1 / 1
What skincare product does Calista Cuaca use on her face every single day without fail? Surprisingly, it is a Japanese drugstore brand
Calista Cuaca needs no introduction. Some may recognise her as socialite Jamie Chua’s daughter but with over 308,000 followers (and counting) on Instagram—it is safe to say that this young social media superstar has already made a name for herself.
The real-life Crazy Rich Asian is a familiar face at fashion shows and society events, and her colourful social media page is a testament to that.
Besides her enviable style, Cuaca is also a beauty aficionado who knows exactly what she needs to maintain good skin. We know this after speaking to Cuaca about her daily beauty rituals and discovering more about her skincare habits.
Below, Cuaca shares her personal beauty favourites as well as her must-have products—including a drugstore item that she deems as her “holy grail” beauty item.
1 / 1
How long do you typically spend on your skincare routine?
I typically spend about five minutes every morning and night applying my post-shower skincare, and an extra 30 minutes if I decide to indulge myself in a hydrating face mask, which I do about one or two times a week.
What is your skincare routine like for the day?
In the day, I start with a simple face cleanser. My favourites are the Chanel La Mousse Cleansing Cream to Foam, and the Ice’s Secret Water Rescue Oligopeptide Milk Cleanser when my skin is feeling a tad bit dry or sensitive.
After thoroughly cleansing my skin, I follow up with my holy grail toner: the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion (Light), to infuse HA hydration into my skin. I then lock it in with the Dr Barbara Sturm Brightening Face Cream or the La Mer Moisturising Soft Cream to prep my skin for makeup. If I’m feeling a no-makeup day, I apply the Ice’s Secret Sensitive Advance Oligopeptide Serum for an easy and light layer of hydration, as well as to calm my sensitive skin.
Lastly, I apply a layer of the SuperGoop Unseen Sunscreen, a truly undetectable sunscreen, to protect my skin from UV rays and sun damage.
See also: The Best Lightweight Sunscreens To Try in 2021
What is your skincare routine for the night?
If I’m wearing makeup, I love using Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil to melt away any makeup and grime from the day. I then double cleanse with the same face cleanser I use during the day. Every three to five days, I include an exfoliation step in my night routine to brighten up my skin and get rid of dry patches using the Dr Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser. This exfoliating cleanser is sure to polish off any dead skin cells that cause dryness and texture, and it's also my favourite way of keeping blackheads at bay.
After my skin is clean and all traces of makeup have been removed, I once again tone the skin with the Hada Labo toner, and moisturise with [a suitable] Ice’s Secret Serum that my skin condition for the day calls for; my favourites are the Secret Repair Oligopeptide Serum and the Oligopeptide Concentrate.
For masking days, I can’t deny that the best masks I’ve tried are from Ice’s Secret. My favourites: The Miracle Secret Mask and the Illuminating Oligopeptide Mask.
See also: Double Cleansing: Why it’s an Important Skincare Step and the Best Ways to Do it
1 / 1
What was the last skincare product that you bought?
The last skincare product I purchased was my trusty Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion (Light) toner. It’s something that is essential in my skincare routine! It feels like a skin conditioner, to deeply hydrate and prepare my skin for any additional products I apply after. I usually purchase two to three bottles from Watsons to stock up in my cabinet.
Are there any new skincare trends that you’re excited to try?
One skincare trend that I’ve been following is the chlorophyll water trend I’m sure everyone has seen on TikTok. So I’ve been testing it out by drinking a litre of water every day with liquid chlorophyll in it. Sure, it sounds super weird, but it honestly tastes pretty good! But has it been helping with my skin? I think so! My skin’s redness is mostly gone, I see fewer breakouts and it’s also been keeping me more hydrated by encouraging me to drink more water!
When did you start paying extra attention to your skin?
I started taking extra care of my skin while I was in high school. It’s a time where everyone experiences dreadful breakouts, and so did I. I tried everything on the market, but maybe that was my mistake; more isn’t more. Sometimes we just need to give our skin a rest. But one thing I recommend is Differin, an over-the-counter acne topical gel, and lots and lots of hydration!
1 / 1
What’s the most important skincare step to you?
The most important skincare step to me is probably hydrating or moisturising. That's why I include a lot of products with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and oligopeptides.
Where and what is your go-to facial?
My go-to facial is probably the hydra-facial at Q Aesthetics. I get this done when my skin is feeling extra dry, clogged or dull. It not only deeply hydrates and calms your skin, but it also clears your pores for fresh, bright and clean skin!
Is skincare the new self-care? What are your thoughts on this?
Skincare is definitely the new self-care! Not only are you taking care of the largest organ of your body, but I believe that a healthy mind and body leads to healthy and great skin. Skincare undeniably intermingles with healthcare, and it’s a truly therapeutic experience to go through your skincare routine every day and night.
See also: 7 Self-Care Tips For Your Beauty Routine at Home
What is one piece of skincare advice that you live by?
One skincare advice is live by is that less is more! I love using lighter products on my skin, which is why I opt for moisturising serums that feel light, watery and absorbs into the skin instead of heavy and thick creams. Let your skin breathe!
Credits
Images: Courtesy of Calista Cuaca
Topics
Andrea Saadan is the Senior Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She oversees all digital content for the website and currently leads the Beauty and Lifestyle verticals. As a child, she had always enjoyed reading and writing but it was only after she joined her college newspaper, The Spectrum, in Buffalo, New York, that she considered a career in journalism. Her love for all things beauty started from the age of two—when she was caught playing with (and damaging) her mother’s YSL lipstick. On top of her day job, she is also an unpaid beauty consultant for friends and family. Besides make-up, her obsessions include the wizarding world of Harry Potter, podcasts, ice-cream, her walking pad and watching endless re-runs of The Office (US).
