Suffice to say, homegrown singer-songwriter Josh Makazo is making waves in Singapore and beyond—including a collaboration with Chris Grey and a performance at the Esplanade. As part of a new crop of genre-busting singer-songwriters, his rich, emotive voice serves as the driving force that brings his conversational songwriting to life. Additionally, he also composes and produces his music, characterised by haunting keys with hard-hitting hop-hop beats to compliment his powerful voice and lyricism.
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With his atmospheric, confrontational songwriting, it’s not hard to see how it penetrates his beauty and self-care routines—after all, being at peace with oneself is key to letting it all out in both the stage and in the recording booth. Ultimately, the best accessory Josh Makazo wears is a heart on his sleeve, so his regime focuses on accentuating what’s already there.
Below, Vogue Singapore picks Josh Makazo’s brain about his holy grail skincare and self-care tools.
Three products essential to my wind-down routine.
The Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original. Tsubaki Premium Ex Repair Mask and Aprilskin Carrotene IPMP Quick Dry Pore Tightening Clay Mask, occasionally. It is the holy trinity of my self-care regime.
A hair hack I wished I knew about earlier.
I used to wash my hair with shampoo every day. I’ve learnt recently, however, that two to three times a week is better because it helps maintain my hair’s natural, wavy texture.
My signature fragrance.
I carry a bottle of the Chanel Bleu De Chanel in my bag—and my bag goes everywhere I go.
My must-have skincare essentials.
I can’t bring all my daily skincare products when I’m travelling (which is often), but I find it imperative to have the Curél Sebum Trouble Care Foaming Wash and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel with me. It’s an ideal combination for my sensitive skin.
Tracks I play to get hyped up before a big performance.
I listen to a multitude of genres such as hip-hop, indie and K-pop, but I always go back to my own music before a performance. Honesty, it’s because sometimes I forget my lyrics and I need a reminder right before.
The diffuser burning in my room.
I used to have a diffuser that had a lavender scent, but its aroma was too soothing and I’d sleep a little too well. I even missed the alarms I had set for work, so I had to stop using it.
An underrated beauty product I think deserves more recognition.
Cure Natural Aqua Gel acts as a chemical exfoliant and gets along well with my sensitive skin. I use it once a week to reset my routine; it makes my complexion feel amazing.
A recent hair or skincare trend that you’re obsessed with.
I’m not sure if this is a trend, but I picked up on the concept of double cleansing on Instagram. I’ve implemented it in my daily routine ever since.
My favourite wellness practices.
Writing music acts as a form of meditation. The level of introspection and self-discovery I can achieve in those moments is like nothing else I have felt.
The best beauty advice I’ve received.
Clichéd as it sounds, I find that drinking tons of water really makes a difference to my skin. I always start my day with at least 500ml of water.
This post originally appeared in The October 2024 issue, ‘Community’. Available online and in newsstands.
