In this month's edition of Beauty Buzz, we talk to the founders of local makeup brand Faux Fayc on their take on popular beauty trends and quick, bold makeup routines.
On meeting Faux Fayc founders, Yuan and Eileen, what struck us first was their beguiling, down-to-earth personalities. The intrepid duo behind the makeup brand burst onto the local beauty scene with their pigmented, powerful products two years ago, earning rave reviews from both influencers and the public alike. Today, the formerly online-only brand is available at a retail locale in Plaza Singapura, where the two are often found rolling up their sleeves and dealing with the business’ nitty gritty. In between attending to customers (and over a ton of giggles), we caught up with these two badass beauty bosses in Singapore.
Hey ladies! How did y’all get started on forming Faux Fayc?
Eileen: I was working in the makeup industry then, and noticed that most of the fibre mascaras found in Sephora use white fibres. These are usually targeted at Caucasian women, so I thought, why not make one in black for Asian ladies? I found a manufacturer and roped in Yuan, who was then working in the marketing sector. Together, we kicked things off with only one product (the Fauxlash Mascara Duo) and began launching our other products like the lipsticks and foundation.
What setbacks did you face?
Getting people to try our products for the first time. It’s understandable – people are usually sceptical to try new things from unknown brands.
How does Faux Fayc position itself in the marketplace?
We’d say we’re a mid-range makeup brand. We try to position ourselves between MAC and Urban Decay.
Name three Faux Fayc products any makeup junkie should own.
One should be the Fauxlash Mascara Duo as the after-effect is pretty dramatic – customers who try it always end up being loyal fans! The second has to be the matte liquid lipsticks as they’re really pigmented, are available in a wide range of colours and come with brush tips – that’s really uncommon amongst others out there. The last has to be the mousse foundation as it’s incredibly lightweight yet provides full coverage, and is great for tropical weather with its powdery texture.
Your personal fave is…
Eileen: The Fauxcealer. I can skip the lipstick, but I need concealer to hide these eyebags! *laughs*
For a girl who’s always on the go, what would you recommend?
The Fauxless Moisturizer Tinted Primer. It’s for someone who wants to quickly even out their skin tone, while moisturising and making sure they get their SPF needs sorted. Also, the Fauxstix Lip & Cheek Gel Tint, as it gives cheeks a natural glow and can give lips a full colour, unlike most stains which are usually sheer. Lastly, the Fauxstix Illumine – it’s a concealer, highlighter and an eraser (to clean up any smudges or define lines).
Who are your fave beauty influencers?
Eileen: I love Michelle Phan’s videos, and her style of makeup.
Yuan: I like Pony – she can do all sorts of beauty styles and not just the usual Korean makeup look.
Our fave Instagram beauty trend of the year was…
Wet lids. We’ve played with that look a lot in our photoshoots, with a ton of shimmer on the lids and cheekbones.
How do you decide what trend is suitable for the brand?
We gather feedback from our customers and ask them what’s lacking or what they want to see. We also try to keep up with certain trends. Take Sigma’s holographic lipsticks for example. We’ve sourced for them ’cause it’s a fun trend and it looks set to be a big thing.
Trends we’d love to bring back are…
Eileen: Arched brows! And bushy ones. Enough with the straight, overdrawn ones, please! That’s so overdone.
Yuan: I’d go with straighter, bushier brows, but not so blunt!
Both: *both burst out laughing* Alright, let’s agree on arched yet bushy brows.
Great skincare should always come hand-in-hand with makeup. Any tips to share?
Always thoroughly remove every inch of your makeup and be sure to cleanse properly. Oh, and if you plan on wearing matte lipstick, exfoliate with a toothbrush, then apply moisturiser overnight.
Could you describe a quick five-minute makeup routine for a Faux Fayc bold look?
Start with eyebrows to frame your face, and choose a darker eyeshadow. For a fast yet neat application, stick tape underneath the bottom of your lashes and angle towards the temple. Then, blend, blend, blend! Next, pick a darker brown blush so it’ll work as a contour as well.
What if you had more time? 30 minutes, for example.
Go with really bold, dark lips and take the time to contour and highlight as this can make a world of difference.
Pick a facial feature to enhance. How best would you do it?
Yuan: I choose eyes. Contour and shade them by first applying a darker shade on the outer corners, then drawing a crease to enhance double eyelids. Use a pop of metallic colour to brighten the eye area, swipes of mascara to open up your peepers and a little cat eye to elongate them.
Any inside info on upcoming products?
Look out for the Fauxstix Xctasy. These will be a mini-size range of liquid lipsticks in 20 colours, from nude to bold and even metallic. As for the rest, you’ll have to wait ’til next year!
Faux Fayc‘s flagship store is located at Plaza Singapura, #B1-32A, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839, p. 6341 9672, [email protected]. Open 11am – 10pm daily.
