With the perfect shade of foundation, it’s even easier to feel strong and confident, and achieve greater success, which is exactly why Lancome’s Ultra Wear Foundation comes in an impressive range of 16 shades. They have also chosen 16 inspirational women to represent the foundation. Forward-thinking, high-achieving and inspirational to women everywhere, the line-up includes entrepreneurs and cutting-edge creatives to a scientist and a safari specialist. Here, four of Singapore’s most influential women share their empowering stories.

To Aarika Lee, her family and relationships with passionate, like-minded people are her greatest achievements. To the public eye, she’s a style star and role model mother-of-two, who’s as adept at singing as she is playing the role of marketing director at branding agency Elementary Co.

How do you inspire others?
“Through conversations about issues that matter to me – like motherhood, building a career, and social and environmental issues. It lets people share about what’s important to them too, with me often finding myself bonding and championing their goals along the way.”

Why do you want to inspire others?
“I believe that everyone has a purpose, and can create a positive impact on the people and spaces around them.”

How does makeup empower you in your daily life?
“It elevates my confidence.”

What do you look for in a foundation?
“It should feel weightless, as I like the feeling of having nothing on my face.”

How do you find the power to stay motivated to pursue your ambition?
“I have an amazing support system. My husband is my number one fan, and is always supporting my goals and allowing me time to work on projects. He’s always there to jump past hurdles with me, and remind me that I’m always bigger than what I fear.”

What does “having power” mean in your life?
“It means being able to do things your own way.”

What would you tell young women who would like to do what you do?
“Don’t be afraid to be you.”

Nothing sums Tan Suwan up more than the phrase “just do it”. After school, she took a year off to join a dance programme in New York. When a tech start-up came calling, she quit her investment banking job. It might explain why she now wears three hats at a go: that of Innovation & Partnerships manager at Publicis Media, Chief Marketing Officer at local jeweller Lucy & Mui, and instructor at Webarre.

How do you inspire others?
“I tend to be someone who says ‘why not?’. I’ve always challenged myself to be bold and to pursue my interests, but with a healthy dose of realism. Through this, I hope that I’ve inspired people to seize the day.”

Why do you want to inspire others?
“I believe in paying it forward. I see people who aren’t afraid of failure and risk, and have the tenacity to see through their vision, yet are humble enough to ask for help and advice. Such people have inspired me to constantly improve.”

How does makeup empower you in your daily life?
“On days I have an important meeting, I’ll apply a strong coloured lippy to help me feel more powerful. And I’ll use a lightweight foundation to help even out my skin tone.”

If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would you change?
“The constructs and pressures that limit the abilities of women in the workplace or in society.”

What would you tell young women who would like to do what you do?
“Have no regrets. If you want to do something new, just do it and try your darnedest. Nobody can fault you for giving your best.”

As the business director of an ad agency, Carol believes that any woman can (and should) be an inspiration. She is all about inclusivity and if she had the power to change one thing in the world, it would be patriarchy.

How do you feel you inspire others?
“I’m relatable. Because I can achieve things despite being normal, I make people realise that they too can achieve their dreams with passion, drive and hard work.”

How does makeup empower you in your daily life?
“Putting on makeup in the morning is my ‘me’ time. I highly recommend it because I feel that making that effort to look good is empowering for women. It’s also a confidence builder and helps to enhance what is already fabulous in me. I also feel that makeup is an instrument of self-expression, it lets me show more of who I am.”

What does “having power” mean in your life?
“Being able to unabashedly be myself.”

What advice would you give to young women who would like to be like you?
“Always invest in makeup and good lingerie, and have girlfriends who are supportive.”

Who is the one woman who inspires you?
“Wonder woman. Or any woman who loves passionately, fiercely, chooses to support others and proudly takes the baton.”

Olivia can find humour and beauty in everything. And this can be seen through her outlook on life and work as an industrial designer, but more importantly, also in her relationships with the people around her.

How do you find the power to stay motivated to pursue your ambition?
“I wake up every morning alive with ideas and things to do. In the grand scheme of things, knowing that my time on earth is limited keeps me incredibly motivated and focused on getting my work actualised.”

How does makeup empower you in your daily life?
“Makeup allows you to put your best face forward. Staying healthy, looking after yourself and taking care of your appearance means you both look and feel good, which is a powerful way to start each day.”

When did you realise that being a designer is what you love doing?
“I have always loved creating things since I was a child. I could spend hours on my own, drawing, inventing machines and imagining worlds. I am grateful that I have been able to turn that love into a lifelong profession.”

Take us through a typical 24 hours in your life
“There is no such thing as a typical day at OLIVIA LEE studio — that’s the best part.”

What does “having power” mean in your life?
“It is the freedom to act, speak and make decisions aligned with my personal values and the values of my studio.”

Lancome’s iconic Ultra Wear Foundation is available in 16 shades, so you’ll definitely be able to find the perfect one to match your skin tone. The liquid foundation provides up to 24 hours of wear, so you don’t have to worry about smudging, transferring or retouching. It also provides full coverage without feeling cakey, and leaves your complexion looking and feeling fresh all day, so you don’t have to stress about how your skin looks. Another plus, it has SPF15 to protect your skin.

You can find out more about the Lancome Ultra Wear Foundation here.