Beauty blogger Tina Yong talks inspirations, makeup and her hectic schedule

Which females inspire you and why?

My mum is my biggest female inspiration. She left Vietnam and risked her life to flee her own country to come to Australia. She started from scratch and it’s only because of her sacrifice that I am able to be where I am today.

How can we be strong females?

You have to get to know who you are first and accept who you are. Once you are confident in your own skin, you will feel a lot stronger.

What’s one of your biggest pet peeves about your job?

I tend to pick up little details in videos as I edit them: How I could have perfected it more, the lighting is a bit off — it’s things that nobody else would even notice, but I’m a perfectionist!

What’s been your last pinch-me moment?

Being part of the shoot with Benefit and Cosmo. I grew up reading magazines like Cosmo, but I never thought I’d actually be on the cover!

What and who makes you feel most beautiful?

My mum and Alfred. They get to see me when I first wake up, when I’m not wearing makeup — they see me at my worst and my best and this keeps me grounded and humble. Being comfortable in my own skin is when I feel most beautiful.

What’s your best beauty advice?

Less is definitely more when it comes to makeup. I like to build up makeup looks slowly and not be too heavy-handed so that it’s easier to build up looks and remove, too, if you make mistakes.

What makes the perfect brow?

The perfect brow has to compliment your face shape. Work with your natural brow shape as this will give you a guideline as to where to accentuate and define your brows.

Who do you look to for inspiration in life?

I’m always inspired by the women I come across when I’m travelling: what they wear, the brands they use, how these women do their makeup. When I’m travelling it’s like being in a different world with a renewed energy — I love being in the moment and taking in the feel of the city.

Who’s your biggest supporter?

My mum! Even though she doesn’t understand what I’m saying in my videos because she doesn’t speak English, she watches every single video and sometimes multiple times as well.

Who’s your most famous followers?

Jenn Im and Amata Chittasenee aka Pearypie — my fellow beauty lovers!

If you could do the makeup of any celeb, who would it be?

One of the Kardashians or Jenners! I’m not picky, just any one of them!

What’s your everyday beauty/skincare regimen?

It’s always different. I try a new beauty product each day. I always use a face mask, cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise. I keep my everyday beauty look quite natural — I always do my brows, use a cushion foundation (as it’s quick) and add some blush and lip tint. One of my favourite hacks is to also use my lipstick on my cheeks to add colour.

What’s the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do before bed?

Check phone, check social media. Repeat!

What would you tell your 16-year-old self?

Learn what you want to learn and don’t get caught up on the one thing you think you are going to do for the rest of your life. For me, I studied graphic design and beauty, before discovering I wanted to do make up. Even now, I am still always continuing to learn and transitioning into my many ‘jobs’ from beauty creator on YouTube to running my own businesses.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Take care of your skin. I think skincare is important, but most people overlook it. People tend to cover up their skin, but the best advice I’ve learnt while studying beauty therapy at school is to spend time and invest in protecting your skin.