Celebrating Beauty In Diversity: A Colourful Day Of Self Care With Desi Rose Cosmetics

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IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia

In a world that’s finally awakening to the kaleidoscope of beauty that exists, one thing is certain: there’s no singular standard of allure. Diversity is the brushstroke that paints the true picture of beauty, and it’s a image that Desi Rose Cosmetics has long been passionate about embracing.

As part of our inclusive beauty campaign, we embarked on a journey of self love with our illustrious beauty ambassadors – ten individuals whose hues and stories bring life to our movement.

IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia

We had the privilege of hosting a fun and wholesome masterclass with none other than the duo behind Desi Rose Cosmetics – a local brand that’s been setting a brilliant example in catering to the exquisite tapestry of brown skin within our home country.

Founded by twin sisters Suvikha and Sucndra Anand Kumar in the midst of their 3rd year of law school at the end of 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the sisters decided to take a courageous step and embark on a journey that would combine their love for makeup with their desire for social change.

The twins are currently pursuing their post graduate studies in law with their shared love for both makeup and law. This harmony of passions infuses Desi Rose Cosmetics with a unique blend of creativity and social responsibility, creating a niche for itself as a beacon of inclusivity, turning the spotlight on shades that are often overshadowed by the mainstream.

IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia

So the stage was set, the excitement palpable, as the ambassadors converged to explore the treasure trove of blush and lip products that Desi Rose Cosmetics had lovingly curated for our mini workshop. The array of shades – from earthy pinks, corals and reds to icy blues and glossy blacks, they came in a spectrum that resonated with the diversity represented through our campaign.

So then, under the gentle guidance of the twin sisters, the ambassadors dipped their brushes into the palettes of possibilities, celebrating age-old beauty routines with a modern twist. The room echoed with laughter, stories exchanged, and compliments whispered from every corner.

Let’s get into detail about what they each tried from Desi Rose:

Blushes & Banter

Liyana in shade ‘Distraction’. (IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia)

Kicking off the Blush masterclass was Liyana, our content creator extraordinaire. Overflowing with enthusiasm, she introduced her designated blush shade, infusing the room with her infectious energy. She let out an audible gasp as the brush swept across her cheek – super impressed by its pigment!

IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia

Next, Adriana, caught in a charming conundrum, wore two shades of blush, ‘Obsessed’ and ‘Turn On’ – a sunny coral on one cheek and a rosy bloom respectively.

The result? A captivating dual-toned display of her multifaceted personality. We couldn’t decide which one looked better. Desi Rose generously allowed her to pocket both blushes, so thankfully she won’t have to choose!

Shanti with ‘Heartbreaker’ blush on her eyes. (IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia)

Meanwhile, Shanti presented an unconventional canvas, as the twins, instead of confining the blush to her cheeks, left a quick stroke on her eyelids as well. Their expertise became evident through this move, not only by showcasing such an innovative cosmetic concept but in successfully choosing a shade that flattered Shanti’s skin tone immaculately.

Luscious Lips Ahead

IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia

Gathered for a lip care escapade were Calvin, Daniel, and Syu – a trio ready to challenge the notion that self-care belongs to any specific gender. As Desi Rose Cosmetics’ lip scrub took the spotlight, so did a splendid revelation: self-care has no boundaries, and it’s an art everyone can master.

IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia

Navigating the lip scrub’s exfoliating prowess proved a bit perplexing at first, especially for Calvin and Daniel. But then, the vivacious Syu took the stage, demonstrating her exfoliation finesse using Desi Rose’s array of scrubs.

Shade: Pink Lemonade (IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia)

From the alluring scent of pink lemonade to the whimsy of cotton candy and even a chocolatey delight that begged the question, “Is it edible?” – a query that was met with a delightful affirmation, sparking a chuckle.

Syu putting on lip oil in the shade ‘Candy Crush’. (IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia)

Post-exfoliation, the trio embarked on a tinted journey with lip oils that promised a touch of allure. Calvin and Daniel opted for natural tones, both using the lip oil in the shade ‘Icy’ as pictured above, while Syu adorned a playful pink that serendipitously matched her outfit. The results were enchanting: a delicate yet enduring hue that danced on their lips even after a tissue wipe.

Marvelling at the lip care’s moisturising prowess, they also savoured a handful of lip care tips and tricks shared by Desi Rose – a finale that left them not only with luscious lips but also a newfound arsenal of lip-loving secrets!

Glossed and Glamorous

Lavinia trying out ‘Ursula’s Revenge’. (IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia)

The Lip Gloss Masterclass gathered Angel, Lavinia, and myself – a trio that artfully represented diverse skin tones, proving that beauty embraces every hue.

Sadho in shade ‘Venom’. (IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia)

Just when we thought this spectrum was the pinnacle of diversity, we were joyfully joined by Sadho, whose presence shattered misconceptions about masculinity and self-care. His audacious experiment with two dazzling shades of shimmery gloss – one a subtle ice-toned wonder, the other a bold black that we skeptically thought might contend with his beard – ended up flaunting the fusion of “flair and facial hair” in a mesmerising way.

Angel with Mermaid’s Kiss lip gloss & Bad Blood lipliner! (IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia)

Meanwhile, Angel, Lavinia, and I embarked on a shade journey. Desi Rose Cosmetics had already earned our trust in colour choices, and the curated deep tones we wore seemed to whisper secrets of our personalities. I even tried one that had gold flakes in it and it honestly left me feeling like royalty, while Lavinia expressed her awe towards the lasting rich pigment her lip oil possessed.

The sight of us, lips adorned in captivating hues, sparked an unending cycle of compliments and admiration – a true testament to the magic of beauty bonding!

Desi Rose Cosmetics: Beyond Skin-Deep!

IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia

Our ambassadors ventured beyond beauty’s confines, embracing the Desi Rose Defence Kit – a remarkable departure focused on personal safety and empowerment. As championed by Lavinia and Shanti above, this kit redefines boundaries, offering a pepper spray, emergency alarm, seatbelt cutter, window breaker, and key chain for comprehensive safety.

Conceived after a viral TikTok video by Suvikha Kumar, one of the pioneering twins, the kit found its purpose after numerous requests for purchase. Designed to attach to car keys and be easily accessible, it serves as an invaluable companion during solitary walks.

Yet, the brand’s commitment doesn’t stop here. The twins plan to extend their innovation to children’s safety with self-defence kits complete with GPS trackers – a response to growing parental concerns.

In essence, the Desi Rose Defence Kit encapsulates protection and confidence for all women. Beyond beauty, it’s a reminder that true radiance thrives in resilience.

IMAGE: John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia

What made this masterclass truly remarkable was the authenticity that permeated the air. It wasn’t just about makeup; it was about celebrating authenticity, about honouring the stories etched in every contour, and about recognising that the canvas of beauty is vast and open to all. The event wasn’t just a showcase of pigments and products; it was a celebration of the hues that make us who we are.

Keep an eye on Mashable SEA’s Instagram profile for our upcoming reels showcasing each and every one of our shades, and more of our opinions as well!

Also, check out Desi Rose Cosmetics on Shopee and stay connected with them via Instagram for more.

FEATURE IMAGE by John Prabakaran Solomon / Mashable Southeast Asia