Cover Chloe Nguyen shares with women the secret to “happy” skin.
Chloe Nguyen shares with women the secret to “happy” skin.
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Continuing our “journey of self-love”, Chloe Nguyen is the latest guest to share with women the secret to “happy” skin
Chloe first entered the beauty world by filming a vlog of the products she purchased on holiday in Hong Kong. At just 18, she was a shy young woman with only a vague notion of what it meant to be a beauty blogger. Today, she stands as one of the most influential voices in the industry, with a devoted following. Her long journey through the beauty world—a glamorous, luxurious realm that is also fraught with pressure and scrutiny—has shaped her resilience, optimism and insight. What she shares in this article will undoubtedly serve as an inspiring “handbook” for women on Vietnamese Women’s Day.
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As someone with a strong influence in the beauty community, what does beauty mean to you?
Since childhood, I have always believed in the saying, ‘There are no ugly women, only women who do not know how to enhance their beauty.’ Perhaps this has profoundly shaped my perspective. For me, beauty is, first and foremost, a means of building confidence. When I first stepped into the world of cosmetics as a beauty blogger, I was driven by a strong desire to inspire others to embrace and celebrate their own beauty.
What are your thoughts on the connection between emotions and skin health? How do they influence one another?
The older I get, the more I recognise this link. It happens so quickly—if I am stressed today, by tomorrow, my skin will be oilier, prone to breakouts, or even appear dull. This is why I believe beauty is not just about the final touches, such as makeup. Mental wellbeing plays a crucial role in every aspect of our lives, including the health of our skin.
Above Chloe Nguyen has always believed in the saying, ‘There are no ugly women, only women who do not know how to enhance their beauty.’ (Photo: Chloe Nguyen)
Chloe Nguyen has always believed in the saying, ‘There are no ugly women, only women who do not know how to enhance their beauty.’ (Photo: Chloe Nguyen)
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How do you interpret the concept of nourishing the skin with “happiness”?
I think the clearest example is when I spend time in nature, away from the city. Even after just a few days, my skin looks noticeably healthier. A part of this is certainly due to the fresh air, but equally important is the fact that my mind is more at ease. That’s when I truly see that nourishing the skin with “happiness” is effective. In fact, I believe that when “happiness” becomes an essential ingredient in our lives, not only does our skin glow, but everything else becomes more positive and seamless.
How do you incorporate that philosophy into your daily self-care routine?
I am a true workaholic, and for a long time, I believed that completing a long list of tasks each day would bring me happiness. But in reality, by the time I finished my work, I was completely drained, with no energy left to care for myself. Eventually, I realised that I needed to consciously set aside time for rest and relaxation. Achieving that balance has led me to experience genuine happiness.
Above ‘I believe that when “happiness” becomes an essential ingredient in our lives, not only does our skin glow, but everything else becomes more positive and seamless.’ (Photo: Chloe Nguyen)
Above Beauty blogger Chloe Nguyen, renowned for her refined elegance and gentle charm. (Photo: Chloe Nguyen)
‘I believe that when “happiness” becomes an essential ingredient in our lives, not only does our skin glow, but everything else becomes more positive and seamless.’ (Photo: Chloe Nguyen)
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What steps and products do you use to create a skin-blissful routine?
I don’t always have time to follow an extensive skincare routine, but on the days when I do, I find it incredibly rewarding. After a long day, completing every step—from cleansing to hydration—makes me feel refreshed and re-energised. For instance, after cleansing, I don’t just apply lotion; I also use an essence. Instead of stopping at serum, I incorporate a pre-serum step. On those days, I feel as though I am truly taking care of my skin and, in doing so, showing myself love.
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What are some things in your skincare routine that can make your skin less ‘happy’—things people often overlook? Can you highlight them and suggest ways to improve?
I think one of the biggest mistakes women make is overusing active ingredients. High concentrations of AHA, BHA or retinol can be too harsh, especially when introduced for the first time. This can overwhelm the skin, making it ‘overloaded’ and, in some cases, irritated. It’s important to learn to listen to what our skin truly needs—sometimes, the most advanced or expensive products are not necessarily the best for us.
Bad days can easily bring negative emotions. What can we do to make our skin ‘happy’?
For me, I would likely treat myself to a slightly more indulgent face mask before bed or use a gua sha stone after applying moisturiser. This helps the skin absorb nutrients more effectively while also providing a soothing massage that relaxes the mind and lightens the mood.
What skincare or self-care habits have you learned from your mother or grandmother?
I’ve realised that my mother’s and grandmother’s generation didn’t have the same opportunities for self-care that we do today. So, in truth, my skincare routine is far more intricate than my mother’s. However, there is one product I ‘inherited’ from her—Shiseido Ultimune. I remember watching her use it regularly when I was a child, and over time, it became an essential part of my own routine.
Another habit that both my grandmother and mother always emphasised is getting enough sleep. It might not seem like a beauty secret, but lack of rest prevents the skin from looking radiant and healthy.
Above A quote by Coco Chanel that Chloe loves: “If you're sad, add more lipstick and attack.” (Photo: Chloe Nguyen)
Above “Not only is happiness the ingredient that makes us more beautiful, but in turn, taking care of ourselves is also a way for women to feel happy.” (Photo: Chloe Nguyen)
A quote by Coco Chanel that Chloe loves: “If you're sad, add more lipstick and attack.” (Photo: Chloe Nguyen)
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What are your thoughts on the importance of self-care for women?
I believe that when a woman knows how to take care of herself, she becomes more confident—and once she has confidence, she can achieve so much more. As Coco Chanel said, “If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.”
Do you have a message for women on 20 October?
Happiness is not only what makes us more beautiful, but on the other hand, investing in self-care is also a way to cultivate happiness. Women should continue to focus on self-improvement, striving to become the most beautiful, talented, and fulfilled version of themselves.
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