by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

Jona Mae de Gollo Shares Her Fitness & Skincare Routine

Jona Mae de Gollo—or JM, as her friends know her—is a fitness junkie and skincare aficionado. The native Filipino, who has lived in Singapore for 10 years and counting, models on the side while training to be a spin instructor at local gym R10T.

Along with doing a combination of weights, pilates and yoga, the former tech talent specialist always makes sure to start her day right. “I like to begin my day with a good stretch, either yoga or some mobility work. Since I’ve started my spin instructor training, I’ve found that it’s essential to stretch,” says Jona Mae. “I also enjoy strength training and HIIT classes!”

And her diet plan to stay fit and healthy? She says it is very simple: “As long as there are whole grains and it is clean, I eat pretty much everything! I don’t go on a strict diet but I do believe that our body needs a well-rounded diet to provide the body with essential nutrition: fluid, macronutrients, micronutrients and adequate calories.”

As for her beauty routine, Jona Mae loves to start with double cleansing, the cleansing method many Korean women use to keep their skin clear. “I think it’s a good skincare practice. In the morning, I go in with micellar water after cleansing and at night, I use a cleansing oil to remove all the makeup, sunscreen and dirt on my face.”

“I probably have 3 different types of toners, depending on my mood and how my skin feels like. For serums, I go with vitamin C in the daytime and then retinol and niacinamide at night. Sometimes I’ll finish off my nighttime skincare with a rosehip facial oil.”

She also makes sure to exfoliate at least twice a week and put on a face mask if she’s feeling like indulging herself.

Five Questions with Jona Mae

List five things people don’t know about you. 

When I was younger, I used to sing in the church choir. I’m a germaphobe. I hate how my feet look like! I used to be super shy because I thought my dark skin tone was not beautiful. Also, I love to cook!

Has your fitness journey taught you anything about beauty?

That sunscreen is super important! I’m always out in the sun, so my number one beauty rule is to apply sunscreen, day in day out, at home or not, rain or shine.

Any advice for young girls and women who might not like the way they look?

For the girls and women who don’t like the way they look, what I can offer is:

“There is no definition of beauty, but when you can see someone’s spirit coming through, that is inexplicably beautiful. We’re all beautiful, no matter how we look.”

Name three beauty staples.

This is tough! If I absolutely have to, it would be sunscreen, mascara and lipstick.

What is your favourite beauty activity to indulge yourself in?

I love experimenting and using different types of face masks! 

Jona Mae’s Beauty Picks

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, SGD39
Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum, SGD110
The Inkey List Retinol, SGD20
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, SGD8.25
Huxley Secret of Sahara Sun Cream Stay Sun Safe SPF50+ PA++++, SGD30
Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin, SGD29
Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop, SGD28.90
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid) Liquid Exfoliator, SGD45
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, SGD318