“When I moved to the United States from China when I was seven, I lived and breathed piano. I practiced two hours every day, and on Saturdays, I went to music theory class for six hours. But then came middle school. And, Tumblr.
I fell in love with fashion and beauty. When I got older I went to school for fashion design and merchandising in Philadelphia. That’s where I started working at Barneys as a sales associate and stylist for VIP clients. One of those clients was Lil Uzi Vert. He opened my eyes to where I could take my career. He started bringing in all of his rapper friends—21 Savage, Gunna… Barneys eventually offered me a job in their creative direction office in New York, but the week I moved there, they announced their bankruptcy. Incredible timing. [Laughs] You know when you’re sad and just need to buy something? I went to Kith and someone said, ‘I love your outfit. Would you like to work here?’
I took my VIP clients from Barneys over to Kith, but I realized I couldn’t do sales forever so I basically told them that I wanted to be a menswear designer. They were game, and on the side I still styled clients, like Teyana Taylor. Eventually, I found myself styling more and designing less.
At the same time, I was posting my outfits on TikTok and the Internet really responded to them—my fifth or sixth video got six million views and my account blew up. I started using the money from brand deals to fund personal shoots and creative projects. I don’t really identify as an influencer because I don’t feel like what I do is just selling products to my audience. It’s more about using those opportunities to bring my artistic vision to life.
SKINCARE
I was on birth control from the time I was 16, and when I went off it two years ago, my skin erupted with acne. Thank God for Sofie Pavitt’s team. Maddie cleared my skin through Sofie’s acne program, and I still go in once a month for a facial. Around the same time I started the program, I did a lot of research into gut health and realized that was part of my issue, too. Gut health is such a buzzword right now, but I do think the focus on it is important. I added Face Reality’s Clear Skin Restore and Clear Skin Balance supplements. Restore is a zinc-plus-probiotic supplement, and Balance is a mix of omega-3s and other ingredients. I’ve noticed a big difference since taking them.
I’m also super careful with topical products. I use a different cleanser depending on how dry my skin is. Usually, I take my makeup off with Bioderma micellar water and Lancôme’s Bi-Facil eye makeup remover. But if I’m wearing really heavy makeup, I’ll swap the Bioderma for Skin1004’s Centella cleansing oil. For my second cleanse, I’ve been using Youth To The People’s Superfood cleanser in the shower because I like that it has a pump and is easy to use. In the colder months, I like Skin1004’s Madagascar Centella ampoule foam because it’s really hydrating, but in the summer, I prefer Tatcha’s Matcha cleanser.
I tone with Face Reality’s Moisture Balance twice a day. If I want more of an exfoliating glow though, I’ll pull out Biologique Recherche’s P50. Then it’s time for serums. In the mornings, I use Face Reality’s Glowtone Corrective serum, but at night I switch to Sofie Pavitt Face’s mandelic serum. That thing is crazy good—it played a huge part in clearing my acne. And every couple of days, I’ll use the Clarins Double serum.
I have two go-to moisturizers: Tatcha’s Water Cream is my summer one, and in the winter—or at night—I switch to Tower 28’s SOS cream because it’s a little thicker. I follow them with La Mer’s Eye Concentrate. Is it worth the price? I’m not going to lie, my friend is an editor at Marie Claire, so she gave it to me. I don’t know that it’s made a massive difference topically, but mentally, it makes me happier. [Laughs] Then I wear Beauty of Joseon’s Aqua Fresh sunscreen every day. But if I’m at the pool and it’s a no-makeup day, I’ll use the Kiehl’s Better Screen instead.
I also have a million lip products. Topicals’ Slick Salve is what I reach for when I’m doing my makeup and need to hydrate my lips. And I’m going to be honest: When I first got the Prada lip balm in Banana Yellow, I thought, Ew. But I’ve come around because it leaves the prettiest little sheen on my lips. Tatcha’s Kissu mask is another favorite because it’s not too sticky—and I love the little tub it comes in. I mostly use that one at night, along with the Bouncy & Firm treatment from Laneige.
