Xiao Wen Ju On Her Skin Secrets, the Best Eyelash Curler—and Falling Asleep in Her Makeup

Original article posted on Vogue.com  by Arden Fanning

It’s day six of New York Fashion Week, and despite having her makeup applied—and reapplied—up to five times in a day, Xiao Wen Ju looked preternaturally fresh-faced backstage at Tory Burch this morning. So much so that makeup artist Diane Kendal needed to do little more than apply a sheer wash of Tory Burch’s Bronzer & Blush (in Divine) and Lip Color (in Ramble on Rose) to the model to heighten the glow of her skin before declaring her runway-ready.

Amidst the room of comfortably slouched models, we found Ju sitting perfectly straight in a sun-drenched makeup chair, happy to share the tricks behind her eyelashes and skin secrets—along with a few beauty regrets.

How do you keep your skin so luminous? Do you have a strict routine?
Ha! During Fashion Week I’m so tired, I go home and just lie on my back and fall asleep with all of my makeup still on. I wake up like, [gasps] “Oh my gosh, I didn’t wash my face!”

What do you use when you do have the energy?
I apply makeup remover first, and then cleanser—I love Dermalogica’s powder Daily Microfoliant. I can use it every day because it’s really light, and makes my skin feel so smooth. Then I moisturize with La Mer’s Moisturizing Soft Cream and Eye Balm Intense. With so many makeup changes, I really need it.

What other skin essentials do you rely on during New York Fashion Week?
Sometimes my skin is really allergic to the products, so, when I get home, I use Avéne Skin Recovery Cream. I apply it really thick, like a mask at night, and the next day my skin feels so much better. During the day, I always carry Avéne Hydrance Optimale SPF 25 with me, because after they take off your makeup you need moisturizer, and Avéne’s has SPF in it. Throughout the day, whenever I’m bored, I spray Caudalíe Beauty Elixir all over my face to keep it from drying out, too. It smells so good.

Do you have any lip products on you?
I use classic Vaseline. My lips get really dry, so I always carry a small one for lip balm. It’s so good, and you can just buy it at Duane Reade!

What’s your lash ritual?
I don’t use any mascara, I just curl my lashes to help open my eyes. Shiseido makes my favorite curler—they have a mini one that’s so good, but I can’t find it here. It gives you more control.

What do you do for your hair?
My hair sucks! It’s the only thing on my body that I hate. It’s really thin, and even though it’s short, it’s damaged, so I just let it be free. I only use shampoo and conditioner, and I always change it up. Yesterday I washed it with Aesop, and today I used Kiehl’s.

What are you doing to stay healthy during New York Fashion Week and avoid a crash? Are you juicing? Cleansing?
Actually, I never think about that. If I want to eat something, I just go eat it. If I want French fries, I eat French fries—it makes me happy.


^^^^^^^^