Beauty Secrets: Ines Ligron

INES LIGRON, 51

Formerly based in Japan, the Frenchwoman was the national director of the Miss Universe Japan Organisation for 13 years. During her time there, she helped the organisation produce three top five winners, including 2007 Miss Universe winner Riyo Mori.

Ms Ligron is also well-known in Japan, often appearing on talk shows to dispense tips on beauty, style and relationships.

Prior to that, she represented top models such as Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Alec Wek and Milla Jovovich when she was the Asia-Pacific director of American modelling agency IMG Models.

She has been based in Singapore for the last three years. In February, the mother of three started Dream Factory, a company that provides head-to-toe makeovers.

What is the one product you would not step out of the house without?

Mascara and eyeliner because I have blonde lashes. Even after I wash my face and shower in the evening, I put on mascara and eyeliner and go to bed - just so my husband will not see my bare face.

This habit is probably bad for my skin, but it is good because I get to keep my husband. I do this every night and I prevent my make-up from smearing all over the sheets by not burying my face in the pillow.

My current favourites are the Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara. Maybelline mascaras are not expensive and are of good quality. I also like the Maybelline Hypersharp Liner.

What is the one grooming service you cannot do without?

I need an essential oil massage at least once a week because I travel often, sometimes, up to four times a month. I go to Spa Esprit at Paragon and I get my facials done there too.

To detox, I drink organic juices for an entire week, once every month. I make my own juices and I drink a glass every hour.

Which is your favourite perfume?

I like Hermes' Un Jardin Sur Le Nil because it makes me smell fresh and sophisticated. It also suits the humid Singapore weather. I'm obsessed with Tom Ford perfumes too, because I like the kind of woman he portrays in advertisements and with his scents: sexy, strong and independent.

What, in your opinion, is the best beauty invention?

DIY teeth-whitening kits such as Crest and invisible braces such as Invisalign. I think it is so important to have good teeth. What I think should be invented, though, is a product that you put on like a helmet which will give you beautifully styled hair. I think we don't have enough hairstyling tools around.

What is the most ridiculous thing you have done in the name of beauty?

I once paid $3,000 for a laser treatment in France about a decade ago. The treatment burned my skin and my face looked like a pizza for two weeks.

Share a beauty tip with us.

This is a really big thing in France right now. And you can try it even if you live in humid Singapore.

Instead of washing your hair regularly, just add some aluminium-free baking soda onto your scalp and roots and rub it in with some water. Then brush the baking soda out. It will make your hair healthy and full.

And I think local women should work out more as many of them are not toned. Eat less oily food and go to the gym. If not, by the time you reach 40, everyone will call you an "auntie" and you do not want that.

This article was first published on Sept 05, 2014.
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