Besides heart-wrenching plot twists and moodboard-worthy outfits, drama series are a great source of beauty inspiration, what with characters serving different make-up and hair looks with every episode—and the occasional product placement slipped in ever-so-casually, you’d miss it if you blinked. Think scintillating, Y2K-inspired full beats’ in Euphoria, to effortless, girl-next-door beauty in Start-Up, and of course, the regal and romantic “Regencycore” make-up and updos in Bridgerton.
Such chart-topping shows constantly have viewers asking “what was she wearing on her lips (or lids, or skin)?” at the end of each episode. This then leads to a rabbit hole of fan forums trying to identify the beauty products used, and when identified, leading to these covetable formulas selling out simply because they looked good on screen. For award-winning Chinese actress Li Qin, who starred in series’ like My Dear Guardian and Tears in Heaven, one of her go-to’s to face the high-definition cameras is Laura Mercier’s new Translucent Loose Setting Powder Tone-Up, $70.
For decades, the brand’s cult-favourite loose powder has remained one of the go-to products beauty experts and enthusiasts reach for when the pressure’s on—be it for a wild night out, face time with high definition cameras, or to lock-in that full beat under that heat-trapping mask. And for Li Qin, Laura Mercier’s first Asia Pacific brand ambassador, the newest reiteration is the ultimate finishing touch before going on set. Boasting the same lightweight, finely milled powder formula, this Tone Up update is comprises peachy-pink pigments to enliven fair to light skin tones, antioxidant-enriched vitamin C and E powders to support a more even complexion over time, botanical blurring powder to blur pores and absorb excess oil and skin conditioners for a comfortable, seamless finish that remains breathable and satiny matte all day long.
How does it feel to be the first Asian brand spokesperson for Laura Mercier?
I am super excited to be the first Asia Pacific brand ambassador for Laura Mercier. I consider myself very lucky to represent one of my favorite brands. I love the variety of the products and I also really appreciate the brand’s effortless approach to beauty, originally introduced by the founder of the brand, Ms. Laura Mercier. The products and make-up techniques she created enhance the natural beauty of each customer, making them look and feel like the best versions of themselves. It is my honor to have the opportunity to introduce this prestigious beauty brand to more people.
What are your top tips to using the new Asia-exclusive Translucent Loose Setting Powder Tone-up, both on and off screen?
Whenever there is a special occasion or I’m on set, I will apply the Translucent Loose Setting Powder Tone-Up in certain areas. For example, I will pat lightly on my cheeks as a base for blush so that the colour of the blush will seem more natural and long-lasting. If it’s just my everyday life, I will simply apply it all over my face, which helps set my make-up and gives my skin a healthy colour.
Laura Mercier’s philosophy is “what makes you unique makes you beautiful”. What would you say are some of your most unique traits?
Laura Mercier once said: “What makes you unique makes you beautiful”, which has been quite inspiring to me. Laura provides women all over the world with a make-up method that had never been tried before, guiding women towards their natural beauty so that we can fully embrace our unique self-confidence and charm.
As this is a brightening, tone-up powder, how do you hope this product can not only help people boost skin radiance but self-confidence as well?
Natural, healthy and glowy skin has become more and more popular among Asian women. We’ve come to love and appreciate our natural beauty more and more. Translucent Loose Setting Powder Tone-Up gives us such a natural look, allowing us to show our true and authentic selves.
You must work long, demanding shoot days—how important is it then for you to have a seamless radiant-matte complexion that lasts?
Just like everybody else, Covid-19 has changed my daily routine. I started to simplify my make-up products and steps. A lot of the time, I just use the Flawless Lumière Radiance-Perfecting Cushion as the primer, followed by the Translucent Loose Setting Powder Tone-Up to set the make-up. Together they make my skin look natural, bright, radiant, and healthy. Plus, Blush Colour Infusion in Ginger is my favourite of the year. It is a gentle creamy apricot colour. You can achieve a natural glow by applying just a little bit. It is super versatile.
What are your beauty secrets to nurturing and maintaining healthy, glowing skin?
As a trained painter, Laura Mercier always believed that “all great works of art begin with the perfect canvas”, which really resonates with me. Therefore, I put a lot of emphasis on moisturiser when it comes to skincare and want my skin to be in the best condition. When I put on make-up, I focus a lot on how the base looks—I like to achieve flawless skin in a natural way that doesn’t cover up how good my real skin looks.
Actors and celebrities always seem to have it together, but what was the journey like for you to become confident and comfortable in your own skin?
I think the first step to being confident and comfortable is to accept yourself from the inside out. I tend to avoid excessive coverage when it comes to make-up. It makes me quite uncomfortable to wear thick layers that feel like a mask. I like myself the way I am. I like the texture of my natural bare skin as well as my healthy even colour tone. That’s why I really like the natural and light make-up that the brand brings. I can still see the texture of my skin after I apply make-up every time. I consider it a reminder for myself that keeping my true self is the most important thing—this is my secret to staying confident and beautiful even when I’m in front of a high-definition lens.
