Luminous beauty: How every moment shapes a better self

For content creators J Lou and Sue Chang, the digital world is a living archive of their evolution. Their journeys – from early uncertainty to becoming voices of authority and authenticity – mirror the philosophy of kintsugi: the belief that an object becomes more beautiful and resilient not by staying perfect, but by embracing its history of repair.

The beauty of sincerity

Widely recognized as a pioneer of the Hong Kong KOL scene, Sue Chang has maintained a top-tier presence for over a decade, evolving from a travel illustrator to a successful entrepreneur. As the founder of The Art Bay studio, she has translated her artistic craftsmanship into a thriving business, all while sharing her life with a dedicated audience on Instagram and YouTube.

For Chang, this transition from teenager to entrepreneur to mother of three has been a profound process of "rebuilding." A turning point came after her third child, when she had to reframe her relationship with the pressure to be perfect. "I’ve realized that life isn't just about laughter; real ups and downs are what make it vibrant," Chang reflects. She likens her journey to kintsugi, where the cracks are highlighted with gold. "The ‘rebuilt’ me understands that what has sustained me isn't perfect packaging, but sincerity." By showing her vulnerability, she has found a stronger connection with her audience. "The marks left by setbacks are not flaws, but traces – time’s passage gives us strength and confidence."

Sue Chang (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)

Sue Chang (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)

The power of authenticity

A multi-hyphenate creator who has successfully bridged the gap between social media and mainstream media, J Lou is a familiar face across YouTube and television. Known for her unique blend of humor and cultural commentary – most notably showcased in her viral "Ricefam" community and a powerful TEDx talk on the power of being yourself – her career today is a testament to the "slow build."

But J Lou’s journey didn't begin with viral success. "Eight years ago, I started my journey feeling clueless and lost," she recalls. "My first video got just 20 views." What followed was nearly a decade of ‘constant adaptation’ and gradual refinement. As a mother and a creator, J Lou has learned to find beauty in life’s chaos, viewing every setback as a stepping stone. "As an influencer, you can physically see my growth through my posts," she explains. For her, the ‘gold seams’ like in kintsugi are the marks of persistence. "True growth involves embracing every experience over time," she says. "It’s about celebrating every small victory along the way."

J Lou (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)

J Lou (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)

Time as an ally

This shared perspective of refinement is what guided global prestige skincare brand SK-II to move away from the traditional "anti-aging" narrative. Inspired by the art of kintsugi—which repairs broken ceramics with gold lacquer—the brand developed its LXP range to position ‘time as an ally’.

Rather than viewing the years as an adversary to be fought, or using skincare to conceal the marks of experience, this philosophy celebrates skin that becomes more resilient because of its history. In this view, time is a collaborator in strengthening the skin, allowing beauty to reach a state where the skin is more radiant and valuable than it was before.

Sue Chang (Photo: Karl Lam/ Tatler Hong Kong)

The SK-II LXP Cream (Photo: Courtesy of SK-II)

Rituals of reflection: daily skincare and self-care

For both women, the daily skincare ritual is a moment to ‘clock out’ and reconnect with themselves. J Lou sees her routine as an investment in consistency, using her ‘me time’ to find quietude amidst the high-speed demands of the digital world. “SK-II has devoted over four decades to unlock the true power of Pitera™,” says J Lou. “Time is crucial in nurturing my skin. It’s all about being consistent and investing in good products.” Sue Chang views her nightly ritual as a meditative ceremony. "I warm the product in my palms first, inhaling its fragrance to calm my mind," she says. This act of care is more than just maintenance; it is a ritual of self-appreciation. "It’s a reminder to myself: 'I’ve worked hard today.' During this time, I don’t belong to work or family; I belong only to myself."

A legacy of healing

Ultimately, J Lou and Sue Chang hope to pass down a spirit of resilience to the next generation. The ability to ‘heal oneself’ and grow into a resilient individual sits perfectly within the intention of the LXP range. "I hope my story can tell everyone that the marks left by time and experience are not flaws,” shares Chang, “but the most beautiful medals in our lives.”

Explore more in the SK-II store.

The LXP Craftsmanship series (Photo: Courtesy of SK-II)

The Science of Craftsmanship

SK-II’s LXP range treats skincare with the same rigor as a master artisan. This dedication is defined by three rare elements that act as the "precious metals" of the collection:

• The Rare 1.2%: In a feat of extreme precision, only 1.2% of one million yeast cells are deemed potent enough to be transformed into this essence.
• Highest Concentrated Pitera™: SK-II’s signature bio-ingredient is used in its most concentrated form ever, acting as the "lacquer" that helps skin feel cohesive and resilient.
• Gold Silk Sericin: Sourced from a specialized breed of silkworm, this rare ingredient provides a "golden touch," mirroring the precious gold seams used in kintsugi.

The LXP Range

LXP Cream: Designed to nourish deeply while supporting skin firmness, plumpness, and radiance.LXP Essence: A silky, fluid texture that enhances clarity and vitality while preparing the skin to receive the rest of the regimen.LXP Serum: A rapid-absorbing formula that refines texture and reinforces skin interconnections for a visibly smoother appearance.LXP Eye Cream: Softens the look of fine lines while improving the clarity and firmness of the delicate skin around the eyes.

In Partnership with SK-II