Browhaus x Shentonista #BrowHunt: Noblewoman

We spotted Nobelle just hours after she chopped off her long locks into this edgy pixie cut. The undergraduate student says she usually isn’t very experimental with her look, however; she merely wanted a change. Nobelle takes the opportunity to gain some work experience during the holidays, working in PR & events. “This translates to meeting a lot of different people, most more experienced than I am, as well as managing a plethora of unexpected situations,” she says. “I’ve learn that being confident, firm yet flexible is important.” Nobelle certainly exudes confidence, even though she says this wasn’t always so —  she used to be overweight and had a really bad skin condition, exacerbated by sensitive skin. These days, Nobelle’s striving to be as physically fit and active as she can, and is careful about what she uses on her skin. We speak to her to find out what else she’s up to at the moment.

1. Do you think it is important for women to be well-groomed, and why?

Definitely, and not just women. The way we present ourselves matters, and being well-groomed is indispensable. Looking neat and tidy is way more important than having makeup on. In fact, just between us, I think guys with really thick and tidy brows and beards are really hot.

2. How do you find ways to match your makeup to your look? Are there any pet peeves or no-nos that you have when it comes to make-up?

I haven’t been very adventurous with my makeup, mostly because my very pretty mum barely uses any and constantly reminds me to keep it minimal. I only pay attention to my brows, eyeliner, and maybe a touch of gloss or lipstick if the occasion calls for it. I guess my biggest no-no would be having on makeup that makes one look too mature. We can’t ever turn back the clock, so I believe it’s important to look young and fresh while we still can.

3. Is there a look (style-wise or makeup-wise) that you’ve been wanting to try, but haven’t given it a go?

I love colours and I’ve always been really interested in incorporating them into my look both style-wise and makeup-wise. My style is very influenced by my mum who likes neutral colours. I find it really interesting to work with colours but I haven’t really found a way to make it work for me.

4. What is the craziest/most adventurous makeup look you have ever tried?

For Halloween one year I did a Venetian masquerade eye mask purely with makeup. I used loads of eye shadow, blusher and pencil to create that look. It took over an hour of fiddling to get it right. It was really fun and dramatic, and most definitely the only time I was any bit of a daredevil with makeup!

5. How have your look and brow shape evolved over the years? 

I didn’t actually care about my brows till a year back. I am very much blessed with sparse uneven brows that look nothing like they should. I wasn’t really aware of that till I started paying more attention to personal grooming and my image. I adore thick dark brows, the likes of Cara Delevingne, so mine are very much modelled after that.

6. If you could only pick 1 type of make up must-have, what would it be and why?

Loose foundation powder. A variety of skin problems left my face in a terrible condition. Any makeup I use has to be light and delicate. Loose foundation powder, on top of a thin layer of moisturiser, is enough to cover any blemishes and create a clean, natural look without clogging up my pores.

7. What is your usual look? What do you usually use?

I like to keep things light and look natural, so I usually highlight only my really small eyes and brows. Together with my jet black hair, I generally sport a monochrome look. The only specks of colour would be on my lips for special occasions. I always start off with moisturiser, then dabs of concealer if required. That’s topped off with a thin layer of foundation powder, and later sealed with setting powder. For my eyes and brows I use eyeliner and an eyebrow pencil.

8. What are some items in your wardrobe/on your dresser that you can’t live without?

I have a few pieces by Cameo Collective and Thea by Thara that make up my repertoire of “basics”. Simple chic cropped tops and some high-waisted pieces — these are really versatile. Not forgetting denims. I love my denims.

9. If you could wear a uniform of sorts for the rest of your life (to school/to work), what would your outfit consist of, and why?

A neutral-coloured fitted top, jeans, and really good black heels. Maybe a cardigan or blazer if it’s more formal. I like to keep things simple. Working in fashion for a bit also taught me that simplicity can go a long way.

10. Do you think Singaporeans have a sense of style, and do you think it’s changing/getting better/getting worse? What would you like Singaporeans to start embracing more?

I don’t think Singaporeans have a sense of style so much because we like particular looks, but because we’re so limited by the weather. I do believe we’re improving in that we’re more adventurous with pairings, trends, and lesser known brands. I love that there’s an increasing number of online clothing stores that are both reliable, and carry very interesting designs. My only gripe would be that many people love to simply jump on trends, without understanding that what’s “trendy” or “in” may not look good on their bodies. I believe that style involves wearing clothes that fit, flaunt and compliment our body, instead of blindly wearing what the industry labels “fashionable”. I think if you look good in what you wear, you’re stylish.

11. What is important for you to have at work, both in a material and emotional/psychological sense?

Great colleagues, intellectual stimulation, and movement. I love challenges and coming up with new ideas/solutions. I’m also very physically active and love moving around, so I don’t think I’d do very well at desk jobs.

12. What is your idea of the CBD and Shenton Way? Do you think creativity can still exist even in the most corporate working environment?

I’ve always thought the CBD and Shenton Way to be really stiff and boring, cause everyone’s only there with one goal in mind: money. The increasing number of good F&B establishments there is really piquing my interest though. As for creativity, I think it depends on the job. Certain professions mandate a strict dress code, so creativity would be very limited, if present at all. Still, people can look amazing, be very well-dressed and stylish without having to be what the industry calls “creative”.

13. What is one thing you’ve learnt from your work/life experience?

I’ve learnt it’s really important to be open and understanding. Open to differences, because it’s a learning experience and should be celebrated! Understanding towards people’s behaviours and choices, because everyone has different histories, backgrounds, and childhood experiences — all of which shape an individual. Remembering this allows me to understand why people do the things they do, and not form a judgement out of context.

14. What’s the one thing you think you should be doing more of, or that you wish you had more time to be doing?

I definitely have to spend more time in front of the mirror. I have quite a lot of clothes, but I don’t spend enough time playing with the different pieces and coming up with newer, more creative looks. I’m a really deep sleeper (read: I have a problem getting up on time) so I end up throwing on pieces and combinations that I’ve tried and am comfortable with. Which is a huge waste cause I think my wardrobe has a lot of potential for new looks!

This is a Shentonista project for Browhaus Singapore.

For more information about Browhaus, visit their website here.

Join in the #BrowHunt by submitting your own selfie which you feel best represents Browhaus, and add #BrowHunt and @BrowhausSG. The winner wins up to $5,000 worth of prizes, $2,000 cash, and $3,000 worth of prizes from Browhaus, Spa Esprit, and Strip, as well as the opportunity to be the next face of Browhaus. Submissions close on the 14th of June.