“Looking back, I think I spent close to my entire life editing myself to fit, what the media portrays as ‘beauty’, rather than being confident enough to believe that I am enough just the way I am,” admits Singaporean Crazy Rich Asians star, Constance Lau. The Last Madame actress bravely shares working through low-self esteem while “continuously working on improving on my relationship with myself. Accepting myself and finding beauty in my own reflection, is still something I’m working on.”
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On self-acceptance Accepting myself and finding beauty in my own reflection, is still something I’m working on. Looking back, I spent close to my entire life editing myself to fit what the media portrays as beauty, rather than being confident enough to believe that I am enough just the way I am.
Favourite serum La Mer The Concentrate Serum helps to strengthen and soothe my skin, especially after a long day of filming. This is also my go-to for accidental sunburns, it soothes the skin while hydrating it.
Ultimate eye cream Clarins Total Eye Lift, $108. I love skincare that feels light and quickly absorbed within seconds. This product hits the spot.
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Best-loved lipstick Dior Lip Glow Colour Reviver Balm in 007 Raspberry. It’s the perfect combination to hydrate my dry and often chapped lips while at the same time adding some colour.
Most-used cheek product Benefit Posietint, $31. It’s the most natural pink cheek stain if you’re going for a no make-up, make-up look.
Best hair tool My Dyson hairdryer that I bought in 2018 and again in 2020. I am hooked! It reduces frizz, it’s got a great feel and dries my hair so much faster than conventional hair dryers.
Most-reached-for body product Aveeno Sheer Hydration Daily Moisturising Lotion, $21.50. It does exactly what it says on the bottle, absorbs in seconds, is lightweight and breathable. Delivers the right amount of moisture for my dry skin. I’m already on my 10th bottle. This is great for our weather too because it is not overly rich and does not leave me feeling like I am coated in a film of oil.
Underrated beauty obsession Vaseline, $4.50. I use it as a lash conditioner and for a no make-up look, I’ll apply a bit to curl my lashes for an instant lash lift. It’s also great for my earlobes and earrings to help it slide in easily and painlessly.
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Best thing for your mental health Surrounding myself in nature. It is in nature where I feel the safest and a sense of peace and calm. I love going on hikes! I’ve always loved adventures since I was in primary school and that’s probably the closest you can get being unable to travel.
Favourite self-care activity Stretch yoga helps me to slow down and release any tension and tightness in my muscles. It’s a great way to de-stress after a hectic week and fit in some exercise as well. Occasionally when I’m feeling overwhelmed, sound healing meditation classes like gong baths which are my go-to, for deep relaxation.
No-fail-way to de-stress A warm shower with soothing music. It is where I release any negativity and collect my thoughts. I use breathing exercises I learnt from Headspace and imagine the water rolling off my back taking away all negativity with it. A few minutes in the shower helps my mind let go and reset.
Essential podcast Not so much podcasts but I get my motivation from watching TED Talks on mindfulness and self-improvement. The most recent TED Talk that left an impact was by Master Shi Heng Yi, describing the hindrances to self-mastery. These talks serve as a point of introspection for me to ask myself where and what I can do better. This process of continually trying to improve myself has brought a lot of meaning and value to my life.
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Best fitness workouts for mind and body. I first started practicing yoga and going on hikes when I came out of a 5-year relationship back in 2017. It has helped my mind and body to gain a sense of calm and ease, improving my overall mood and sleep. As for weight training, it helps build body confidence as I’ve always struggled with being too skinny since I was a child. People often tell me “you’re so skinny!” followed by “Do you even eat?”. Truth is, I am a voracious eater! I love food and am always on the hunt for new food experiences.
On self-awareness. By being self-aware and focusing on things within my control. The truth is, I am sensitive to emotional distress and sometimes find it difficult to cope with hardship or adversity; but I do not think of it as a character flaw. It isn’t as easy as it sounds but trying is the first step. We’re all on a journey to discovering ourselves and building resilience in the process, so that we can evolve and grow as human beings. Making the commitment and acting on it by taking baby steps is key, in my opinion.
Advice you’d give to your younger self. Everything happens for a good reason and at the right timing. Try not to focus so much on the end goal that you forget to enjoy the journey along the way.
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