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

Oxford, England (in winter)

Housed within the county town of Oxfordshire, Oxford is a city in central southern England - merely a two hour drive away from central London and made extremely accessible via the Oxford tube. It has a humble town population of about 150,000 and home to the landmark University of Oxford, the oldest university in United Kingdom. This university town represents the epitome of English Oxbridge élite and serves as a nice retreat from the bustling life of Central London with the countryside of Oxfordshire. I love the old town feel, even with the contrasting modern living and traditional Gothic architecture represented in the same haven. Yet, whenever someone mentions Oxford, it's not the "city of dreaming spires" (Matthew Arnold, Thyrsis) that comes to mind but the lovely chats, running across many streets in dinner dresses and suits for Balliol college formal in subzero degree celsius, walking around oxford with my dear host who says that oxford has nothing much to offer (he kids), taking pointless multishot pictures and making old school jokes with my two favourite (and silliest) IB mates. Thanks for hosting us, Nav and for taking us around, Isaac!

Jokes aside, Oxford is an alluring old city to walk around in - the cobbled streets, small homely streets and cosy cafes made me wished that I had planned to stay longer.  The winter cold made the walk by the lake slightly gloomy, but that didn't deter us from being excited at the sight of the dragon boaters training and cooing at the ducks frolicking by the waters. It was however, too cold for punting so we went back for it in summer ♥ 

Before YC came to join us, we had a lovely catch up over tea at Quod brasserie. Located at High street, Quod brasserie has a welcoming glass lobby and cosy wooden interior. It was cold and we were hungry from all the winter walking so we decided to pop in for some light food - I had a cream tea set and he had the fish and chips special (so much for having a light meal before the dinner formal). We sat by the bay window facing the street, having sunlight streaming in was a delight in itself. 

The streets remind me of London (without the crowd), where all too familiar UK brands such as Dorothy perkins, Topshop and Primark could be found readily, especially on Cornmarket street. Walked around nooks and corners before heading back to the dorm to bum around with HIMYM and getting ready for the formal.

At 6:30pm we begin to panic because YC was caught in a jam on a bus from Central London, the doors for the formal were about to close on us and we nearly had to settle for a half eaten salmon wrap for dinner. But us being us, we eventually made it to Balliol college after a dramatic night of panic calls, rushing in subzero temperatures in our dinner wear (and in my heels, mind you) and fixing YC's bus makeup, just like any other day.

Dinner was surreal with flowing south african wine (so delish, have been trying to find the exact same wine ever since) and great company. As one of Oxford's oldest colleges, the interior was decked in dark gothic wood and the beams of the old dining hall are graced by portraits of prominent alumni and former masters, notably Edward Heath and Harold Macmillan. It was indeed an honour to be able to dine in such a beautiful dining hall adorned with such intricate history and significance.

Ended the night at St. Peter's college bar  and multishot pictures...

....and started our day with multishots.

Isaac took us both to Christ church college while N went for classes, it's always a delight to meet someone familiar from your home country abroad. It was extremely kind of him to take us around even though he clearly had a hectic schedule, so thank you Isaac!

As the largest college in Oxford and housing famous landmarks such as the Tom tower and Oxford's Cathedral spire, Christ church welcomes a steady flow of visitors all year round for a fee of £5.50 for students and £7.00 for adults. But if you do know someone from the college, they get to bring in guests for free :) It was really pleasant walking through to admire the beauty of the college and its fascinating history (Isaac peppered anecdotes while bringing us around), much less stay there as a full-time student! I loved the tranquil landscape of the meadow and the architectural beauty of the buildings, and if you're a harry potter fan you would know the Christ church dining hall was used as the set in the movie. Do look up and spot out interesting historical significance in their glass stained windows, they even feature Alice in wonderland characters! We had a small snack before meeting up with N again for lunch.

In the heart of the college lies the Tom quad (or the great quadrangle), which is the largest college quad in the University of Oxford and where the Tom tower stands. The ornamental pond with Mercury perched in the middle used to be where many students got thrown in but now there's a hefty penalty for crossing the line and stepping in. Apparently, the pond is home to Koi carp gifted by the Empress of Japan many years back.

Inside Christ church cathedral:

Gallivanted around and popped by the Oxford covered market where they had shops neatly divided in rows selling handicraft, produce, fresh meat, hand made soap, confectionery, etc. Naively thought it would be a retreat from the cold but it was still extremely cold because it was still outdoors. Loved how the interior was old styled but fashioned with modern shops, and how Ben's cookies was conveniently placed at the entrance though. Finally met up with N and we had indian for lunch before continuing our stroll through the city.

Bodleian library, one of the oldest library in Europe and busking in the rare winter sun in its English gothic architecture fashion. Unfortunately, we couldn't get access to the library as it was not open to the public. It was nonetheless a magnificent structure to behold from the outside.

The library courtyard. I find it intriguing that many pillars around the building (used for matriculation of new undergraduates joining the Oxford family...I think) had various emperor faces! Also gracing the courtyard is the bronze statue of William Herbert.

Before the sun set:

Good times with old friends are gold ♥ Came back to this beautiful city for punting during summer too, stay tuned and ciao!