by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam
Lindsey Louie Talks Skincare, Minimal Fashion & Mindful Practices
Over the last year, our approach to beauty has changed drastically. 10-step beauty routines are out and skin minimalism—or “skinimalism”—is in. With more time spent at home, we invested time into our self-care routines, let our skin take a break from makeup and started practising mindfulness to nurture ourselves.
We check in with Chinese-Portuguese content creator Lindsey Louie as she shows us how she embraces a simple skincare routine, what her morning routine looks like and her game-changing beauty tips. More, ahead.
Tell us more about yourself.
I’m a content creator with an emphasis on beauty, minimal fashion and lifestyle. I’ve been fortunate to work with independent agencies as well as on the agency side for large tech companies like Google and Twitter. I’m currently based in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Where did you grow up and how has your experience shaped the person you are, and the career that you are in today?
I was born and raised in San Francisco. My family has deep roots in California since my grandparents were born here. Beach culture and close proximity to nature—both deserts and forests—are major characteristics of California that have been with me since birth. It’s a more easygoing lifestyle and I think that really translates into my approach to personal style.
I majored in photography and marketing in college. Content creation always came naturally to me and I love collaborating with different types of creatives so I think this industry lends itself well to that.
Travelling has always been a priority for my family since I was born. I travel so much because I learn something new about people and myself while abroad. Japan, Spain, Portugal, the Nordic countries and Mexico are some of my favourite places that inspire me.
What’s your go-to look for the day ahead? Do you plan your outfits ahead or pick randomly?
I never plan my outfits unless I’m travelling. I’ll usually centre a look around a singular piece that I really want to wear that day, like a new top or one of my favourite pairs of jeans. I dress pretty minimally so it’s always an uncomplicated process.
Do you like to take your time in the mornings to get ready, or do you prefer to be efficient in the mornings?
I’m fine with either. I actually enjoy the challenge of having very little time to get ready if it’s a busy day. On days where I can be more intentional with my routine, I really lean into it. I’ve always looked forward to my skincare, makeup and hair rituals—it’s meditative and therapeutic for me.
Do you drink coffee or tea, eat breakfast?
Tea. I drink matcha or green tea every morning and rarely drink coffee. Coffee is more of a special occasion drink that I’ll sometimes get while out with friends.
I’m an intuitive eater and if I’m hungry in the morning I’ll eat breakfast. Fruit, yogurt, chia seed pudding, smoothies and oats are some of my quick meals and if I’m feeling more indulgent, I’ll make avocado toast or vegan pancakes.
How has your perception of beauty changed through the years?
If anything, I’ve learned that looking different from others is a good thing because it’s what sets you apart from everyone else. I’ve always been one to try and find beauty and the good in everyone.
Talk us through your skincare routine.
Clean ingredients, hydration and sun protection are the main drivers for my beauty routine. I like to experiment with new products regularly but like to keep the steps simple.
For skin, it’s always cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, moisturiser, and sunscreen. In the evening I double cleanse. I exfoliate weekly and do a mask about two to three times a week. I also make time for facial toning and massage in the mornings—just 5 to 10 minutes make such a huge difference.
What is your signature beauty look?
Dewy skin, feathered brows, subtle cat eye and a neutral lip.
What are some tips that have really changed the way you do makeup?
Don’t put on makeup every day. I like to let my skin breathe at least once to twice a week.
Powder sparingly. Don’t feel the need to apply it all over the face, just around the areas that get oily for you throughout the day like the eyes, nose and centre of the face.
Most of us feel most confident when our skin is healthy. What else helps you feel your best?
Journaling and meditation. Physically writing down my thoughts and meditating once a day are my favourite ways to recentre and remind myself what’s actually important.
Moving my body and drinking lots of water. I used to run a lot but lately, I’ve been enjoying more gentle, low-impact exercises like walking outside and yoga.
My grandmother always told me that it’s important to always wear a little bit of makeup on bad days. It doesn’t have to be a full face and for me, just a little concealer, brows and some mascara is enough to boost my mood.
What is one mindful practice everyone should weave into their daily life?
Active kindness towards others. You never know what someone is going through and it feels good to make other people feel good. Choosing to check in, compliment and help others daily is important because it will come back in unexpected ways.
What are your goals in the future?
To travel and continue pursuing what makes me happy on a professional and most of all, personal level.
Lindsey’s Beauty Picks
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser, SGD50
Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Superfood Face Cleanser, USD36
Caudalie Beauty Elixir, SGD24
OSEA Hyaluronic Sea Serum, SGD141
OSEA Sea Minerals Mist, SGD60
NUORI Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30, SGD90
Kjaer Weis Invisible Touch Liquid Foundation, SGD64
Kosas Revealer Concealer, SGD37
Rouje L’Eyeliner, USD25
Bite Beauty Upswing Full Volume Mascara, SGD44
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer, SGD53
Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Sun Touched, SGD61.90
YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Sheer Matte Lipstick in Pure Nude, SGD55
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