5 min read
It’s Deeper Than Skin ®
It’s Deeper Than Skin ® is a compilation of interviews featuring diverse multicultural individuals each carrying unique aspirations and desires yet bound by a common passion to create a more joyful, diverse and inclusive space for us all. They inspire, empower and help transform the way we think and feel about beauty, culture, ancient traditions, diversity, mental health, societal standards and more. Through these multifaceted lenses, we learn to celebrate our uniqueness and are reminded once again that our beauty is deeper than skin.
Meet Dorababu, known on Instagram as @telugu.queer, a multifaceted talent with a deep passion for beauty and a commitment to authenticity, Dorababu inspires others through his vibrant posts and stories, celebrating pride and diversity in every aspect of his work. Join us as he shares his insights and experiences in the beauty industry.
Hi Dorababu, tell us a little bit about yourself. (We'd love to know a bit about your background and what you love to do!)
Hi Sachi fam! I’m Dorababu, hailing from a tiny town in Andhra Pradesh, South of India. At 21, I packed my dreams and moved to the States, knowing no one but armed with big ambitions. By day, I wrangle code in IT, and by night, I transform into a makeup artist and model. Who knew a computer geek could also rock a smoky eye? The journey has been surreal, and I’ve grown so much as a person along the way. One day, I hope to make beauty and modeling my full-time gig. I’m a creative soul who lives for all things beauty and makeup, any day of the week!
Growing up, what skincare traditions or customs did you practice?
My mom is a beauty enthusiast, and I definitely inherited my passion from her. Growing up, I loved watching her do skincare and makeup. She taught me that great skincare comes from our lifestyle, not just a single product. I still live by that philosophy. One of my favorite childhood memories is putting on clay masks with her. It’s become a tradition for me to lounge around the house with a natural face mask on. Thanks to her, I’m always mixing up some DIY skincare magic inspired by our South Asian roots!
What got you started in the online beauty community?
Honestly, the lack of representation drives me. I’m not chasing fame; I’m here because social media is a huge part of everyone’s life now. I want to show the world that people like me exist and can thrive just like anyone else! Plus, I love sharing new tips and tricks I pick up on my MUA journey. It’s all about spreading the beauty love!
What does Pride Month mean to you?
To me, Pride means living authentically and freely, without worrying about others’ opinions. Growing up in an Indian household, I was conditioned to conform to societal expectations, but it always felt wrong. Pride is about breaking those barriers and living genuinely, embracing your true identity. Pride Month is a celebration of that freedom, honoring our ancestors who fought for our rights. They ran so we could walk, and that’s worth celebrating!
How has your identity influenced your work in the beauty industry as a makeup artist?
Great question! Honestly, I hadn’t really thought about this until now. My identity plays a huge role in my work as a makeup artist, and most of my inspiration comes from it. Growing up as the only son, I was always encouraged to like masculine things like sports and bikes, but never to embrace my softer side. I always felt a strong connection to my feminine energy but kept it hidden. Once I realized the power of being true to myself, I decided to break the rules and embrace my feminine side, diving into beauty, skincare, and makeup. The more I explored, the more I fell in love with it, and now it’s an integral part of who I am!
As a South Asian artist, has your background inspired you when it comes to creating these beautiful, colourful makeup looks?
Absolutely! I love my culture, especially our vibrant clothes and intricate embroidery. It’s no wonder I fell in love with bold, colorful makeup looks! When I first started as an MUA, I didn’t fully embrace my cultural roots. But as I got older, I realized how amazing my culture is, despite its traumas and issues. Now, it’s a constant source of inspiration for me!
Who would be your dream client?
Oh my god, I have a huge list of people I want to work with! Sharing my art with any South Asian artist makes my heart soar. One of my recent favorites is Priyanka Ganjoo, the CEO of the iconic South Asian-inspired makeup brand, Kulfi Beauty. Her personality is something I truly admire—she’s so down to earth and always makes me feel seen! Glamming her was an absolute joy.
What is your current skincare routine? I'd love to know what's on your shelf!
Lately I’m trying to minimize my skincare to just moisturizer and sunscreen and I’ve been LOVINGGG moisturizer and sunscreen from Beekman 1802! I also do retinol at night and vit C in the morning! I loveeeee adding Pro Resilience Serum from Sachi Skin to my skincare when I want that instant glowing and firmer skin!
Do you have a favourite Sachi Skin product?
I’ve personally tried a few serums from Sachi Skin and I loved their formulas! Their Pro Resilience Serum is one of my favorite serums for instant glow and it helps in brightening and firming my skin which are the two main concerns I always have.
If you could make one change in the beauty industry, what would it be?
I’ve been waiting for this question! When do people understand they don’t need to buy every other viral product out there?? Overconsumption is a huge problem and I think people often tend to forget how much wastage they’re putting into the world! The only thing I’d wanna change in the industry right now is overconsumption! Sometimes it’s really ‘less is more’.
And some rapid fire questions:
Coffee or tea?
Umm neither?? Maybe coffee if I really really need to pick one! I would say Caramel macchiato with one shot of decaf!
What are you currently watching on Netflix?
I just binge watched Bridgerton and I’m now officially a huge Stan of Nicola Coughlan (I would die if I ever get to glam her one day)
Finish the sentence: I feel beautiful when…
I’m literally doing the things I love from my heart!
Anything exciting coming up for you in the next few months?
I’m excited to just take a step back, and honestly reset myself! The world is in a terrifying place right now. I just wish peace for everyone!!
