Beauty is a pretty big ‘work in progress’ term for me. It never feels like an end goal, or a settled idea. It seems to be constantly morphing, or growing depending on who views or digests in our world. What I found beautiful a decade ago, is completely different now.
What does beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
I love using the Green Tangerine Vitamin C Cream, and every time I visit Asia, I stock up on a ton of Korean skincare. Sunscreen has also been important because of my sunspots, and I use Biore UV Sunscreen. I’m super into coconut / argan oil for my hair too so I use it ideally every night. Another big part of my skincare is Weleda, and their signature moisturizer as well as Rosemary Hair Conditioning Oil.
On Make-up
A couple of hero and (investable) products include my foundation – Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Givenchy Setting Powder, Tom Ford Eyeshadow Palettes and my handy Dior Lip Oil for every day. These are all recommendations I’ve had over the years, and would be my top four ever. I have to say the Tom Ford eyeshadow palettes are insane. They swipe on your eyes and shimmer unlike any I’ve used before.
In Kate's File
‘Best setting powder ever, hands down. I have the pink shade – it feels warm-toned when I put it on my face and lasts all day.’
‘It’s water-based. I put this on before any foundation and I love it! It’s also super popular in Asia – I was recommended this product by a bunch of my friends.’
‘Super easy to use, and smells like oranges. It’s refreshing and has just the right amount of water vs moisturizer for a great base product. Also, I have a ton of brown sunspots and this helps to alleviate it.’
‘It honestly has my favourite colors – My skin is pretty medium tan, so I pair well with silver and brown on my eyes and was deeply seeking out a true brown palette that also had silver sparkles. Tom Ford also in my opinion has some of the best quality eyeshadow and lasts all day.’
‘Recently a friend of mine put me on to this product, and you’re supposed to use it when you feel dry around different parts of your face. It’s not meant to be a base or moisturizer, but I like to use it under all the foundation after sunscreen so that it sticks to the foundation. I love how it feels and smells.’
On Haircare
When it comes to hair, this year was the first time I decided to grow it out. I’ve been using a lot of the Weleda Rosemary Hair Oil, and clean good Argan oil for my roots and split ends. I keep it pretty light on this routine, and if I want to give my hair new life, I get a blowout or trim my ends. I love the Shu Uemura Strengthening Hair Mask for when I really need to lock in more moisture. The nice scent is a bonus as well.
On Health and Wellness
I try to exercise a few times a week along with taking some supplements each morning. I take Vitamin D3, Cranberry pills, Omega, 100% Cocoa, Ginseng Root extract and digestive enzymes. This is just a combination that has worked well for me recently, but I try to change it up as I learn more.
Rituals
Once every few months I do either a facial or massage. I exercise about 3-4 times a week for 45mins or 1hour maximum. When I’m not able to be active since I travel often, I try to eat really well to make up for it.
On Fragrance
I only wear one right now and it’s the Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder. I don’t know why but it brings out the most feminine version of me.
Your Beauty Secrets..
Overall, I’ve seen a huge difference when you invest in super quality products versus crowd it with several steps or millions of products. Also, Olive Young (a beauty department store in Korea) is going to be your best friend ever.
What is always in your handbag?
I only keep my Dior Lip Oil around in my bag when I’m out for meetings or travelling. I also keep a pack of Mintia (japanese mints) in the classic flavour or peach flavour. I also always need to have my AirPods, a notepad, pen, and basic essentials.
Kate’s Directory..
In Paris I love Luca Bagnara for lymphatic massages, and Le Marais has a ton of great haircut spots. I got incredible facials in South Korea at this place called Muse Clinic.
‘It’s water-based so it swipes on smoothly and feels like it’s not really there. I’ve tried a couple different ones in the past, or only wearing concealer but this one has felt the best so far. It really doesn’t look visible when I wear it with the setting powder.’