jean yong skin

Kaigin Yong’s delicate-meets-edgy good looks first took the local scene by storm in 2017 when she took home first place at The New Paper New Face modelling contest. To say that things have since taken off for the former bioscience research assistant would be an understatement. She went on to sign with Singapore-based modelling agency NOW and has modelled for the likes of Balmain, Yohji Yamamoto, Lemaire, Erdem and the Christian Lacroix and Dries Van Noten collaboration.

And though this season has been no different – between jetsetting off to Milan and Paris and the stress that comes with last-minute casting calls – Yong still manages to maintain a fashion-week-ready complexion. Don’t expect an elaborate 10-step routine, though. Yong keeps things simple with a few holy grail items. Here, the low-down on the fuss-free products the 25-year-old uses to keep her skin in great shape all year round.

 

Backstage hair and make up for Ralph & Russo’s SS20 Couture show at Paris Couture Fashion Week this January.

On her most important skincare step

“I triple cleanse. It sounds excessive and dermatologists are possibly shaking their heads in disapproval right now. However, my line of work is not the most hygienic for the skin – imagine makeup brushes and products being shared and so on… the biologist in me is cringing. But it is an inevitable part of my job and I compensate by cleansing multiple times.”

(Left to right) Some of Yong’s holy grail on-the-go skincare products include Banila Co.’s Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm, Embryolisse Lait Creme and Bioderma’s Micellar Cleansing Water

 

A ride-or-die product in her regime

“Given the hype of K-beauty, I too am guilty of hopping on the Korean skincare bandwagon. Banila Co.’s Clean It Zero Cleansing balm has outlasted all others I’ve tried. It has a sherbet texture that melts into a cleansing oil upon massaging into the skin. I find this especially effective in removing stubborn waterproof makeup. I think I’m onto my 10th bottle now and this will continue to be a mainstay in my skincare.”

Her fashion week SOS skincare essentials

“The Embryolisse Lait creme (left) is a moisturiser from France that is my go-to for cold and dry weather. It’s highly recommended by many make up artists and I am hooked after using it. It has a rich creamy formula but does not cause break outs on my skin. And the Embryolisse Cicalisse SOS restorative skin cream is a multipurpose hydrating skin cream I bought on a whim as my lips and fingers were extremely dry and cracked in Paris. I use it on my face, lips and body and it helps to relieve all the painful dry patches.”

Though not stringent with clean eating, Yong does try to sneak in her fruits and veggies. Here, her attempt at a galette inspired by the Au P’tit Grec Creperie that she frequents during her pitstops in Paris.

On diet, health and managing a hectic schedule

“It’s cliche but the secret to good skin also lies in our diet, lifestyle and exercise. Eat fruits and veggies, drink plenty of water and learn how to cope with stress in a healthy way. My personal favourite stress reliever is playing Table Tennis – there is just something cathartic about it.  Find what works best for you and you are on your way to beautiful skin.”

Swipe the gallery below for a closer look at all of Yong’s go-to products.