The ALT+ Beauty Awards spotlight the stars of the Southeast Asian beauty scene. From innovative formulations to unexpected rituals redefined for today’s world, this guide honours the pioneers who are quietly, but powerfully shaping the future of beauty across the region.
M
EET THE JUDGES
To ensure every product is reviewed, tested, and truly worthy, GRAZIA Malaysia invites a panel of industry experts, beauty insiders, and professionals to weigh in. These are the trusted voices shaping beauty conversations across Asia. And now, they’re bringing their sharpest eye to the ALT+ Beauty Awards.
A true connoisseur at heart, our February 2025 cover star has been one of the earliest to adopt homegrown cosmetics, skincare, and more into her routine.
@baydoucet
One of Malaysia’s most sought-after faces in beauty, Kaarthini brings her sharp critical skills to the table, cutting through noise to crown the absolute best of the best with her votes.
@kaarthini
Bong has spent over 20 years beautifying celebrity clients and fashion editorials with his refined touch. Whether you know it or not, you’ve definitely seen his work before.
@kfbongmakeup
Nobody knows hair like he does. The hair virtuoso has coiffed and perfected many heads of hair, from Kuala Lumpur’s elite to Hollywood A-listers.
@juuu.ko
With over a decade’s worth of experience in beauty journalism, our managing editor has seen beauty trends come and go. One thing she's learnt? Beauty is personal.
@_notpony
Our senior beauty writer has been dedicating her days to tracking the pulse of all things related to the industry. With all the access, she’s been privy to the best of the best.
@neferjiji
BEST OF SKINCARE
This was made for sensitive skin, and I love how clean yet hydrated my skin feels after this.
— Bay Doucet
Dry skin will quickly drink this up. And in seconds, the skin will feel moist.
— Japhet Bong
Totally gentle yet impactful. The combination of exfoliating AHAs with hydrating and soothing ingredients strikes a perfect balance of resurfacing action and nourishment. No irritation detected!
— Najihah Rashid
The lightweight and watery texture made this easy to absorb into the skin, which is perfect for our humid weather.
— PohNee Chin
On top of the wonderful formula, you can see that Kayman Beauty has invested in their skincare range. The serum is housed in impeccable packaging that feels totally luxe.
— Juno Ko
Despite the addition of the oil in the formula, the serum is actually very light. It provides just the right amount of supple hydration to the skin without being too rich.
— Japhet Bong
With the amount of botanicals infused in this product, Paloma has somehow found a way to make it smell pleasing.
— Juno Ko
This filler-in-a-tube has great texture. More importantly, it settles into the skin quickly. It’s the perfect pre-makeup fix if you want to lift any targeted areas.
— Japhet Bong
This moisturiser absorbs super fast into the skin. And the best part? It keeps the skin hydrated for an incredibly long time.
— Kaarthini
I’ve been a Chuck’s sunscreen loyalist for the longest time, so I would totally recommend this to anyone. The texture is cosmetically elegant, so you can wear it on its own or layer makeup over it without worrying about pilling.
— Juno Ko
Yes, we may have a crazy influx of lip care this year, but this lip mask totally takes the cake. The formula is incredibly nourishing, and you can barely feel it on the lips—that’s how lightweight it feels.
— Najihah Rashid
B&B Labs definitely deserves more love! They're so underrated in the local skincare game. I love this gentle cleansing solution for a cleanser that soothes while it cleans.
— Bay Doucet
This was made for sensitive skin, and I love how clean yet hydrated my skin feels after this.
— Bay Doucet
Dry skin will quickly drink this up. And in seconds, the skin will feel moist.
— Japhet Bong
Totally gentle yet impactful. The combination of exfoliating AHAs with hydrating and soothing ingredients strikes a perfect balance of resurfacing action and nourishment. No irritation detected!
— Najihah Rashid
On top of the wonderful formula, you can see that Kayman Beauty has invested in their skincare range. The serum is housed in impeccable packaging that feels totally luxe.
— Juno Ko
Despite the addition of the oil in the formula, the serum is actually very light. It provides just the right amount of supple hydration to the skin without being too rich.
— Japhet Bong
With the amount of botanicals infused in this product, Paloma has somehow found a way to make it smell pleasing.
— Juno Ko
This filler-in-a-tube has great texture. More importantly, it settles into the skin quickly. It’s the perfect pre-makeup fix if you want to lift any targeted areas.
— Japhet Bong
This moisturiser absorbs super fast into the skin. And the best part? It keeps the skin hydrated for an incredibly long time.
— Kaarthini
I’ve been a Chuck’s sunscreen loyalist for the longest time, so I would totally recommend this to anyone. The texture is cosmetically elegant, so you can wear it on its own or layer makeup over it without worrying about pilling.
— Juno Ko
Yes, we may have a crazy influx of lip care this year, but this lip mask totally takes the cake. The formula is incredibly nourishing, and you can barely feel it on the lips—that’s how lightweight it feels.
— Najihah Rashid
B&B Labs definitely deserves more love! They're so underrated in the local skincare game. I love this gentle cleansing solution for a cleanser that soothes while it cleans.