BODY + WELLNESS
In the shower, I always start with bar soap. For a deep cleanse, I use the Coconut Milk & Sugar Lychee bar from Dove. I use Humanrace’s unscented Reenergizing Whiteclay bar on days I don’t think I’m that smelly. [Laughs] But I also just love Pharrell Williams, so you know what? I’ll use his little body bar. [Laughs]
After that, I’ll follow up with either L’Occitane’s almond oil shower oil or Naturium’s Glow Getter body wash. They’re pretty similar, but I save the L’Occitane for nights when I’m really trying to have a self-care moment. Then, Josie Maran’s Golden Hour body butter is the best body butter you’ll ever use. It smells like amber and white musk, but it’s really mellow. It’s thick without being sticky. I also love Fenty’s Butta Drop body cream and Sol de Janeiro’s Glowmotions body oil. That one is glittery so I only use it when I’m going out and want my body to glisten. It gives Edward Cullen from Twilight.
I go to Tribeca Spa of Tranquility for Korean body scrubs and the most animalistic spa experience. You go in there, and these old Korean ladies strip you naked and tell you to get on this wrapped hard surface they call a bed. You’re wet, naked, they’re scrubbing you down, talking to each other in Korean and laughing—I’m always wondering if they’re laughing at me, like, what’s so funny? It’s not comfy at all, but after they hose you down, you have glistening, baby-soft skin. I go once a quarter.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is Aire Ancient Baths. You go in there and no one’s talking. It’s basically pitch black. There are different pools—one’s salt water, one’s a little warm, one’s super hot. They also have cold plunges and saunas. And they have the best massage I’ve ever had in my entire history of massages. Pricey, but really worth it.
MAKEUP
I started playing with makeup in middle school, from a place of insecurity. I had acne and decided I couldn’t go to school looking like that, so I went on YouTube to learn. What’s funny is that I haven’t changed the foundational steps of my routine since then. The biggest difference now is that I approach makeup as a way to highlight my beauty instead of hide behind it. When you acclimate to another culture at such a young age, you start to hate your features, and for a long time, I didn’t understand why I looked the way I did. It’s been a long road.
I prime with Rhode’s Glazing Milk—I like that it feels a little slippery on my skin. Then I’ll usually use a light layer of Dior Forever Skin concealer in 2N over any problem areas. If I need more coverage—or for my undereyes—I use NARS Radiant Creamy concealer in L2.3 Madeleine. Then I set everything with translucent powder from Laura Mercier.
I like Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk bronzer in Sunkissed Sand on my cheekbones, but I’m more pared down with bronzer now than I used to be. I wear blush way more often though—I love the powder blush in Dominant, a matte poppy pink, from NARS. Saie’s SuperSuede in Amore, this bright fuchsia, really pops, too. Then: highlighter. I place it on the high points of my cheekbones and nose. Charlotte Tilbury Glow Glide in Pillow Talk Glow has been my go-to forever.
When I’m going for a more natural look, I use Glossier Boy Brow Arch in Cool Dark Brown. Otherwise, Milk’s Kush lamination gel will really glue down my brows. Then in the corners of my eyes, I swipe on a little bit of Urban Decay’s 24/7 Moondust shadow in Cosmic. And I only wear eyeliner if I want a—for lack of a better word—cunty look. E.l.f.’s Expert liquid liner is my favorite.
One/Size’s On ’Til Dawn setting spray is great. It’s not as intense as hairspray like some people say, but the smell is definitely very chemical. I mostly use it on hot days when I know I’m going to be sweating. Urban Decay’s All Nighter does the job if I’m getting ready at 6PM and know I’ll be home by midnight. But if I need more hydration, I grab Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip spray. Hourglass’ Veil spray is another good hydrating option, especially when I want a softer, no-makeup-makeup kind of look.
