"I like that we all embrace each other's cultures. We know so much about each other's festivals, religious occasions, the kind of food we eat—we don't classify roti canai as Indian but as Malaysian."

Shareeta Selvaraj

"If you didn't grow up seeing someone of the same colour as you in the media, you're not going to think that it's achievable for you.
I honestly think that young people are going to be encouraged to
pursue a career in media (whether
a host, model or actress) if they see someone they can relate to."

"The number of times that people have commented on the colour of my skin is just jarring. It's not
something that should be pointed out, even if it's a compliment. Why not talk about your character instead of your colour? You can't ever change your skin colour, and everyone is born with different shades."

"I grew up in New Zealand and studied in England for a bit, but I feel that Malaysia is the only place where I can learn so much about other cultures, and I like that many things unite us as a nation."

TALKING MALAYSIAN PRIDE, BEAUTY PHILOSOPHY AND SKINCARE ROUTINES

What do Shareeta Selvaraj, Ummi Nasir and Veen Dee Tan have in common besides a chockfull of personality and envy-inducing beauty routines? The same answer when queried on what makes them proudly Malaysian—and we are not making this up. In tribute to Malaysia's 62nd birthday, we talk to these three personalities on what they love the most about being a Malaysian, AM/PM skincare routines and more:

What is your skincare routine like?

"I didn't have a proper skincare routine in the past until my face had a massive breakout.
My dermatologist said that the products
I used were too strong for my combination-sensitive skin type so I stopped everything
I was using, and started on water-based moisturisers. I exfoliate with apricot scrubs a few times a week; and I use a super-hydrating sheet mask every other day.

I also use Skin Inc's Optimizer Voyage
Tri-Light every morning and I haven't had skin problems since then. When I want my skin to look glowy, I use Bio-Oil's gel serum, but otherwise I use Sunsense sunblock as a base. It's recommended by my doctor as I'm allergic to a lot of sunblocks.

I use a lot of masks from Fresh—my favourite is the Rose Face Mask. I've been using Face Halo in the shower just because it saves me a lot of cotton pads and it's easy to use. It removes my waterproof mascara as well."

What is your makeup routine like?

"Sunscreen first, always. I like Kevin Aucoin's concealer (I bought it in America when I was there)—it goes a long way.

Max Factor False Lash Effect on my lashes, Benefit Lip Tint on my lips, and Nars Matahari or Taj Mahal blush on my cheeks. I do like a bit of glitter on my eyelids when I'm going out."

Shareeta Selvaraj,
host & actress

"If you didn't grow up seeing someone
of the same colour as you in the media, you're not going to think that it's achievable for you. I honestly think that young people are going to be encouraged to pursue a career in media (whether a host, model or actress) if they see someone they can relate to."

"The number of times that people have commented on the colour of my skin is just jarring. It's not something that should be pointed out, even if it's a compliment. Why not talk about your character instead of your colour? You can't ever change your skin colour, and everyone is born with different shades."

What is your skincare routine like?

"I usually don't wash my face in the morning. I find that it strips my natural oils and my skin tends to get more dry.
I only use a serum and sunscreen in the daytime. In the evening, I always double cleanse with cleansing oil (Shu Uemura is the best and doesn't sting my eyes) and cleanser (non-foaming). I like Root Remedies Castille Cleanser because it's pure water and olive oil.

I always use toner with a cotton pad because it helps to remove any remaining residue on my face. When it comes to serums, I like Kora Organics and Chanel Sublimage.

I exfoliate twice a week, typically with Huxley Scrub Mask and Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask. I also make my own lip scrub with brown sugar and honey, and depending on my skin condition, I multi-mask too. I also like making my own DIY face mask i.e. virgin coconut oil and ripe avocado for a hydrating mask."

What is your makeup routine like?

"I love quick makeup routines. On good skin days, I just use concealer and loose powder. When I need to use full-coverage foundation, I just use one thin layer to let my skin breathe. My favourites are Too Faced Born This Way Concealer and Shu Uemura Unlimited Foundation.

