Don’t blindly follow new beauty trends, says beauty blogger June Fong

Each week, Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore profiles a beauty blogger based in Singapore. Get to know their beauty secrets, and find out how you can improve your daily skincare and makeup regime. This week, we feature June Fong, who runs the blog JuneduJour.

1. How did you become a beauty blogger?

I have always been in love with the written word, and had once thought of writing for a career. But after a rather stressful writing test for a local magazine, I realised I would grow to hate it if I had to do so tight deadlines and sans writing freedom. I then thought that blogging would be the happy answer but, being the wallflower that I was, the idea of baring your soul to strangers daunted me.

It wasn’t until my friends surprised me with an iPad on my 23rd birthday and realising how much they believed in me that I created Junedujour.com. Sharing my love for beauty and how it can empower has gained me so many new friends and opportunities, and a platform to connect with like-minded readers.

2. Can you describe what a typical day is like for you?

Hectic! I’m currently freelancing digital marketing and events management, so I start the day off with a super-strong cup of Earl Grey before diving into work. After breaking for lunch, I work off those calories by photographing my beauty flatlays – it’s when the sun is perfect – and getting some blog debt done.

I’ve recently also embarked on my new zero-waste eco lifestyle e-store Trove of Gaia, so the remainder of my day is spent juggling orders, sourcing suppliers and ramping up the branding. Occasionally, when I can remember, I do try to get sustenance and some form of sleep.

3. What’s your morning beauty regime?

As I’ve just entered my thirties, I’ve begun opting for simpler, more natural skincare. I alternate between my own line of face cleansing powder, which uses natural Japanese beans and Fuller’s Earth powder; as well as Bioderma’s Sensibio Mild Cleansing Foaming Gel.

I also take care to either tap in a serum or essence before slathering Hada Labo’s Hydrating Light Cream. Sunscreen is a must for me since I like to stay fair, and I really like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen for my face and body; its lightweight and airy texture is perfect.

4. What’s your nighttime beauty regime?

Since I often sleep late due to my long working hours, my night time routine is comparably fancier. I soothe a bit of BodyShop Oils of Life™ Intensely Revitalising Eye Cream-Gel, and for my face I tap in the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum.

On most nights, I use alternate between my L’Occitane Reine Blanche Whitening Sleeping Mask or ForBelovedGirl Cloud Silk Mask. Hydration is King. I also do a clay mask once a week to fully detox my skin of impurities; the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask works great!

5. What are your current favourite beauty products? Why?

That is like asking me to choose my favourite child! But if we must, here are some permanent fixtures on my vanity table:

• Guerlain Meteorite: I use this as a setting powder and find that it gives a very natural, glowing finish.

• Laneige’s Water Glow Gel Foundation: Spreads beautifully onto skin while giving a perfect medium-high coverage.

• Loreal’s INFALLIBLE Pro-Spray and Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray: It really mattifies my makeup and sets it to last an entire day without budging.

• Lip: Bourjois Rouge edition velvet (for a matte, barely-there look) and Faceshop’s moisture touch lipstick (Creamy and hydrating texture!)

• Marc Jacobs Eyeconic Palette in Edgitorial: ‘Nuff said – the shades are perfect from day to night!

6. What is the most common beauty mistake you’ve heard or seen Singaporeans making? How would you correct it if you could?

The whole overly strobing/contouring look, while it looks great on camera, it looks super harsh and unnatural in the day. Every young girl seems to be sporting the look. I find it ages them beyond their tender years.

Also, blindly following a new beauty trend, when it may not suit everyone. Go to a makeup counter or ask your beautician to understand your skin type first, and research what is most suitable. I believe makeup should serve to enhance your best features, and invest in proper skincare. Taking good care of your skin makes it the perfect canvas to doll up; we wouldn’t want bumpy flawed skin now, would we?

7. Is there a beauty secret that you swear by?

Always remove your makeup scrupulously (even if you feel like you are gonna pass out from fatigue, at keep some makeup-removing wipes near); the morning-after breakouts are not worth it. Trust me, I speak from experience. If you have dark undereye circles like me, opt for a creamier liquid concealer with peachy undertones; this will help to counteract the bluish pigment of dark circles.

Also, this is a bit gross but, when I want to test how water/smudge proof an eyeliner is, I’ll first swatch on my arm. Using a finger to gently rub on a bit of sebum, I’ll swipe it over the swatch; if it remains intact it’s a definite keeper!

8. How big is your beauty collection now?

Oh my god – that’s a question you really should not be asking a beauty addict… I mean blogger! Shrugging away my guilt, let’s just say that when I last counted, I believe I have more than 100 lipsticks and a full IKEA Billy shelf of assorted skincare and makeup.

My husband tells me that, at the rate I am going, we might need to rethink our sleeping arrangements. Borrowing what a certain Carrie Bradshaw once said: “ I like my investments right where I can see them… on my vanity desk.” Well, mine just happens to be makeup!

Read also:

• Blogger Chloe Teo’s beauty hack: Use scotch tape to apply eyeshadow

• Make-up boo-boos to avoid: Less is more, says beauty blogger Patricia Tee

• Beauty blogger Roanna Tan’s ‘cure’ for acne breakouts: Just hydrate

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