At the Vanity Table With… is a series that dives into a personality’s beauty tips, tricks, non-negotiables, and more. In this edition, we speak to Julie Anne Kang as she divulges her beauty secrets, from an irreplaceable tool to how she is able to perfect her foundation shades.
As a local entrepreneur, Julie is more than just her passion for footwear. In between running Kulet (which she co-owns with long-time friend Aina Syahirah), you can find her around town sampling some of the latest beauty arrivals. A quick scroll on her Instagram page will show that her interests go beyond the makings of shoes. Amidst showing off her collaboration with Nazifi Nasri, there are sprinkles of her penchant for travelling, snippets of her pet cat, shoutouts to other Malaysian labels like Whimsigirl and Handmade Heroes, and, of course, her beauty explorations.
As a beauty inquisitive, the 32-year-old is big on learning new hacks to elevate her routine, even by just a little bit. Occasionally, she drops her pearls of wisdom online, sharing her latest discoveries. Which is why it’s no surprise when she mentioned her beauty crush or even her favourite beauty brands.
Ahead, she shares her beauty opinions, must-haves, and little fun facts that make her Julie Anne Kang.
Confess a beauty crime that you have committed before
There was an unfortunate time when I would use too many actives and ended up compromising my skin barrier. It was a long journey to restore it.
A beauty item you would immediately replace if it’s lost
The Shu Uemura S Eyelash curler, which they no longer sell in Malaysia so I have to guard it with my life!
Three items that are on your beauty wish list right now
I’m really lucky that I get to try out many new launches so there’s not much on my wish list right now. But these are all items that I’d definitely repurchase. Hermes Mascara Trait D’Hermes is worth the splurge because it gives me the most fluttery lashes and really holds a curl. Next, it’s the Amuse Lip & Cheek Healthy Balm in Grape. It gives off a dewy finish on the cheeks and you get two shades in one! Lastly, it’s the Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation. Honestly, the foundation is worth all the hype and is a great match for my dry skin.
A person you have the biggest beauty crush on, and why?
I’d have to say it’s Rose Siard (@roseandben on Instagram). No gimmicks, all her content is so educational, and her artistry is flawless. I’ve learnt so much from watching her content.
Something you’re gatekeeping right now. Spill.
Kogao face massages, especially if facial symmetry is something you’re very concerned with. This was the only beauty treatment I really focused on in the months leading up to my wedding.
A trend that needs to die
Anything culturally appropriating without giving due credit!!
A viral product that does nothing for you
The Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint, but that could be because I’m just not used to tints.
A makeup step you will never skip before you head out the door
Not so much a makeup step but a skincare one—I have to moisturise because I’m so, so dry.
The skincare item that completely transformed your skin for the better
The KraveBeauty’s Oil La La for acne-prone skin, it’s not too oily and gives the right amount of hydration for my dry skin.
Your trick to achieve the best hair day
I have a lot of hair but it’s very fine paired with a very smooth texture, which means it will not hold a curl and goes flat really easily. I’ve found my holy grail and it’s a texturising powder. I’ve gone through countless bottles of Davines “This Is A Texturising Dust”. It doesn’t leave a crunchy or sticky residue (as some sprays might) and gives my hair a very matte effortless finish.
An unexpected beauty hack you always incorporate into your routine
Adding a touch of green colour corrector to my foundation. A lot of brands still don’t create a lot of shades to cater to olive undertones so a little green (or blue) pigments help balance the undertones. My go-to products are the Tarte Shape Tape Corrector in Green and E.l.f.’s Colour Correcting Concealer in Blue.
An underrated perfume you think everyone should give a chance to
Issey Miyake A Drop D’Issey Fraiche has rain as its top note. It’s described as an aquatic scent, so it’s a departure from the usual floral and sweet fragrances.
The last beauty indulgence you had done
I was treated to the luxurious La Prairie Art of Beauty facial treatment. I was beyond pampered by that experience.
A song that will always get you in the mood to get ready
“Disco Man” by Remi Wolf.
Brands that check all the boxes for you
Hourglass Cosmetics—I love their dedication to being a cruelty-free brand and their work with the Non Human Rights Project. And of course, Lisa Eldridge, the OG whom I learnt all my makeup application techniques from over 10 years ago. Her products are so high quality and incomparable.
Malaysians you look up to
Adila Long and her breathtaking creations!
A mantra that you live by
“I’m not interested in competing with anyone, I hope we all make it.”