Model Yumi Nu on Her Everyday Skin Care, Foolproof Winged Eyeliner, and Creating Faux Freckles

By Kiana MurdenDirected by Gabrielle Reich

September 9, 2022

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“When I was younger, I didn’t really have any people I looked up to for beauty or any specific role models,” says Yumi Nu of growing up in the early aughts without seeing representations of herself in the media. So rising to fame as the first Asian curve model to appear in Vogue and Sports Illustrated wasn’t something the 25-year-old runway star exactly saw coming. “It’s crazy how life can be so full circle and the opposite of what you think it will be,” she says.

Despite Nu’s recent prominence, she’s no newbie to the industry. In fact, her modeling career began when she was a baby. “I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, and I can’t wait to do more,” she says with a smile. And when Nu’s not making history as a model, she’s writing songs and making music. “I think that without that creative expression and output, I just don’t really feel as healthy or happy as I do when I’m expressing myself,” she says. Another form of self-care is Nu’s beauty routine, which she’s sharing step-by-step today.

To start, Nu cleanses her combination skin with face wash and a Foreo device. Next up, are under-eye patches and a Japanese sheet mask. “When I’m working, I basically do the same thing, but I just make sure to double cleanse after I get home from a shoot to get all the makeup out of my pores,” she says. Once her skin is clean and hydrated, she begins layering on skin care. “I became more educated about sun damage as I got in my 20s, and I wish I would’ve started earlier,” admits Nu as she slathers on EltaMD sunscreen. After applying eye cream, she massages her face with a ReFa Carat Face roller to reduce puffiness.

“I think as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started wearing less makeup because I’ve grown more confident in my bare face, and also, at work, I wear a lot of makeup, so I like to give my skin a break,” she says buffing in a stick foundation and contour. “I’m a big fan of makeup sticks, as you can see, because they’re really easy to carry around.” Two rounds of blush and Charlotte Tilbury’s viral highlighter add a touch of natural color, while a brow pencil and clear gel perfect her arches.

Onto eyes, Nu preps her lids with Urban Decay’s primer and a light brown shadow. Now it’s time for the most important part of her look: winged eyeliner. “Create an outline, then flick up,” she demonstrates while etching her wing with her favorite liquid formula by Stila. Lastly, mascara, setting powder, a mauve-y glossy lip, and faux freckles complete her glam. Then, with a spritz of Other Stories perfume, she bids us farewell—inviting us to stream her new single “Brittle” and tune in to Vogue World on Monday, September 12.

Below, shop Nu’s beauty secrets.