Daphne's Beauty Secrets

After giving birth last Nov 26, pigmentation problems cropped up, due to hormonal imbalance.

Luckily, about two months before that she had been approached by Clarins Malaysia to take part in the launch of the new Clarins White Plus HP skincare range: Clear Softening Peeling, Intensive Clear Mask and Brightening Body Veil (launched on March 1).

"I didn't hesitate to say yes,'' says the Clarins user. ``I have been a regular since I went in for a facial at Institut Clarins in 1-Utama about three years ago, when I was working in TV3."

During a session, her therapist told her she needed to use the White Plus range. She balked, as she was not into whitening. "As a reporter I get to try a lot of skincare products, and I've used a peeling product before. It was harsh on my skin."

But this was not the case with the Clarins White Plus HP Clear Softening Peeling. "She told me it was so gentle I could use it every day. I used it two to three times a week, and I saw the results in two and a half weeks!" The pigmentation had faded away.

"The Intensive Clear Mask is great. It's easy to remove; it doesn't get cakey and dry. I saw an immediate effect. My skin was dry as I had been sunbathing in Perth. I put it on my face, neck and décolletage.

"I like the glittery tone of the Brightening Body Veil. It's not oily. I do a lot of red carpets and photo shoots. I sweep it all over and I get a healthy glow."

For the pigmentation, she had also used a Clarins spot corrector. This came in useful when she wanted to do a pool party for her baby's full moon celebration. "I had a bikini ready. Then I noticed a dark vertical line on my tummy. I used the spot corrector and the line lightened. I even did it for my back and the skin tone evened out.

"My makeup artist says I'm peeling, so I'm going to use the Clear Softening Peeling every day. It is so good. Stage makeup goes right into your pores. The peeling lotion is like a deep cleanser."

She uses the Brightening Body Veil, for intense hydration and a fresher skin, on special occasions. "It gives a glittery glow."

If she is in a rush, she would stick to the basics. She also uses the Clarins Lift-Affine Visage (Shaping Facial Lift) to refine the facial contours. "It's like a mini massage. I was very bloated during my pregnancy."

Iking followed a traditional diet during her confinement and was not allowed to take a bath for 30 days! "Skincare kept me sane, and I started to do the entire skin regimen."

She also uses the Clarins UV Plus skincare products, which have 100 per cent mineral filters and is very suited to city lifestyle. The day lotion, she said, has SPF 20.

The ntv7 host took up surfing while in Perth, and is also into paintball and horse-riding.Next: wake boarding. "It's like skateboarding on the sea. I like the water. I'm going to Sipadan to scuba dive and climb the mountain." One can see why the Clarins UV Plus and White Plus HP are so suited to her.

She has a busy schedule ahead. "I'm shooting an English movie in April. And there's something coming up in Singapore to do with sports."

Recently Iking has also gone into more sedate pursuits, such as playing the piano. "I play by ear – I'm bad at reading the towgays (music notes). My husband has a beautiful piano. I also play the drums and guitar. I love music."