Hye Won talks beauty fail-safes and skincare shifts since her big move to NYC
There’s something awfully intimate about prying around a woman’s beauty space. Whether it’s a vanity, a catch-all plate on a night table countertop or the surface of a study desk, a beauty counter could be holy grail central or volatile ground. It’s a peek into a person’s soul: a look into the tried and tested elixirs that they’ve deemed worthy of their trust or the potions that they’ve decided to take a chance on. It’s a new level of personal and we’re eager to dive in like it’s a page of a beauty-centric slumbook.
The first beauty space we invade belongs to Filipina-at-heart Korean model Hye Won Jang, who went up and away in 2017 to pursue opportunities in New York. Over a year and a half later, it seems she’s found a semblance of home: NYFW appearances, a clockwork morning routine and a foolproof beauty routine to match. Up ahead, we catch up with Hye Won to talk about her typical mornings, her favorite products and a beauty brand that’s struck her fancy.
RELATED: We Break Down the ABC’s of Skincare
Hi, Hye Won! What's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
First thing I do when I wake up is I drink water. I always wake up so thirsty, haha! Then I grab a quick breakfast and of course, drink coffee!
Let's talk about your beauty counter. In which part of your room is your beauty space located?
My beauty space in my NY apartment is right beside the restroom. All my beauty products are laid out on the shelf next to the restroom door which has a long mirror.
What are the products we could find on your beauty counter?
Oh there are a lot! I like having different types of products for different needs. I have 3 main moisturizers, 3 toners, 2 eye creams and 2 serums. You can find Korean products from Sulwhasoo, Too Cool for School, and Dr.Jart+. You can also find products from Origins, Estee Lauder, Milk, Clarins and Dior.
RELATED: Here’s What We’re Copping From Beauty Bar’s K-Beauty Arsenal
Let’s get specific. What are the top three products in your space that you absolutely cannot live without?
Whenever people ask me what I use for my skin, this is the product I always mention. My mom has been using this since her early 20s so she was my influence for using this!
It’s a magic serum that just makes your skin look so much better when you wake up in the morning. I’ve been using it for years, since my early 20s, too, like my mom (I am currently 26, haha).
You can get it everywhere! I usually get mine in a Duty Free because they have promos and the big sizes are more accessible there.
ESTEE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Serum. Available in Rustan's Makati, Shangri-La Mall, Gateway, Alabang Town Center and Cebu.
This is just a recent discovery during my stay in New York. My problem with sunscreen all the time is that it feels too thick and sticky so I end up feeling hot and end up sweating (and looking shiny). This feels like a matte primer and it’s so easy to apply. I am currently stocking up on this because I’m not sure if they sell this in Manila. I got mine from Sephora!
(Good news, you can get your hands on it online via Sephora PH!)
SUPERGOOP! Unseen Broad Spectrum SPF40 Sunscreen, P1835
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream
For my eye area, my problem isn’t really dark circles but puffy eyes. This eye cream helps make me look more awake and depuffs right away! I also love the citrusy smell. I’ve probably been using it for a few months now, but I think I will continue to use it. I got this product from Sephora as well!
How has your beauty regimen changed since moving to New York?
Since there are four seasons here unlike Manila, my skin is also different each time. For winter, I always go for more hydrating and thicker moisturizers, while for summer I go for something more lightweight and mattifying. I like using the Dior Hydra Life Sorbet Crème in the summer because it has a cooling effect on my skin.
In the Philippines, I skip the thicker stuff because I feel like it's pore-clogging and I want my skin to still be able to breathe. I usually keep my skincare pretty minimal too during the day.
Over the course of your stay in New York, have you fallen in love with any beauty brand that you would love to hype up to people back home?
The brand Supergoop! is amazing! They have different kinds of sunscreen for your needs. They have this spray-on sunscreen that I think people would like in Manila because it’s so easy to apply and it cools your skin from the heat!
RELATED: Why You’ll Regret Skipping Sunscreen 20 Years From Now
Keep up with Hye Won's adventures around the Big Apple and beyond via Instagram or by keeping an eye on the hashtag she's been building on since her arrival, #HyeNYC. In the meantime, sate our curiosity: what are your beauty counter mainstays?
Art Alexandra Lara
