by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

Alverina Wijaya on Collagen Supplements & Post-Shower Face Masking

You could say Alverina Wijaya thrives on creating. After studying Jewellery Design at Raffles Design Institute and then going on to graduate in Fashion Marketing and Management from ISEM in Paris, the Singapore-based designer and content creator set out to establish her brand Chainless Brain upon her return. Today, it has been rebranded and now known as AELV.CO, a brand that aims to be an extrapolation of her inner spirit.

We caught up with Alverina as she talks about the inspiration behind AELV.CO, her quirky style and her favourite face masks for the perfect base makeup. More, ahead.

Tell us more about yourself.

I’m actually Indonesian, but I grew up in Singapore. Many people think that I’m a local because of my Singaporean accent, or that I can’t speak Mandarin because of my foreign name, but I do. I’m just like fusion food (laughs)!

What keeps you busy everyday?

Ever since the lockdown we had last year, I have been busy with customised paintings and learning new skills—this routine hasn’t changed since then! I’ve also been busy working on collaborations and creating new content for Instagram.

What was the inspiration behind AELV.CO? Can you describe the aesthetic viewpoints of the brand?

I have always wanted to create my own brand to express my thoughts through my designs. Today’s AELV aims to epitomise the boldness and independence of the contemporary woman. I hope to see every individual looking sophisticated wearing my pieces, and that they are able to mix and match with their existing pieces too. 

You’re constantly exposed to the newest collections and trends. Does that influence your way of dressing in any way?

I think it just influences me to shop even more (laughs)! I’m always on the lookout for trending pieces and then mixing them with some of my older clothing to create my own style.

What’s your skincare routine like? What about your favourite beauty products?

I have a simple skincare routine—I tend to get breakouts when I use more than 4 products on my skin. 

It’s pretty standard; I usually start off with a toner, then go in with eye cream, face mask, serum or moisturiser and then sunblock for the daytime. It also depends on how my skin is feeling before I decide which serum or cream to apply. But I definitely can’t head out the door without Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair range or applying a face mask. I have too many of my favourite face masks to share! Masks from 111Skin, La Mer and AHC are at the top of my list.

Unfortunately, I’m also at that age where I should take supplements and collagen drinks to keep looking youthful! I have been taking Kinohimitsu and Miriqa at the moment. 

What is your signature beauty look?

Definitely the ‘no-makeup’ makeup look. I make an effort to put on a face mask after I have showered. Your pores expand after showering and it’s the best time to apply a mask and let the good stuff penetrate into your skin. Investing in a good sunscreen, primer and concealer for your base makeup will also help you to achieve that natural, clear-skin look! 

Try Hourglass’ Airbrush Concealer and the NARS Radiant Concealer—these are the two I can’t live without!

What beauty product are you most particular about and why?

Eye cream is my beauty must-have before heading to bed every night. I look at screens for many hours everyday and the skin around my eyes can reveal my tiredness. It’s an essential step in my skincare routine and my favourite is Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex. It’s the only eye cream that works for my dark eye circles.

Hand cream is also next on the list. You know, too much hand sanitiser and handwashing lead to dry hands!

What is your favourite beauty activity to treat yourself?

Right now, I love going for a weekly scalp treatment. Besides cleansing my scalp, it helps to relax my head and neck muscles at the same time. 

What are your plans for the future?

I don’t really have an exact plan at the moment. The world is changing rapidly now and every risk is an opportunity. I am open to taking any of these risks when the opportunity comes along!

Alverina’s Beauty Picks

Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex Synchronized Recovery, SGD105
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer, SGD58
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, SGD46
La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask, SGD50
AHC Natural Essential Face Mask Hydrating and Calming for Tired Skin, SGD11
111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Mask, SGD36
Chanel Le Lift La Créme Main, SGD93
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-recovery Complex Serum, SGD224
Kinohimitsu Collagen Green Caviar, SGD32.90

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