by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

Yin Fung: Red Lips and Spunky Style

Yin Fung, Editorial Assistant of ELLE Nederland, talks to BEAUBIT about beauty tips inspired by her heritage. She shares about her favourite red lipstick, sustainable fashion and beauty.

Yin Fung (@yin.stagram), an editorial assistant of ELLE Nederland, is undoubtedly cool. Scroll through her Instagram feed and you’ll see how bold pops of colour manifest in her wardrobe choices, and her love for red lips.

We chat with Yin Fung as she talks about her favourite red lipstick, sustainable fashion and beauty.

How did your interest in fashion begin?

When I was younger, my siblings and I never had the chance to chose clothing pieces—everything came from our older cousins (which I am thankful for!). I actualised my dreams of wearing beautiful clothes by reading fashion magazines. My love for fashion really begun when I got my first part-time job at 15, working in a clothing store. All my money went to buying colourful pieces. My mother would ask if I could just wear clothes that everyone else was wearing (the answer is no, Mom). It definitely has helped me stand out among the crowd, until today. 

Were there any challenges for an Asian woman to pursue a fashion career in the Netherlands? 

I didn’t experience challenges that had to do with my ethnicity. I do think that coming from a different background and culture has helped me open doors. Companies aim to hire people from different cultures, especially since being inclusive is so important nowadays. I feel that people hired me because of my personality and experience, which should be the case. 

What are some beauty tips inspired by your heritage?

I drink tea (or hot water) after a meal to cleanse my system, which I think reflects well on my skin. My mum always told us after eating a meal, we should drink hot water or tea, as it improves digestion. It always sounded logical to me. My parents also make a lot of nourishing Chinese soups. They always told us that is why we have such great skin. I guess they are right (laughs).

Talk us through your beauty routine. Do you use both Asian and Western products?

I don’t really use Asian products. I would love to, but just don’t know where to begin. When I am in Asia (or in any drugstore), I get so overwhelmed. I do use a jade roller to massage my face; in the morning and evening, I do it after applying all my products. Massage is the key to healthy skin.

My typical morning routine involves cleansing with Ethique’s Bliss Bar (SGD25), then the Paula’s Choice Omega Complex Moisturizer (SGD19) and Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Moisturizer (SGD72). For sunscreen, my favourites are the Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturiser SPF50 (SGD49) and Glossier’s Invisible Shield SPF35 (SGD45).

At night, I use Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate (SGD80). It makes my skin so smooth. After massaging in the products, I use my favourite Gadija Organics’ Argan Oil (SGD17). Once or twice a week, I’ll mask up with either Dr G’s Aqua Collagen Mask (SGD54) or Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask (SGD44)—it smells amazing!

Another beauty product that I’ve been loving is Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Oil (SGD128), which keeps my hair smooth and frizz-free. And since we’ve been washing our hands non-stop, I really like the Kocostar Hand Moisture Pack (SGD8) to keep my hands moisturized. 

How do you choose different beauty looks to go along with your colourful outfits?

I’m pretty consistent when it comes to beauty—a bold red lip is my signature. My favourite has got to be Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme in Epitome (SGD62.95). Soon, we have to start wearing face masks when taking public transport here in the Netherlands, so I’ve been experimenting with eye makeup. At the moment, I’m using NARS Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette (SGD90). I don’t think I can give up my red lip though. 

What is the most exciting beauty purchase you’ve made recently and why?

It’s an eyelash serum from Hema that my sister gave to me—it’s supposed to make your lashes longer. I was sceptical at the start, but after 6 weeks, I noticed a significant difference! Would definitely recommend this to everyone. 

How has being in the media & publishing industry changed the way you consume content and products?

I am fortunate to see different trends early because of my work and friends. In order to be as sustainable as possible, I only shop for trendy pieces if I really, really like it. I know what I like and what suits me. I try to stay away from fast fashion as much I can, buy more secondhand clothing or do clothing swaps with my friends.

When it comes to beauty, I am still learning. I’ve recently discovered shampoo and other cleaning bars. In the future, I hope my closet and my beauty products are all green, and that big brands will give consumers more green options.

How do you think the publishing and fashion industry will change after COVID-19?

I think the fashion industry needs a reset—which is happening. Even Gucci has streamlined into two collections. As consumers, we need to urge these big companies to rethink and take action. We can’t go back to the way it was.

Yin’s Beauty Picks
Ethique Bliss Bar, SGD25
Paula’s Choice Omega Complex Moisturizer, SGD19
Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Moisturizer, SGD72
Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturiser SPF50, SGD49
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF35, SGD45
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, SGD80
Gadija Organics Argan Oil, SGD17
Dr G Aqua Collagen Mask, SGD54
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Glacier Water, SGD44
Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Oil, SGD128
Kocostar Hand Moisture Pack, SGD8
Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme in Epitome, SGD62.95
NARS Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette, SGD90

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