I AM ICONIC: Rowi Singh On Exploring Your Identity Through Makeup

“I could easily shape-shift into a more confident version of myself with a couple of brushes and a palette.”

Rowi Singh On Exploring Your Identity Through Makeup Beauty Trends

To celebrate the launch of THE ICONIC Beauty, our I AM ICONIC series explores your unique sense of style and self-expression. Bold, creative and inspiring, we talk to some of our favourite creatives to explore the link between self-empowerment and beauty. From must-have beauty products to finding inspiration in the everyday, here’s how these creatives put their best selves forward.

Rowi Singh is a force to be reckoned with. The digital creative first turned to makeup as a creative outlet to nurture her desire for self-expression and has since captivated an audience who love her unapologetic approach to makeup and artistry. She also founded @theartives, an Instagram account that showcases creative excellence by PoC creators in the beauty industry. We chat with Rowi about turning creativity into a career, finding self-confidence and how makeup became her power.

SHOP ROWI

How did you first get into makeup?
“I was absolutely a late bloomer to the makeup world. I rarely explored my identity through makeup as a teen because it didn’t fit the ‘brown girl agenda’. I played it really really safe. The all-girls private school I went to never nurtured self-expression. However, through university, I turned to makeup as my creative outlet, painting my face with bold, brash colours on the weekend as a form of expression and escapism.”

Have you always been this confident wearing bold makeup looks?
“Definitely not! For me, makeup evolved into a creative tool for self-expression and a way for me to explore aspects of myself I hadn’t previously unlocked. I could easily shape-shift into a more confident version myself with a couple of brushes and a palette. Makeup became my power.”

What advice would you give someone who wants to turn their creativity into a career?
“Know your worth. Know what skills you bring to the table and pitch yourself to the brands you love. Send that email, DM, have that meeting – just take that first step to harness your creativity into a career.”

What’s your favourite makeup look to wear?
“Colourful graphic eyeliner and rhinestones."

You can only use three beauty products to get ready for an event, what are they?
“Concealer, liquid liner and blush.”

What advice would you give someone who wants to start wearing more bold creative makeup looks but is too shy to wear them out?
“Don’t waste your time worrying about what others think. Their opinion will become a single blip in time, a forgotten thought. Do what makes you happy and wear it with confidence.”

What do you do on days when you have to film a makeup look but you’re not feeling your best?
“I try to avoid filming on days I don’t feel great. I listen to my body and will sit makeup-free, skincare on. Taking rests on days that aren’t your day is important. ”

What’s next for Rowi Singh?
“I can’t wait to launch my new stick-on beauty brand, Embellish By Rowi!”