From the most recent National Day Parade to the online travel show TravelSSBD, Sonia Chew has hosted almost every event and programme under our scorching sun.
The radio and TV presenter knows firsthand the demands of a hectic schedule, but despite her busy lifestyle, she’s managed to maintain a radiant complexion and a calm, confident demeanour – and it’s not just because she’s a Capricorn.
Wonder how she does it all? Sonia gave Daily Vanity a peek into her daily routine and the invaluable tips she’s gleaned over the years.
Her Skincare Essentials
Sonia starts her day before 5am, and her skincare routine is a testament to simplicity and effectiveness, beginning with the iconic SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.
“It is something that has always worked for my sensitive skin that used to be very prone to redness,” she says, highlighting its calming effect on her skin.
She follows this with CHANEL Sublimage L’Essence Fondamentale, a product she’s relied on for years to refine and tone her skin. Next in her routine is the SK-II GenOptics Ultraura Essence, which she credits for helping with pigmentation and brightening her complexion.
To lock in moisture, Sonia turns to Anua’s hyaluronic acid moisturiser, a product she discovered in Korea. “I like to keep it simple at the end,” she shares.
She never skips sunscreen, opting for Crystal Tomato’s sunscreen, which provides protection from both indoor and outdoor UV rays. “I’m constantly under a lot of exposure, so that is to seal it all in,” she adds.
Shop her skincare routine:
- SK-II Facial Treatment Essence retails for S$133 (75ml), S$256 (160ml), S$328 (230ml) on Sephora.sg.
- CHANEL Sublimage L’Essence Fondamentale retails for S$820 (40ml) on CHANEL’s website.
- SK-II GenOptics Ultraura Essence retails for S$246 (30ml) and S$365 (50ml) on Sephora.sg.
- Anua Birch Moisture Boosting Cream retails for S$22.10 on Hush.sg.
- Crystal Tomato Beyond Sun Protection retails for S$89 on Crystal Tomato’s website.
The Most Important Skincare Lesson
Reflecting on her teenage years, Sonia candidly shares her battle with acne, which had a lasting impact on her confidence.
“The acne scars stayed on for a very long time. It took years for the scars to disappear,” the 32-year-old recalls. This experience led her to be meticulous with her skincare and diet, eliminating potential acne triggers like dairy.
Today, she focuses on maintaining hydration as the foundation of her skincare. “Once your skin is nice and hydrated, everything else falls into place,” she advises.
Sonia Chew interviewing Korean singer and actress YoonA at an Estée Lauder event
As someone who has interviewed numerous celebrities, Sonia has picked up some of the best beauty advice from the likes of Baifern and YoonA. The common thread? You guessed it. Hydration.
“With hydrated skin, you avoid wrinkles, you avoid breakouts, you avoid overproduction of oil,” she explains, reiterating the importance of this basic yet essential step in any skincare routine.
Makeup Must-Haves
When it comes to makeup, Sonia prefers to keep things straightforward. Her go-to foundation is the NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation, which she describes as perfect for her busy schedule.
“I’m a bit of a lazy girl outside of work, and sometimes I still need to look decent,” she confesses with a laugh.
She pairs this with the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, a product she never leaves the house without, as it instantly revives her appearance. “You just need a touch of it and you look alive again,” she says.
Shop her makeup products:
- NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation retails for S$62 on Sephora.sg.
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer retails for S$49 on Sephora.sg.
Learning From Professional Makeup Artists
Having worked with numerous makeup artists, Sonia has picked up invaluable tips that she now incorporates into her routine.
She stresses the importance of a solid base, one that can last through her long days.
“I learned how to build that foundation seamlessly, just light pats, but you got to put in some effort and get a sponge, pat it in so that it really eats into your skin,” she notes, refuting the idea that this is harmful if done with quality products and a good skincare base.
