Cover Lily Kew (Photo: Kew Organics)
Lily Kew (Photo: Kew Organics)
1 / 1
The beauty brand founder breaks down her daily skincare routine for us
Lily Kew's journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the organic skincare industry was far from easy. As a teenager, she struggled with severe acne and consulted with multiple beauticians and dermatologists who prescribed harsh treatments and chemical-laden products that only worsened her skin condition. Frustrated with the lack of effective solutions, she decided to take matters into her own hands and pursue a diploma in beauty therapy and cosmetology in Singapore and Canada.
After gaining knowledge about skin health and working as a beauty therapist, Kew co-created her own spa brand, Glow Aesthetics, in 2004. However, after eight years, she was ousted from her own company due to differing visions, causing her to experience a bout of depression. Despite this setback, her strong mindset and pragmaticism helped her through the ordeal.
In 2014, Kew opened the first Kew Organics Facial Bar in Everton Park, where she realised that existing organic skincare brands were either too mild or too rich for Singapore's tropical climate. This inspired her to create her own organic skincare label, Kew Organics, formulated with the expertise of leading labs in Singapore, Canada, and South Korea, to cater to common skincare woes such as clogged pores, acne breakouts, pigmentation, and dehydration.
Today, at 51, Kew is known for her natural, makeup-free look and advocates for clean beauty. She has won multiple awards for her entrepreneurship and is dedicated to transforming skin through a marriage of natural skincare products with safe, high-tech machines that enhance the efficacy of her facial treatments.
As a leading figure in the organic skincare industry, she continues to inspire and empower women to take control of their skin health and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. We ask Kew to share her best tips for maintaining beautiful, healthy skin.
Above Lily Kew (Photo: Kew Organics)
Lily Kew (Photo: Kew Organics)
1 / 1
How long do you typically spend on your skincare routine?
I spend about 10 minutes in the morning and evening.
What is your skincare routine like for a day?
In the morning, I start by cleansing my skin with the Kew Organics Perfectly Cleansed Facial Soap. This is followed by the Resveratrol Rooibos Anti-oxidant Toner and the Clear Skin Treatment Essence. For the eyes, I apply the Total Restorative Eye Essence.
Depending on my skin condition for that day, I will alternate between two facial serums; the Elixir Hydrating Concentrate Serum and Apple Stem Cell Vitaglow Serum, followed by the moisturising Dose of Omega 7 Hydrating Emulsion and one product from the Anti-Aging Rejuv Needle-less range such as the Dual Facelift Ageless Booster. The next day, I would alternate with the Cell Regeneration Facial Oil Serum or Megaboost Hyaluronic+ Concentrate Serum and another product, the Tri-Phase Anti-Oxidant Redefining Concentrate from the anti-ageing range. And for my neck, I apply the Triple Strengthening Neck & Decollete Serum.
I will usually spritz a little of the Deluxe Hydra Nutrient Mist each time I apply a product to give it extra hydration. Lastly, I apply sunblock, Ultra-Fluid Tinted UV Protector SPF 25. And before I leave the house, I would spritz on the Deluxe Hydra Nutrient Mist again and continue doing so a few times throughout the day to keep my skin hydrated.
How about for the night?
For nighttime, it’s the same routine except there’s the essential cleansing step to start off. Although I don’t apply makeup, it is still important to cleanse thoroughly as dirt and oil accumulate on our skin throughout the day. I cleanse with the Mandarin Acai Cleansing Lotion and double cleanse with the Perfectly Cleansed Facial Soap. This is followed by the rest of my morning skincare routine. For the eyes, I apply the Cacao Okra Age Defying Eye Serum instead.
For the neck, I use the Triple Strengthening Neck & Decollete Serum. Twice weekly, I will use the Sugar Cane Royal Flush Exfoliant (after Resveratrol Rooibos Anti-oxidant Toner and the Clear Skin Treatment Essence). With the little bit left on my fingertips, I would pat lightly under the eyes and the temple area, avoiding the eyelids, so it will diminish the lines and oil seeds around my eye area, as well as allow deeper absorption of eye care products. As for my skin, I will leave the exfoliant on it for a couple of seconds then apply the eye serum and the rest of my skincare. I will leave the exfoliant overnight to allow deeper skin renewal. This truly retards the ageing process, keeping my skin youthful and fresh.
At least once a week, I will apply the Ultra-Revive H2O+ Masque (after Resveratrol Rooibos Anti-oxidant Toner and the Clear Skin Treatment Essence). At times I will leave it on overnight. When I wake up in the morning, I’ll wash my face as usual. When I don’t leave it on overnight, I will use a wet face towel to cleanse after 30 minutes, and then rinse with water, without any cleanser. Then I will continue with my Resveratrol Rooibos Anti-oxidant Toner and the Clear Skin Treatment Essence and the rest of my skincare.
Read more: Allies of skin founder Nicolas Travis shares his business journey so far
What was the last skincare product that you bought?
The last skincare product I bought is the Elixir Hydrating Concentrate Serum. This is a must-have because as we grow old, our skin becomes drier, and also we don’t have water glands. This serum is packed full of hydrating botanicals and ingredients. It is suitable for anyone who wants to defy the effects of ageing, to age gracefully without wrinkles and pigmentation on the skin. With sufficient hydration, scars and marks, and pimples will fade away.
