Merz Aesthetics APAC ambassador Lucy Liu talks about skin longevity and embracing the present

Taking to the stage, Merz Aesthetics APAC president Lawrence Siow warmly welcomed the esteemed guests—a diverse gathering of over 320 journalists, key opinion leaders and healthcare professionals from all over the world. His welcoming remarks set an uplifting tone, underscoring the brand’s commitment to honouring women in their midlife. 

Following this, Merz Aesthetics chief scientific officer Dr Samantha Kerr delivered a compelling talk titled Science Sharing: Breaking Down Skingivity Solutions. Dr Kerr expanded the conversation beyond traditional beauty to focus on healthy ageing and longevity, explaining how the industry must rethink aesthetic care by moving from episodic treatments towards long-term skin longevity and personalised treatment journeys. 

The event also provided inspiring insights through a dynamic panel discussion. Esteemed panellists, including celebrated Korean makeup artist Jung Saem Mool, acclaimed actor Sonia Sui, content creator Momay Buranasiri and aesthetic doctor Dr Siew Tuck Wah, engaged in a vibrant dialogue about the shifting perceptions of beauty and the growing demand for individuality and empowerment among women today.

The highlight of the afternoon was the introduction of Liu, who entered the venue in an impeccably white suit that radiates power and confidence. At 57, the Hollywood star perfectly personifies the campaign’s mission to reframe ageing as a journey to be celebrated, embraced and empowered. As an iconic figure with cultural relevance globally, she possesses a voice that resonates deeply with women eager to be acknowledged and uplifted.

Sitting down to reflect on her own personal evolution, Liu shared insights on what “proudly becoming” means to her at this stage of life.

“It means appreciating who I am today, and not treating the past as the standard,” she expressed with striking candour. “Like who I was when I did the first Charlie's Angels in 2000—that was 26 years ago—is not the same person that I am today, and not to expect myself to look like that person or act like that person. I did some foolish things in the past and then I just own them. Every experience basically shapes you, and so you evolve.”

She emphasised that this life stage is about giving oneself grace: “‘Proudly Becoming’ also means not punishing yourself, laughing about the foolish things you did, but also learning from them and not to recreate them. It’s about preserving yourself in a very different dimension and knowing where you are now.”

When the conversation turned to confidence, Liu’s definition was grounded in self-acceptance. “It is about understanding that I’m a unique person and that I’m not like anyone else, and nobody is. Confidence comes from knowing that you are one of one,” she affirmed. This sense of presence is something she actively cultivates.

For anyone still learning to embrace who they are becoming, she advises: “It’s so important to be present. So much of our time is spent thinking about the future or the past, and they say that depression is about the past, and anxiety is about the future. So, what does it mean when you’re in the present? It is when you’re just here and you’re not feeling depressed about the past, the things that you didn’t do or couldn’t do, and you’re not feeling anxious about the future.”

This philosophy extends to her approach to beauty and self-care. As she has matured, her perspective has shifted away from the relentless pursuit of flawlessness. “As time has gone on, my beauty regime has become a little bit simpler,” she revealed. “I think that’s because when you’re younger, you’re kind of caught up in trying to look like somebody else or trying to erase the freckles, things like that. But beauty is not about perfection. Beauty is preserving not who you were, but being where you are now. It is also about allowing the experiences that you have in your life to be part of your confidence and your individuality.”

For Liu, healthy skin is a cornerstone of this confidence. “Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It’s really about understanding the basics and it’s not about going crazy with your diet or anything like that. Basically, rest and hydration [is key],” she noted.

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the conversation came when Liu discussed the lifestyle changes that have most significantly impacted her quality of life. Shedding light on the pressures of a demanding career, she admitted, “I used to find work was something I was so passionate about... but I also learnt that my work ethic became almost like an obsession. I think it’s really important to stop and not be afraid that you're going to lose something... When you learn to stop occasionally, that makes space to receive other things.”

She concluded with a powerful testament to living authentically: “Fear should not be the driving force; it should be the passion for what you're doing and the confidence that everything else is going to fall into place.”

As the day drew to a close in Seoul, the underlying message of Merz Aesthetics’ new era was beautifully clear. The focus is no longer on clinging to what has passed, but on boldly stepping into the present. For the self-wellness generation, the time has come to give their best to themselves, and to declare with absolute certainty: your time is now.

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