I used to read Female and Her World magazines under the table whenever the teacher was talking. I would study the cover girls and their makeup.

My friends and I shared the same interests so after school, we’d gather at someone’s house or at the beach to conduct our own fashion shoots.

People would call us weirdos because we used to be very interested in fashion magazines but I really didn’t give a damn. Why should I bother?

I was a fashion outcast because I was always in my own world; I’d roll up my pants and wear slip-on shoes. I believe you should wear what looks good on you; trends are just guidelines.

My family is very supportive of my career. They even wanted to pay for my makeup course. My grandma, who’s normally very old-fashioned, even suggested I do hair. I thought to myself, “Wow, my grandma is so happening.”

I have another talent only those close to me know about. I’m a handyman. When my friends move, I’m always the one screwing things into the wall and assembling furniture from IKEA.

I’ve been wearing perfume since I was 14. I can’t wear the same scent everyday; maybe the same scent for a few days. I have a very good nose. I can often guess what perfume a person is wearing. That’s my other passion.

People always say, “The women in your house are very lucky then!” But to be honest, they hardly wear makeup. My sister never wore makeup until the day of her wedding.

I’m known for the way I bring out a woman’s natural beauty. I like to make women look sexy because I think sex sells.

In countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, there is this misconception that fair-skinned people belong in the upper class. I think I look healthier tanned.

I won’t single out the people in the fashion and entertainment industries for being bitchy. Everyone can be bitchy; even teachers. Teachers are no saints.

Zhang Ziyi was very easygoing; she was really very nice. Beijing-ers are very direct; I think that’s why Faye Wong and her have such bad reputations. But being direct is good; it keeps you from having to guess.

Working with the Spice Girls was fun. They were still working on their first album, Wannabe. They all knew how to apply makeup, especially Posh. Sporty Spice was the most “bo chap” so she let me do her makeup. When I took out my gold eyeliner, the other girls started to crowd around me. We all got along quite well, but I must admit that Victoria (Beckham) was the biggest drama queen of them all.

I’m glad I don’t get star struck easily or else it’d be really hard for me to work.