Cynthia Ess

“Beauty is finding happiness, having confidence, and learning to love your true self.”

Please briefly introduce yourself.

My name is Cynthia and I’m a freelance graphic designer, beauty enthusiast, avid thrifter, and mom of two! Previously I worked as a designer at Product 360 specializing in beauty packaging. After my second son was born, I decided to become freelance so I had the flexibility to stay at home and be with my kids.

What is a typical day for you like?

This year has been anything but typical. I’ve actually struggled a lot with finding a routine. Sometimes I spend the whole day chasing after my two boys. I am grateful that I can work at my own pace balancing motherhood, projects for Instagram, and freelance design work.

“I’ve come to realize that beauty for me is simple. Less is more. Now I am able to give more focus to my skin. Letting my skin breathe and go bare gives me so much joy!”

How has your background and experience shaped the person you are today?

I am a first-generation Chinese American. I was born in Beijing and I’m fluent in speaking Mandarin. I moved to the U.S. when I was two and moved around a lot until finally settling in the midwest. We don’t have any family in the States so I am incredibly close to my parents. I studied at Rhode Island School of Design where I met Erica and made a lot of my lasting friendships. I moved to NYC after college and worked at small design studios as a graphic designer. Soon after moving, I met my now-husband. After 6 incredible years of living in New York, we moved to Los Angeles to start a family. I always knew I wanted to be a mother and that that would be one of my biggest roles in life. I lost my brother when I was 12 and having a big family is something I always dreamed of having.

Does balance play a role in your life?

Balance is something I’m working on. As a parent, this year has been very hard. I’ve often felt burnt out at the end of the day but I’m working on creating a balance between my kids, my husband, work, and self-care.

What are some tips on maintaining balance and taking care of your well-being?

Manage your time wisely and set aside time for self-care!

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty is finding happiness, having confidence, and learning to love your true self.

How has your perception of beauty evolved over the years?

I’ve come to realize that beauty for me is simple. Less is more. I used to never leave the house without a full face of makeup on. I wanted to hide certain features and cover up any imperfections. I used terribly harsh products on my skin to try to see results overnight. It seems so obvious now, but in my 30’s I’m finally realizing that beauty is way beyond how you look. It’s being comfortable in your own skin, being true to yourself, and how you treat others. Now I am able to give more focus to my skin. Letting my skin breathe and go bare gives me so much joy!

Are there any beauty tips from your culture that you can share?

If I am breaking out, then I know my ying and yang or Qi (energy) is imbalanced or blocked. Whenever I feel that imbalance, I love drinking tea (chrysanthemum and green tea are my favorites) to help detox the body. And more recently, I’m loving gua sha for a facial massage to help increase circulation and reduce inflammation.

What are your beauty and wellness rituals?

No matter what my schedule is like for the day, I always make time for my skincare routine. There are a lot of steps but I really enjoy the process – cleansing balm, cleanser, toner, essence, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and SPF.

What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Wear the right amount of sunscreen. I’ve always known to wear sunscreen because sun damage is the number one cause of skin aging, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized how much is the appropriate amount (which is a lot more than you think!). Now I go by the three-finger rule and I’ve noticed an actual difference in my skin! My acne scarring has started to repair faster.

What are you reading or listening to that has made a lasting impression on you lately?

I need to make more time for books and podcasts. For podcasts, my go-to is The Daily!

What are some conscious decisions we can make to help the environment and our planet?

Support sustainable beauty brands. Implement small changes such as using reusable cotton pads. Shop second hand! This past year I have only been buying thrifted clothing. The amount of clothing that ends up in landfills is shocking so I’m super happy to give clothing a second life!

What is your personal or professional mission?

To always do what I love and to be kind to others and to myself.

What does being a Good Egg mean to you?

It means being a reliable friend, a patient mother, a thoughtful partner, a good listener, and skincare enthusiast!

Make a wish for your future self.

I wish for my health and happiness and I hope that I am able to find balance.

Follow Cynthia’s journey at @cynthialions.