by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

YOUR JOY AT HOME: Model Diya Prabhakar on Self Improvement

Model Diya Prabhakar shows us we can try new things (or restart old ones) while staying home.

Sitting at home all day isn’t easy, whether you’re working or not. You’re not going out as much as you used to, unless it’s a run to the supermarket. There are two ways to use your newfound time—you can either binge on Netflix, or you can use this time to improve your skills, keep your spirits up. and build healthier habits. 

We talk to Singaporean-Indian model Diya Prabhakar (@diya_prabhakar) on how she makes use of her time to learn new skills and brush up on old ones.

You might have seen her in one of Milk Makeup’s ad campaigns, or on the runway of Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda Spring 2020 show. The 21-year-old has come a long way since winning The New Paper New Face modelling competition in 2014. She has since been represented by some of the biggest modelling agencies in the world—Storm in London and The Industry Model Management in New York—and walked for fashion labels like Prabal Gurung, Christian Siriano, Supima, and Custo.

Originally based in New York, the 1.82-metre-tall model is currently home in Singapore. Diya has been taking the opportunity to be makeup-free and only does a simple cleanse-and-moisturize routine. “I usually just use whatever is at home, so right now I’m using the Weleda Skin Food (SGD26).”

Her current favourite beauty product? The Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum (SGD248), is a daytime vitamin C serum that brightens the skin so she can walk around makeup-free and still have a glowing complexion.

Diya’s skincare tip: “Try not to put too much on your face. I personally would avoid wearing makeup as much as possible unless it is for work.”

At home, she continues with schoolwork and hanging out with her family, while making the time to try out new things. “I love learning new things and feeling like I accomplished something. Recently, I’ve been trying to learn how to shuffle and stretch. I’m trying to learn how to do the split again.”

And for those looking to stay productive, Diya says:

“I think it’s important to have a to-do list and to exercise, even at home. Trying to keep to a schedule has allowed me to be more productive, and exercising has allowed me to handle my emotions better.”

“It’s been more than a month since I’ve had the chance to go out and hang out with my friends. The first thing I would love to do once it’s safe is to go out for dinner with my friends.”

Diya’s Beauty Picks
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum, SGD248
Dr. PAWPAW Original Balm, SGD12.50
Weleda Skin Food, SGD26