Celebrity beauty files: Singer-model Iman Fandi reveals her skincare secrets and what true beauty means to her

Singer-model Iman Fandi might have gotten her famous name from her dad, Singapore’s football legend Fandi Ahmad, and her unquestionable good looks from model mum Wendy Jacobs, but her talent as one of Singapore’s most promising rising stars is all her own.

The 23-year-old’s soulful rendition of Dick Lee’s Bunga Sayang at the 2023 National Day Parade (NDP) was arguably the highlight of the event. And she's since become a fixture in nearly every major show such as Le'ts Celebrate 2024 and Celebrate Youth Electric Garden.

Growing up in the public eye, Iman’s biggest concern was stepping out from her famous parents’ shadows. She shared: “By just being me and pursuing my dreams, I believe I have done that to an extent.” Tapping on her own talent, the singer’s voice led her to carve a path all her own.

Also her own is her brand of beauty, of naturally flowing hair and sun-kissed complexion. “It’s great that there is inclusivity in the beauty industry because more people will be able to find what suits them and look up to people who also look just like them,” she said.

Though the world seems to be at the feet of this golden girl, Iman is quick to tell CNA Lifestyle all about the beauty lessons she’s had to unlearn, beauty challenges she faced and where true beauty really comes from.

WHAT'S YOUR BEAUTY PHILOSOPHY?

If you enjoy makeup and trying out different looks, go for it and don’t let others stop you from being creative and showing your self expression.

And no thanks to social media, the pressure is on to have perfect or good skin but everyone’s skin and hormones are different. I think it’s important to be kind and uplift one another.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY DEAL WITH THE "NOISE"?

I used to get affected (by negative comments) when I was younger but over time, I’ve learnt what and who are important to me. I try to ignore (the noise) as much as possible but sometimes they still get to me and that’s why having good people around me is important because they remind me that negativity doesn’t matter.

WHAT WERE YOUR BIGGEST CONCERNS GROWING UP IN THE SPOTLIGHT AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?

My biggest concern was stepping out of my parents' shadows. By just being me and pursuing my dreams, I believe I have done that to an extent. I have also accepted the fact that no matter what I do or don’t, people will always have an opinion. I have learnt to just do what I love, keep going forward and surround myself with the people who I care about and support me.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST MODELLING EXPERIENCE? HOW DID IT HELP YOU AS A MUSICIAN AND A YOUNG WOMAN GROWING UP?

When I was younger, I was definitely more shy and introverted than I am now, but modelling, fashion and photography fascinated me in ways I could not describe. I just knew it was something I wanted to pursue.

I used to do shoots with mum when I was younger and along the way, I became comfortable in front of the camera. I started modelling independently when I was 14, I remember being a little awkward and shy at first but after being around the crew and getting to know everyone, modelling became second nature to me. It took some time (for me) to learn my best angles and poses but I will say that it’s something I’ll always enjoy doing.

I think modelling has helped me better portray the characters in the songs I create because it is similar to acting where I get to embody the person I want to portray and show the story I want to tell.

DID YOUR MODEL MUM TEACH YOU ANYTHING ABOUT TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN AND APPEARANCE?

My mum never forgets to remind me that proper cleansing after shoots is essential to caring for my skin. While I enjoy wearing make-up, I was never someone who would wear it if I didn’t need to. I’ve also learnt that eating healthy and drinking plenty of water also counts (as caring for my skin).

First impressions are among the most important aspects when it comes to making an appearance. I always ensure I’m dressed appropriately for the occasion, either my stylist will pick something out or I will find something from my own closet.

WERE THERE ANY BEAUTY LESSONS YOU'VE HAD TO UNLEARN ALONG THE WAY?

Having my makeup done countless times by various make-up artists, I’m constantly learning what lip colours suit my skin tone, which foundation is best for my skin type and many other make-up tips and tricks. Right up to a year or two ago, I was having trouble lining my eyes correctly. Turns out that I was doing it wrong the whole time! So that was something I had to learn.

WE HEARD YOU WOULD REHEARSE SINGING IN THE SHOWER. WHAT BEAUTY HACKS DID YOU HONE WHILE SHOWERING?

That it’s best to rinse off your hair conditioner before cleansing the body as residual hair conditioner on the skin can cause skin irritation and acne.

DID YOU HAVE ANY BEAUTY-RELATED CHALLENGES EARLY ON?

My personal challenge was in finding the right products for my curly hair in Singapore’s humidity. I had to bring hair products from South Africa back to Singapore before products for curly hair became available in Singapore.

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT BEAUTY OBSESSIONS?

I love lip oils because they aren’t sticky like lip glosses. I’m also into popular Korean beauty hits like toner pads – they have ingredients that are good for most skin types.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE #IMANTRIES CHALLENGES AND WHAT'S NEXT ON THE LIST?

The most memorable #ImanTries episode was one of the first episodes in which I tried Bungee jumping with a good friend. Another challenge was a baking competition I did with my younger brother Iryan, which was a really fun experience that helped us bond.

On the beauty front, I would love to try giving facials. I personally love having them and so I thought it would be fun to learn more about it.

IN ONE INTERVIEW YOU GAVE, YOU MENTIONED YOU HAVE DYSLEXIA. DID THAT GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR MUSIC?

It did not get in the way of my music because the music I write comes from personal experiences or stories that I want to tell so that comes easily to me. But like many artistes, I faced challenges finding the right words that would suit the song nicely and still make sense.

ASIDE FROM MODELLING AND MAKING MUSIC, WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU BEEN BUSY WITH? WE HEARD YOU DO VOLUNTEER WORK.

In 2022, I interned at Impart, a charity that helps youths in the community, as part of my psychology degree. That was an eye-opening experience because it taught me so much about the things I don’t usually see on a day-to-day basis, like how a helping hand can change a child’s life. It was important to me because I wanted to do something meaningful and impactful, and witnessing how my contribution made a difference made me want to continue supporting their cause.