Sashes, smiles and sequins. For many, the shiny world of pageantry conjures up images of catty competition, unrealistic beauty standards, and oft-parodied calls for world peace.
But Miss Universe Singapore 2023 winner Priyanka Annuncia (crowned on her second try), is determined to dispel these notions, describing her experience in the pageant world so far as a "sisterhood".
"It's not about pitting women against one another," she says. "It's really about building women together. We're all going through the same thing, feeling the pressure, and we are here to encourage one another."
Only when the tiara comes off does the 26-year-old don her gloves for a grittier mission: taking aim at the dark underbelly of human trafficking, using the skills she has acquired as a licensed private investigator, as well as the degree she earned in business law and criminology, to support the work of Alliance Anti-Trafic (AAT), a non-profit fighting the sexual exploitation of women and children.
A personal trainer and one-time boxing coach, Priyanka is also passionate about fitness, which propelled her into promoting body positivity via a clothing line-in 2018, she launched Bodsitive, a line of workout attire and swimwear with inclusive sizing.
This story is from the December 2023 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2023 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Heritage in a Bottle
Crafted by Swiss perfumer Christine Nagel, Barenia is the first chypre fragrance from Hermes, a seductive scent that is a dance between the delicate butterfly lily and the vibrant burst of miracle berry.
Is my adult acne caused by hormonal changes?
Quinn Chen answers.
BEST IN CLASS
MOVING AWAY FROM INTRODUCING ENTIRELY NEW PRODUCTS, BRANDS SUCH AS SHISEIDO, CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE AND SULWHASOO HAVE CHOSEN TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD TO ELEVATE TRIED-AND-TRUE FORMULAS. THESE ICONIC CLASSICS ARE MORE EFFICACIOUS AND LUXURIOUS THAN BEFORE.
Sneak Peek
We've got our sights set on these new must-haves that promise to breathe new life into tired-looking eyes.
ACTS OF SERVICE
Beauty brands are enticing customers with a range of in-store treatments and services that offer expert tips, demonstrations and pampering.
BREAKING DOWN THE BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC ACID
Here's why this popular skincare ingredient is a potent fix for dehydrated complexions.
November favourites
Here are some of the must-haves you will not regret adding to your beauty shelf.
Against the rules
Step into the dark side with grunge-inspired moody tones and smoky, smudgy eyes.
Is it ever a good idea to engage in online discourse?
Sarah Bagharib answers.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Half a month in Mongolia living with nomadic families and exploring the country's storied beauty taught senior advertising strategist Uli Chan the beauty of impermanence.