MELVIN TSENG, @MELVIN.TSENG (225.6K)
Embracing the features we were born with can be a journey for some – one that India-born Melvin is familiar with. Growing up, Melvin, who is of Chinese-Indian parentage “stayed away from (his culture) because I was always teased and looked down on for being Indian and for being Desi.”
These days, the 23-year-old Walt Disney Company editor is comfortable in his own skin, but he knows many others don’t feel the same. He hopes to be that person that other people of colour can look up to with his expert short-form storytelling skills and flair for makeup. “I really like embracing my culture and showing the beauty of it,” he adds.
With each video he uploads, he wants to honour his heritage. “Indians love to celebrate. We literally have 1,000 festivals, huge ones. I’ve been doing creative looks based on these themes like Diwali and Holi. And because I grew up with Hinduism,
I’ve also experimented with deity looks.”
MY FAVOURITES
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $33
“I love liquid blush. Literally, I could just put it on, go out, and be like, ‘Okay, I’m cute.’ And the one I’ve been using is this Rare Beauty liquid blush.”
Claire’s Glitter Temporary Hair Colour, price unavailable
“I bought mine on Amazon. It’s for your hair but I spray it all over. My hair, my clothes, everything. Perfect for nights out, it looks like you have rhinestones on your clothes. You don’t have to put in a lot of effort, but it looks so stunning.”
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint Foundation, $49
“This tint looks so beautiful.”
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer SPF20, $48
“I’ve also been trying out the tinted moisturiser from Rare Beauty. It has been really nice on my skin.”
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation, $68
“Another go-to (base product) is the Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation. It offers full coverage and stays on all day.”
Fenty Beauty Icon Refillable Semi-Matte Lipstick in #01 MVP
“The shade is absolutely stunning, I love it. One thing that I do when sporting a red pout is to line my lips with brown or dark brown crayon eyeliner, before following up with the red lipstick. Trust me, that makes the biggest difference. And it’s also not as harsh as a lip liner.”