It’s safe to say Indonesian songstress Niki Zefanya, better known by her stage name NIKI, has been anything but ‘lowkey’. A self-taught musician and songwriter, Vogue Singapore‘s April cover star got an early start after winning a competition, which thrusted her into the spotlight as the opening act for Taylor Swift‘s The Red Tour in Jakarta back in 2015. Not long after, under record label 88rising, she then catapulted to international stardom. Later on, her debut album Moonchild made waves that sealed her spot as the rising music icon of the moment. Now with two studio albums under her belt, the starlet has also become a Gen Z beauty muse in her own right. Always one to use make-up as a form of self-expression and experimentation, she doesn’t shy away from adding playful elements to her looks, whether it be shining on stage, gracing the red carpet, or in her everyday NIKI beauty glam.
From a rainbow of pastel eyeshadow moments to adding an edge with vampy glamour, the star never fails to turn heads with her fun and quirky face game. See here for our top NIKI beauty moments for inspiration the next time you’re craving an experimental twist.
1 / 11
Shades of autumn
In her music video for the single ‘Every Summertime’, NIKI remains effortlessly chic as she embodies a fresh-faced undergrad. To achieve her charming laid-back mien, go easy on the face with natural blush, lightly glossed lips, and warm autumnal tones for the eyes. Try a hint of metallic shadow to make your gaze pop.
2 / 11
Sultry evening glam
Gone is the young starlet for a moment. At the 19th annual Unforgettable Gala, NIKI leaned into a more mature look, seizing the spotlight with a sexy smokey eye and a velvet carmine lip. The cherry on top is a daring side part on her wavy locks.
3 / 11
Pale lilac sweep
On The Nicole Live Tour show at Kuala Lumpur back in December, the songstress flaunted a classic rocker-chic look with an ethereal touch. To nail her look, sweep glitter over a pale lilac shadow and bold graphic eyeliner. Frame your face with baby braids for the ultimate Gen Z touch.
4 / 11
Gold rush
Continuing the Asian leg of The Nicole Tour, NIKI snapped this cheeky shot backstage before appearing on stage in Taipei. Drawing inspiration from the quirky accents on her Moschino blazer, her make-up look incorporated bright orange tones over her lids, cheeks and lips, with a sweep on gold glitter to add a flirty finish.
5 / 11
Snatched pony
NIKI made her locks the star of the show at Spotify’s 2019 ‘Best New Artist’ party, sweeping her hair up in a statement high pony. Without a loose strand in sight, she showed off a dewy, bare-faced visage accented only by a diffused bronze over the lid to pull the look together.
6 / 11
Neon pop
On stage at the Head in the Clouds Festival in 2019, the young vocalist added instant zest to her look with a pop of neon blue to the inner eye.
7 / 11
Ice queen
For the cover of her debut studio album, NIKI channeled her inner ‘Moonchild’. The look is a frosty, monochrome one complete with glistening silver shadow, white liner, embellishments and ample highlight for an incandescent glow to accompany a chic platinum blonde lob.
8 / 11
Paddle pop
Take notes from NIKI on how to expertly pull off multicoloured eyeshadow. Exhibit A: this vibrant eyeshadow look that cleverly balances bright, contrasting tones.
9 / 11
Siren eyes
If looks could kill, they would look like this one. NIKI took the stage at Los Angeles’s iconic The Wiltern theatre in October, primed to bring her A-game with a riveting take on kohl eyes drawn in dynamic harsh lines. Pair this look with a nude lip to keep the attention on the eyes.
10 / 11
Scarlet Witch incoming
N0thing says baddie like this sultry number. Stepping out in an unflinchingly provocative ensemble complete with a figure-hugging corset and strap detailing, NIKI’s dark make-up made a statement on its own. Try your hand at two-toned lips, preferably in matte black and scarlet, with an elaborate red-hued smokey eye to get this look.
11 / 11
Flower girl
Even in a soft, cottagecore setting, NIKI’s bold, playful energy shines through. Decked out in an understated floral button-down and adorned with wildflowers, the starlet plays up a demure look with yet another unforgettable eyeshadow moment, this time in turquoise and lime green to mirror the natural elements.
