Get radiant skin in Singapore’s heat: Beauty secrets from Porcelain founder Pauline Ng
Local entrepreneur Pauline Ng on her struggles as a female entrepreneur, beauty trends, and what to expect at the newly opened Porcelain Spa at Funan Mall.
Porcelain Spa proudly touts itself as having a “#foundationfree approach to skincare" and a no-nonsense approach to skin nasties in a bid to achieve radiant skin, no matter the age. A homegrown skincare and spa boutique, Porcelain Spa offers uncompromising standards in products and services for our ever-evolving skin from teenage years to adulthood and beyond. Yahoo Life Singapore got Porcelain’s founder Pauline Ng to share how she keeps the brand relevant after 14 years in the competitive beauty industry, top Porcelain products and services to look out for at their newly opened spa at Funan, and how the brand is constantly evolving to align with our changing needs.
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(1) Good skin is clear from inside out and radiant #fromwithin (2) No two skins are the same (3) Skincare requires commitment from us to you, and for you with yourself.Porcelain’s approach towards life, health and wellness
Yahoo Life Singapore: What upcoming trends have you observed in the beauty/wellness industry? What can we look forward to as consumers?
Porcelain founder Pauline Ng: Personalisation and Clean Cosmetics have been hot topics for years, and we have started to see many beauty brands jump on that bandwagon.
For us, personalisation is done through our AI skin diagnosis and prescription with our proprietary technology. Clean beauty is a buzzword, but our brand has always steered away from the harmful no-nos.
We also aim to #DOWellDOGood, by focusing on sustainability. Some examples of what we do at Porcelain are for every order placed online through our online store, we plant a tree! We are also entirely digital and eliminate 90% of the paper daily. Our uniforms are made from recycled polyester, running a recycling programme with SembCorp, and our e-commerce packaging is also biodegradable. We believe in constantly improving ourselves while we #DoWellDoGood simultaneously.
For wellness, there's a trend to focus on Self-care. It has become more prominent since the start of COVID-19, and the attention towards being kind to yourself and taking care of your mental wellness has become a hot topic in the last few years.
Porcelain is fortunate to have been in the business of providing a sanctuary for busy individuals and offering them the badly needed me-time and solace from the daily humdrum.
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On being a woman leader and entrepreneurship
When Porcelain first started in 2009, how did you, as a local brand, make a name for itself in the increasingly saturated beauty industry of local and international players with deep pockets?
Entrepreneurship is a gruelling journey, and it is hard to distil 14 years into a paragraph. Keep your attention focused on the Customer. Our Customer-Centric approach drives us, keeps us alive and going through tough times, and makes sure what is promised is delivered – it is much more complicated than it sounds, trust me.
I believe in finding your niche, your cult, who believes in the same values as your brand. When your brand has a soul, for example, we believe in Perfection in imperfection, which means that we embrace everyone's beauty as an individual without conforming to beauty ideals. When we have a soul in what we do as a business and give it our best, the rest will follow. Focus not on the money; focus on the customers, and serve them well.
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Does it take more for a female entrepreneur to survive in a business unit? What are some of your struggles (or perks) as a local female entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?
Entrepreneurship takes a toll, physically and mentally and trickles into all aspects of your life. In business, a considerable part is tied to your life journey, and I've always believed that for the company to grow, the founder must be growth-oriented in his or her life. It can get tiring, and having a solid support network and a team with your back is critical — it is an arduous journey for both men and women.
The perks of being a local female entrepreneur in recent years are that there has been more spotlight on women-led companies etc. It has opened more doors, and the spotlight and support women have for each other is amazing. That said, there are some walls women may have to break down (especially mentally) when running a business. We don't have to behave in a stereotyped persona, i.e., a male boss would be more authoritative. Hence we must be that. I believe in going with the flow, finding your values and personality, and letting your natural leadership shine.
I am committed to never selling a product that I don't personally use and believe in.Pauline Ng, founder of Porcelain Spa
On beauty secrets and skincare routines
What’s your skincare routine like?
A comprehensive skincare routine, which includes a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen, is essential for achieving a radiant complexion from within. I wholeheartedly believe in and use all of Porcelain's products. I am committed to never selling a product I don't use and believe in.
For my daily routine, I begin with the Pre-Cleansing Milk infused with Orchid Milk Extracts, which provides a therapeutic cleanse. I follow it with the Botanical Sensitive Toner, which hydrates and repairs the skin barrier. Then, I apply the HA+ Hydrating Serum, Porcelain's bestseller, to combat visible signs of ageing and boost cellular hydration. This serum contains rejuvenating ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Elderflower, Cucumber, Probiotics, and Mozuku Seaweed extracts, which nourish and protect the complexion while enhancing its natural resilience.
