Our latest Beauty Boss is Jennifer Yen, Founder of clean skin care brand Purlisse and YENSA, a line of cosmetics and skin care products that are inspired by Superfood traditions and Asian rituals. After a successful career in television, Yen transitioned from acting to the beauty industry and started two well-known and respected brands.

As a Chinese-American growing up in Alabama, Yen never felt completely comfortable being herself, and it wasn’t until she re-embraced her heritage when she was older that she was inspired to help give women a reason to believe in their own beauty. Purlisse and YENSA products are formulated by top chemists and research labs in America, France, Korea and beyond in order to create clean and luxurious products that deliver effective and lasting results.

We chatted with Yen, who shared the inspiration behind both of her brands, secrets for success, wellness tips, favorite beauty products, and much more.

When were Purlisse and YENSA founded and what do the names mean?

Purlisse was founded in 2008 and means “pure and smooth” in French. YENSA means “color and face” in Chinese and is derived from my last name.

What inspired the creation of the brands?

I created Purlisse after working as the TV villain Vypra on “Power Rangers.”  I wore heavy makeup for 15 hours a day and it wrecked my skin. I developed psoriasis, eczema and adult acne. I tried everything and nothing worked and this is when I rediscovered my grandmother’s Asian beauty rituals such as white tea and blue lotus, which are signature ingredients in Purlisse’s skin care.

I created YENSA after giving birth to my daughter. I was once again faced with troubled skin but I was 10 years older, my skin was hormonal, lackluster and I had some melasma. My mother was taking care of me and following a tradition rooted in Chinese medicine called Zuo Yue Zi, where the new mother sits out for one month and integrates superfoods such as black rice, black tea and black seaweed into her daily routine. This brought radiance and vitality to my skin. I knew that I wanted to infuse Superfood skin care into complexion cosmetics. This is how YENSA the Superfood Cosmetic was born.

Do both brands have hero products?

YENSA BC Foundation and Super Serum Silk Foundation are hero products. People love these foundations as they are fused with power house Superfoods so our foundations are taking care of the skin while delivering full, flawless coverage and don’t feel natural and silky.

Purlisse Perfect BB Cream and Ageless Glow BB Cream are also hero products. Fans love the coverage of these bb creams that have soothing skin care ingredients such as goji berry and vitamin C with SPF protection. And it looks so natural and feels lightweight.

What are your favorite products from the brands?

From YENSA it’s definitely the Super Serum Silk Foundation. I now need more coverage and ingredients that promote skin-longevity! This foundation gives me the coverage I need and I know it’s nourishing my skin with Superfoods and tried and true age-defying ingredients like vitamin C, ferulic acid and bakuchiol oil.

From Purlisse it’s the Vitamin C CC Cream with SPF 50. I wear this on the weekends when I play tennis, out and about or when I can take a hike. I love the coverage, the way it feels and looks, and how it’s protecting my skin with vitamin C and SPF 50. 

Where are your products sold?

YENSA is sold on our website, Nordstroms, Saks Fifth Avenue and QVC. Purlisse is sold on our website, C.O. Bigelow in New York, Amazon and IPSY.

Future plans for the brands?

YENSA will have amazing new Superfood products launching this year.  We plan to grow more in our existing channels and we are launching in the UK this year. Stay tuned!

Purlisse will also have amazing new products coming out.  We have great collaborations with IPSY this year and we will expand into more retail.

Who inspires you?

I know several single moms who are the breadwinners, providing for their families. These women are bold and inspiring. My mother also inspires me. She is one of the hardest working people I know, loves her kids and has made incredible sacrifices.

Secret to success?

There are no shortcuts to success. You will never meet a self-made, strong and successful person who has an easy path. Every successful person will have a story of relentless struggle, fight, failure, hard work and persistence than success.

Beauty secrets?

I eat healthy foods, wear sunscreen, exercise, and try not to be overly stressed. And I use YENSA and Purlisse products.

Wellness tips?

Prioritize your health and well-being every day.  Make healthy food choices and move your body.

Best advice?

The greatest love story starts with yourself. Prioritize and love yourself first.

How do you like to relax?

I love to watch interesting documentaries in bed, read outside when it’s warm, practice piano, and take hot baths.

For more information, visit Purlisse’s website and YENSA’s website. Follow both on Instagram: @yensabeauty @purlisse

[Images courtesy of Purlisse and YENSA]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk