PROFESSIONAL makeup artist Pearl Tan, 28, has been working for the last ten years, putting colours on clients ranging from brides ready to walk down the aisle to models on the fashion runway.
She has a degree in professional makeup, as well as a degree in prosthetic makeup. She has also been married to an insurance agent for the past two years.
What is the best makeup advice you can give to readers?
“You have to make sure your eyebrow suits your face, and not follow the current trends. Your eyebrows will affect your whole makeup process.
“You do not have to box yourself into one style of makeup. You need to be adventurous, and try different styles.
“Just play with colours. If you want to see if the makeup style suits you or not, snap a picture and send it to three of your friends and see their reaction.
“If at least two of your friends love your look, then go ahead.”
What is the biggest challenge you face as makeup artist in Malaysia?
“Sometimes, people do not take makeup artists seriously. They associate makeup artists only with bridal make up.
“But some of us do more than bridal makeup. We are involved in many events, such as fashion shows and magazine shoots.”
What is the biggest change you would like to see in the makeup world?
“Most people have the impression that the best makeup artists are from the west. But this year, we are seeing that some rising names in the makeup world are Asian. That is good sign.”
Who are some of the makeup artist you admire?
“Perypie from Thailand. She changed the game for editorial makeup. A lot of makeup artists from this region are inspired by her.
“The other makeup artist I admire is Cindy Chen from America. She knows how to create something grand and awesome.”
Which celebrities do you think have great makeup styles?
“Jessie J and Lady Gaga. I love their bold looks. They love breaking rules when it come to makeup.”
Has the pandemic affected your business?
“Yes. Because of the MCO, there are fewer assignments for weddings, photo shoots for magazines and fashion shows.
“My team and I needed to be creative. We gave virtual personal makeup classes. We advise our clients, ranging from what foundation to choose, to] their skincare products.”
Where do you get the inspiration and ideas for your makeup?
“I love to look at art. I study the colours and textures. These works spark my imagination and give me inspiration for my works.
“Some of the artists l love are the Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, and South Korean-born artists Sang Woo Kim and Cho Gi Seok.”
Do you remember the first time you played with a makeup kit?
“My mother told me when I was three, I took her lipstick my face. Instead of being angry with me, my mother found the whole experience to be cute.
“She took out her camera and started clicking pictures of me.”
What motivated you to be a makeup artist?
“When I was 19, I represented my country in the Latin dance competition. I got to travel to many countries for competitions and dance camps.
“I had to put my own makeup for these competitions, and it was from here that I fell deeply in love with makeup. The vibrant colours, and seeing how different techniques can change the structure of a face fascinated me.
“It was like magic and I loved it.
“What I love most about my job is that I get to meet a diverse range of people, from happy brides to creative people and celebrities.”
Describe an important role model in your life.
“My mum. As cliche as it sounds, she is the strongest woman I have ever known. My mum took care of her family of 10 ever since she was only 12.
“There was a point in my life where I remember how she juggled between five different jobs while raising me.
“She made sure that I always came home to a warm meal.”
