A Melbourne-based model and creative, Ploy Rida is only interested in going her own way. She wasn’t drawn to beauty early on, but a life on set and in front of the camera has coaxed it out of her – she’s here for great skin, her dermatologist, sleep and a sexy lipstick. A girl after our own.
How do you define beauty?
Beauty is simple, it’s good health and great confidence.
Did your childhood shape this at all?
Yes and no… I never cared about beauty until college.
Who was your earliest beauty influence?
My Mum and Aunties would never leave the house without applying their lipstick. One lipstick would last them a year.
Do you remember the first time you felt beautiful?
When I started to take care of my skin and wear just a little bit of makeup. This was around the same time I started modelling.
Do you have a beauty philosophy now?
I try not to over complicate what beauty is. A good but simple routine really goes a long way for me.
How has your relationship with your reflection changed over the years?
I think I’ve changed a lot this year and have just started embracing who I am a lot more. I’m realising the importance of being unique. Come as you are vibe.
Do you think modelling has influenced this in some capacity?
If I’m being honest, I never truly felt beautiful or understood that I could be considered beautiful until I was scouted. I think being a model is a privilege because our beauty is appreciated by clients and creatives. It’s reassuring at times and with that comes confidence.
How do you find confidence in front of a camera?
People can bring a similar vibe to you but no one is ever the same; what we bring to set as a model is completely unique. I just look down the lens and show the camera how I feel.
What do you feel is your most beautiful feature?
Lips, freckles, eyes, nose, brows. EVERYTHING. We all should love ALL our features.
Do you have any beauty hang ups?
Well, yes... My smile. But if I ever change it, I will no longer be Ploy and that’s not fun.
Beauty lesson you wish you could tell your younger self?
The 2016 block eyebrows were not good on young Ploy.
What kind of beauty look do you feel the most comfortable in?
You know what, today I went to an event with no makeup and just a good lip (Louis Vuitton LV Beauté Rouge). It was the best I ever felt. Quite sexy too!
What makes you feel glamorous?
Curly hair, no makeup, a beautiful smile.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Hit the snooze button.
And the last thing you do before you go to bed?
Put on my sleeping mask.
Do you need much sleep?
Yes. Around nine hours.
Can you tell me your top five skincare products, and why you love them?
I actually only use five products: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Beauty of Joseon Retinol Eye Cream, Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser, Cetaphil Moisturiser. These all came from my dermatologist and I love them.
What’s your signature scent?
What does it smell like?
It smells like floral, musk, herbs, it’s a little bit minty. It’s quite calming.
Do you have a "lucky" beauty product?
My gua sha tool.
What's the most unusual beauty habit you have?
Not maintaining my eyebrows? Is this weird? I’m the only person I know who doesn’t get their brows done… but I feel if I did, I’d have no eyebrows left?
What’s the one beauty product you always have on your person?
Lipstick.
Can you share your wellness rituals – the ones that have made a tangible impact?
I get lots of compliments on my skin health – I think not smoking or drinking has helped. I physically feel better, too.
What’s your greatest beauty extravagance?
My dermatologist in South Melbourne. Whatever she says goes.
How do you indulge yourself?
Playing the Sims 4 and Valheim.
What is the last beauty product you recommended to a friend?
That viral Biodance Collagen Mask. It’s good.
And the last product you bought because you were influenced, and did you like it?
Milk Makeup Jelly Tint. My friend bought it for me and I love it.
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