Rituals That Shape Beauty: Estelle Fly’s Journey
For Estelle Lim, known on stage as Estelle Fly, the path to beauty is more than a routine—it’s a sacred ritual. Her time in Japan as part of the idol group Sea*A revealed to her a paradigm shift in how beauty could be interpreted. Unlike many artists who might dive straight into makeup, Estelle’s process began with a moment of tranquility dedicated to skincare. “Before any makeup touched our face, we were given 20 minutes for facials, massages, and masks,” she reminisces. In this environment, beauty transformed from a superficial task to an act of reverence for the skin.
Beauty Redefined
As she traveled and performed across Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Korea, her understanding of beauty evolved. Estelle realized that it transcended visuals; beauty became a reflection of how she cared for herself. “Beauty isn’t just how you look. It’s how deeply you care for yourself,” she asserts, marking a significant departure from her earlier focus on fleeting trends.
Shedding Trends for Authenticity
Before stepping onto the international stage, Estelle felt the pull of popular aesthetics, heavily influenced by Y2K trends in Korean and Japanese culture. “I was heavily influenced by smokey eyes, nude lips, and hyper-defined features,” she recalls. However, as her artistry blossomed, so did her perception of beauty. She began to embrace an inward approach, aligning her beauty routine with what genuinely resonated with her true self, rather than societal expectations.
Integrating Sound and Skincare
Estelle’s current beauty rituals are grounded in a blend of skincare and sound. Essential products like serums and masks are complemented by the soothing sounds of music or podcasts during her preparation. “It grounds me. It reminds me that beauty is an experience, not just an outcome,” she explains. This holistic approach reinforces her belief that beauty rituals should feel nourishing rather than merely ornamental.
From Lightweight To Dramatic
While her off-stage look leans towards a lightweight, matte aesthetic, Estelle fully embraces drama when performing. On stage, her beauty choices evolve, featuring defined eyes, glitter, and a “soft but juicy lip,” all accompanied by hair that dances with her movements. “There’s something powerful about letting your hair catch the light mid-performance,” she notes, emphasizing the significance of visual storytelling in her art.
Makeup as a Visual Translator
For Estelle, makeup transcends the traditional role of mere cosmetic enhancement; it acts as a conduit for her music. “Music is intangible. It’s energy. So everything visual becomes a translator,” she shares, highlighting how her makeup and styling serve not just as decoration, but as a means to convey emotion and narrative.
Upcoming EP: ZONE
With her upcoming EP, ZONE, Estelle is poised to take her visuals to new heights. “It’s about self-possession, feminine power, and knowing exactly who you are,” she elaborates. The bold, defined visuals that accompany this project are meant to give her voice an identity. “It’s about claiming space in a way I never used to,” she adds, marking a significant evolution in her artistic journey.
Empowering Young Performers
To young Singaporean artists still navigating their beauty identities, Estelle offers sage advice: “Start by choosing yourself. The world will give you a hundred versions of who you should be, but none of that matters until you decide what’s true.” For Estelle, beauty isn’t a mask to wear; it’s an expression of self-claim and empowerment. She encourages experimentation and encourages individuals to embrace all versions of themselves loudly and unapologetically.
Credits
The article features captivating photography by Angela Guo and art direction by Adeline Eng, showcasing Estelle’s transformative journey through a series of stylish visuals. Hair styling by Aung Apichai from Artistry Studios, using Kevin Murphy, and makeup by Lasalle Lee, utilizing Rare Beauty, further enhance the narrative of self-identity through beauty. The clothing featured, including pieces from Longchamp, Moncler, and MCM, complements the empowering theme of self-expression that Estelle embodies.
About this Series
The article is part of a six-part series celebrating SG60, spotlighting homegrown performers who have made their mark on international stages. By exploring their personal styles shaped by global experiences, the series delves into how traveling the world has influenced their journeys and definitions of beauty. Each performer shares insights into rituals, signature looks, and how life on the road continues to elevate their glow.
