From ‘Clean Girl’ to High-Shine Night-Out Glam
Matte, minimal “clean girl” makeup is quietly stepping aside for bolder, high-shine celebrity summer beauty. Just look at the week’s buzziest music video looks from pop stars like Tyla and Zara Larsson, where sparkly lids, gleaming metallic accents and wet-look lips take the lead under stage lights. The new dewy makeup look isn’t about looking sweaty; it’s about controlled radiance. Think shimmer focused on the centre of the eyelids, inner corners and cupid’s bow, paired with a softly blurred, long-wear base. For Malaysian readers heading out in hot, humid weather, the trick is to build glow in thin layers: start with a mattifying, sweat-resistant primer, add a light liquid foundation or skin tint, then tap on liquid highlighter only where the light naturally hits. Finish with a micro-fine setting spray rather than heavy powder so skin still looks luminous in the heat.
Glass Hair, Upgraded: High-Gloss but Humidity-Smart
The glossy hair trend is also evolving. Instead of stiff, pin-straight “glass hair,” celebrities such as Ashley Graham and rising models like Uma Jammeh are wearing a softer, more fluid version: hair that looks mirror-shiny, but still has movement and body. This is the kind of shine that survives a busy red carpet, and it’s exactly what makes sense for tropical climates. In Malaysia’s humidity, ultra-sleek hair can frizz or collapse, so borrow the finish, not the flatness. Prep with a lightweight, anti-frizz serum on damp hair, then blow-dry using a round brush for curved ends rather than dead-straight strands. Seal mid-lengths and ends with a tiny amount of hair oil or glossing spray. On very humid days, switch to a low ponytail or braided bun with the same high-shine products – you keep the reflective, celebrity-worthy gloss without fighting your hair’s natural texture.
Deva Cassel’s Airy Curls and the Rise of Natural Texture
On the opposite end of the styling spectrum, Deva Cassel’s recent cover shoot signals a big shift towards texture-first, natural curls hairstyle trends. For a Behind The Blinds magazine feature, the model ditched her usual sleek blow-dry for airy, supple curls created by hairstylist John Nollet. Her long brunette hair was left to cascade over her shoulders, with curls deliberately kept soft and not very defined, and a delicately blended fringe to soften her features. The result is a subtly unruly, almost wild look that still feels impeccably mastered and summery, celebrating the hair’s natural movement instead of hiding it. This approach is especially practical for Malaysian humidity: enhancing your curls or waves means frizz becomes part of the look, not the enemy. Swap heavy gels for curl creams or mousses that define without crunch, then let hair air-dry for that effortless, editorial-inspired finish.
Balancing Glow and Longevity in Tropical Heat
Across these celebrity summer beauty moments, one thing stands out: glow is carefully balanced with staying power. Dewy makeup looks radiant on camera, but behind the scenes, artists rely on long-wear bases, strategic powdering and setting mists to lock everything in. In Malaysian heat, copy that strategy instead of loading on mattifying products. Focus foundation only where you need coverage, then use a small brush to press translucent powder into the T-zone, sides of the nose and under the eyes. Leave cheekbones and temples mostly powder-free so cream blush and highlighter can shine through. For hair, humidity-proof styling means working with your natural pattern. Curly or wavy? Layer a leave-in conditioner under a curl cream, then scrunch and air-dry. Straighter hair? Use a heat protectant plus a light anti-frizz serum, and finish with a flexible-hold spray that won’t go sticky in the sun.
Realistic Ways to Try the Trends in Malaysia
You don’t need a backstage glam squad to tap into these trends. For eyes, start with a smudge-proof cream shadow from the drugstore in bronze or champagne, tapping it on with your fingers for a soft metallic sheen that resists creasing. Add a thin line of waterproof eyeliner and mascara and you’ve got a Tyla- or Zara-inspired night-out look that won’t melt. Skin-wise, combine a mattifying SPF with a lightweight, long-wear foundation available at Sephora, then layer a liquid blush and highlighter on top for controlled dew. For hair, build a simple routine around humidity-friendly staples: a sulfate-free shampoo, a lightweight conditioner and one styling product that suits your texture, whether that’s a curl cream, smoothing serum or glossy hair oil. Finish with a loose bun, ponytail or air-dried curls so your style looks intentional, not defeated by the weather.