viva la diva

For the best the beauty market has to offer – look no further. These local beauty brands bring you some of the trendiest shades in matte and mousse formulas! From big-time names like Dida For Women to Velvet Vanity, there’s a story behind each brand and shade. It’s time to go local and show some love to these homegrown Malaysian brands.

- Daphne Ng

DIDA FOR WOMEN

Founded by two friends Didie Nasir and Tengku Chanela Jamidah who believe makeup is all-empowering for any woman from any walk of life – 'by women for women' is the beauty philosophy behind Dida. It all started during a road trip, when Didie proposed a business model, and Tengku Chanela immediately jumped at the chance. Since then, they have been at the top of their game in the liquid lipstick industry. Kylie lip kits? Here is an equally strong brand at a fraction of the price. Dida started with liquid lipsticks but has since expanded to include eyeshadows in their range of products. First-timers should try their signature Velvet Matte Lip Crème: the lipstick goes on glossy but dries down to a matte finish that stays on the whole day. It won’t budge! We love the brand’s two newest shades – Fairy and Bombshell, universal for both medium and dark skin tones. Catering to an international market, Dida also ships to Australia, Philippines, U.S., U.K. and Thailand. (RM45)

From left to right: Fairy, Bombshell IG: @didaforwomen

CHIQUE COSMETICS

What stands out about this brand is their playful twist on packaging. Each liquid lipstick from Chique Cosmetics comes packaged in a cardboard box complete with cheeky pop art from the ‘50s. Early fans may have heard of Chique’s lip glosses and their Shh Just Matte Me line, which focused on bright, trendy, and bold colours. Their semi-matte line Get Naked includes Christy Pink, Derry Red, Marky Apricot, and Meredy Brown. Perfect for everyday use, the four colours are minimal and nude. A full-bodied glide on the lips keeps them smooth, velvety, and hydrated. Our favourite is Derry Red – anyone can pull this off! (RM43)

From top to bottom: Meredy Brown, Derry Red, Marky Apricot, Christy Pink IG: @chiquecosmetic

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