Beauty in the house
Lancome’s newest face shares some tips about make-up and moisturisers with Aznim Ruhana Md Yusup
AT 87sq m, French cosmetics brand Lancome’s new boutique at MidValley Megamall is its biggest in Southeast Asia.
It has a sleek and fashionable decor, with the Parisian skyline on screens throughout the store.
Attending the store opening was the brand’s newest partner, actress Zahirah Macwilson.
The 24-year-old has been the star of various TV series and films since she started acting in 2015, having returned to her Malaysian roots after growing up in Sheffield, England and Perth, Australia. WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE?
I only became serious about skincare when I started acting. Before this, all I did was wash and moisturise. But now I make sure to do things properly and wash my make-up off before I sleep.
I believe that it’s not just the outside that matters but also the inside. So I drink lots of water and stay away from oily food and fizzy drinks. I don’t even drink coffee.
WHEN SHOULD A PERSON START USING AN ANTI-AGEING SERUM?
I've never thought about that — I’m too young to start on an anti-ageing routine!
Maybe when you start having kids? I don’t know, I’ll have to ask my mum.
WHAT ARE YOUR SKINCARE DO’S AND DON’TS WHEN YOU TRAVEL?
I don’t wear make-up on the plane and I make sure my skin and lips are not dry.
When I disembark, I wash my face and moisturise, especially if it’s a long flight because the air-conditioning in the plane can really dry the skin.
DO YOU USE DIFFERENT PRODUCTS WHEN YOU’RE OVERSEAS AND IN A DIFFERENT CLIMATE?
No, because I’ve not had any bad experiences in that regard.
I do notice that in cooler climates skin dries up quicker so I double the amount of moisturiser I use rather than switch to something else.
I’m much more comfortable using products that I know work for me.
WHEN DID YOU START WEARING MAKE-UP?
When I was 12. So young, right? It was mascara at school.
I know teachers here are strict about this but I went to school in England and Australia, and they were all right with it.
AS AN ACTRESS, YOU WORK WITH A LOT OF MAKE-UP ARTISTS. DO YOU TELL THEM WHAT TO DO?
artist knows your skin type, face shape, eye shape and your colours, naturally I have faith in what they do.
I have my favourites, including Bosco, Khir Khalid and Ady Razak because they already know what works best for me.
IF IT’S A NEW MAKE-UP ARTIST, WHAT CAN THEY DO TO EARN YOUR TRUST?
Just by having a conversation and them telling me that they’ve looked at my photos, studied the profile of my face and know the colours used.
It means they’ve done their research, rather than just seeing me and hoping for the best.
I drink lots of water and stay away from oily food and fizzy drinks. I don’t even drink coffee. Zahirah Macwilson