Natasha Moor’s journey is one of female empowerment and resilience
Cover Natasha Moor’s journey is one of female empowerment and resilience (Photo: Dimitry Loiseau)
Natasha Moor’s journey is one of female empowerment and resilience

Natasha Moor shares how she went from not being able to look into the mirror ‘without criticising herself’ to building a make-up brand that reminds people of their worth

Natasha Moor seems like your quintessential “girlboss”: she’s confident, she’s motivated and she runs a global beauty business with a presence in several countries, including Singapore and the US. It’s most people’s idea of what success looks like.

But this success did not come easily. Growing up, the Hong Kong-raised entrepreneur of Indian descent struggled with feelings of insecurity about her appearance, which were exacerbated by being bullied at school. It was after Moor became a bridal make-up artist that she discovered how much she could positively impact one’s confidence through her work. “Working with [women] globally was so much more than giving them a look for their wedding day—it was about supporting them through their journey,” she says.

In 2013, she launched Facetools, which in 2018 she rebranded to Natasha Moor Cosmetics. It offers a line-up of concealers, lip products, eye palettes and more, which have names like “freedom” and “gratitude”—a reflection of Moor’s ethos to empower women through the use of make-up. 

Tatler sat down with her in an exclusive interview to find out about her journey and values.

Also read: Fala Chen’s skincare journey with Helena Rubinstein reveals the beauty that lies in authenticity

Tatler Asia
Natasha Moor
Above Natasha Moor urges everyone to celebrate the small wins too (Photo: Priyanca Rao)
Natasha Moor

You expanded your career from a make-up artist to an entrepreneur with a global business. Was there any specific event or moment you can pinpoint as the catalyst for your success?
The turning point for me was realising that make-up is not just about enhancing appearances—it’s about empowering people to see their worth. Early in my career, I transformed a bride’s look on her wedding day, but it wasn’t the make-up that moved me—it was the moment she smiled. Her confidence radiated, and it made my heart smile too. That was the moment I felt truly successful.

I knew then that my mission was bigger than beauty. It was about creating a movement where everyone feels seen, valued and unstoppable, no matter their background. This mission became the foundation of Natasha Moor Cosmetics.

Is there a habit, mindset or practice that has been instrumental to your success?
Resilience, gratitude and intentionality are my pillars of success. Every morning, I start my day with gratitude—it keeps me grounded and focused. I have also trained myself to see challenges as stepping stones, not roadblocks. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” I ask, “What is this teaching me?” This mindset shift has been life-changing. Also, I am intentional about everything I do—from the products I create to the relationships I build. Staying true to my purpose has been my compass through it all.

You have been vocal about the bullying you faced at school and how you motivated yourself to put that behind you and emerge stronger and more confident. Please can you share how you did that?
Bullying was a painful chapter, but it became the fire that ignited my strength. I learnt that no one can dim your light unless you let them. Instead of letting their words define me, I chose to rewrite my narrative. I focused on my strengths, built a support system of people who uplifted me and worked relentlessly on self-love.

Don’t miss: 7 impactful beauty brands owned by Asian women you should know

“I learnt that no one can dim your light unless you let them. Instead of letting their words define me, I chose to rewrite my narrative.”

- Natasha Moor -

Tatler Asia
Natasha Moor
Above Natasha Moor’s mantra is to “give more than you take”
Natasha Moor

How did you “rewrite the narrative” from being a bullied kid to a successful beauty entrepreneur?
Being bullied as a child had a devastating impact on my mental health. I couldn’t even look in the mirror without criticising myself. I would skip school or avoid going out because of my acne, or because kids would shout horrible things at me like, ‘You’re so fat and ugly, you should die.’ I had friends, surprisingly, but I was still singled out. It felt like no matter what I did, I couldn’t escape it.

At the same time, my parents had just gone through a divorce, which, as an Indian girl growing up in Hong Kong, was extremely stigmatised. Kids would say things like, ‘Ew, her parents are divorced, don’t talk to her.’ I think that’s when it all started. My friends turned against me, and it felt like everyone around me was being so cruel. I’ll never forget one particular day in Year 8. I was in maths class, and the teacher asked me a simple question—‘What is this shape?’—but I just froze. I couldn’t speak. I panicked and burst into tears. Instead of asking if I was okay or trying to understand what I was going through, the teacher simply took me outside. He was aware I’d been skipping classes, but no one thought to ask, ‘Are you being bullied?’ I felt completely alone with nowhere to turn.

