There are many wonderful blessings that come with living in a multicultural city like Singapore. From food and fashion, to the vibrant traditions and festivities that we all get to revel in together—as well as the chance to appreciate aesthetic and beauty practices guided by one’s cultural influences.
As we celebrate Deepavali, also known as Diwali, this coming weekend, we’re shining the spotlight on four gorgeous ladies and the statement-making looks they’re serving this festive holiday that look straight off a Bollywood red carpet.
Meet Ann Lopez, Malene Waters, Rathi Menon and Eswari Gunasagar, as they dish on all things beauty: From best kept skincare secrets to the top five make-up products they’re using for a Deepavali look that’ll make sure all eyes are on them.
Ann Lopez
On her most memorable Deepavali beauty look and the story behind it
Growing up in a Gujarati home, bold colours have always been something I’ve been drawn to since a tender age. According to Gujarati folklore, colours are said to carry the vibration of new beginnings, harmony and happiness. It is common to see Gujarati women adorning themselves in colourful ensembles with loud jewellery, it symbolises happiness, strength & energy she brings to the family. Infused with a concoction of modern meets traditional, this beauty look pays homage to all things I love; Gujarati culture, jewellery, and my natural, curly locks. Gujarati women love to wear colourful ensembles because it’s a symbol of happiness and prosperity for the family as well.
On the Deepavali-perfect beauty looks she loves
Three impactful Deepavali beauty looks would be Sonam Kapoor‘s at “The Artist” Premiere—64th Annual Cannes Film Festival, a classic bronzy-smoky eye look, and Mouni Roy’s appearance in Gali Gali—of which inspired my own rendition of Ariana Grande x Naagin Gali Gali.
On the Indian personality she constantly looks to for beauty inspirations, and why
Bhanurekha Ganesan who’s known by her stage name, Rekha. As a darker complexion actress in the Indian cinema in the early days, she was the subject of criticism and her lack of command of Hindi as a growing actress. Today, she’s one of the finest actresses in Bollywood. Bold, enigmatic, and confident in her own skin, I’d call her the Greta Garbo of Bollywood. She’s always had a knack for all things beauty and fashion too, and I love the grace and poise she exudes of herself and her family.
On the beauty look she’s hoping to pull off this Deepavali and the top five products to bring it to life
Smoky eye meets pop of colour! A classic smoky eye is by far a cult favourite make-up look that we love to wear, especially during festive occasions. This year, I wanna switch it up with colours on my waterline paired with a bold, red lippie! My top five beauty go-to’s are the Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless Foundation in 335, Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer—Blurring Face Primer, L’Oreal La Vie En Glow Palette, Fenty Beauty Limited Edition Holodaze Snap Shadow, and MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo.
On the beauty secret to making her make-up pop
A good mix of liquid highlighter into my foundation for an iridescent, bronzy glow. I love, love, love all things dewy!
Malene Waters
On her most memorable Deepavali beauty look and the story behind it
I love anything green and I wore this beautiful sage green lehenga (from Opium Store by Bubbly J). It had exquisite gold details all over the skirt—like a scalloped hem—topped with thick layers of frill at the bottom, which made it extra fun.
On the Deepavali-perfect beauty looks she loves
The three impactful Deepavali beauty looks include the Arpita Mehta ensemble Kollywood Celebrity Samantha wore to a recent wedding—I mean the mirror work and cowry shells are mind-blowing and look at that embroidery on the jacket! Second to that would be the dreamy semi-mermaid look curated by Manish Malhotra. The final perfect Deepavali look would be the ultimate sari inspiration for all of us, curated by Margazhi Designs.
View this post on Instagram
On the Indian personality she looks to for beauty inspirations, and why
At the moment, I look to Kiara Advani and Taapsee Pannu. I like Kiara’s cheerful and spunky taste. I totally relate to the Punjabi suits and kurta tops that Taapsee Pannu wears.
On the beauty look she’s hoping to pull off this Deepavali and the top five products to bring it to life
I have a closet full of saris that haven’t been worn. I intend to decide on Deepavali day, haha! I am not big on make-up, to be honest. If you ask me, all you need is concealer, a pair of drawn brows (I love the Innisfree brow pencil!), solid dark eyeliner, and perhaps falsies? Don’t forget that rouge on your cheeks (ooh, Fenty please)! With the mask on now, do we really need to wear lipstick?
On the beauty secret to making her make-up pop
Moisturise your skin every day! There are no two ways about it. A new tip I learnt is to spray freshly fermented rice water on my face. It is my new night routine that makes my face glow in the morning. I refrigerate the spray bottle, so it is nice and cooling to spray on.
Eswari Guna
On her most memorable Deepavali beauty look and the story behind it
I am a very “less is more” person. I always go for something simple. I think the most memorable look would be the one from 2019. It was so last minute. I bought my outfit just a few days before Deepavali… I tried my luck with the tailor to see if I could get my sari blouse done by the eve of Deepavali and I did, so I just bought some random accessories to match. I made it work! It was simple but classy—everything sorted within a day.
On the impactful Deepavali-perfect beauty looks she loves
I love the saris by Sabyasachi. They’re simple yet loud and so elegant—you have to check them out!
On the Indian personality she looks to for beauty inspirations, and why
When it comes to traditional wear, I am very much inspired by the Kollywood lady superstar Nayantara. She keeps it simple and classy, but there is always something to talk about…like a statement piece, be it an accessory or a sari blouse.
On the beauty look she’s hoping to pull off this Deepavali and the top five products to bring it to life
This year, I’m going for something more traditional…a more matured look! I bought a traditional sari made of pattu, something that I don’t really wear much. I’m not sure how that is going to turn out! Make-up wise I want to go for a more fresh and dewy look. My top five holy grails are the Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation, Fenty Beauty highlighter, Huda Beauty Nude Palette, MAC Cosmetics Fixing Spray and Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum.
What’s your beauty secret to make your make-up pop?
Can I say it’s my…smile? Haha!
Rathi Menon
On her most memorable Deepavali beauty look and the story behind it
I like to keep it simple during actual Deepavali because prior to the day I’ll be doing quite a few photoshoots for the occasion, so I just want to keep it simple for the actual event itself. If anything, I’d like to wear shades.
On the impactful Deepavali-perfect beauty looks she loves
The three impactful Deepavali-Perfect beauty looks are inspired by Deepika Padukone—particularly her appearance in Chennai Express (2013) where she’s dressed in traditional south Indian style. Second to that is Katrina kaif’s appearance in the song Gale Lag Ja—plain saris with backless blouse, simple and extremely sexy! Lastly, it would be Sabyasachi’s vintage collection—all of his pieces are timeless classics.
On the Indian personality she constantly looks to for beauty inspirations, and why
I love Deepika Padukone—she rocks every outfit! I resonate with her style the most. She is an absolute chameleon/rockstar for fashion trends.
On the beauty look she’s hoping to pull off this Deepavali and the top five products to bring it to life
Keeping it simple and more traditional. My top five beauty go-to’s are a thick eyeliner, contour (from Urban Decay), matte lipstick (from M.A.C), bindi and a big pair of earrings.
On her beauty secret to make her make-up pop
Highlighter(from Make Up For Ever) for sure. And I can’t live without my matte lipsticks too.
