PAMPER

Danni Duncan, Beauty & Wellness Ambassador @danni__duncan

We know the beauty industry has a long way to go when it comes to inclusion, too often seeing one “ideal” on the pedestal of what is considered the standard. This month, I asked five different women a question I believe needs to take higher priority when companies consider who it is they are marketing to.

When you think about beauty, with your culture and heritage in mind, what are you most proud of when you look at yourself in the mirror?

These are the voices that need to be heard, listened to, and championed.

“I love that Asian features can’t be dulled down to one-note stereotypes, no matter what popular media tries to trick us into believing. I love my wide, flat nose that flares when I laugh, I love my strong, sharp jawline that I used to be made fun of for, and I love my eyes that remind me of my mother.” Maggie Zhou, @yemagz

“When I comb my 4c African hair (tight zig-zag patterned curls) and apply lipstick on my ‘juju’ lips, these distinct features make me feel beautiful and proud to be African.” Siposetu Duncan, @siposetuduncan

“I love my dark straight hair, my rosy cheeks, tan skin, and dark eyebrows. I have been blessed and am grateful for these natural features, and they remind me of where I come from.”

Amanda Bradley, @_amanda_bradley

“In a world where I am constantly told white is ‘normal’, or that nude equates to light skin tones, I am proud of my dark skin. It glows in ways I didn’t know was possible; it is a reflection of my rich heritage, and I honour that every time I look in the mirror. I am my own beauty standard.” Jess Molina, @jessmolina

“I still struggle to see beauty in the mirror as I’ve had one ideal dominate mainstream media my whole life. I do feel a strong pull towards my Māori heritage and see moko kauae on wahine as so beautiful.”

Aneta Page, @aneta.page

Long-lasting, vegan formulations that are as good for your karma as your cuticles. Kester Black, the popular New Zealand nail polish (and lipstick) brand, produces the most stunning colour range. From Fairy Floss to Paradise Punch, there is something to suit everyone. nz.kesterblack.com

Chloe Zara Hair is new on the scene with the most beautifully packaged premium clean haircare. Soon to be stocked at Balayage Hair’s new salon on Welles Street, you’ll be able to try the range for yourself. balayagehair.co.nz

On a quest to create the world’s best 100 per cent natural perfume, Abel doesn’t compromise when it comes to ethics or aesthetics. With innovative fragrance development, packaging and processes, its challenging industry norms and providing a biodegradable, environmentally friendly fragrance alternative. uncommonshop.co.nz

Indigo & Iris is a beauty brand that gives a damn, with 50 per cent of profits going to different impact projects like helping end avoidable blindness in the Pacific Islands. Levitate, the super-black lengthening mascara is a favourite around here.

indigoandiris.co

Two Birds Beauty is a natural, all-inclusive skincare brand that is committed to formulating uncomplicated, multifunctional, and highly effective products – revolutionising skincare for all. It’s intelligent skincare that’s high performing whilst remaining environmentally conscious. twobirdsbeauty.com

If you haven’t tried a mist toner before, you’re missing out on what can only be described as the most refreshing part of a skincare routine. Enriched with nine essential botanical antioxidants and vitamins, Me Today is an affordable New Zealand brand worth getting your hands on.

metoday.com