I would eat lunch alone, hiding in the bathroom because I didn’t want anyone to see me. I’d sit on the floor by the sinks, not even knowing what to do with myself—it was such a sad and isolating time.

Looking back, those moments shaped me in ways I didn’t realise then. I never knew what it felt like to look in the mirror and say, ‘I feel beautiful’. But when I became a make-up artist and started helping other people feel beautiful, something shifted. It felt so powerful—being able to help someone see themselves in a more positive light. That’s what inspired me to start my own make-up brand. I wanted to create products that remind people of their worth.

That’s why every Natasha Moor Cosmetics product includes a mirror, paired with affirmations like ‘Ambition’ and ‘Gamechanger.’ The idea is to encourage you to look at yourself with love, to say, ‘You are amazing.’ It’s not about needing make-up to feel good about yourself—it’s about having tools that empower you in moments when you need them most. Sometimes, a little boost can make all the difference, and to me, that’s the most impactful thing in the world.

Can you please tell us about your biggest success and how you got there?
My biggest success is building Natasha Moor Cosmetics into a global brand with purpose at its core. But success didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of relentless effort, belief in my vision and a deep connection with the people I serve. Every product I create is a love letter to confidence and empowerment. I have poured my heart into making sure my brand resonates with people on a personal level, and that’s what made it successful. The real win for me, though, is every time someone tells me my products made them feel confident, strong and beautiful—that’s the kind of success that lasts a lifetime.

I wanted to create products that remind people of their worth.

- Natasha Moor -

While your career has been a stellar success, you have faced hurdles in your personal life such as a divorce and breakup. How did you get past it and keep the momentum going in your professional life?
My challenges have been some of my greatest teachers. Going through a divorce and a breakup tested my resilience and my belief in myself, but they also reminded me of my strength. I chose to channel my energy into my purpose—creating something meaningful that could inspire others. Instead of letting setbacks define me, I let them refine me through resilience.

Resilience is a funny word. Sometimes I feel like an imposter when I say, ‘I’m so resilient’, because the truth is, we all have highs and lows, ebbs and flows. It’s not easy to always stay true, and authentic while also feeling empowered and resilient—like, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve been through it all’. But I think it’s less about proclaiming resilience and more about the journey itself.

The people we surround ourselves with play a huge role in shaping us. You need people who will lift you, support you and bring good energy into your life. Of course, there are times when you have to be there for yourself but the people you choose to have in your corner truly matter.

Every challenge we face—whether it’s a breakup, a factory malfunction, a delayed product or anything else—comes with a lesson. With time and experience, I’ve realised that these challenges either lead you to something better or teach you something valuable. And those lessons make you stronger, wiser and a better version of yourself.

Tatler Asia
Natasha Moor
Above Natasha Moor strongly believes in finding purpose over perfection
Natasha Moor

Who do you consider your mentors, and what have they taught you?
I’ve been fortunate to have many incredible mentors along my journey, and one of the biggest blessings has been being part of the Baby Bathwater Institute—a tight-knit community of innovative entrepreneurs. It’s a space where ideas flow freely, support is abundant and lessons come from real-world experiences. The entrepreneurs in this group have been incredibly generous with their knowledge and their guidance has been pivotal to my growth.

My most recent favourite mentor is Tony Kasandrinos, the founder of Kasandrinos Olive Oil, a premium olive oil brand rooted in his family’s Greek heritage. Tony has been mentoring me on scaling a brand for D2C (direct-to-consumer) growth, sharing invaluable insights on everything from streamlining operations to creating a more meaningful customer experience. His expertise and authenticity have been a game-changer for me, and I’m so grateful for his mentorship.

What surprises people when they get to know you?
People are often surprised by how playful and goofy I am. While I’m serious about my work, I love laughing, cracking jokes and finding joy in the little things. Another thing? I have an insatiable curiosity for deep, meaningful conversations. I thrive on connecting with people on a soul level because that’s where the magic truly happens.


Every Thursday, Science of Success takes a deep dive into the principles and practices that drive accomplishment across industries. Through compelling interviews, expert insights, and actionable advice, the series offers a window into the journeys of high achievers. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical strategies to advance your own goals, Science of Success is your guide to unlocking potential and reaching new heights.

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