An interview with a makeup artist,

"To me, the essence of truly modern makeup is the freedom to be yourself, to express who you are" 

-Francois nars

While it seems effortless to veil yourself behind a mask of powder, it is more that meets the eye that lines the magic of expressions created by a makeup artist. Behind each calculated flash of colour to the cheeks and spirited facial contour, makeup has since been elevated to an art form from prehistoric times. Apart from posing as an avenue for individual freedom of expression, it posits itself as an intimate affair between the artist and a dynamic canvas; much like the endearing relationship between an artist and his/her fine art canvas. But of course, it takes great talent to build these invisible threads of intimacy and trust, akin to the wooden frames holding the stretched out canvas together.

I've always found it intriguing on how makeup artists catch on trends and inspirations....and finally adopting these into consideration in creating the final masterpiece that is uniquely theirs. Especially working with canvases of different shapes and sizes (and sometimes also giving you unnecessary feedback), you need to be flexible and adaptive. Ong Xiner, co-founder of Lushlooks, lets us into some insight about how she first started dabbling with makeup products and some makeup tips she swears by. Providing makeup and hairstyling services for bridal, ROM, dinners and other events, Lushlooks was started by 2 Singaporean professional makeup artists who believed in a similar philosophy that every woman deserves to look and feel beautiful. Passionate about beauty and makeup (and also self-declared hopeless romantics), they yearn to reach out to women and help them look their best during special life moments. How inspiring a story to not share, even with their testimonials ranging from happy brides to pageant kings and queens, they are extremely humble and friendly to talk to ♥

As the author of ongxiner.com, Xiner also writes about daily inspiring looks, tips (my personal favourite being how to wash makeup brushes properly here), makeup blunders, makeup step-by-step tutorials, product reviews and her lifestyle. Her impressive portfolio also spots a wide array creative makeup ideas, which are perfect for the holiday season around the corner! If only I knew about her during my secondary school prom where I was very unfortunately adorned with cat eyes against my will.

What/who inspired you to become a makeup artist?

"For a start I fell in love with hairstyling after watching a Taiwan Variety Show 女人我最大 when I was 16. Subsequently, I ventured into makeup and love it so much I did my own makeup for Prom after sec 4. But what really drew me to become a makeup artist will be none other than the many many makeup/beauty gurus on youtube. They are all so inspirational and one of my favourite makeup artist is Lisa Eldrige. She made me view makeup so differently and ever since I found her work I got drawn into makeup on a deeper level."

How do you get your inspirations for different makeup styles? 

"I love watching youtube to check out what other makeup artists are doing. I also buy magazines like Elle and Vivi to keep up with the latest makeup trends both from the West and the East. Most of the time when I did makeup for my clients it’s more like a “feel”. I guess it’s kind of like drawing, you get inspired by your model and the environment when you start your art piece. To me, makeup is an art."

What are some your favorite makeup brands? 

"High-end makeup: Makeup Forever, Dior, Urban Decay, Benefit

High street makeup: Rimmel, Maybelline, K-Palette, Revlon" 

For the everyday woman, what is one beauty/makeup tip that you swear by? 

"For me, I will never leave the house without filling in my brows because my brows are quite sparse and without it I age like 5 years! So, it’s a must for me. But for the average woman with an okay complexion and brows, eyeliner on the waterline and lashline can definitely give her a boost to give the illusion of thicker lashes and also look more awake."

What do you think is the common makeup mistake that women make?

"I would say it’s leaving a gap in between the eyeliner and the lashline. I simply can’t stand a white line in between them. It just looks awkward to me."

What is the hottest makeup trend of this season? 

 "There are so many I don’t even know where to start!

1. Wine-stained lips

2. Darker eye makeup which can be smokey (I personally love purple)

3. Red lips will definitely not go out of trend"

What is one cosmetic that you cannot leave the house without? 

"EYELINER because I have really oily lids so they tend to smudge or just disappear as time goes by."

Any advice for aspiring makeup artists out there? 

"I am not that experienced to give super good advice but in this crazy materialistic and pragmatic Singapore, I would say you have to know how to stick to what you love to do and not be succumbed to social pressures."

Do hope on down to Lushlooks' Facebook page here and show some support by spreading the word for this lovely makeup artist! Or like it with a simple click of a button below for local talent :) For enquiries or quotes, you may also contact Xiner at makeup.lushlooks@gmail.com / +6596349764 directly or click here to get transported to their website.

Truly, makeup is indeed an art form complemented by the spirit of inner beauty ♥ It was such a joy to speak to Xiner from Lushlooks and finding more about her passion for makeup and not being afraid to try out new trends and styles and sticking true to what you love in the art (maybe even inspire me to add a pop of colours when dressing up next time). If you're looking to be featured, do email me at yanting91@gmail.com as I'm always keen to talk to more inspiring talents :) Ciao, thanks for reading!  