Then, I just apply mascara and eyeliner or two shades of eyeshadow using my finger. Bronzer is very important because it gives your face dimension. I suggest a coral-toned bronzer if you are tan, and pink-based if you are fair.

I love Chanel's Stylo eyeliners as it glides on easily, and YSL Beauty's mascara for the wand. If your lashes are short, use a mascara with a smaller wand (like a comb). If you want more volume, use a thicker brush. Liquid lipsticks that have staying power tend to make lips dry, so I go for creamy mattes from Nars (the Audacious line) and Shiseido."

"Always enhance your natural beauty, whether you are fair or tan, have freckles or dark spots. When I have to work with models with freckles, I would just use cushion foundation on them for a natural finish."

Ummi Nasir

"I love to experiment with makeup when I have to go out for events. There was once when I was running late for an event, and all I did was just apply blue eyeshadow all over my lids and everyone was complimenting how good it looked. The most important thing to have is confidence."

"As a makeup artist, you have to have a signature—something that defines your identity and what makes you stand out as a makeup artist. I know that I can do makeup, but I also love talking and teaching—so why not teach people who want to learn about makeup?"

"I grew up in a multicultural environment—I went to a public school and found that growing up in that environment is very important when it comes to embracing other cultures as well as learning about tolerance and respect."

Ummi Nasir,
makeup artist

Ummi Nasir,
makeup artist

Veen Dee Tan,
fashion designer

What is your skincare routine like?

"I use very gentle non-foaming cleansers that are soap-free. My AM skincare routine is pretty simple—toner, serum, moisturiser and sunscreen. I use Pixi's Glow Tonic and Moisturiser, but if I want to have a glowy base, I use Biossance's Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil.

I didn't used to believe in SPF—until recently when my face started to get pigmentation. Now, after two months of using sunscreen, my skin tone has evened out. I have to admit that I was late to the game (laughs)."

In the evening, I double cleanse with an emulsifying cleanser from Dior, followed by a gel cleanser. I quite like Caudalie's toner and Estée Lauder's essence-in-lotion along with the ANR Serum. I pack on Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Oil and La Mer's Eye Concentrate before tucking in."

What is your makeup routine like?

"I really look up to our prime minister—his unwavering strength is an inspiration to all of us. I'm also proud of our younger generation. The Gen Z who clapped back at a recent hate comment about us "going back to our countries" proved that we are truly inclusive and open-minded."

Veen Dee Tan

"I've always wanted to start my fashion label— I founded Hanya last year with my husband. He handles operations and he's very supportive. I only have a team of four—for now. I haven't been pushing it too much but the sales have been really promising—I was surprised when some of our pieces were sold out!"

"I wouldn't say that our country
is liberal enough yet, but I hope Emma's generation will be. I hope she grows up in an environment where acceptance and forgiveness is valued and advocated for."

"I have a lot of projects but I had to turn some down as I couldn't cope [when I was pregnant]. I'm slowly making a comeback to the industry, starting with KLFW! The industry is as such—you have to stay relevant to build your name and brand."

"I always give honest reviews. I test all of the products I receive first before writing about it.

I'm obsessed with Fenty Beauty—I like the concealer and foundation. I can't live without eyeliner, and I've only started loving eyeshadow recently—it's hard to find eye makeup tutorials for monolids. Chanel and Tom Ford Beauty make amazing eyeshadow palettes. My go-to highlighter is from Becca, and I also use Chanel's stick blusher. I'm more of a tinted
lip balm person—Pat McGrath's mini ones are amazing. I accidentally broke one recently and I was so sad! Also, I can't sleep without lip balm— I wear Dior Lip Glow before sleeping."

Veen Dee Tan,
fashion designer

Credits:

Photography: Eric Chow/Blink Studio
Creative direction and styling: Loh Wei Yeen
Makeup: Ling Chong
Hair: Garrie Bobs
Wardrobe: Warehouse, Zara, Wanderlust + Co.
Layout & illustrations: Calleigh Yap