Cover Driven by her passion for skincare and years of global experience, Fan Bingbing has shared her unique secrets to establishing a skincare brand for Asian women. (Photo: Fan Beauty Diary)
Driven by her passion for skincare and years of global experience, Fan Bingbing has shared her unique secrets to establishing a skincare brand for Asian women. (Photo: Fan Beauty Diary)
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A profound exploration of Fan Bingbing’s thirty-year odyssey—from global icon to the visionary founder of a skincare empire dedicated to women—unveiling the secrets to becoming one’s finest self.
Regardless of the passing seasons, Fan Bingbing’s name remains a pre-eminent beacon of Asian beauty. Having commenced her career at the tender age of sixteen, this actress and entrepreneur has amassed over three decades of skincare expertise, culminating in the creation of Fan Beauty Diary—a brand that serves as a true reflection of her essence.
Today, as her legendary brand makes its official debut in Thailand, she sits down for an exclusive conversation with Tatler, sharing her profound beauty philosophy, her perspective on the passage of time, and her aspirations for women across the continent.
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Above Fan Bingbing at the launch of Fan Beauty Diary's first event in Thailand at the end of March. (Photo: Fan Beauty Diary)
Fan Bingbing at the launch of Fan Beauty Diary's first event in Thailand at the end of March. (Photo: Fan Beauty Diary)
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A brand that chronicles three decades of life.
When asked about Fan Beauty Diary, Fan Bingbing's first answer wasn't numbers or awards, but the story of her life. "This brand is the most honest reflection of myself, because Fan Beauty is also my name," said the beauty icon. "Throughout my 30 years in the entertainment industry, starting at the age of 16, I've tried countless skincare products, learned skincare techniques from experts around the world. All of those experiences are incorporated into every product, ensuring that everyone can use them in the same way I use them to care for myself."
Fan Beauty Diary was founded in 2018 on the belief that good skin requires hydration as a foundation. Their flagship product, the Sea Grape Mask, has become the best-selling mask in China, with over 1 billion sheets sold and a repurchase rate of 85 percent. The main ingredient, sea grapes, is sourced from Okinawa, Japan, and is rich in moisturizing properties.
“I use a face mask every day without exception,” Fan Bingbing revealed her secret. “One sheet in the morning, one in the evening. Maintaining skin hydration and nourishment is the most important thing to me.” She also added that the word 'Diary' in the brand name is because she wants these products to be like a beauty journal passed down from her to every woman.
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Above Fan Bingbing talking about her own skincare brand, which she says every product is the result of countless trials and errors she went through herself. (Photo: Fan Beauty Diary)
Fan Bingbing talking about her own skincare brand, which she says every product is the result of countless trials and errors she went through herself. (Photo: Fan Beauty Diary)
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Beauty for Asian women.
Fan Bingbing isn't just focused on beauty; she also sees a 'gap' in the Southeast Asian skincare market that she's confident she can fill. "I've noticed that in ASEAN, sheet masks aren't as widespread as in China or Korea. Wash-off masks are still more popular. This is a significant opportunity for Fan Beauty Diary."
When asked what she would recommend to her Thai friends who have to face intense sunlight and hot, humid weather, she answered without hesitation, “I would recommend the Astaxanthin Mask, which helps soothe redness or sensitivity from sunburn. And a special tip for Thai people is that if you use this mask before applying makeup in the morning, it will help reduce edema, preparing the skin to better absorb makeup.”
Fan Bingbing also has a profound perspective on beauty, valuing 'inner strength' as much as outward appearance.
“As an Asian woman, I see our strengths, which I'll use the Chinese word '坚韧' (endurance and strength), as a key characteristic. We work hard, we face a lot of pressure, yet we still manage to create new things. For me, beauty isn't just about the face; it's the overall attitude, how we treat those around us, and the stories we've been through. The strength that shines through after overcoming life's storms is when a woman is most beautiful and charming.”
Above Fan Bingbing greets her fans in a friendly manner at the launch event. (Photo: Fan Beauty Diary)
Fan Bingbing greets her fans in a friendly manner at the launch event. (Photo: Fan Beauty Diary)
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The 'workaholic' lifestyle.
Despite constantly traveling across continents, Fan Bingbing shows almost no signs of fatigue or jet lag. Furthermore, she demonstrates remarkable discipline in maintaining her skin and health.
“I define myself as a ‘workaholic’ by nature,” she says, her beauty radiating from her smile. “My secret to maintaining my energy is keeping a ‘lean’ figure. I prioritize clean eating, avoiding oily and sugary foods because they cause skin to look dull and tired from oxidation.” She also reveals that no matter which hotel she stays at, the first thing she does is look for the gym and sauna to sweat it out, which helps reduce bloating and refreshes her mind, ready to tackle work immediately.
Above Fan Bingbing's secret to maintaining her energy levels is keeping a 'slim' figure and eating clean food. (Photo: Fan Beauty Diary)
Fan Bingbing's secret to maintaining her energy levels is keeping a 'slim' figure and eating clean food. (Photo: Fan Beauty Diary)
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A better version of yourself.
However, most women still have concerns about aging and their appearance being constantly presented in public. Fan Bingbing, however, offered some mature advice.
“We have to learn to ‘compromise’ with age, because no one can escape the reality of aging. The important thing is to have a positive attitude and maintain discipline in taking skincare seriously. At 40, I don’t need to compare myself to an 18-year-old because that’s not a competition. Instead, I focus on making myself look my best, my most vibrant, among my peers. That’s the true goal of self-care.”
Fan Bingbing concluded with a message to all Thai women looking for new ways to care for their skin: “I want everyone who uses our products to feel the power of transformation. If you are disciplined in your skincare routine and follow the tips I share on various social media channels, I can guarantee that you will become a ‘better self,’ and that is the greatest mission of our brand.”
We must learn to 'compromise' with age, because no one can escape the reality of aging. The important thing is to have a positive attitude and maintain discipline in taking skincare seriously.
Today's interview not only allowed us to get to know her brand better, but also revealed the heart of a "hard worker" who believes in disciplined beauty and is ready to pass on that power to all Asian women.
