Wearing a protective mask. Working from home. Who would have thought that 2020 would turn out this way? But it’s not all bad. For Crazy Rich Asians actress Constance Lau and Mediacorp actress He Ying Ying, this new normal has given them more energy for self-care, more time to take better care of their skin, and more sleep! They’ve had a chance to discover Lancôme’s new Clarifique Dual Essence which became a cult favourite after its launch in February this year. The product is a bi-phase essence that has gentle brightening and exfoliating properties. Constance and Ying Ying both recently started using it and it has helped them get a brighter, glowing and more refined complexion.
We caught up with Constance and Ying Ying as they share how they’re coping with the new normal, their changing skin and working on their skin goals.
What’s a typical day in your life now?
Constance Lau: These have been trying times and everyone has been affected in one way or another. I am fortunate to still have opportunities come my way and couldn’t be more thankful for them. This period has been a reminder to cherish all that is close and important to me, like family, and more recently, during Phase 2, friends. I’ve also been paying more attention to my physical health – exercising and eating right – now that I have more free time.
He Ying Ying: A typical day for me would be waking up at 6am, getting to work and getting home at 8pm. It’s usually a long and hectic day, but when I get home, I get to cuddle my puppy, which brings me so much joy. I’m learning to enjoy the simple things in life.
How different is life in the new normal compared to pre-Covid19 just a few months ago?
Constance: I spent three months towards the end of 2019 in Ipoh filming, and I was really looking forward to catching up with my friends when I returned to Singapore. But it couldn’t happen. We just have to be responsible. Also, I’ve never been cautious about touching common surfaces before but these days, I find myself being slightly paranoid about it. Sometimes, I even over-sanitise my hands, making them dehydrated and a bit tender.
Ying Ying: My new normal is masking up! But wearing it all day since going back to work in Phase 2 makes my skin a little dehydrated, so I make sure to moisturise it well. I’ve also been experimenting with ways to wear a protective mask without it affecting my hair and makeup.
Let’s talk about beauty now. What does having great skin mean to you?
Constance: Great skin is power and confidence. It’s also about consistency. Great skin is more than just the surface. It begins with the mind – having the discipline to take care of your body. To get there, I’ve been making sure I have a well-suited skincare routine, as well as working out twice a week, ensuring I have both a balanced diet and a good sleep cycle. I really have very few reasons to not do so these days!
Ying Ying: To me, it means confidence and balance. Having great skin is a sign that my body is getting what it needs. And of course, having glowy skin boosts my self-confidence, too. I have been working hard on improving both my craft and myself as a person. The circuit breaker helped me get to know myself better; without the hectic work schedule, I had time to listen to my body, my thoughts, and what I really want to achieve.
Great skin is power and confidence. It’s also about consistency. Great skin is more than just the surface. It begins with the mind – having the discipline to take care of your body.
Constance Lau
What changes have you noticed in your skin over the last few months and how has your skincare routine evolved?
Constance: My pre-circuit breaker schedule was hectic so I had just a two-step routine – cleanse and moisturise. But now that I have more time on my hands, I’ve added a toner to my skincare routine to help clear up my skin and unclog pores. Previously too, because I always had makeup on, I was more prone to breakouts. I had to make sure I deep-cleansed well to prevent comedones from forming on my combination skin (Ed: which is prone to oily breakouts and enlarged pores). I’ve been using Clarifique Dual Essence for a few weeks now as it helps to gently exfoliate my skin and keep it clear. I heard that it helps to reduce the appearance of pores too, so I’m looking forward to that!
Ying Ying: Due to the circuit breaker, I had a chance to let my skin rest and give it a break from makeup. I used to be super lax with my skincare because of my long hours at work; I always got home feeling too tired to get on with my skincare routine. However, I was recently introduced to Lancôme Clarifique Dual Essence and I really like it! I like that it’s a one-step essence with multiple benefits, such as hydrating and brightening my skin. The formula is very gentle, which is suitable for my skin.
Having great skin is a sign that my body is getting what it needs. And of course, having glowy skin boosts my self-confidence, too.
He Ying Ying
What do you love about Lancôme Clarifique Dual Essence?
Constance: I like the fact that it’s developed for Asian skin. I feel it’s got the right balance, preparing my skin for better absorption of serum and moisturiser, but at the same time, not making it oily. I understand that this essence is a mixture of clear essence and another layer of nourishing oil inside so it feels like I’m getting a whole lot of goodness in a bottle. My skin feels more supple and instantly hydrated. It’s definitely a step I’m keeping in my repertoire.
Ying Ying: I actually look forward to using it! The shaking the bottle to mix the two (bi-phase) essences together is quite unique, and I love that the texture is so lightweight on my skin and smells good! My skin feels hydrated and I can apply my makeup on quickly after.
It sounds like Lancôme Clarifique Dual Essence makes your skin really happy. Share with us any other #Happytips you have.
Constance: Reconnecting with old friends, enjoying quiet time to reflect and rejuvenate my spirit, and making traditional Cantonese soups with my mum. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, listen to Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader – it always works for me. Food works wonders too. I like to enjoy a nice meal, whether it’s at home or outside.
Ying Ying: Self care makes me happy. Taking simple steps to take care of my body and mental health reminds me that I am loved and valued 🙂
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LANCÔME CLARIFIQUE DUAL ESSENCE
1. Lancôme spent 30 years studying enzyme science, and those efforts led to the creation of the new Clarifique Dual Essence. Its star ingredient, French beech bud extract, is what activates the enzymes in skin to speed up the natural exfoliation process, as well as control melanin production. The result: a clearer and brighter complexion.
2. The bi-phase formula is a combination of two essences that come together in a 97/3 ratio: 97 per cent clear essence containing French beech bud extract, which clarifies and brightens skin + 3 per cent grapeseed oil to nourish and hydrate skin. This ratio is the optimal proportion when it comes to formulating a water refining essence that doesn’t contain surfactants yet is able to comfort and hydrate the skin.
From $140 (150ml). Lancôme Clarifique Dual Essence is available at all Lancôme counters, Sephora, and online. Discover and shop here.
3. Using Lancôme Clarifique Dual Essence helps refine skin texture and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores.
4. For best results, pair Clarifique Dual Essence with Lancôme’s iconic Advanced Génifique serum for stronger, more youthful looking skin.
5. There is an entire Lancôme new Clarifique range that contains French beech bud extract that helps you reap the same brightening benefits for a radiant and even skin tone. The Clarifique Pore Refining Cleansing Foam ($63) removes impurities and pollution without drying out skin, Clarifique Intense Whitening Spot Eraser ($165) corrects uneven skin tone and reduces pigmentation, Clarifique Brightening Rebalancing Watery Emulsion ($125) soothes and evens out skin tone, and Clarifique Brightening Plumping Milky Cream ($135) hydrates and gives skin a supple radiance.
Shop the Lancôme Clarifique collection here.
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