Two beauty aesthetics are currently dominating social media feeds and makeup mood boards: the “mori girl” and “Douyin” trends.
Mori girl beauty (on the cover) embraces soft, natural and almost ethereal features, and Douyin makeup places emphasis on dramatic eyes, glowing skin and doll-like glamour.
Popularised through South Korean, Japanese and Chinese beauty content online, both trends have found strong appeal among Malaysians – albeit adapted for our country’s hot and humid climate.
Local makeup artists say Malaysians are not only experimenting with both styles, but are also blending them depending on mood, occasion and personal taste.
Makeup artists Rynee Tan, Sarah Ashikin and Rose Marie Thavaganam talk about why these looks are resonating locally, how to make them work in Malaysia’s weather and other beauty trends currently shaping the local scene.
Transformative looks
For Tan, the appeal lies in how wearable – or transformative – each look can be.
“Malaysians like mori girl makeup because it feels soft, clean, natural and easy for daily wear. It gives a sweet and calming vibe,” she says.
“Douyin makeup is popular because it looks glamorous and super pretty on camera and social media. People love the big eyes, glowy skin and ‘expensive’ vibe.”
She adds that many Malaysians move between both aesthetics depending on the occasion.
Rose believes the popularity of both looks reflects Malaysians’ openness towards different beauty aesthetics.
“Mori girl makeup appeals to people who love a softer, more natural and feminine appearance,” she says. “It gives a very effortless and gentle look that feels youthful, calming and wearable for everyday life.”
Read more: Douyin or mori? There’s a battle of makeup trends brewing in the K-beauty scene
At the same time, she says Douyin makeup attracts those drawn to glamorous, camera-ready beauty.
“It is glamorous, detailed and highly visual, which works very well for social media platforms,” she says. “Malaysians enjoy the polished and doll-like effect, especially for events, photoshoots, weddings and content creation.”
Sarah notes that the eye makeup techniques behind Douyin beauty are particularly appealing locally.
“The ‘fake eyebag’ makeup techniques and wispy clustered lashes emphasise making the eyes look bigger,” she says.
For softer days, however, she leans towards mori girl makeup herself.
“It focuses on natural healthy pink-peach cheeks, softer dreamy and translucent skin,” she says. “I will go for this makeup look if I’m in the mood for something soft and dainty.”
Hot to go
While these beauty trends may look flawless online, Malaysia’s humidity presents its own challenge.
All three makeup artists agree that lightweight products, proper skin preparation and setting sprays are essential for making the looks last.
“Yes, Malaysia’s heat and humidity can melt both looks fast,” says Tan. “Lightweight and waterproof products work best.”
For mori girl makeup, she recommends keeping the coverage light and natural, while Douyin looks benefit from more long-wearing formulas.
“For mori girl makeup, keep the base thin and natural. Setting spray is very important,” she says. “For Douyin makeup, use waterproof eyeliner, mascara, setting spray and a long-lasting matte base.”
Rose believes the key begins before makeup is even applied.
“I always believe skin preparation according to skin type is the key to making any makeup look last longer,” she says.
“Lightweight skincare, hydration and oil control help create a smooth base without making the makeup feel too heavy during the day.”
She recommends lightweight skin tints and cream blushes for mori girl beauty to maintain a fresh, breathable finish.
For Douyin makeup, matte products around the T-zone help control shine while preserving the glamorous effect.
“Waterproof eyeliner, mascara and brow products are also essential in Malaysia’s weather,” she says.
Sarah agrees that prep work is non-negotiable.
“A good skin prep before makeup makes it last longer in this humid weather. It works like a glue to hold your makeup,” she says.
Her routine includes hydrating toner, moisturiser, primer and setting spray.
“Always take your time applying and massaging the products into the skin,” she says. “Once you layer the makeup products, never skip the setting spray – it hugs your makeup.”
Read more: From Seoul to runways worldwide: Pastel-toned makeup is currently a beauty hit
Adapting trends for local style
Beyond mori girl and Douyin beauty, Malaysians are also embracing other social media-driven makeup aesthetics.
Tan points to trends like clean girl makeup, Latina-inspired glam, K-beauty looks and “old money” makeup.
“People are drawn to these looks because social media trends move fast, and Malaysians like makeup that makes them look prettier on camera while still wearable in real life,” she says.
Rose says clean girl makeup and soft glam remain among the biggest beauty trends locally because they strike a balance between polished and practical.
“Many people are drawn to the clean girl aesthetic because it focuses on healthy-looking skin, soft brows and glowing complexion,” she says. “Malaysians generally prefer makeup that feels wearable in daily life, especially in our weather, so effortless beauty trends naturally become more popular.
“Soft glam is also very loved here because it works well for weddings, events, dinners and social media content. It enhances the face without looking overly dramatic, which appeals to many Malaysian women who want to look elegant but still natural,” adds Rose.
She also notes a growing appreciation for South-East Asian beauty features.
“Warmer skin tones, glossy lips, softer eye makeup and natural skin textures are becoming more appreciated,” she says. “Malaysians tend to combine trends and adapt them to suit our own style, climate and facial features.”
Meanwhile, Sarah says Thai-inspired makeup and timeless “no makeup makeup” looks continue to be highly requested, particularly among brides.
“That soft glam, feathery eyebrows and luminous skin are still a hit,” she says.
“Brides also love healthy skin glow, flattering rosy lips and makeup that enhances their features naturally.”
