Even simple beauty routines work, says blogger Carrie Sim

Each week, Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore profiles a blogger based in Singapore. Get to know their beauty secrets and find out how you can improve your daily skincare and make-up regime. This week, we feature Carrie Sim, who runs the blog carriesim.com.

1. How did you start blogging?

I started blogging when I was 10. I haven’t stopped sharing about my life online since. I was quite a nerd and joined my school’s computer club where I was taught how to create websites.

I only started beauty blogging in 2010. I was convinced by a girlfriend to blog about things we enjoyed doing and products we loved. This pet project eventually grew into a lifestyle portal called The Cambelles.

In 2014, I decided to keep things really personal and I started sharing a slice of my life again on my blog. I’m not an expert in make-up and skincare, but I write about my discoveries and what works for me.

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

There’s no such thing as a typical day for me. I handle social media marketing, offline acquisition and community management in a telco startup. You’ll find me sometimes at roadshows on weekends, other times I’m working on campaigns and promotions, engaging our top users and speaking with influencers.

3. What’s your morning beauty regime?

First, I cleanse with a foam cleanser, then spray on facial mist, moisturise with a gel-type moisturiser, then apply sunscreen.

I don’t always wear make-up. If I do apply it on weekdays, I usually stick to a quick cushion foundation or cushion BB cream, eyeliner, blusher, brow pencil and lipstick.

On weekends or when I have a bit more time, I’ll do the full works – highlighting, contouring, mascara and eyeshadow.

4. What’s your night-time beauty regime?

Remove make-up (if I have any on) with cleansing water make-up remover, cleanse with a foam cleanser, spray on facial mist, apply emulsion, then apply a richer moisturiser or night cream.

Every few days, I’ll do either a sheet mask or a clay mask.

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

Cleanser: Biore Uru Uru 2-in-1 Instant Foaming Wash
This is such an affordable foam cleanser that doubles as a make-up remover. It’s a super value-for-money buy for when I’m on a budget. It’s moisturising and doesn’t dry out my skin.

Moisturiser: Eau Thermale AVÈNE Hydrance Optimale Aqua Cream-In-Gel
I love the cream-to-gel texture and how light it feels on my skin. It’s super hydrating and also protects the skin from pollutants.

Face mask: Origins ORIGINAL SKIN Retexturing Mask with Rose Clay
This mask has jojoba beads that can help with deep cleansing and exfoliation. I also love the scent of rose. It’s pretty relaxing. Most importantly, my skin really glows after I use it.

Cushion foundation: Laneige BB Cushion – Whitening
I’m a fan of glowy skin and the Laneige BB Cushion was the first BB Cushion I tried which I really liked. In particular, I love the dewy finish and moisturising formula.

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

If you can afford both the money and time for an extensive skincare regime, by all means go for it. But if not, a simple routine of just keeping skin clean with a decent make-up remover and cleanser, and moisturising it daily is good enough.

I personally stand by consistently caring for skin over an exhausting routine that I’ll find hard to keep up with.

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

If you’re taking lots of photos, and like me, you love that glowy, luminous skin, use an illuminating primer like VDL’s Lumilayer Primer.

This really accentuates facial features and even if I’m tired, this immediately makes me look radiant. Just apply on the forehead, cheekbones and nose bridge for intense highlighting. A little bit of the primer goes a long way.

8. How big is your beauty collection now?

I’ve recently moved to my own place and have a room to store my make-up and skincare now. I have an Ikea Malm Chest of six drawers and I have managed to fit my current collection within two drawers.

I’m pretty amazed by this because I used to have boxes and boxes of skincare and make-up stored away. Unfortunately, many of them ended up expiring and I had to throw them out!

I’m slowly learning to minimise my beauty collection… but there are still occasions when I can’t resist getting yet another lipstick, especially if it comes in pretty packaging!

Related stories:

Buy skincare products that actually suit your skin, says blogger Venecia Lim
Don’t skip moisturising despite our humid climate: Beauty blogger Faith Tan
Don’t blindly follow new beauty trends, says beauty blogger June Fong

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