local beauty brand

We are always on the lookout for new local beauty brands, and one that made us sit up and pay attention recently is Sigi Skin. Believing in the idea that skincare routines should be simple yet effective, each of the three skincare products that are currently available from them is power-packed with superfood ingredients — safe to use even for those with more sensitive complexions. Here, we find out from Sigi Skin’s young founder, 23-year-old Xenia Wong, her impetus for starting the brand and, what her personal skincare regime is like.

While Sigi Skin focuses on superfood ingredients, it’s much more than that

Xenia Wong (XW): “Skincare has always been a passion of mine and we don’t just use superfoods. We pair them up with scientifically backed ingredients. For example, our sunscreen actually has four per cent niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier, treat hyperpigmentation and boost radiance.”

Skincare over makeup

XW: “Two years ago, I went over to Korea for six months and enrolled myself in the Celebrity Makeup Academy. I love how flawless their complexions are and so I went there to learn how they achieve it. At my very first lesson, my teacher taught me about skincare and from there, I realise they placed more emphasis on skincare than makeup. So the whole idea is to use more skincare and lesser makeup to achieve a flawless complexion. I really hope that through my brand I can educate Singaporeans on the importance of skincare in helping you achieve your dream skin.”

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The must-have product from the brand

local beauty brand
Sigi Skin Morning Glow Sunscreen, $58

XW: “The sunscreen. I feel that a good sunscreen is the best anti-ageing skincare product out there. A lot of other products help to treat signs of ageing but sunscreens help to protect and prevent these signs from occurring. And even during this monsoon season, everyone should still apply it. Our sunscreen is also purely physical, which means that we only use two types of UV filters known as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide while many chemical sunscreens use about five to six UV filters, making it is pretty safe for kids and those with sensitive skin. It also does not leave a white cast, blends easily and is really hydrating. A lot of people don’t use sunscreen because of the sticky texture so I tried to make one that feels weightless and fresh.”

local beauty brand
Sigi Skin Pink Nectar Eye Cream, $62

Her skincare regime

XW: “It is very simple and only consists of five steps. It starts off with a cleanser followed by eye cream, serum and sunscreen. I skip using a moisturiser as I have combination skin and my sunscreen contains hydrating properties, which doubles up as a moisturiser. At night, I will double cleanse, apply eye cream, serum and a night mask. I prefer using my eye cream as the second step as I feel that once I layer too many creams and serums, my eye cream will not be able to absorb properly to work effectively.”

Pro tip: do not over-cleanse

XW: “Many people in Singapore have oilier complexions, which causes them to cleanse their skin a little too much (for example, three times a day). You might actually be stripping off essential oils and causing an increase in sebum production.”

local beauty brand
Sigi Skin Kaleanser Face Cleanser, $38

The best place to shop for beauty products is…

XW: “In Korea and Japan. I like visiting their drugstores there to check out the different brands that they have to offer.”

Her best beauty memory

XW: “I think it would have to be the time when I was in Korea and I met popular makeup artist Jung Saem Mool. She taught my class about personal colour, which is something that is very big in Korea. It is about understanding the types of colours that work well with your skin tone from makeup to hair and even clothes.”