Can-do attitude
Meet the dentist, make-up artist and Bharatanatyam dancer – all in one package
BEHIND the charming smile and athletic build is a man of many talents. Throughout the week, Dinesh Gopalan Nair would hold haemostats and forceps, but he would switch them for make-up brushes when the weekends arrive. If he’s not busy dolling up clients, Dinesh can be found performing for events and television shows.
Dinesh’s exposure to make-up began 18 years ago when he was pursuing Bharatanatyam (classical Indian dance) professionally. Because performing often involves stage cosmetics, his talent in applying make-up developed simultaneously with his passion for dancing.
“The art of applying make-up came very naturally to me. I found the task very effortless and enjoyable,” said Dinesh. With desires to hone his make-up skills, Dinesh signed up for short courses – after completing dental school – to gain an in-depth knowledge of make-up and its application techniques. In 2012, Dinesh decided to utilise his talents and founded bridal make-up service, BLUSH Beauty & Beyond with Hanujah Mageswaran, who’s also in the medical field.
Despite having deep fondness for make-up, he has no plans to ditch dentistry to pursue beauty fulltime.
“I love dentistry; it is a huge part of me. Right now, all three of my passions are rolled into one large ball because I like all three equally and I will keep them going,” Dinesh explained.
The 26-year-old shared that he is juggling his many passions with grace, and credited his ability to do so, to his family and Bharatanatyam tutor for being his greatest cheerleaders.
“I owe it to (my tutor) Miss Sudha Sasikumar for it is because of her I began to admire a woman’s beauty. I must say, I was very much fascinated by hers. She is simply elegant,” expressed Dinesh.
Dinesh dreams of having a nice, comfortable studio one day to better service his clients with different make-up looks. What is your pet peeve when it comes to working with clients? I have low tolerance towards facial hair, especially undone eyebrows because they are supposed to frame the eyes. I would ensure that the brides I work with at least get their eyebrows threaded.
The beauty industry is very competitive. How would you advise those who are passionate about make-up? Firstly, it is very important to love what you do. Hanujah and I would often go the extra mile for our clients just to give them the best. I agree that there are many make-up artists out there but then, there are also many ladies who are getting hitched. You will never run out of business if you back passion with quality, persistence and building a good, memorable rapport with your client.
What is a good smile and how do you achieve it? For a start, visit your dentist regularly. It will help to keep oral health in check, at least. However, a good smile comes from within. Make-up and teeth-fixing are superficial methods. It is how you feel inside that would earn you a flawless, genuine smile – something neither lipstick nor braces can fix.
Given a choice, which famous
Kim Kardashian because her eyes are perfect for the type of make-up I am known for. Aside from that, I think she has the ideal face to carry the glamorous look.
Any advice for everyday make-up users? Pick make-up that would best suit the occasion you’re going to be attending. Always invest in good skincare, and please do not go to sleep with your make-up on.
Name five make-up essentials. Lip balm, face mist, a good moisturiser, mascara and blotting powder or blotting papers.