One technique Sonia is still trying to master is applying individual lashes in between her natural ones, a skill she admires in senior makeup artists. “It truly is an art,” she says, though she admits she’s still working on it.
She also shares her experience with eye makeup, particularly in finding styles that suit her almond-shaped eyes. “I, too, have learned a thing or two about smudging my eyeliner with my fingernails that makes it look really natural,” she adds.
Fragrance Favourites
Sonia gravitates towards CHANEL No. 5 and No. 5 L’EAU, each offering a distinct scent profile for different occasions.
“One might be more elegant, while the other is fresher and more rejuvenating,” she notes.
Guerlain’s Cashmere is another favourite, despite it being intended for clothing, as she finds it sits beautifully on her skin and hair. “Why not just multitask it, right?” she quips.
Recently, she’s also been drawn to Fendi Prima Terra, a scent that leaves her feeling serene and vacation-ready.
Shop her fragrances:
- CHANEL No. 5 Eau de Parfum retails for S$205 (50ml) and S$292 (100ml) on CHANEL’s website.
- CHANEL No. 5 L’EAU Eau de Toilette retails for S$205 (50ml) and S$292 (100ml) on CHANEL’s website.
- Guerlain Eau de Cashmere Eau de Toilette retails for S$285 (100ml) at Guerlain stores and counters.
- Fendi Prima Terra Eau de Parfum retails for S$480 (100ml) on Fendi’s website.
Rituals for Confidence Ahead of Big Events
Before a big event or hosting gig, Sonia’s preparation goes beyond makeup and wardrobe. She meticulously reviews her script, making it her own to maintain a natural connection with her audience.
“Balancing, you know, connecting with your audience, remembering your pointers and also connecting with the celebrity, can be a tough gig,” she admits, highlighting the multitasking involved.
“I drink lots of water, warm up my voice, and make sure I’m clear on my pointers,” she says. This preparation helps her manage the multitasking required during live events and maintain her composure.
“I just want to maintain good vibes, good vibes only,” she states, a mantra that helps her step on stage with confidence.
She Prioritises Sleep and a Balanced Diet
Balancing a hectic schedule with personal well-being is no easy feat, but Sonia has found ways to manage it effectively.
After realising the toll of sleep deprivation, she became a “total geek about sleep,” adjusting her routine to ensure she gets six and a half to seven hours of uninterrupted rest.
“My wind-down timing is 9pm right now, and I try my best to be asleep by 10 – latest, latest, latest, latest, latest [by] 10.30pm,” she shares, noting how this change has positively impacted her energy and focus.
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“I try to get a bit of Pilates in. I’m not doing it as much as I had hoped,” she admits. These days, Sonia prioritises rest over fitness and balances her diet to compensate, opting for a cleaner diet when exercise isn’t feasible.
“I love hawker food here in Singapore, but I try to be a little bit more conscious about that,” she says, demonstrating her practical approach to wellness.
Recognising and Addressing Burnout
Having faced burnout early in her career, Sonia now recognises the importance of mental breaks and personal time.
One of the most alarming wake-up calls came when she realised her blood pressure was spiking. “At one point, my blood pressure was off the charts, and the doctor was so shocked that someone of my age had that kind of blood pressure,” she divulges.
This prompted Sonia to take a closer look at her lifestyle and make adjustments to prioritise her health.
“I like to spend time alone now, just [in] my own apartment, just taking a walk by the beach,” she says, finding solace in the simple pleasures of life.
While she acknowledges the appeal of long vacations, she believes that true well-being comes from regular mental breaks and time with loved ones. “It is not possible to also deal with burnout by just going on one big holiday,” she concludes, a lesson learned through experience.
Sonia’s beauty and wellness tips offer a refreshing mix of practicality and mindfulness, showing that even in the fast-paced world of media, taking care of oneself is not only possible but essential.
Through her journey, she reminds us that simplicity, consistency, and self-care are the keys to looking and feeling our best.
All images: @soniachew/Instagram
