Mum-to-be Nur Fazura Sharifuddin keeps busy and stays positive in the countdown to the big day
VERSATILE singer-actress and businesswoman Nur Fazura Sharifuddin is her usual bubbly self despite her baby's expected arrival in a couple of months.
The 36-year-old admits to being as "busy as a bee", keeping herself active doing things she loves to keep her mind off any worries ahead of the Oct 21 due date.
Her actor-singer husband and "best friend", Fattah Amin, is 100 per cent behind her.
"Fattah and I plan to shop for our baby's clothes and necessities throughout September. I've been so busy promoting my current cosmetics brand and a new skincare brand," she said at the launch of the latter, Fazura Skincare, at Lightbox in Sungai Buloh, Selangor recently.
"Call me a workaholic but I love doing things that I enjoy. It makes me think positive and not worry too much," said Fazura.
"Nevertheless, there are times when I still worry about the small things. For instance, when Fattah put on some weight two months ago, I quickly told him to cut back on the sweet stuff like ice-cream, and he did!"
For Fazura, staying at home and doing nothing is stressful, boring and tiring.
"I always believe that it's healthier if we get involved in some activities to get our mind and body moving. The exercise is good for us.
"I get extra energy from doing things I enjoy and that gives me satisfaction. It helps me to think positive too."
Having a positive attitude is important for mums-to-be like herself, she added, as it would create "good vibes for baby".
However, Fazura is also careful not to overwork herself. "I'd stop and rest when I feel tired. I always listen to my body clock!"
Any pregnancy cravings?
"None so far though I did become less fond of spicy or soupy food. I've also begun to eat less. Since my pregnancy, I've limited my meals to only one or two dishes."
As a businesswoman, Fazura strongly believes in using natural ingredients for her beauty products, marketed under the Trudolly and Fazura Skincare brands.
"It's my belief that what's good for others must surely be good for me too. This means I only promote products that I personally use. They must be natural products that do not damage the skin," she said.
Fazura conducts research into the ingredients and hold discussions with skin specialists and nutritionists before launching any new product.
In the Fazura Skincare range are high-quality natural ingredients such as Avena Strigosa Seed Extract (black oats) and Cynanchum Atratum Extract from South Korea which inhibits inflammation and promotes regeneration. Her skincare line includes face scrub, face wash, night and day cream and serum. They are suitable for all types of skin, with properties that moisturise as well as promote anti-ageing and brightening of the skin.
"Being always on the move and working long hours, I realise that it is important to have good skincare products," said Fazura, who plans to launch more natural beauty products in the future.
As for her outlook in life, Fazura is all for versatility. Fazura's last song, Can't Forget Me, recorded in Los Angeles last year, currently has more than seven million streams. It dominated iTunes Malaysia a day after its release.
"It's something to celebrate. I want to thank producer Willy Beaman and singer-songwriter Cameron Forbes who collaborated with me. They're simply the best," she said.
Fazura's latest song Be Honest, written and composed by Ezra Kong, was finally released on Aug 25, after a five-month delay.
"We've also got a music video for the song in the pipeline. I want to thank an old friend, Datuk Rizalman Ibrahim, for coming up with some splendid outfits for me."
Despite the Recovery Movement Control Order, Fazura's fans have never stopped coming up to her for a selfie or two.
And while she never turns them down, the singer-actress has some standard operating procedures (SOP) for them to adhere to.
"Physical distancing is vital. If it's a few of them, I'll get them to arrange themselves so that there is a safe distance between all of us before we take any photographs," she said.
Meanwhile, Fattah said he was delighted to see Fazura in such good spirits.
"I sometimes advised her not to work too hard. She's been working even harder since her pregnancy.
"But she knows how to pace herself and when to take a break. Whenever she feels down, I'll be there to cheer her up."