Beauty queen

Joanne Leong is creative marketing and PR manager for beauty brand Shiseido. Photo / NZ Herald

Joanne Leong's passion for beauty is perfectly channelled into her job as creative marketing and PR manager for beauty brand Shiseido. As part of her job she looks after Moisture Mist, Shiseido and Za cosmetics, with travel to Sydney and Tokyo making up a big part of her role. "No two days are ever the same," says Leong, who is currently working on the launch of Shiseido's first ever male fragrance launch (look out for this in time for Fathers' Day). Leong's style is an eclectic mix of classic but glamorous pieces and the more outlandish, something that's reflected in her workday outfits. "At work I'll wear anything from a classic black suit to a metallic dress - depending on what inspires me that day."

What's your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure?

Way too regular spa treatments and weekly manicures. My favourites are the Chuan Spa in Auckland and Shiseido Luxury Salon & Spa in Ginza.

What is your favourite accessory?

At the moment, my gigantic Anton Heunis cocktail ring from World and anything from Boh Runga's jewellery collection.

Best fashion bargain?

Zara.

Who does the best shoes?

Christian Louboutin - the higher the heel, the closer you are to heaven.

The best jeans?

Nudie Jeans. They never go out of shape no matter how many times they have been through the dryer.

What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?

A decent lightweight trench coat.

What endures throughout the seasons?

Black footless leggings - the most versatile essential in any wardrobe.

What do you really want this coming season?

The latest Issey Miyake fragrance, "a scent". Cash Honey Coat from World - and everything from Sofia Coppola's collection for Louis Vuitton.

Your favourite shop?

World Deluxe Store on High St. A visual feast and Sarah the retail manager there is a true gem.

Your favourite shop elsewhere?

Shiseido Parlour, a unique one-of-a-kind art deco restaurant and chocolate boutique, in Tokyo. Yes Shiseido does chocolates!

What is your beauty routine?

I am naturally a Shiseido junkie, because the products do deliver what is promised on the packaging! I cannot live without Shiseido's Eudermine, which I use religiously every night. This is a revitalising essence that has been around for 112 years and transforms your skin into a silky smooth canvas. I also use Shiseido's White Lucent range - great to help reduce sun spots and gives your skin a luminous glow. And every four weeks I call on the uber-cool Danny at d&m hair salon in Ponsonby.

Your best beauty tip?

Always wear a foundation with high SPF, even in winter. My pick is Moisture Mist's Dual Control Liquid Foundation.

What can't you live without?

Za cosmetic blotting paper, my Blackberry, and eggs benedict from Blake St Cafe.

Your fashion obsession?

Right now, it's shiny killer heels. The inner magpie in me has suddenly emerged in full force this season.

Is there anything you'd never wear?

Harem pants, a piece that is not flattering on anyone!

Any style icons?

Irina Lazareanu and Audrey Tautou.

The one fashion rule you always break ... or that you think should never have been a rule in the first place?

Glitter is for night-time only.

Favourite fashion film?

Hors de prix and Marie Antoinette

Best trend of this season?

Shiseido's stunning yellow eyeshadow, named Solaris - you will be surprised by how amazing it looks on.

How do you define the word "fashionable", what does it mean to you?

A quote from Issey Miyake sums it up: "With clothes, designers invent the first half and the person who wears them invents the other half." Make every outfit your own, wear it with confidence - now that is very fashionable.