by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

The Soft Cat-Eye Look with Isabel Tan

In this edition of BEAUBIT ROUTINES, fashion and beauty content creator Isabel Tan shares her beauty picks and a soft cat-eye look.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of Isabel Tan, better known to her followers as @prettyfrowns. Beauty is no joke for the Singaporean fashion and lifestyle content creator, who is currently based in New York. On Instagram, she frequently shares her various skincare and makeup finds, alongside the rest of her fashion content.

We caught up with Isabel to learn more about what a typical day looks like for her, her skincare routine and what helps her feel her best. Here, she also shares one of her favourite makeup looks—the soft cat-eye. Scroll ahead for more.

What does a typical day in your life look like?

A lot has changed in the past year since we started working from home. I wake up at 730 am now and start my day with a coffee and a workout—usually 3 times a week. Working out has helped so much with managing my mental health and physical health. I’ll start my workday around 930 am and depending on the day, I’ll either film beauty or fashion content.

How does the city where you live, in addition to your cultural heritage, influence your personal style?

Before moving to New York, I was definitely a heels-and-dress kind of girl but I quickly realized that the streets of New York were not made for them. Now I’m usually in sneakers and pants, but I still love my colourful pieces which remind me of Singapore and the year-long summer we have!

Talk us through your daily skincare routine.

I’m a big fan of essence and Tatcha’s The Essence is my favourite at the moment. I also never skip eye cream, vitamin C for the AM, a good moisturizer or leave-in balm, and of course SPF. Everything I apply to my face I make sure to apply to my neck and hands too!

What was your worst beauty disaster and when did it happen?

Definitely a curling iron to my forehead. I was trying to get one of those cute curls for my bangs, now I just stick to a blow dryer and round brush for them!

Most of us feel most confident when our skin is healthy. What else helps you feel your best?

I find that staying hydrated helps! I drink a lot of water and I have a water bottle by my side. I recently got one of those bottles with the time of day on it and it has really helped with reminding me to hydrate! I also eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, and take daily supplements for skin, hair and gut health!

How does self-care come into play in your beauty routine?

I usually take the time that I spend doing my morning beauty routine to also set my intentions for the day. For me, self-care is not only physical but also mental! 

You travelled a lot before the pandemic hit. Are there any things you do when you’re flying to avoid skin issues or just to feel better overall?

I never drink alcohol on flights and I literally chug so much water! I’m also not shy to do my skincare routine or even put on a face mask while flying. 

Where’s the first place you’d travel to once the pandemic is over?

Definitely Singapore, I miss my friends, family and also the amazing food —especially chicken rice! — that Singapore has.

Press play to find out more about one of Isabel’s favourite makeup looks—the simple and effortless soft cat-eye look.

Isabel’s Beauty Picks

Tatcha The Essence, SGD142
Furtuna Skin Porte Per La Vitalita Face and Eye Serum, USD98
Beautycounter Counter+ All Bright C Serum, USD82
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, SGD102
Furtuna Skin Rinascita Delle Olive Replenishing Balm, USD78
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, SGD56
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation, SGD70
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish! Colour Corrector, SGD55
Beautycounter Touchup Skin Concealer Pen, USD23.10
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, SGD76
Lawless Make Me Blush Talc-Free Velvet Blush, USD29
Patrick Ta Major Brow Shaping Wax, USD22
Kat Von D Signature Brow Precision Pencil, SGD33
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette Pillow Talk, SGD130
Armani Beauty Smooth Silk Pencil Eyeliner, USD30
Lancome Lash Idôle Mascara, SGD49.50
Persona Cosmetics Lip Liner, USD14

If you liked Isabel’s story, there’s plenty more to come. Just hit that ‘Sign Up’ button at the bottom to receive the latest round-up.