— Bay Doucet
BEST OF MAKEUP
For starters, stunning packaging. No notes. But the hardworking formula is what won me over. A pleasing texture, inclusive of soothing mugwort and rejuvenating peptides? Yes, please!
— Najihah Rashid
Medium coverage, crease-proof, and lightweight in texture. This hits all the marks for a daily concealer for me. It also comes in a considerable shade range, so plus points there.
— PohNee Chin
The wand allows you to get the perfect curls in your lashes, and it lasts well throughout the day.
— Kaarthini
A fun and pigmented eyeliner is always something that everyone needs in their collection. Minimal effort, massive impact. And this gives you two options in one go.
— Najihah Rashid
For starters, the colours are quite tanned-skin-friendly. The blush also blends seamlessly with just fingers, so that’s a bonus for me.
— Kaarthini
This is perfect for anyone who’s beginning to explore cream cheek products. The formula is foolproof.
— Japhet Bong
The gleamy sheen you’ll get from this highlighter is wonderful. If glass skin is what you’re aiming for, this is the solution in a tube.
— PohNee Chin
It may be a lip liner, but it can pull double duty. This works as a very pigmented overall lip colour.
— PohNee Chin
A product that just keeps getting better. Velvet Vanity has updated the formula, and this one totally knocks it out of the park in terms of comfort and longevity. I'm also completely in love with their shade range.
— Najihah Rashid
For starters, stunning packaging. No notes. But the hardworking formula is what won me over. A pleasing texture, inclusive of soothing mugwort and rejuvenating peptides? Yes, please!
— Najihah Rashid
Medium coverage, crease-proof, and lightweight in texture. This hits all the marks for a daily concealer for me. It also comes in a considerable shade range, so plus points there.
— PohNee Chin
The wand allows you to get the perfect curls in your lashes, and it lasts well throughout the day.
— Kaarthini
A fun and pigmented eyeliner is always something that everyone needs in their collection. Minimal effort, massive impact. And this gives you two options in one go.
— Najihah Rashid
For starters, the colours are quite tanned-skin-friendly. The blush also blends seamlessly with just fingers, so that’s a bonus for me.
— Kaarthini
The gleamy sheen you’ll get from this highlighter is wonderful. If glass skin is what you’re aiming for, this is the solution in a tube.
— PohNee Chin
It may be a lip liner, but it can pull double duty. This works as a very pigmented overall lip colour.
— PohNee Chin
A product that just keeps getting better. Velvet Vanity has updated the formula, and this one totally knocks it out of the park in terms of comfort and longevity. I'm also completely in love with their shade range.
— Najihah Rashid
BEST OF BODY & HAIR CARE
The rich foam that you can get from this shower gel is truly something else. It cleans well without leaving the skin dry at all. This comes in two yummy scents, so you really can’t go wrong either way.
— Najihah Rashid
It was my first time hearing of Blunies, and I immediately fell in love with their cute packaging and fresh scent. I love a natural deodorant, and I'm happy to report this one works!
— Bay Doucet
My shower ritual never smelled better.
— PohNee Chin
I find the conditioner to hit the perfect mark. It’s nourishing without being too heavy for my hair texture.
— Japhet Bong
I don't know what science was put into designing this, but I felt dry even on my heaviest flow days.
— PohNee Chin
Don’t knock this ‘til you try it! Just like the rest of the skin, your delicate areas could use immense care too, and this mask is just what the doctor ordered.
— Najihah Rashid
The rich foam that you can get from this shower gel is truly something else. It cleans well without leaving the skin dry at all. This comes in two yummy scents, so you really can’t go wrong either way.
— Najihah Rashid
It was my first time hearing of Blunies, and I immediately fell in love with their cute packaging and fresh scent. I love a natural deodorant, and I'm happy to report this one works!
— Bay Doucet
My shower ritual never smelled better.
— PohNee Chin
I find the conditioner to hit the perfect mark. It’s nourishing without being too heavy for my hair texture.
— Japhet Bong
I don't know what science was put into designing this, but I felt dry even on my heaviest flow days.
— PohNee Chin
Don’t knock this ‘til you try it! Just like the rest of the skin, your delicate areas could use immense care too, and this mask is just what the doctor ordered.
— Najihah Rashid
BEST OF FRAGRANCES
It’s unique and luxurious, traditional yet easily modern. On top of the delicious scent, the perfume also has great longevity!
— Japhet Bong
A well-blended, warm and cosy fragrance that doesn’t overwhelm the senses. It’s earned top-shelf status in my closet.
— Najihah Rashid
I’m totally new to this brand and so impressed by their packaging and brand ethos! They have beautiful products and incredible storytelling. Loved every scent!
— Bay Doucet
This is a great scent for men. The notes of jasmine and musk totally shine here, but when it settles, the leather begins to gently peek through.
— Juno Ko
It’s unique and luxurious, traditional yet easily modern. On top of the delicious scent, the perfume also has great longevity!
— Japhet Bong
A well-blended, warm and cosy fragrance that doesn’t overwhelm the senses. It’s earned top-shelf status in my closet.
— Najihah Rashid
I’m totally new to this brand and so impressed by their packaging and brand ethos! They have beautiful products and incredible storytelling. Loved every scent!
— Bay Doucet