All picture credits to Ongxiner.com

An interview with a photographer,

"You don't take a photograph, you make it." 

                                                                                                     Ansel adams

As a famous American photographer in the 1930s, Ansel adams' simple words certainly packs a punch and resonates in this Instagram-Facebook era. Photography indeed is an exquisite art, and is deeply embedded within the field of fine arts. Past few weeks of art school has seen us examining how light and space can help sculpture the composition of a painting, such as the likes of iconic photographers Edward henry weston and Imogen Cunningham. It's extraordinary on how these perspectives can evoke such sensuality, truth or unspeakable joy; I became really inspired while working on my abstract canvas. It really dawned on me how photography isn't all about the 2 inches long lenses on the camera but that tiny eye behind the shutter hole that captures the extraordinary from the ordinary. 

I've always wanted to get the scoop on what it means to be a photographer and when Ernestshoots photography gave the green light to be featured on this cosy space of mine, I was thrilled! Ernest Tan, is the talented yet humble brains of a professional photographer behind Ernestshoots, based in Singapore. He attempts to tell a story with each photograph he captures by fusing the elements found in the composition of each photograph. Constantly challenging himself to seek greater heights in his photography, Ernest ventures into undiscovered grounds for brand new perspectives and is often found wandering on paths less travelled. Even when he is off duty, he never puts away his camera.

Ernestshoots has a repertoire of impressive photography in his portfolio, and specializes in prewed/couple shots :) With his experience coupled with his charming attitude and patience, it is no wonder that his assignments range from local student couples to a wedding in New York (pssst he's even flown over for the assignment). Couple shots and prewed photography shoots are becoming the in thing these days, especially vintage and indie themed shots....yet it's always a nightmare to find that perfect photographer. Ernest lets us more into what made him delve deeper into photography, and provides some tips for those who are looking to do photo shoots.





          

What made you start photography? 

"It was a hobby turned passion. When I started out with my first DSLR, I was trying be all artsy and take abstract things like lampposts, puddles, the lone pigeon on a railing, but soon it progressed and I found myself gaining satisfaction whenever a good shot came out, it's different from using your handphone camera, because you have to wait, adjust, snap, adjust, snap snap snap, and the lag time between hearing the last snap and checking out your photos- and seeing a good shot on the screen, that satisfaction is what turned my 'forced abstract shooting' into a passion, and I started exploring other areas from there :)" 

          






What sets you apart from the other prewed photographers?

"I believe that in every photoshoot there's a killshot-one that makes people go woahhh. Nothing else has to be said in a killshot, it's all in the photo. I also have an inner desire to capture people in hard to get places, non conventional places, where you will never expect to find a couple:) Sure, places like Gardens by the Bay or the Botanic Gardens do have their classic feel to it, but it's my goal of taking the couple where nobody has been to, somewhere special and on the road less traveled that sets me apart."

What is one tip to give couples who are planning to take couple shots?

"Posed shots are so last season- It's all about the natural, relaxed state that makes the nicest pictures. Don't be too worried about the end product, that's the photographer's job. Enjoy the experience of doing a photoshoot, having someone capture your special moments for a change. Also, don't be afraid or shy to raise any ideas to the photographer, no matter how retarded or shameless or bizarre it sounds. For 2 reasons: It's YOUR shoot, and if your photographer's game enough (I know I always am), he/she'll make it happen."

Who are your inspirations or photographers you look up to?

"I'm a super big fan of Multifolds Photography and Bobby Kiran Photography! Some of my works are inspired by them and hopefully, I can be like them someday :)"

Any last words to all aspiring photographers out there? 

"Keep asking. People don't ask enough- Be it to be an apprentice, for shoots, etc. Especially when starting out, shoot everything and anything. The experience is super valuable and unattainable if you don't put yourself out there."

Apart from prewed shots, Ernestshoots also does shoots for birthday parties, graduation and even pets! Here are some of my favourite shots from his portfolio, I simply adore the dog ones, it must be really hard to photograph hyperactive dogs. A lot of thought goes into each photograph, ironic isn't it though? That each click of the shutter seems so spontaneous and frisky, yet it is motivated by calculated thought...just like certain techniques of painting.

Do hope on down to their Facebook page here and show some support by spreading the word for this lovely photographer! Or like it with a simple click of a button below for local talent :) For enquiries or quotes, you may also contact Ernest at ernest.txh@gmail.com directly or click here to get transported to their website.

It was such a joy to speak to Ernestshoots and finding more about his passion for photography. If you're looking to be featured, do email me at yanting91@gmail.com as I'm always keen to talk to more inspiring talents :) Ciao, thanks for reading! ♥ 

All picture credits to Ernestshoots photography.