At GRAZIA Singapore HQ, the old excites us as much as the new and in this weekly column, we ask our fellow friends, industry-goers and beauty aficionados about the last thing they loved be it trends, products, or even the image they looked at when it came to inspiring themselves.
Here, content creator and entrepreneur Julia Amin (@Juliaaamin) of Fluffed Lash KL (@fluffedkl) shares some of her lasts.
The last beauty product I finished was the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in the shade Bliss ($39) which is definitely my daily go-to cream blusher. It seamlessly blends into my skin, providing me with a natural flush of colour that lasts throughout the day which makes it an amazing product in my daily makeup routine.
The last viral makeup/skincare trend I tried was the TikTok powder-before-foundation hack. Let me
tell you guys, it changed my life! It starts with the usual skincare prep before any makeup application and after moisturising, use a fluffy brush to dab on a light layer of translucent powder. Then mist the face with a setting spray, let it dry, and follow up with a face primer. Lastly, top everything off with foundation.
Applying a light layer of translucent powder before foundation can help absorb excess oils on the skin’s surface. This creates a smooth canvas and minimises shine throughout the day, making it especially beneficial for individuals with oily or combination skin. For those who prefer a more natural and sheer coverage look, using powder as a base can provide a subtle, airbrushed effect while allowing the skin’s natural texture to shine through.
The last beauty product I bought was Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter ($64) in the shade Champagne Pop! I always found my way back to it in that specific shade since I was 14 years old. Champagne Pop is a warm, golden-beige shade with peachy undertones, making it suitable for a wide range of skin tones, from fair to deep.
The highlighter has a unique, finely milled formula that imparts a radiant and luminous glow to my skin without emphasising my skin texture or looking glittery. It also provides a stunning sheen that catches and reflects light, giving my skin a natural, healthy-looking luminosity.
The last beauty product I bought again was the Too Faced Sun Bunny Natural Bronzer (US$44, about SGD$59) which I have kept loyal to since I was 15 years old. The bronzer is designed to mimic the natural glow of a sun-kissed tan with the perfect balance of warm and cool undertones that prevents it from appearing too orange or muddy.
The formula of the bronzer is buildable, meaning you can layer it gradually to achieve your
desired level of bronzing. This makes it suitable for a range of skin tones, allowing for both a
subtle touch of warmth and a more intense bronzed effect. I have been using this exact bronzer for about eight years, insane!
The last beauty indulgence I treated myself to was a manicure and pedicure! I always have my nails done every month as I feel that it boosts my confidence in some ways. When my hands look good, I tend to feel more put together and confident in my appearance.
Taking the time to get a manicure shows that you are investing in self-care and taking pride in your personal grooming, which can improve self-esteem. Having unique or stylish nails can also give a sense of individuality and confidence in showcasing your personality too.
The last beauty product I made a holy grail was FluffedKL’s DIY lash extensions ($17.28) and I don’t mean to be biased. I have always been a full-on lash extensions girly who’d get them done every month but at the time as a student, it got way too expensive for me to maintain. After moving to the UK to complete my studies, I realised I could not maintain lash extensions while studying. Still, I decided to find a solution for this issue that apparently tons of my friends were going through.
After several research and inquiries, the first thing I did after graduating was to start my own DIY lash extension business, the first ever in Malaysia. So for those who have been spending way too much on your extensions, let me tell you that DIY lash extensions will change your life! It is a cheaper alternative and can last up to a week or more when cared for properly and can also be reused.
They can also be done at home, eliminating the need to schedule appointments and visit a salon and you can get them done in less than five minutes. This convenience can be particularly meant for those with busy schedules or limited access to professional lash services.
You may also customise the style, length, and volume of the lashes according to your preferences. DIY lash extensions can be easily removed at home, providing more flexibility in changing lash styles
or returning to natural lashes whenever desired. Did I also mention that they are waterproof, sweatproof and tearproof?
The last beauty product I gifted someone was Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ ($62) to my colleague. The sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it guards against both UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn, premature ageing, and other potential damage.
It also provides an invisible finish on the skin as it is formulated to be lightweight and
translucent, making it suitable for all skin tones. The sunscreen is oil-free and non-comedogenic, which
makes it less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts which is beneficial for those with acne-
prone or sensitive skin. I personally do love Supergoop!’s products and it is definitely in my
daily skincare routine too.
The last beauty product that truly impressed me was the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer ($45). You can probably see my most honest reaction on my Instagram reel where I was in shock the second I started blending it. The concealer offers full coverage with a creamy texture that hydrates the skin, preventing it from looking dry or cakey. It also contains anti-ageing ingredients such as peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
This benefits my skin type as it tends to get dehydrated and dry but using a concealer with hydrating ingredients makes it feel absolutely comfy for me to wear for a whole day!
The last makeup/skincare trick I taught someone was to use a setting spray after each step of makeup application. A setting spray can help blend and melt makeup products together, giving a more seamless and natural appearance to the overall look. This helps you to avoid a powdery or cakey finish, especially if multiple products are used.
Some setting sprays also have hydrating properties, and using them throughout the makeup
application process can add moisture to the skin, preventing it from looking dry and ensuring
a dewy finish. It also helps to control the buildup of heavy layers, leading to a more lightweight and comfortable makeup experience.
The last image I looked at for beauty inspiration was this one of a sleek bun with an edgy makeup look that inspired mine for day 1 of the Good Vibes festival. I tend to look at Pinterest before an event and recreat looks with my own personal touch.