Confessions of a Beauty Queen

“My trick is choosing a foundation that is one tone darker than what's meant for my skin – to the horror of the ladies who sell the foundation..."
— Natasha Riard, 2005 Ms Singapore Universe 1st runner-up

BEAUTY doesn't come cheap. For those who have the looks (read: models, beauty pageant queens and celebrities), here's our advice: Flaunt it like there’s no tomorrow.

But what if tomorrow comes and beauty is no longer there? Until we discover the fountain of youth, we just have to rely on beauty products or makeup services.

On that note, have you ever wondered how a beauty queen maintains her flawless skin and attains that pretty glow? It’s not cosmetic surgery, as far as Natasha Riard, Ms Singapore Universe 2005 1 st Runner-Up, is concerned. Here, she shares beauty secrets, from head to toe. Text and interview by Ronald Wan

Face & Body:
“I swear by a few things! Cleanse, tone, moisturise, and slather sunblock like it's gold. I use my dermatologist-recommended facial cleanser from Avene, tone my skin with Kiehl's Yerba Mate tea toner, and moisturise with La Roche Posay (it is God's gift to women). As for sunblock, I use La Roche Posay as well. At night, I moisture my face with The Body Shop Vitamin C Intensive Night Treatment and the Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream. I alternate my night moisturiser with La Roche Posay Hydraphase as well. I'm addicted to this brand! "

Make Up:
"I rarely wear make-up, but when I do, I swear by MAC liquid foundation. It is the only foundation I'll use. My trick is choosing a foundation that is one tone darker than what's meant for my skin – to the horror of the ladies who sell the foundation – but I promise you, you will never ever appear like a white sheet on camera or in real life ever again."

Apparel:
"I absolutely love clothes and heels from Guess?, or even Marciano. Their tops accentuate my waist and bust, and their heels are high and mighty. Apart from Guess?, I frequent Warehouse and Zara. I love rich and strong colours and these shops give just that. I never shop online. I don't know how people do that!"

Accessories/Bags:
"I’m a bag-o-holic and I can't stay away from Chanel or Ferragamo. If you're planning to get an everyday bag from Chanel, I recommend their Caviar collection because it's more sturdy and durable and you won't spend nights crying because someone scratched your lambskin Mademoiselle. Ferragamo's latest sunglasses collection is to die for. If you've been saving up for a pair of sunnies, spend it there."

Stockists:
Kiehl’s - 260 Orchard Road The Heeren Shops #01-07
Chanel - 391 Orchard Road # 01-25/26/27 Ngee Ann City Tel: 6733 5120
Salvatore Ferragamo - 290 Orchard Road Paragon #01-38 Tel: 6738 3206
Zara - 391 Orchard Road Ngee Ann City #B1-15-24 Tel: 6735 1018
Warehouse - Vivocity Harbourfront Walk #01-72 Tel: 6275 7861
Guess - 252 North Bridge Road Raffles City Shopping Centre #01-03 Tel: 6334-3121
The Body Shop - 252 North Bridge Road Raffles City Shopping Centre #01-42 Tel: 6336 2551

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