PRESS | Prestige Beauty Awards 2024: Meet the Panel
Press: PRESTIGE HONG KONG
Published on: 9th September, 2024
https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/style/prestige-beauty-awards-2024-meet-the-panel/
Original Content:
Joanna Vargas, the go-to aesthetician in New York and Los Angeles, earned her reputation through her innovative facial techniques and cutting-edge technology. Her expertise extends beyond powerhouse treatments to a line of products that emphasises natural ingredients. She shares with us her story and insights into achieving naturally glowing skin.
I found skincare through my love for photography. I moved to New York after university, hoping to pursue a career in fashion photography, but soon after I realised I wasn’t suited to the industry, so I decided make-up might be a better route. With that in mind, I went to aesthetics school and, while I was there, I fell in love with the idea of taking care of people and giving people the confidence to thrive in their own skin. That was the beginning of a career I loved.
My biggest achievement this year, aside from taking great pride in the recent launch of my treatments and products at the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, was having American Airlines include our products in its first-class, business-class and premium-economy amenity kits. What a dream it is to collaborate with such an incredible corporation.
My personal skincare routine is very simple. Morning face wash using my brand’s Vitamin C Face Wash, followed by the Eden Serum, Rejuvenating Serum and Eden Moisturiser. At night, I’ll use the same Vitamin C Face Wash again, followed by the Supernova Serum, Twilight Serum and Twilight Cream. During winter months, when my skin gets more dry, I also add my Rejuvenating Serum to my nighttime routine. My top tip? I love layering serum for maximum results.
Among the beauty myths I’d like to address, I think we need to get away from thinking that something has to be completely new to be effective. In this age of social media, people tend to look for what’s flashy or new, and not what really works. Some technologies, like micro-current, have improved and modernised beyond belief over the last few years, and you can’t go wrong with that. The results are incredible and there’s no risk of damage to sensitive skin.
My first biggest influence was my grandmother, who taught me to love the qualities that make me special. She taught me not to try to look like everyone else or change the essence of who I am to please others.
Beauty products that are always on my shelf include all the products I use for my skincare routine above. In addition to these, I’ll always have sunscreen, my favourite perfume and my Sara Happ lip balm.
The best beauty technique I always incorporate in my spa treatments is a great lymphatic drainage massage, which completely lifts and tightens the skin. This is the perfect treatment to incorporate into any service, and everyone could do with a good de-puffing and sculpting massage.
The most unconventional tool I use in my facials is probably a device that electrifies our special sheet masks. It pushes the entire contents of the mask into the skin and completely tightens the face even in the most delicate areas (like the thin skin around the eyes).
Jung Saem Mool
Jung Saem Mool, who began her career in 1991, found global fame when she designed and popularised the “no make-up make-up look” for actress Jun Ji-Hyun in My Sassy Girl in 2001. Jung is also an educator, a mentor and an entrepreneur. Her beauty academy offers professional hair and make-up services; and she also has her own make-up and skincare line, JSM Beauty. Her first Hong Kong pop-up was at Lane Crawford Times Square earlier this year.
When it comes to my skincare and make-up philosophy, I’m really focused on bringing out people’s natural beauty. For basic skincare I recommend cleansing with cleansing tissues – this helps prevent those pesky blackheads. And with make-up, I adjust the application to achieve a glowing, natural look.
Understanding your unique skin and hair type is so important for finding the right products. If you have oily skin, use a lightweight cushion formula, which can give you a flawless finish without the weight. Our Longwear Cushion works amazingly. For dry skin, try mixing a moisturising cream, such as our Mool Cream, to your foundation base.
My approach to beauty is about empowering people to celebrate their individuality and inherent features through make-up, rather than just trying to cover things up. Make-up should be about learning what really enhances each person’s unique strengths.
My proudest achievement is developing the Mool Cream formulation, which was a big challenge. It’s a hydrating, water-like cream that provides a smooth, long-lasting make-up base for 24 to 36 hours. I’m proud of that one.
I enjoy little self-care rituals, even if it’s just something as simple as putting on sun protection. I love activities that help me relax, whether swimming, reading or just taking a bath. Swimming used to be a fear of mine but overcoming that was so empowering.
My future plans include establishing a specialised university focused on beauty as an academic discipline. I really believe the principles of beauty can be approached professionally.
Anyone looking to enhance their natural beauty with make-up should understand and embrace their individual features as the foundation for a natural, enhancing make-up look. Discover the shades and products that best complement your unique eye and hair colour – that’s the key.
Marvin Lin
The trusted hair stylist to many Hong Kong celebrities, Marvin Lin sees all types of hair damage and knows she has the knowledge and ability to fix it. Her philosophy and deep-rooted vision for haircare have led to SHHH Salon and two revolutionary lines of haircare products that nourish our scalp and restore our roots.
My skincare routine is pretty simple, comprising cleansing, toning and hydrating, and I use KORE Bio-Renew Skin Ampoules to keep wrinkles and dark spots at bay. I wakesurf frequently, so sunscreen is indispensable. My hair is my trademark so it has more of my attention – I wash it every day using a range of OMG+ shampoo and treatment.
Anti-ageing is my biggest beauty concern. The scalp is part of our skin and I’ve always treated the scalp with the same care and attention as I would my skin. In fact, the scalp ages six times more quickly than our facial skin! I use innovative formulations that help boost metabolism and cell renewal, so that overall my face and scalp remains plump, supple and more youthful. Working out regularly also helps me stay fit and helps with anti-ageing.
One of the biggest beauty myths I see is that people believe it’s necessary to switch between different brands and products constantly. I see no benefit and I don’t recommend it. Unless products are of poor quality in the first place, products that are expertly formulated with high-quality active ingredients require time to take effect and you’d want to use it for at least one to three months to be able to observe any changes. As always, make sure you understand your skin and your needs and what the product can offer specifically. And be patient – it will pay off if you do things right.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is very important in my family. Influenced by my grandfather, who was a TCM doctor, my mother taught me to embody TCM, naturopathy and the overall harmony of the body in our daily life. I often observe the face and hands of my clients, as that can tell me about their wellbeing and how the quality of their hair growth can be affected.
A big hair trend this year is for softer curves and dramatic curls, but in order to achieve these styles, it’s crucial that hair strands are strong and elastic, and have body and natural volume.
I’ve been recognised this year as a Social Enterprise Research Academy Fellow for my efforts in the industry and I’m so honoured. It’s definitely a milestone for myself and the team, and I look forward to seeing SHHH becoming a strong global brand that’s born and bred in Hong Kong.
