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INTERVIEW
Did you know the skin is the largest organ in the body? This means any particles, including potentially toxic ingredients, small enough to be absorbed through the top layer of our skin will ultimately end up in the bloodstream! While living in Germany, Hong Konger Katrina Chan discovered some deodorants contained harmful ingredients, and wanted to bring natural skincare from Germany to Hong Kong. Thus, the journey of SHELOOKUP began.
The name SHELOOKUP itself stands for looking up something to better oneself, which is why it offers natural skincare products from Europe that are not only good for your body but also really perform. We chat with founder Katrina Chan about her top skincare tips and products, life as an entrepreneur and why the beauty industry needs to support small clean brands.
All images provided by SHELOOKUP.
1) Could you tell us about yourself and how you got into the skincare industry?
I’m Katrina, and I’ve been in the beauty industry for over four years with SLU Beauty. I studied communications at university and have six years of experience in media and marketing. After four years in retail, my passion for skincare and beauty led me to train as a beautician, and we expanded our services by launching Beautique.
2) Why did you start SLU Beauty?
While living in Germany, I studied the language and shared my experiences through a blog. As a skincare enthusiast, I tried many products, but after learning that some underarm rollers contained harmful ingredients, many of my readers asked if we could bring natural skincare from Germany to Hong Kong. This led to the launch of a small online webshop, and after receiving numerous inquiries, we were invited to open a popup shop in Hong Kong, which eventually resulted in our physical store.
3) How do you wish to impact the skincare industry in Hong Kong with SLU Beauty?
SLU Beauty started by bringing natural, clean beauty products from Germany to offer more choices for customers. Over the years, we expanded our selection to include brands from Germany, France, Ireland, and Australia, promoting a wide range of clean beauty options. Last year, we launched our own brand, Schnique, which focuses on plant-based skincare, primarily made in Germany.
4) What is behind the decision to focus on Green Beauty skincare brands? How do you choose the brands you work with?
Living in Germany inspired me to appreciate a natural lifestyle focused on sustainability and recycling. I aimed to raise awareness of green beauty among city dwellers by collaborating with brands that prioritize the environment, using natural and organic ingredients and sharing their unique sustainability stories.
5) What are your top recommended SLU Beauty products?
Many of our products are customer favourites, but if I had to choose, I’d recommend our cleansers, toners, serums, and masks. Each product is carefully formulated to deliver effective results while staying true to our clean beauty philosophy. Personally, I love them all!
6) What’s next for you and your business?
With our newly established beauty center, Beautique, and the launch of our brand, Schnique, our focus is on expanding brand awareness in the European market, especially since our products are made in Germany. We also plan to introduce our retail and Beautique service concept into shopping malls to enhance the customer experience.
7) What is your must-have product and must-do skincare tip, and why?
For me, must-have skincare items go beyond just one — I always bring our own brand item Schnique cleansing milk, along with moisturizer, serum, and lotion, even on business trips, along with sheet masks for extra hydration. My top skincare tip is to do a double mask treatment at home every week and get a professional beauty treatment at Beautique. I also try to exercise at least once a week for body detox, which helps improve circulation and contributes to healthier, glowing skin.
8) Is there anything else you would like for our readers to know about yourself or SLU Beauty?
Many small clean beauty brand owners work hard to create products that are both effective and environmentally friendly, which requires a lot of passion and effort in sourcing the right ingredients. It’s not an easy task, but their dedication drives the industry forward. I hope people appreciate and support these small brands, as they play a valuable role in shaping the future of beauty.
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All imagery is provided by SHELOOKUP.
Website: Slubeauty.com | Instagram: @shelookup_slu Website: Slubeautique.com | Instagram: @slu_beautique
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