Lips are always the last part of my makeup routine. I start with a deep mauve liner. Makeup by Mario’s Ultra Suede pencil in Daniel is a little more nude, while Lauren leans pinky-purple. MAC’s Whirl goes with everything, but I like the consistency of Daniel and Lauren more. I like playing with my lip shape, so I overline and basically draw on a new lip. And for actual color, I love YSL’s Loveshine Candy Glaze stick in Watermelon High. It’s super hydrating and cute—it’s fun having it in my purse. And Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb luminizer in FU$$Y feels like every girl’s staple.
HAIR
I get a haircut every three months with Ten Koichi at DoubleQ NYC. I always tell him to make my layers look a little cuter. My hair used to be down to my butt, but I went through a breakup, went to Paris, chopped it into a bob, and I’ve been growing it out ever since. It’s down my back now so we’re doing good.
When I went to Seoul, they told me I have curly hair in the Asian world, and if I took care of it properly, I’d get my curls back. Since then I’ve been shampooing every three days. I use Nizoral’s anti-dandruff shampoo, the most unsexy thing on the market. But it’s amazing. I have a super oily scalp, and if I don’t use it, I end up with the greasiest yet driest, flakiest scalp ever. It cured my hairline acne, too. My conditioner—Olaplex’s No. 5—is cooler. [Laughs] If I need to in between washes, I use Batiste’s original dry shampoo, just like I did in middle school.
Even though my hair is coarse, it’s also really slippery right after I wash it. If I’m doing an updo and washed my hair the night before, it’ll only hold if I use Tresemmé’s dry texturizing spray first. Göt2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray keeps my hair like a helmet all day—it does not move. Maria Bautista does my hair for shoots. I try to wear the same hairstyle for at least three to five days, which makes for the most uncomfortable sleep of my entire life. But hairstyles are such a beautiful piece of art to me that I can’t just have them for one day. After I do crazy ones that dry out my hair, I use Olaplex’s No. 8 Bond Intense mask. And once a month, I use K18’s Molecular Repair leave-in mask for extra care.
NAILS
A manicure at least once a month at Kawaii Nails NYC is a must. I always get Gel-X with the craziest nail art. Inspiration usually comes from fashion. I have a set right now inspired by Maison Margiela so some of my nails look like they are tabi shoes. The set before that had giant pearls inspired by all of the pearls in my jewelry chest. I had a set go crazy viral once because my nails had little men trapped in them. [Laughs] Pedicures are more of a maintenance thing for me. I just get a classic French pedi at Rèè—the best of the many, many spots I’ve tried.
FRAGRANCE
I love oud scents, but Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Oud Satin Mood is my favorite of all time. I’ve never worn it and not received a compliment—never, ever; it’s crazy. It’s so feminine yet so grown and sexy at the same time, and somehow also masculine—and I think that describes my personality to a T.
Then I’m obsessed with Maison Margiela’s Replica Jazz Club. I love that it smells different on my boyfriend than it does on me, so we can both wear it on the same night but still smell completely different. Somehow it’s deeper on him but floral on me even though it doesn’t have any floral notes. And I think Glossier You smells even better on me when I sweat. That’s why it’s my gym perfume—I think it’s important to smell good at the gym because everyone around you does not smell good.
At home, I want to feel cozy. Flamingo Estate’s Coriandoli candle [discontinued] is perfect. It makes me feel like I’m laid up by a fireplace in my super-stiff New York City apartment that very much does not have a fireplace. [Laughs] Diptyque’s Baies candle is a classic, and it looks sexy on your table. But the best home spray is LES from Boy Smells [discontinued]. If I were a home, that’s what I would smell like. It’s fruity but woody and musky. I can’t get enough.”
—as told to Daise Bedolla
Photographed by Shana Trajanoska in New York on October 15, 2025