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Next, I utilise the power trio of products: Deep Recovery Gel (made with 99% stabilised Aloe Vera), Hydraclear Gel (ideal for acne and oily skin, applied on the T-zone), and Botanical Soothing Gel (enriched with natural antihistamines to safeguard against pollution). During the day, I moisturise with the Bio DNA Defense Aqua Gel, which incorporates eight potent actives to prevent DNA damage. Finally, I conclude with the Skin Protecting Moisturizer, which contains SPF 30 Natural Shade and UKYO Rose Glow Powder made from Rice powder.
I replace the Bio DNA Defense Aqua Gel with the Bio-reset Intensive Night Recovery Elixir in the evening. This advanced formula harnesses sustainable bio-actives to repair ageing fibroblast cells and stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer and more youthful skin with regular use. Infused with a powerful blend of six Ceramides, SYN-AKE, IceAwake, and Recoverine, this elixir revitalises cellular metabolism and energises the skin while effectively reducing premature signs of ageing. I also apply the RevitalEye Concentrate around my eyes, smile lines, and necklines, as it contains Matrixyl and five Peptides to plump the skin. Additionally, it comes with a micro-vibration device that improves the deep penetration of active ingredients.
I indulge in self-pampering with the Natural Skin Refiner, which utilises natural enzymes to exfoliate dead skin cells twice a week. Afterwards, I apply the Bio-Cellulose Mask infused with Vitamin E and Ceramides to improve skin texture and luminosity. Finally, I spritz the Deep Hydrating Lotion, enriched with rose and jojoba oils, to lock in the goodness and hydration.
As part of my skincare philosophy, I avoid using foundation and allow my skin to breathe, as oxygen is crucial in promoting skin health.
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What is one beauty secret you live by?
A LOT of sleep. Don’t compromise on that.
On battling Singapore's heat and humidity
Which are Porcelain’s bestselling products or top services? Which are your recommendations for Singapore’s climate? Why?
I have three favourite facial treatments that I always rely on. The first one is OxyRevive Plus, which works as a radiance reviver. It begins with a gentle yet intensive high-velocity OxyJet to effectively cleanse and remove dead skin cells and clear clogged impurities.
Next, Hyperbaric Oxygen Infusion therapy delivers nutrients and oxygen deep into the skin, revitalising even the most lacklustre complexion to reveal a radiant and glowing appearance. The treatment concludes with a Shiatsu Face Massage, reducing puffiness, eliminating toxins, and providing a lifting effect.
My second go-to treatment is ClearPurity Sensitive Repair, specifically designed to address sensitive skin concerns. This effective and painless treatment incorporates Korean Medi-technology and potent botanicals to cleanse, purify, and instantly soothe sensitive skin deeply. It features a unique 360° rotating tip that thoroughly cleanses congested pores while infusing beneficial botanicals into the skin. The treatment is non-invasive, painless, and extraction-free, ensuring no downtime and leaving you with clear and resilient skin.
Lastly, I highly recommend the CO2 Skin Renewal treatment, which is truly revolutionary. This treatment releases more carbon dioxide to the skin, triggering the 'Bohr effect.' This process stimulates a rush of oxygen and nutrients to the treated area, promoting cell renewal and collagen production. To further enhance the experience, a CyroProbe provides a cooling sensation, resulting in improved skin toning, firming, and lifting. After this treatment, prepare to witness an instant transformation and enjoy brighter, plumper, and firmer skin.
As I age, I require a different approach to prevent premature ageing, and these two products have been instrumental in addressing my concerns. The potent ingredients in these products effectively diminish fine lines and overall signs of ageing, resulting in a brighter and more youthful complexion. The HA+ Hydrating Serum provides excellent hydration, while the Bio-Reset Intensive Night Recovery Elixir rejuvenates my skin during the nighttime, promoting a more revitalised and youthful appearance.
Given Singapore's humid climate with frequent weather changes from sunny to rainy, it is advantageous to adjust skincare products accordingly. Different weather conditions can impact your skin's requirements, and adapting your skincare routine can aid in preserving its health and equilibrium.
Here are some recommendations based on specific weather conditions:
Opting for lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic products is beneficial during hot and humid weather. These formulations can help prevent clogged pores and excess oil production. I prefer using the HA+ Serum, Hydraclear gel, and Deep Recovery Gel for such conditions.
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On the newly opened Porcelain Spa at Funan Mall
The newly opened Porcelain Spa distinguishes itself from previous and existing Porcelain outlets through its unique features. One notable difference is its open-concept layout, which creates a welcoming, dynamic, and engaging environment. This layout enhances the spa's aesthetics and facilitates easy navigation throughout the store, offering a more immersive and enjoyable customer experience compared to our other outlets.
Visit the new Porcelain Spa at Funan Mall, 107 North Bridge Rd, #04-19, or shop at Shopee | Zalora.
