At the Vanity Table With… is a series that dives into a personality’s beauty tips, tricks, non-negotiables, and more. In this edition, model and beauty enthusiast Kaarthini talks about her favourite hair styling product, a makeup item that she’d geotag, and more.
More often than not, an Instagram feed tend to have a self-indulgent feel to it. Which is more than fair. But a true hallmark of social media success is personality, which Kaarthini (or Kay for short) has plenty of. Peppered across hers are mosaics of doodles and collages that shed light on who she is on the inside: lighthearted and playful.
Hers is a prime example of how an authentic online presence can pull eyeballs and business. While she does have her ultra-glam moments of starring in shoots and getting dolled-up, she counterbalances it with her less-than-clinical posts that appears to be posted straight from her camera roll. It sounds basic, but it’s actually the breath of fresh air that we all need on the platform—one that’s currently filled with visuals that have been edited down to the last pixel.
Most recently, the 28-year-old model landed one of the biggest beauty gig a Malaysian girl can dream of: to star in a regional Sephora campaign. As of press time, you can see her gorgeous face across the city and at the beauty store for the Colour on Colour campaign, where she’s rocking a berry monochromatic look.
Ahead, she shares her beauty opinions, must-haves, and little fun facts that make her Kaarthini.
Confess a beauty crime that you have committed before
*Sigh* Not washing my makeup brushes regularly. It’s always a “I’ll do it tonight” situation, but then I end up not doing it for weeks. But in my defense a makeup brush that’s been marinated tend to blend my makeup better? I don’t know, that’s how I feel.
A beauty item you would immediately replace if it’s lost
My Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner in Malt! If I could, I would put an Airtag on it so I never have to be without it.
Three items that are on your beauty wish list right now
I’ve had my eye on the Patrick Ta blushes for a while now. I’m also keen on exploring the Jones Road Miracle Balm. I love a natural makeup look and a multitasking product so they’ve been on my list for the longest time. Finally, I want to try out Basma Beauty Foundation Sticks! I just love the way it glides on the skin and the shade match is always 99% accurate!
A person you have the biggest beauty crush on, and why?
Trisha Paytas. She’s just a gorgeous human being and she gives me so much hope that it does get better.
Something you’re gatekeeping right now. Spill.
The secret to my glowing skin (body not face) is literally just olive oil… It’s the perfect product honestly for long lasting moisture. I lather it on after showers and that’s practically it. It has no scent and it’s not sticky at all.
A trend that needs to die
NOTHING! Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable!
A viral product that does nothing for you
Honestly? The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pore Tight Toner. The fragrance was too much for me and it actually broke my skin out.
A makeup step you will never skip before you head out the door
Emphasising the beauty marks on my face. I use eyeliner to darken them after my makeup, because they tend to get covered up after a full beat. I have quite a few on my face especially my lucky one under left eye.
The skincare item that completely transformed your skin for the better
This may not be classified as skincare, but this one wound cleansing solution has done wonders for me. It was a trend that went viral on TikTok. Then I tried it once and it’s been amazing ever since. I use the Hydrocyn Aqua Spray that’s only priced at RM8.50.
Your trick to achieve the best hair day
This one’s easy. I always incorporate water hair gel into my routine. It’s super user-friendly and needs the least amount of control when applying. I find traditional hairsprays to be a bit too rigid for me. And the best part about water hair gels is that it can be reactivated with just water.
Oftentimes for photoshoots, I do my own hair and I noticed with the constant outfit changes, my hair tend to get loose so as quick touch-ups, I just use water to set them back into place and it works like magic every time. And guess what? They also brush off easily. My aftercare is so simple because of it.
An unexpected beauty hack you always incorporate into your routine
You would not believe how big of a difference removing foundation residue from your brows can make. Even if you think there’s none, just take a tissue to the brows and see the difference when you apply your eyebrow products.
An underrated perfume you think everyone should give a chance to
So this is not necessarily a perfume, but it is scented. I think everyone should give the Salt & Stone Hinoki and Bergamot deodorant a sniff.
The last beauty indulgence you had done
It’s a mind-blowing facial massage. My face was snatched for days! And it was the most relaxed I’ve felt in ages.
A song that will always get you in the mood to get ready
So here’s a fun fact about me: I don’t listen to music when I’m getting ready. Now that I’m saying it out loud I’m not sure if it’s fun or creepy. I really enjoy this quiet time with myself, especially knowing how socially active I have to be afterwards. It’s like a battery charging moment for myself.
Brands that check all the boxes for you
Huda Beauty, of course! I will never have to worry if her products are going to carry my shade because they always do! And the brand will always exceed my expectations.
Malaysians you look up to
All the creative girls who are truly and unapologetically themselves.
A mantra that you live by
You have to be the thing that saves you. You have always been by your side since the beginning and it’s the only person that’s going to take care of you and love you forever. All the different versions, past, present, and future exist within you and you have to take care of yourself.
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