Andrea Fonseka, 28

The former beauty queen, who was Miss Universe Malaysia 2004 and is now the national director of the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation, was in town for the launch of Goldheart Jewelry's Mode Gold collection last month.

The Malaysian, who is married to an Australian lawyer, is based in Kuala Lumpur.

What is one product you would not step out of the house without?

The Invisible Zinc Environmental Skin Protector from Australia because it is a physical mineral sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens cause my skin to break out. I got it in a pharmacy in Perth.

Now that I'm nearing 30, pigments are starting to appear on my skin and I have to take care of it.

What is the one grooming service you can't do without?

I get my nails done at A Cut Above (Acutabove.com.my), a hair and nail salon in the mall, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, about once every two weeks, or whenever I have my hair done there. I always ask for this manicurist called Mandy because she is fast, efficient and nice. If my nails chip, I can go back and get them fixed for free.

It is important to have groomed nails because they make you look polished.

Where do you go for other beauty treatments?

I get my threading done at a beauty chain called Rupini's (54-1 Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, Rupinis.com.sg). It costs just RM7 (S$2.80) to shape my eyebrows and remove facial hair.

I go to Dr Karen Po, a consultant physician who is part of the aesthetic medicine team at the Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre in KL ( Dijaya Plaza, 237 Jalan Tun Razak, Beverlywilshiremedical.com), for laser treatments to rejuvenate my skin.

I also get fillers for my undereye area once every three months to make me look less tired.

What is your favourite perfume?

I use only fragrance-free deodorants because my husband is allergic to perfumes. But I use hair products that smell good, such as Kerastase's Elixir Ultime hair oil ($62, call 1800-838-3388 for stockists).

Which, to you, is the best beauty invention?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment for hair removal. I used to have ingrown hairs but I had a full IPL course done four years ago at Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic (05-11 Wheelock Place, Drcalvinchan.com) on my legs and underarms. The hair, if any, grows back a lot finer now.

What is the most ridiculous thing you have ever done in the name of beauty?

When I started out in the modelling and entertainment industry seven years ago, I would use tanning products because I wanted an even tan without going under the sun. I thought I looked awesome. Now when I look at pictures of myself taken then, I think I looked like a burnt carrot.

These days, I use the Benefit Bathina Body Balm (left, $48, from Benefit counters) which is moisturising and leaves a nice shimmer on my skin. This is especially good when I am on the runway or wearing shorts or mini skirts.

What is the best beauty tip anyone has ever given you?

Dr Calvin Chan, medical director of Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic, recommended that I try fillers before my wedding three years ago. I was working very hard then and lost weight, and the hollowness around my eyes could not be camouflaged with concealers. I look so much better after having had fillers.

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