by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

Nia Atasha on Dealing with Insecurities

Kuala Lumpur-based model and visual artist Nia Atasha Rosli shares her off-duty beauty look and how to deal with insecurities.

Scroll through Nia Atasha Rosli’s profile (@sleepylllama) and you will see her minimal approach to beauty. Her signature beauty look is—you guessed it—bold brows and tinted lips. The Malaysian model had her big break at 17 years old. Since then, she has modelled for Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Shiseido, and sustainable Indonesian fashion brand Lanivatti. The 24-year-old is also a visual artist, playing around with mixed media, from paints, embroidery to ceramics.

As a model, she knows how challenging it is to deal with body image issues and insecurities. BEAUBIT gets Nia to share ways to overcome her self-doubt.

What is your signature beauty look?

I love a bold brow and tinted lips! I try to keep my skin foundation-free when I’m off-duty, so usually I’d opt for a tinted moisturizer or a very light concealer, like MAC Cosmetics’ Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer (SGD41).

What are some beauty tips you learnt while being a model?

I love anything all-in-one! Like a tinted cream stick that can be used as a lippie, blush and eyeshadow, or a tinted moisturizer. It makes getting ready so much quicker.

Your current favourite beauty product?

The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (SGD42) and the Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact (SGD55).

When and how did you start modelling?

I got scouted by a fashion writer for Seventeen Magazine when I was 17 years old. I never really thought much about it because I’ve never really seen myself modelling seriously, but when the issue came out, people assumed I was a model and I started getting professional jobs.

What are some of the biggest issues you had to deal with while modelling?

Wow, modelling is hard, hard work. It’s not just the long hours of work; it’s actually more mentally and physically draining than most would believe. Personally, I’ve been a lot more conscious about my looks and my weight. Sometimes I find myself going on extreme diets and intense hours of workouts just because I’m dissatisfied with how I look. I feel guilty for being able to model and experience the great things I do, and yet still feel depressed. 

What advice would you give girls who are insecure about the way they look?

This is tricky because insecurity is rooted differently for every woman, what works for me is to practice self-acceptance. It really is the core of self-esteem.

“Acknowledge your strength, but also be comfortable with your weaknesses or flaws.”

Go easy on yourself and be on your own side (without trashing anyone else). You may not be enthused about your cellulite but it doesn’t mean you have to be harsh on yourself over it. Be a compassionate and supportive friend to yourself.

Nia’s Beauty Picks

MAC Cosmetics’ Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer, SGD41
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, SGD42
Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact, SGD55 (refill)
Glossier Cloud Paint in Storm, SGD27.80
Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly, SGD5.70

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