, trendy or classic.

Singaporean actress Jeanette Aw recently shared her take on Instagram: "I believe I should be free to express myself the way I want to. Most times nude lips but once in a while, a red lip for that bold confident statement. Simply because… I like it."

If you pay heed to Aw’s lip colour, you’d even be able to read into her frame of mind – red for at work and nude for at play.

But not everything about her makeup regime is as evident though. Over an email interview, Aw revealed a little known makeup secret to CNA Lifestyle.

“I don’t use foundation, even when I’m filming,” she told us. How then does she manage to look flawless even on high-definition screens? “A little concealer goes a long way and it does the job (of covering up imperfections) perfectly.”  

During the chat with Aw, whose future projects include hosting and judging a new Channel 8 baking contest with Fann Wong in April, we seized the opportunity to metaphorically dig into her beauty bag. And, more importantly, into her little black book of beauty secrets so we can share them with you.

WHAT MAKEUP MANTRA DO YOU LIVE BY?

Less is more. My skin must be able to breathe even when I’m wearing makeup. 

WHAT’S YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLE MAKEUP ROUTINE?

I always moisturise, and sunblock is a must.

 

READ: Zoe Tay’s makeup artist on how to look younger than you really are

 

WHAT DO YOU PAY THE MOST ATTENTION TO WHEN GETTING MAKEUP DONE?

I believe that skincare is important. One has to first take care of the face so makeup can sit nicely on your skin. I like to keep things natural so I don’t use foundation, even when I’m filming.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO MAKEUP LOOK?

(Photo: Dior Beauty)

To give my skin a flawless appearance, I use the Dior Forever Skin Correct – a little goes a long way and it does the job perfectly. And then a dab of loose powder and I’m done.

 

 

Oh, I do like to enhance my eyes, so eyeliner and mascara to “open up” the eyes are a must. As for the lips, I gravitate towards nudes and naturals. Having said that, I wear the occasional red lip for when I want to feel pretty.

 

READ: Mascara tips from Gong Li’s makeup artist: How to make your short lashes look longer

 

WHAT’S YOUR HACK TO THE NO-MAKEUP MAKEUP LOOK YOU CHAMPION?

Two words: Neutral shades. My makeup is really as simple as it can get, as light as I can possibly get. 

ACTORS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR MAKEUP FOR LONG HOURS. HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT YOUR MAKEUP STAYS ON?

My trick is to wear as little makeup as possible. The main reason why I don’t wear foundation during filming is because I hate that when I do a crying scene, the tears leave streaks on the face. Or when I’m out filming under the scorching sun, perspiring and the makeup runs. Touching up the makeup is a pain because it then becomes cakey and blotchy, because you’re essentially putting on another layer over runny makeup. 

I stopped using foundation after three years in the industry, and I think it has helped to keep my complexion looking good and unclogged. And truth be told, many don’t even notice I don’t have any foundation on until I tell them. 

I stopped using foundation… and I think it has helped to keep my complexion looking good and unclogged.

HAS TURNING 41 CHANGED THE WAY YOU WEAR MAKEUP?

(Photo: Dior Beauty)

My makeup has more or less been the same way all these years. I don’t think it has changed much really. I still believe in cleansing and moisturising thoroughly.

 

READ: How to wear party makeup when you’re older – and not look like you’re trying hard

 

HAS MASK-WEARING CHANGED YOUR APPROACH TO MAKEUP?

In a way, yes. Since wearing a mask is mandatory, I often skip wearing makeup altogether. And I always have a face mist with me, because my skin is sensitive and the mist helps to soothe any irritation. 

I HEAR YOU HAVE AN AWESOME PRE-MAKEUP ROUTINE.

When I have to make an appearance, my makeup artist first preps my skin with a sheet mask. After that, she will apply a hydrating cream and follow up with a facial massage.  

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO HAVING BEAUTIFUL SKIN LIKE YOURS?

 

 

I exercise regularly and drink lots of water. And of course, moisturise. I’m keenly aware of what my skin needs. For example, when I travel to dry climates or when my skin feels sensitive, I know how to soothe it when it acts up.

READ: The best mascaras to use according to Zoe and Rebecca's makeup artists

Source: CNA/yy

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