Cover Sisters Kayla and Irisa Wong have discovered that sisterhood and skincare, both of which play a precious role in their lives, bloom over time just like Clarins’ ‘moonlight flower’ ingredient (Photo: Natalie Dunn / Tatler Hong Kong)
Sisters Kayla and Irisa Wong have discovered that sisterhood and skincare, both of which play a precious role in their lives, bloom over time just like Clarins’ ‘moonlight flower’ ingredient (Photo: Natalie Dunn / Tatler Hong Kong)
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Tatler+
In partnership with Clarins, the sisters share how their relationship has bloomed over the years
“Our mum has always had glowing skin, so the one thing we learnt growing up was to make your skincare routine a ritual that you enjoy,” says Kayla Wong, eldest daughter to iconic Hong Kong couple Janet Ma and Michael Wong. And her younger sister Irisa adds: “Mum is the epitome of anti-ageing. A lot of people who don’t know us think she’s our sister.”
With their passion for curating a skincare regime that brings both relaxation and results, the sisters make perfect partners for French beauty house Clarins. Its new Precious line combines specialised science and rare ingredients in two complete products: La Crème and La Lotion.
Above Kayla Wong (Photo: Natalie Dunn/Tatler Hong Kong)
Above Irisa Wong (Photo: Natalie Dunn/Tatler Hong Kong)
Kayla Wong (Photo: Natalie Dunn/Tatler Hong Kong)
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Founder of sustainable clothing label Basics for Basics and LGBTQ+ advocate Kayla sees skincare and self-care as part of her femininity. Dedicating her routine to self-reflection, she attributes her own confidence to this practice. “When I was younger, I was impatient with my progress and always compared myself to my peers,” she says. “Now I’ve just turned 30, I know we’re all constantly evolving and I’m more confident and self-aware than ever.”
It’s something her sister admires. “Kayla taught me to be brave and to love myself, because we all have insecurities,” she says. “It’s helpful to accept what they are and learn to embrace them.”
For model and influencer Irisa, skincare is about more than just physical aesthetics. “I’ve always struggled with acne, and finding a skincare routine that works for me was frustrating,” she says. “Having skin that makes you feel confident can be empowering but if you feel good mentally, this naturally radiates to others.”
Above Clarins Precious La Crème (Photo: Courtesy of Clarins)
Clarins Precious La Crème (Photo: Courtesy of Clarins)
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Like the “moonlight flower”, a key ingredient in Clarins’ Precious skincare line, the sisters agree that their own relationship is one that has bloomed with age. “I used to bully my sister when we were young,” says Irisa. “I would pull her hair and hit her; she would rarely fight back. We sometimes have small arguments now, but my sister is my best friend and I appreciate everything she does.”
As Irisa left home for boarding school at 15 years old, and later moved to Boston in the US, the two spent some time apart growing up. “As adults we’ve been through tough times together and I think we’re now able to lean on one another,” says Kayla, adding that she values the time they spend together. “You can’t rewind time, and as I grow older I realise it is the precious moments with those you love that matter most.”
Credits
Photography: Natalie Dunn