When did you start paying extra attention to your skin?
During my teenage years, I had bad breakouts on my skin. I was very conscious about how I looked and used to wash my face up to five times daily. Little did I know that it exacerbated my oily skin condition. I spent a lot of time researching skincare products in magazines and tried many different types, hoping to
find suitable ones that worked.
What’s one skincare must-have you’ve “influenced” others to purchase?
The Deluxe Hydra Nutrient Mist. With over 85 per cent certified organic ingredients, this mist provides 24/7 hydration with its clean formulation of bottling the salt of the skin-plumping ingredient – hyaluronic acid from amino-rich Snow Fungus and, a precious blend of antioxidant Rose and reparative superfood Goji Berries into an atomized form. It strengthens collagen and elastin, prevents breakouts and delivers a fresh, dewy complexion. The mist can be used on its own, on bare skin or over make-up, and applied several times throughout the day to keep the skin hydrated.
What’s a skincare product you can’t live without?
The Deluxe Hydra Nutrient Mist as well. Hydration is the key to problem-free skin. When the skin is hydrated, oil glands will reduce production, melanin will not surface to protect the skin as there is already sufficient protection. Misting also cools down the skin temperature so there will be less breakout. With hydration, there will be an increase in cellular renewal so marks scars and wrinkles will be reduced. Skin will be plump and able to absorb products or treatments better, it will be more well-toned, lifted and ageing signs will be delayed. The mist is so portable and easy to bring around with you in your handbag. It can be applied a few times a day to maintain good hydration levels.
In case you missed it: Makeup artist Clarence Lee reveals his go-to facialist in Singapore
What’s the most important skincare step to you?
Cleansing. If you do not clean your skin thoroughly it will not be able to absorb skincare products. The dirt, excessive oil and dead cells will be left on the skin - it will accumulate and create a lot of skin issues. I cleanse with the Mandarin Acai Cleansing Lotion and double cleanse with the Perfectly Cleansed Facial Soap. About the Mandarin Acai Cleansing Lotion: This highly potent Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Vitamin C cleanser gently clarifies and exfoliates dull-looking skin to reveal a radiant complexion, while nourishing the skin with antioxidants derived from Acai, Raspberry and Cranberry, which support healthy, natural cell turnover and renewal. Infused with Sweet Orange, Lemon and Wild Yam, the skin is deeply hydrated and superbly pampered.
Where and what is your go-to facial?
Kew Organics Facial Bar and if running short of time I will go to our sister brand, Sugar K Organic Peel Bar for express facials. At Kew Organics Facial Bar, my favourite is the Ultrareviv Booster Shots for instant, visible, anti-ageing results. A three-in-one intensive instant brightening organic facial, it is the ultimate skin booster for pre-parties to nail that fair, luminous, youthful glow. At Sugar K Organic Peel Bar, [I go for] the signature Sugar K Organic Peel to reveal clear, healthy skin and the Skin Gym Facial for its lifting benefits.
Is skincare the new self-care? What are your thoughts on this?
Yes, taking care of your skin is a form of self-care. We strive to eat well every day and take supplements, as well as exercise because we know the importance of staying healthy.
Therefore, the skin deserves the best care for optimum skin health. It deserves clean, organic skin food. You wouldn’t want to load your body with chemicals, so why do that to your skin? The little time you spent on your skincare regime twice a day is an effective pick-me-up in the morning and downtime in the evening, as well as to recharge yourself. Monthly facials are scheduled ‘me time’ where you can rest while the therapists work with their hands to release the knots and tension in your facial, neck and shoulder muscles.
What is one piece of skincare advice that you live by?
Do not be easily influenced by marketing messages. Something that works for your friends or colleagues might not work for you. Read skincare labels to ensure that the ingredients are chemical-free, toxic-free and nasties-free. Seek advice from professional and honest beauty advisors who can share with you their beauty knowledge and advise you on the appropriate skincare to use (not just to sell you) so you can achieve your skin goals.
What is your beauty tool of choice?
I’m fortunate to have access to professional beauty tools being the owner of a beauty brand. Skin Gym’s microcurrent, microneedling and radio frequency are my go-to as the stimulation will escalate cell renewal, and blood stimulation, increase oxygen level and speed up collagen and fibroblast production.
What is the most unique beauty treatment you tried overseas?
Nothing unique actually, but I’ve tried some organic facials while overseas which work only on the superficial skin with light feathery touches and no use of machines. That propelled me to design targeted and result-driven bespoke organics facials at Kew Organics combined with the safe use of high-tech machines to enhance the efficacy of our organic facial treatments. This is what sets us apart from others in the organic skincare domain.
Have you tried out aesthetic treatments? Why or why not?
No, I wouldn't want to inject foreign bodies into my body as there will be some adverse effects on my health in the long run. I’m a firm believer that ‘less is more’, when it comes to taking care of our skin, that natural, toxic-free and safe treatments are more beneficial to your skin. These delay the onset of ageing and deliver clear and healthy skin with a natural glow that lasts. More needs to be done to educate people on the harmful side effects of aesthetic and over-processed procedures.
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).
