A New Light: Esther Sham

We speak to the chef about a skincare routine that can keep up with her busy schedule

As the founder of French restaurant Maison ES and private dining space Ta Pantry, Esther Sham, or Chef Tata, is no stranger to multitasking. Juggling her day between family, her established business and taking care of herself, the former model appreciates skincare products that can keep her skin fresh and healthy.

Creative, meticulous and refined, her creations represent limitless possibilities. Her dedication to her passion and quality cooking resonates perfectly with that of Clé de Peau Beauté’s Synactif skincare collection, the world’s first high-performance skincare line that focuses on improving the functionality of the lymphatic system and is perfect for working mothers.

Here, Esther shares how her passion for cooking started, her inspiration and skincare tips for a busy schedule:

Above Esther Sham is the founder of French restaurant Maison Es; Dress by Alice McCall available at Net-A-Porter (Photo: Moses Ng for Hong Kong Tatler)

When did you find your passion in cooking?

I discovered my passion when I was modeling back in between 2005 to 2007.

What is your favourite recipe?

My signature “Melting Onion Duck”.

As a chef, where do you draw your inspiration from?

I draw my inspirations from the people around me, especially the ones I care the most. What they like to eat or their dining preferences are basically the guidelines to my food designs. Afterall, I’m cooking for them!

Above Esther Sham with the Synactif Lotion, Synactif Soap and Synactif Cream; Jumpsuit by Club Monaco (Photo: Moses Ng for Hong Kong Tatler)

Do you follow the latest food trends?

As a chef, I need to know what’s trending in the market. But it’s very important to maintain our own styles while updating our cookings.

Talk us through your skincare regime.

I first use a makeup remover, then a purifying soap to cleanse with muslin cloths, and to keep my skin hydrated I apply a soft and balancing toner with a cotton pad. In dry weather, I would apply face oil before putting on firming serum, eye cream, face cream and lotion.

Above The Synactif Collection (Photo: Moses Ng for Hong Kong Tatler)

What’s the skincare step you can’t miss despite a busy schedule?

The skincare steps I won't skip are cleansing, toning and applying moisturiser with UV protection.

What do you see as the similarities between Clé de Peau Beauté’s Synactif—a collection that embodies the beauty of limitless possibilities—and what you do in your everyday career?

In my career as a chef, I’ve learn a lot from trial and error as I create my own recipes, which can be challenging but rewarding at the same time. There are so many possibilities to explore, especially when it comes to cooking, and you'll never know what works and what doesn't until you try.

Above Esther Sham with Synactif Night-Time Moisturizer; Dress by Alice McCall available at Net-A-Porter (Photo: Moses Ng for Hong Kong Tatler)

How does your creative process get affected by possibilities?

I do leave room for these possibilities during my creative process, and be as flexible as I could be. Sometimes a creative idea might feel perfect in my head, but there could be more possibilities for changes when it’s being executed.

Clé de Peau Beauté’s Synactif cream is a collection that works with a synergistic skincare system. How do you create synergy in your cooking?

Engage the diners in my dishes, let them know what behind the design and also always listen to their feedbacks.

Discover more at cledepeaubeaute.com

Credits

Photography

Moses Ng

Styling

Mira Uttamchandani

Hair

Karen Yiu

Make-Up

Karen Yiu

Location

V-Zug

Topics

Clé de Peau Beauté Synactif Luxury Skincare Beauty Luxury Beauty Products

Tatler Asia

A New Light: Esther Sham