I started performing as a young child for school shows, and I would always enjoy it when my mother would put blusher on my cheeks and use a colour-changing lipstick that turned my lips red. Beauty was always associated with special occasions and happy memories because my mother never wore much makeup on a regular basis.
When I started interacting more with students and industry workshop goers, I felt that I owed them and my younger self a responsibility to lead by example and stop comparing myself with others.
An anti-perfection antidote that I’ve concocted for myself is something like this: intentionally share more vulnerable moments; not using any feature-altering filters; taking care of my health by loving my body instead of trying to fit it into a mould; and investing more time in building relationships with others so I stop making myself the sole focus of my own life.
Assurance of who I am, and knowing my purpose on this earth have been fundamental in discovering my true beauty. We were each made with a purpose that no one else can take away, so I’d start with that and everything else will radiate outwards from there.
Below, Lou Peixin shares her beauty inspirations.
The Timelessness Of the ’40s to the ’70s
On full-beat days I’d say my look is classic glamour—a timeless look that draws from the ’40s to the ’70s, which are my favourite eras as they will never go out of style. My everyday style is more of a minimal, clean, and relaxed vibe. I think I’ve found a good balance!
Photo Credit: Lou Peixin
Relaxing Vacations
I’d love my beauty look to evoke the sublime feeling we get when we watch a beautiful sunset or the breeze we feel on our faces as we close our eyes and take a deep breath on a well-deserved vacation.
Photo Credit: Annie Spratt / Unsplash
Her Performance Signature
The one thing I’ve kept all these years for my presentation as Miss Lou is my cat-eye glasses. I’ve had clients ask if I could not wear them and I turned them down—either you take all of me or I’m not doing the gig. That’s how it has been for most of my career so far.
Photo Credit: Lou Peixin
Adele's Classic Makeup
Recently, I’ve been loving Adele’s modern classic beauty looks inspired by the ’50s and ’60s! Modest, elegant, talented, humorous and real—she’s a true star in every way.
Photo Credit: Adele
Rita Hayworth in "Gilda"
Rita Hayworth’s hair flip scene in “Gilda” will never cease to be iconic to me! As a lover of vintage hair, it’s almost like a mystery how her hair stylist Helen Hunt managed to keep the curls so defined yet fluffy.
I’m hoping I’ll manage to find someone in my lifetime who can replicate this on my own hair.
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures
Maggie Cheung In "In the Mood For Love"
Maggie Cheung’s high-collared, figure-hugging cheongsams and updos in “In the Mood for Love” are everything!
Photo Credit: Block 2 Pictures