by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

Kiana Valenciano on Music, Mental Health & Beauty

BEAUBIT delves deeper with Filipino singer Kiana Valenciano on beauty, music and mental health.

Music has always played a significant role in Kiana Valenciano’s (@kianavee) life. Born to one of the Philippines’ most iconic musicians, Gary Valenciano, Kiana is a multi-faceted artist, making a name for herself locally and across the globe as an award-winning singer-songwriter.

We chat with the 27-year-old on her passion for music and the creative process, her journey to overcoming depression and anxiety, and her beauty routine.

Tell us more about yourself.

I was born and raised in the Philippines — a Filipina girl through and through! I’m a singer and songwriter, currently in LA working on my next project.

How did your career in music begin? How would you describe your creative process?

I grew up dreaming of becoming a fashion designer and launching my own label, but in the middle of my studies I caught myself writing songs and eventually recorded them with friends.

My process begins with a lot of silence. I really prefer to write my thoughts down as they come, then work out a melody, and then find the right producer to help edit and bring it all together with me. 

What was your most memorable moment in music?

I used to always be so shy and awkward on stage. I could sing the whole night, but I couldn’t always move around or communicate with the crowd. That all changed after my first music festival in Manila when I got on stage and people started singing my lyrics so loud. I had to stop singing and I just watched them. It was one of those moments when you realize you’re doing what you’re meant to be doing. 

You struggled with depression and anxiety, how did you overcome that? 

I can’t say I’ve fully overcome it. I’m still learning every day what works for me, what triggers me and what calms me down. It’s a process. I guess the biggest improvements I’ve made are learning how to ask for help and accepting that I won’t always have control over every little thing in my life. 

What do you hope people knew more about mental health?

I think we need to talk about the difference between mental health and mental illness. It’s important for people to understand that everyone should take care of their mental health, regardless of whether they are struggling with a mental illness.

How do you deal with negativity online? What advice would you give women who are insecure about the way they look?

To be honest, I’m not always the best when it comes to handling negativity online, especially if it’s directed at me for no good reason. If I’m caught on a bad day, it will send me down a rabbit hole of anxiety. To help, what I do is remind myself that these unhappy people don’t matter.

“The only advice I can offer is to secure yourself in the love you have for yourself and from people who actually know you.”

How do you think people can mindfully practice self-acceptance and self-love?

I’m reading a book now that suggests we need to train our minds to cut out all the negative conversations we have with ourselves, and I agree! More often than not, the pressure we feel is self-imposed. We got to give ourselves some credit, celebrate small wins and learn to appreciate who we are, flaws and all.

What does beauty mean to you?

I think beauty is more than just physical appearance. A beautiful person to me is someone who not only has love for themselves but is also open to growth and has so much love to give others. 

So, what does your daily beauty ritual look like?

I have relatively dry skin so moisturizer is my best friend. In the morning, I apply a vitamin C serum, moisturizer and then give myself a gua sha facial massage. If I’m heading out of the house, I apply sunscreen before putting on any makeup. In the evening, I use an oil-free makeup remover before cleansing, then toner, vitamin C serum, moisturizer and gua sha.

For makeup, I start off with the Too Faced Hangover Primer (SGD52) and then move on to concealer; I use the RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Concealer & Foundation (SGD62) under my eyes and on the bridge of my nose. I love it because it’s got just the right amount of coverage and it leaves a beautiful dewy finish. And then I’ll go in with the Milk Bronzer Stick in Blaze (SGD91) to slightly contour my nose, cheekbones and jawline. I also use a little bit of this on my eyelids. When I’m done blending it all out, I add some of the RMS Beauty Living Luminizer (SGD60) on my cheekbones and on the bridge of my nose. On the apples of my cheeks, I use the Sunnies Face Airblush in Moon (SGD16). I also mix this shade with a little petroleum jelly for my lips and if I want more definition, I use the RMS Beauty Lip Liner in Nighttime Nude (SGD32).

Kiana’s Beauty Picks
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow & Brow-Volumizing Gel, SGD44
Too Faced Hangover Primer, SGD52
RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Concealer & Foundation, SGD62
Milk Bronzer Stick in Blaze, SGD91
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, SGD60
Sunnies Face Airblush in Moon, SGD16
RMS Beauty Lip Liner in Nighttime Nude, SGD32

Any tips for taking time for yourself?

Taking time for yourself doesn’t always have to be so extravagant. Sometimes it means just taking 10 minutes out of your busy schedule to pause, put your phone away and just breathe or enjoy a good cup of coffee. 

What’s next for you?

Working on new music, so stay tuned!

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