Everything you want to know about Sora Choi

You can't just use the word "Asian face" to describe Sora Choi, a 26-year-old Model from South Korea: the recognizable, fierce and dark woman who started her career on Korea's Next Top Model in 2012 and has since established herself in the fashion world as a designer favorite with talent and ambition within a few years

In the Fall/Winter 2019 catwalk alone, Sora Choi performed at 34 major shows, including an opening performance for Burberry, and made it into the MDC Top 50 Models list. We caught up with Sora Choi to talk about everything from how she thinks Asian faces are represented in fashion to the beauty products that make her a part of her life -- and we even went through the supermodel's makeup bag.

Q: The fashion industry has been slowly diversifying in recent years. As one of Korea's top models going through this process, how do you feel about it? What do you expect Asians to look like in the fashion industry?

A: Although I've only been on the international stage for A few years, I haven't seen many changes in the past few years. For example, I remember auditioning for one of those "last-minute" shows where all the models in the line were Asian faces.

In an audition like this, everyone knows that there's probably only one model in the room who ends up on the show -- in order for the show to have an Asian face, they have to choose an Asian model.

Things are different now, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. My wish is simple: Asian models don't get jobs because they "have an Asian face", they get jobs because they are great models.

Yes, the label "Korean" defines me, both as a person and as a model. But there are many more angles to me: they are all part of me. This applies to all models: I want to see models walk the runway because of their unique shine in the field, not just because of their skin color.

Q: Korean makeup is becoming more and more popular all over the world. When taking care of your skin, will you follow this Korean multi-skin care process?

A: I don't follow that 10-step regimen exactly, but there are certain routines that are essential to my routine. After cleaning my face, I pat dry any remaining moisture on my face (instead of towel drying) and apply SK-II fairy water five times. Then I will replenish the skin with essence and lock in the moisturizing ingredients with cream.

The most integral part of my skin care routine is sun protection, every day. It doesn't matter what product you use, it's all about choosing the one that's perfect for your skin. SPF and PA are listed on sunscreen packages, so it's best to choose the best combination for your skin based on your recent skin conditions and time spent in the sun.

Q：In your opinion, what does the iconic "Sora Choi makeup look like?" What elements does this look contain?

A: Matte red lips are my trademark. Even when I'm running from show to show during fashion week, I paint red lips before I leave the backstage. In short, red lips are my life. Because runway shows often require different styles of makeup, I use lip balm that is easily removed before going on stage.

Ruby Woo by M.A.C is one of my favorites. I can't stand glassy, oily red lips. Ruby Woo is the perfect matte red. I keep one on my dresser and I always find one in all my bags. I stockpile a lot at a time, so I'm never in a hurry to have something to hand.

When I'm not working, I use a long-lasting lip dye, and Tolymoly is my choice. There's a Tolymoly store in Koreatown, New York, but when it runs out of stock, it takes so long to get it back on the shelves that when I go back to Korea, I stock it up.

The "Red Shocking" color I'm using has a subtle flash that won't drop. I like to paint my lips with lip balm and then, when the lip balm dries out, apply a coat of matte lip balm -- that way, my lips stay a bold, saturated red from day to night.

Q: Your casual hairstyle has become one of your personal traits. How did you decide to adopt this hairstyle? What hair products do you use?

A: There's no special story behind my hair -- I got tired of my old hairstyle, so I got A pair of scissors from the kitchen and cut my hair. Since then, I haven't found a better hairstyle. Because of my job, my hair is constantly in different styles, so I get quite damaged.

I use hair oil to prevent damage, but I haven't used a product that surprises me. I think, hair oil this matter, which suits oneself most in daily life, which is the best.

Sora's Beauty Essentials

SK-II Toner: Use one tun ten. This one will keep my skin from getting dehydrated inside and give it a better texture.

Dior Capture Youth Glow Booster Essence: Vitamins for my skin. Because it contains some oil, the essence will lock in the moisturizing ingredients inside.

SK-II cream: I'm not a big fan of heavy textures, so I like this light cream. It's got just the right amount of grease inside, it's not greasy but it's also moisturizing.

Estee Lauder ANR: I use this at night after cleansing. The next morning it feels like my skin has been refreshed.

Shu Uemura petal muscle soft coke air cushion powder: with this nearly half a year. I usually only on bask in do not go up bottom makeup, because very hate the skin to be "stuffy" to the feeling. But a friend gave me this, and I love it: light, enough concealer, just the right amount of moisture, and soft skin after use.

M.A.C Monochrome Eye Shadow "Soba" : Although it's an eye shadow, I use it for contouring. It's a natural color on my face, so I don't feel like I'm trying too hard.

Chanel 4 Color Eye Shadow 268 'Candeur ET Experience' : All my favorite colors are in this dish.

Sugar Reve Eyebrow Pencil: Light-colored eyebrow pencils are everywhere in Korea, but black eyebrow pencils are hard to find -- even for darker ones, they are mostly dark brown. I bought this online: there's nothing different about this one except that it's black -- that's why I like it.

Liquid Kissme Eyeliner: You can create a smooth, long-lasting liner.

Clio Sharp So Simple Waterproof Eyeliner: Unlike Kissme, this is a solid eyeliner. This very thin, painted line is extremely neat and lasts a long time.

Kissme Long and Long Mascara: The pros and cons of this one are the same: it's super long. So long that it's hard to unload, it's just worrying.

Kerasys Silk Protein Hair Perfection Oil: I like to spray a little on my hair before going out, but I still use OGX at home.