For South Korean actress-model Claudia Kim, it involves washing her face with bottled water, as EUGENE QUEK discovers during a candid chat with the new face of Bobbi Brown in Seoul.
For South Korean actress-model Claudia Kim, it involves washing her face with bottled water, as EUGENE QUEK discovers during a candid chat with the new face of Bobbi Brown in Seoul.
Claudia Kim’s first words to me in Seoul: “Wow, you have such great skin!” Trying not to blush at the unexpected compliment from a celeb, I thank her and tell her that I try. And I do try – but not as hard as this actress-model, who’s 31 but looks a good decade younger. Having met her in person at the launch of the new Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Cushion Compact SPF50/ PA +++, I can safely say that the beauty brand’s first Asian face really does have the dewy complexion so coveted in today’s K-obsessed world – and also that she’s chock-full of cover line-worthy sound bites. Don’t just take my word for it. Read through the Avengers: Age of Ultron actress’s beauty tips and tricks on the facing page and judge for yourself...
1 “FEED” YOUR FACE.
Claudia makes a mean pancake snack that’s packed with kaya and good-for-skin omega-3 oils. “Blend one whole egg, three egg whites, some chia seeds, bananas and a handful of rolled oats,” she says. “Then, grill the batter and finish by spreading kaya on top.”
2. LET THE LIGHT IN.
According to the South Korean beauty, the new cushion foundation will give your complexion that elusive lit-from-within radiance almost every K-idol boasts. “Think of how great your skin looks immediately after a bath,” she says. “This imparts that [fresh-out-of-the-shower glow].” Marc Reagan, manager of artistry at Bobbi Brown, explains how to use the cushion: “If you have oily skin, apply a serum under it to get a translucent finish without too much shine. Those with dry skin can apply a moisturiser under it – the extra moisture will ‘cling on’ to the pigments for heavier coverage.”
3. YOUR SKIN, BUT BETTER.
Claudia notes that when it comes to K-beauty, the tide is turning: “I think we’re moving away from [artificial-looking] doll-like perfection to [a naturallooking radiance], which we can all get with a good foundation.” And the brand’s new cushion foundation, she says, is able to hold its own in a “cushion-off ” with its Korean counterparts. “It provides a finish that looks and feels just like real skin, while the pale finish of some Korean BB cushions can look mask-like.” At this point, Gabrielle Nevin, vice-president of product development at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, calls attention to the compact's intriguing packaging, which she says was modelled on a coffee capsule. “The airtight capsule preserves the formula’s purity and ensures the cushion doesn’t dry out,” explains Gabrielle. “Skin-soothing ingredients such as lychee and pink silk tree extracts reduce redness even as the pigments conceal.” Beautifying benefits aside, this cushion compact lends my skin a naturallooking radiance, even up close.
4. WASH YOUR FACE WITH BOTTLED WATER.
An interesting reveal by Claudia: “I don’t use tap water when I’m travelling because I can’t be sure how the water will affect my skin. I carry around bottled water and wash my face with it to prevent breakouts.”
5. CLEANSE YOUR FACE BETWEEN EXERCISE REPS.
No one can accuse this actress of not working hard for her money. “I’m paranoid about dirt clogging up my pores when I train outdoors for (Netflix drama series) Marco Polo,” she admits. “So [between workouts, I use micellar water to cleanse and tone] before reapplying moisturiser and sunscreen.” That’s dedication for you.
6. CHOOSE CREAM OVER SHEET MASKS.
“I’ve noticed a huge difference in hydration [levels in my skin when I use a cream mask instead of a sheet mask], which can be too watery and leave my skin drier than it was before,” says Claudia, who’s meticulous about moisturising. “I’m obsessed with the comforting creaminess of the new [Bobbi Brown] face masks, especially the Skin Nourish brightening one.”
7. BE KIASU ABOUT SUN PROTECTION.
When it comes to sun care, Claudia’s a woman after my own heart. “I don’t go out during the day or night without sunscreen, because you can never be too careful about shielding your skin.” Guess what? I do the same thing too. Great beauties think alike!
