SK-II recently held its inaugural North American #ChangeDestiny forum chaired by global ambassador, Cate Blanchett and attended by digital pioneer and entrepreneur, Michelle Phan and acclaimed singer-songwriter, Anggun.

Inspired by the stories of millions of SK-II users who have shared how the brand’s products made it possible for their skin to #ChangeDestiny, SK-II has moved beyond products alone. The brand has committed to empowering women to take control of their futures and achieve their aspirations through the #ChangeDestiny campaign. Cate shared her personal #ChangeDestiny stories video as below and talked other moments where embracing change had lead to the most pivotal and fulfilling moments in her life personally and professionally.

“It’s been a fascinating experience working with SK-II on its #ChangeDestiny campaign as I have had to opportunity to reflect on the big moments of change in my own life. It has given me pause to recognise the significance of changes that have ultimately resulted in the most extraordinary experiences. I’ve realised that embracing the fear of change has resulted in my life becoming much richer.” – Cate Blanchett

Cate also shared the strong story of change was drawn to in the character ‘Carol’s life’ in the film of the same name. According to Cate, the chance to play Carol was a privilege. The complexities of Carol herself, in some ways, mirror many women’s lives even today and the struggles we face with ourselves. However, it was Carol’s great sacrifice to lead an authentic life and the change that came from it that she found so poignant. The beauty of the story for Cate was her brave choice to be herself in spite of enormous societal pressure.

Also present at the SK-II #changedestiny event are digital pioneer and successful beauty entrepreneur, Michelle Phan and internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, World Music Award winner and United Nation’s Goodwill Ambassador, Anggun.

“Since day one, I have believed that I am in control of my destiny and despite the many challenges along the way; it is something that has always driven me. I want to harness everything I have learnt to empower a new generation of young women to dream freely and find their purpose. It’s so rewarding to see positive change taking effect in others and dreams being realized.” – Michelle Phan

Anggun rounded out the forum panel and also shared her #ChangeDestiny video.

“Back in Indonesia, growing up as a child star, I thought success was easy. I was arrogant enough to think that I was invincible. Yet at the same time, despite the success, I wasn’t happy. At 21, I decided to pack my bags and my music to London. It was then when I had my first taste of rejection and failure. But I promised myself, I wasn’t going to go home empty handed. I realized, then, if you see a problem from a different angle, it gives you a different solution. When I moved from London to France, it was like an epiphany. When those life changing turning points come, you have to be ready to seize the moment. Looking back, I had to go through all that to be who I am today.” – Anggun

The #ChangeDestiny campaign is all about challenging the belief that destiny is set at birth and celebrating women who have gone beyond limitations to achieve success. Ching Lan, deaf dancer who has forged a successful career from Taiwan. Megumi Kanzaki, founder of Matahar.net, Cate Blanchett, Michelle Phan, and Anggun – all of these women have one thing in common. They have all overcome personal and societal limitations that women often face to take control of their own destinies.

These are just a few out of the hundreds of women whose inspirational stories SK-II has collected as part of its global #ChangeDestiny movement. Some of the stories were developed as videos and uploaded on SK-II’s official YouTube channel have encouraged many conversations online.

Here are the Q&A from the Google Hangout with Cate Blanchett.

What kind of makeup do you like for the red carpet, so that you can display your own characteristics without losing the sense of occasion?
When it comes to makeup I will go with a strong eye and soft lip or conversely a strong lip and a softer eye. This I think always looks balanced.

What is your beauty routine before Oscars? Are there any differences when comparing with daily beauty routine?
Three to four days out I will supplement my usual skincare routine with the Facial Treatment Mask in the mornings if I have the time. Often it is at night when I am just about to go to bed though.

I have recently found that using the SK-II Facial Treatment Oil helps to keep my skin hydrated for a long period of time. Just a few spritz of the SK-II Miracle Mid Day Essence helps to top it up.

The day of a red carpet event, it is all of the above and then the SK-II LxP range which I have been using for a long time now. I feel that SK-II has kept my skin in good condition so I really don’t need to mix my regimen up to much.

Is there one product that has changed your skin and destiny?
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. I have been enjoying this product as part of my skincare journey for 15 years. It is simply the elixir of translucent skin.

Can you share when was the biggest moment/experience you ‘changed your destiny’?
There is no single moment that has changed my destiny. Rather it is the sum of many serendipitous moments. Meeting my husband, having children, working in the theatre, making movies, moving countries, travelling, reading a novel or play. It is the sum of all these things that ultimately changes ones destiny. It is the small, imperceptible choices we make that can often have the most significant impact on our lives.

Can you also share your personal thoughts about SK-II brand philosophy to empower women to bring out her true best self and #changedestiny campaign?
For me, the most impactful message of the change destiny campaign is that it is not only the big decisions that one makes in life, but the small moments that can impact the most profound change. It may be in the form of rejection that inspires you to seek an alternate path. It may be in the form of reading an article that gets you to think differently or challenges you to follow a different course. This to me, is what change destiny is about.

In the context of changedestiny, can you share your ‘destiny’ of ‘true yourself’, in your life, and in your career? And how do you assess where you’re now in each destiny? You were always gorgeous in red carpet. Have you decided what to wear, what style and look will you prepare this time? Tell us what’s the secret how to look gorgeous all the time? Any red carpet do’s and don’ts?
Change Destiny for me is always to be authentic and follow my heart. There are moments in life where people are telling you to do things, that you may not agree with and for me, it is following my authentic self that has seen the most benefit.

In terms of red carpet, that is the ‘fun’ element side of my work and I don’t take it too seriously. Of course, I like to take a risk with fashion but that is my personal philosophy in that I appreciate design and I am dressing for myself, I am not dressing for others.

As time goes by, our appearance changes as we get older. Please share your standard of ‘beauty’ with us.
I have been using SK-II now for fifteen years, so over the course of that time, my product choice has varied but it has always been under-pinned with SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which to me is my ‘desert island’ skincare product. Well that, and a good SPF protection.

Currently I am using the LXP Range and find that for my skin, the infusion of concentrated Pitera works very well. When travelling on flights, or if I have a red carpet event, I always have a SK-II Facial Treatment Mask prior to putting on makeup as this super hydrates the skin in readiness for all the scrutiny of high definition cameras.

The SK-II Genoptics Aura Essence has been a new addition to my regimen to help brighten my skin tone.

I have also been using the SK-II Facial Treatment Oil recently and I am very impressed with the results. I find it to be very hydrating and helps to keep my skin dewy.

As one of the world’s top leading actresses, which role that you have represented you think changed your destiny the most?
I think the role of Elizabeth. It was a pivotal role with the character had such a strong pedigree of actors associated with it, so there was certain pressures associated. I will always have a place in my heart for Elizabeth and the people that believed I could do her justice.

Visit the SK-II Youtube page to see more inspiring #ChangeDestiny stories. For more information, feel free to follow SK-II on these social media channel – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.