"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."
"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."