At the Vanity Table With… is a series that dives into a personality’s beauty tips, tricks, non-negotiables, and more. In this edition, Izleen Izham of Fly FM divulges her ride-or-die complexion favourites, who is her Malaysian idol, and more.
You have definitely both seen and heard her. The radio announcer, who goes live on Fly FM from 8 pm till midnight, has a voice that many are familiar with. But outside of the booth, Izleen—also known as Fifi—posts beauty content on her socials (@izleenizham on Instagram) and plays host to many of the city’s hottest events.
If you think that four hours of radio work is a breeze, think again. Countless hours of research and brainstorming go into creating a successful and entertaining show, and it takes a master of their craft to make it feel effortless. There’s also the added pressure of the show being live, too, where Izleen has a microscopic room for error. But even with all that, the 26-year-old still has the fervour to explore opportunities beyond.
Ahead, she shares her beauty opinions, must-haves, and little fun facts that make her Izleen Izham.
Confess a beauty crime that you have committed before
This one will put me in beauty prison for real for real, but I have slept in my makeup multiple times. And yes, my skin did break out and I did cry. But did I do it again six months later? Also yes. It’s so disgusting, I know! But sometimes I have a full day and it often ends after going on air on Fly FM til 12 am. I’d get so tired by the end of the night that I would just lay my head down and that’s it for me. There’s no waking me up from that.
A beauty item you would immediately replace if it’s lost
My Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer—please believe the hype. I’ve been using it for years and I haven’t tried anything better.
Three items that are on your beauty wish list right now
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Foundation, because I lost mine. And that little bottle is just pure magic. It is incredibly lightweight and offers great coverage. I used it every day and it’s been hard without her. Alternatively, I’ve been using the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation—that one’s great too, but it is a lot thicker in texture. So it depends on your preference!
Next, it’s literally anything Kosas. I’ve heard quite a bit about it, especially the Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer. Could it be a good contender for my favourite Shape Tape? I’ll find out for you soon. Finally, I want to try out the Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation. The bottle looks divine. I love a good glass foundation bottle.
A person you have the biggest beauty crush on, and why?
This one is a little predictable, but it’s got to be Kylie Jenner. She is in her vlogging era, and I am eating it up. The outfits, the body, the wealth. Please feed us with more King Kylester.
Something you’re gatekeeping right now. Spill.
I’d have to say please go to Freia Aesthetics if you’d like a good skin pampering session. They have amazing staff that will take care of your skin needs and also amazing products that got my skin glowing after just one session!
A trend that needs to die
I genuinely believe makeup and beauty are so subjective. Everyone is allowed to explore it in any way they love. So no trends need to die if you love it. I personally stick to the simple, clean girl makeup when I’m doing it on my own because this girl simply cannot do a glitter blue cut crease to save a life.
A viral product that does nothing for you
I saw on TikTok that I should eat a spoonful of sea moss to change my life. But my life is still the same so there you go.
A makeup step you will never skip before you head out the door
Eyeliner if I’m wearing makeup. My eyes just look bigger and better. I’ve been obsessed with this one Maybelline eyeliner because that’s all I’ve tried since my teen years. Of course, until recently, when KVD Beauty seeded me some of their new liquid eyeliners and oh my gosh the formula and tip…. it’s an eleven out of ten for me. Also, I never forget my Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen! That’s a must, even on my no-makeup days!
The skincare item that completely transformed your skin for the better
Okay, this one changed the way makeup lays on your skin, and I have been obsessed. It’s the Bobbi Brown Enriched Face Base! Your skin visibly plumps up, pores just become less visible, and your makeup will not only lay so beautifully on it, but it also lasts longer. Also, a moment for the packaging, please. Yes, I love a good, high-quality luxurious jar.
Your trick to achieve the best hair day
I’ve been loving the brand Virtue Labs from Sephora. Their Recovery Conditioner does wonders for my curly hair! I top it off with some Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil for that shine! I have yet to find a shampoo and conditioner combination that has changed my life but I just received the Augustinus Bader Shampoo and Conditioner that I have yet to try! I heard Kim Kardashian uses that brand, so I’m beyond excited!
An unexpected beauty hack you always incorporate into your routine
I wouldn’t say this is a hack, but a lot of people often skip this step: setting spray. I use Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir. It’s a bit pricey, but so very worth it. It can be used for skin prep too, but my actual favourite part would be how I feel when I spray this magic little thing on me. The natural scent of rose, mint, and rosemary essential oils is like a spa in a bottle. I try to incorporate anything that can make me feel a certain type of luxury before heading out the door, even if it’s as simple as a quick mini spa.
An underrated perfume you think everyone should give a chance to
Again with the luxury, I think the Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin scent is how a rich, stay-at-home girl would smell like if she was spending her Tuesday in One&Only Desaru Coast when there’s a water disruption in Selangor. See how specific I like to imagine how my life would have been? It’s vastly different, but a girl can dream.
Being in the beauty industry, we often get seeded new products, fragrances and clothes and I am beyond thankful to have received a few Jo Malone scents. But this Lime Basil & Mandarin one I bought myself because it’s that good. If you buy it, tag me if you like it so I know I’ve successfully influenced at least one person in my lifetime.
The last beauty indulgence you had done
It was at Freia Aesthetics actually! We did a hydra facial and it was divine. If you’re ever confused about what you need to do with your skin, always start with hydration—even if you have oily skin. You need hydration. We all need hydration.
A song that will always get you in the mood to get ready
I’m back in my Lana Del Rey era. Her songs make me move slower in life, and I need that. “Brooklyn Baby” from her Ultraviolence album always gets me going. I really suggest blasting that album in the house if you want to feel soft yet strong. She touches on the reality of being a woman in a man’s world, and how beautiful enduring it can be. It’s not an I’m-strong-and-independent type of strength you hear on the radio. It’s a much more nuanced type of strength. One of tolerance; one of resilience in submission.
Brands that check all the boxes for you
For makeup, I’d have to say Tarte. I haven’t found a product I didn’t like yet. I’ve tried out almost all their new launches and nothing has disappointed me yet! I also grew up dreaming of becoming a YouTuber on one of Tarte’s brand trips, which may have made me a bit biased. One day, fingers crossed.
Malaysians you look up to
I love the way Alyssa Johaan curates her content. It’s how I wish I could do it, but I just know I can’t achieve it. You just need a certain eye for design, colour and style, something that I just don’t have right now.
A mantra that you live by
“Everybody will get a turn.” I remember being in my early twenties, just about to graduate with my degree. I was at my best friend’s cabin crew graduation. In her batch were also two female pilots. Beautiful, tall, stunning and most importantly smart. Here I was about to graduate with no actual dreams or goals and nothing to live for. And here they were, female pilots!
My partner at the time had a successful business going so it was also hilarious to share with him how low I felt. But his response over the phone changed my life. It was along the lines of “Everybody will get a turn. Today, it’s theirs. Tomorrow, it’ll be yours.” In a world where we constantly consume the highlights of everybody’s life online, it’s so easy to fall into a hole where we make comparisons and stress ourselves out for not achieving enough or as much. I found myself there once, and then never again. But I know what’s meant for me will reach me at its time, and so I relax.
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