You may know Irene Kim from her work as a fashion model. Beyond glitzy campaigns and runways, she has been a fixture at high-profile events such as Seoul Fashion Week. Or perhaps you’ve seen the It girl with her equally stylish friends—Chriselle Lim, Yoyo Cao and GRAZIA Singapore cover star Jessica Jung—jetting around the world to attend luxury fashion’s most exclusive gatherings.
I’ve followed Kim on Instagram for years, admiring her ease and elegance both on- and off-duty. So when the Korean content creator began posting cryptic teasers hinting at a new skincare label, I was immediately intrigued. At first, it was the small things: blurry photos of clover-shaped patches on her skin, nondescript product shots, subtle signals that something was brewing.
When Kim officially launched Skit, her followers went wild. Friends and fans flooded her Instagram with congratulations on her new chapter as a beauty entrepreneur. Naturally, I couldn’t resist reaching out to the newly minted founder for a conversation.
Ahead, Kim opens up about her beauty philosophy, wellness rituals, and what she hopes to create with Skit.
GRAZIA Singapore (GS): Congratulations on the launch of Skit! Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind starting your own beauty label?
Irene Kim (IK): Skit was born out of my own skin journey. Years of crazy schedules, heavy makeup, and constant travel really took a toll on my body and skin. I wanted to create products that aligned with my lifestyle. The name “Skit” comes from short plays—small moments that are instantly memorable. I love the idea that our products are little snippets in your daily routine, like self-care moments just for you.
I’d been manifesting a skincare brand for the longest time. I actually have really sensitive skin, which I’ve shown here and there on social media—especially when I break out while travelling. So, with Skit, the goal was perfecting formulas that are gentle enough for sensitive skin but still effective.
GS: What was the process of developing Skit like? Did you face any challenges?
IK: The biggest challenge was balancing the fun side of the brand with the precision needed to create good formulas. I was involved 110 per cent—from ingredients to design. For our gel patches, we went through countless rounds of testing. I was the guinea pig, so there were moments when I broke out.
The patches are clover-shaped—super cute, but also practical. We tested different shapes. I even cut paper and toner pads to see how they would sit on the face. The clover hugged the contours best. Skincare should be taken seriously, but I also believe beauty should be fun. The inspiration for the patches actually came from sticker-themed Instagram filters.
GS: Why did you choose gel patches for the first launch?
IK: They just made sense with my lifestyle. I’m always on the go, whether it’s travelling or working at Fashion Week. The patches are compact and easy to carry. They’re great on flights and perfect for prepping skin before makeup. I see them as more than a treatment—they’re a lifestyle accessory: functional, fun, and Instagrammable.
GS: And manufacturing is all done in Korea?
IK: Yes! Our tagline is “Born in Seoul, made to glow everywhere.” I’m based in Korea, I started my career here, and K-beauty is such a pioneer in innovation and ingredients. Producing everything here also means I can personally oversee quality.
GS: Was that a new experience for you?
IK: Definitely. It was fascinating to see how products are made. You have to wear hair nets, masks, sterilised suits—just to enter the facility. I don’t have a baby yet, but honestly it felt like giving birth. Skit took over a year to develop, so seeing it finally come to life was really emotional.
GS: Who did you have in mind when creating Skit?
IK: People who love good design but also care about good skincare. It’s my love letter to those who appreciate fun, playful things. While the products are ideal for sensitive skin, they work for everyone.
Now that I’m in my mid-thirties and approaching my forties, our message isn’t about “anti-ageing.” It’s about ageing as you are—taking care of yourself and reminding yourself daily, “You did a good job today.”
GS: What’s your vision for Skit in such a competitive beauty market?
IK: It’s definitely crowded. But I think the future—whether in beauty, fashion, or wellness—is about experiences. Consumers want brands that understand their lifestyle and express a point of view. Eventually, the lines between these worlds will blur even more. Skincare could become as much of a style statement as your bag or shoes. With Skit, I hope to lead with creativity and authenticity.
GS: What’s one skincare ingredient you think everyone should use?
IK: Vitamin E. It sounds basic, but it’s an incredible antioxidant that protects the skin, especially when paired with other actives. I’ll apply vitamin C first, then layer on vitamin E and niacinamide. For my sensitive skin, vitamin E really protects the barrier.
GS: How has your relationship with beauty evolved over the years?
IK: It’s been over a decade since I started modelling and creating content. Fashion taught me how to tell stories through clothes—if you’ve seen my rainbow-hair era, you’ll know I had fun with that.
Beauty, though, has always been deeply personal. My nighttime routine can last up to two hours—not because it’s complicated, but because I love taking time to wind down. For me, beauty is a ritual and a form of self-care. With Skit, I wanted to elevate that sense of personal expression.
GS: How do you find time for beauty, especially that two-hour routine?
IK: I make time because I enjoy it. When it’s quiet and everyone’s asleep, I feel like I’m washing the whole day off. If it was a good day, it’s a refreshing boost; if it was a bad one, it’s like cleansing away the bad energy.
GS: What is your best-kept beauty secret?
IK: True consistency. Trust me, it pays off. There’s not gonna be a magic product that works at once. These days, a lot of people want instant gratification; they want see immediate results.
But I don’t want to tell people that, if you use Skit, you’re going to be beautiful overnight. It’s more about having these products into your lifestyle to remind yourself of self-love. Consistent care is very important, especially in this industry where we have crazy schedules and deadlines. Fashion doesn’t have working hours. But each day, I think it’s important to make time for yourself, and that’s what I want to tell my consumers as well.
More specifically, I actually have a bunch of small things I like to do. I travel with my shower filter, because the water you shower with can mess up your skin. I don’t use pillows at hotels. Instead, I always roll up a towel and use it as a pillow.
GS: Since beauty isn’t just skin-deep, what’s your wellness routine like when travelling?
IK: Hydration and movement are my non-negotiables. Even if it’s just 15 minutes of stretching in a hotel room, I make it happen. And I never pack travel-sized skincare—I bring my whole vanity. You never know what your skin will need.
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