THE LIPSTICK EFFECT
CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST ALBERT KURNIAWAN SHARES HOW YOU CAN MAKE 2022 YOUR YEAR WITH MAKEUP
Makeup has gone beyond being just a tool that enhances or changes one’s look. These days, it has come to be regarded as a power ful means of boosting mood and confidence. It’s similar to armour, a shield we wear to protect us from the bad days and daily challenges that life throws at us. And even through this current global health crisis marked by lockdowns, social distancing and mask-wearing, women haven’t given up on their beauty needs, with cosmetics (and skincare) intrinsically linked to self- care. Here, Teviant founder and celebrity makeup ar tist Alber t Kurniawan shares tips on how to pump up your confidence with small indulgences such as premium lipsticks and eye makeup.
It’s said that makeup boosts confidence. How has your own experience with makeup been like?
I view makeup as an ar t form. To me, it’s not just a medium through which I can gain confidence as an ar tist and a creative, but also a means through which I can help my clients find beauty in themselves. I appreciate how my clients give me the freedom to create cer tain looks according to their moods, especially when it comes to colours. Their words of af firmation and the joy ful expressions on their beautiful painted faces give me the strength and motivation to keep going. I love how Teviant’s products have also allowed makeup ar tists, industr y friends and beauty aficionados to find confidence in their work and helped others along the way.
If we’re being honest, wearing makeup can be quite the chore now, what with our humid weather and current mask-wearing regulations. What are some of your tips to smoothing the process?
Well, the global pandemic doesn’t seem to have an end in sight and it feels like masking up will continue to be de rigueur for a while. We can’t do any thing about the weather, so my advice is to really look into the type of products you put on your face. In general, you should choose makeup that is less waxy or has less oil content in it—this ensures that it doesn’t slide of f your skin. Always apply a primer, which not only creates a smooth canvas for makeup to adhere to, but also protects your skin. When it comes to foundation, opt for a lightweight liquid formula instead of a cream one and always set it with power to improve its wear. Lip -wise, reach for a matte formula, as it tends to smudge and transfer less than cream and satin ones. Teviant’s Lip Spell, for instance, finishes matte and also has nourishing ingredients that help keep your pout in top condition. And since the eyes are the only par ts of the face that won’t be covered by the mask, take the time to beautif y them— I’m talking eyeliner, eyeshadow, brow products; the works.
So the focus should be on the eyes then?
As the saying goes, the eyes are the windows to the soul, so it makes sense to make them the focal point. How you do them up also reflects your personality and confidence. My hope is that people will star t experimenting with bolder eye looks. The must-haves for me are Teviant’s Liquid Eyeliner, Eyelash Curler and Mon Cheri Mascara—this trio can really make your eyes pop and help you look more energised.
A red lip also has undeniable power. Any tips for finding the perfect shade and how to apply it to help it last?
I love that a red lipstick looks good on anybody, and instantly bestows a confidence and sense of power to its wearer. There is never a right or wrong shade of red; the per fect one always comes down to personal choice and I believe the right one for you will call to you. That said, I highly recommend the Teviant Lip Spell in Haute, a universally flattering red that suits most skin tones. One of my hacks to extending its wear is to apply the lipstick, then place a layer of tissue on top of it and apply loose powder on top of the tissue —this way, the red lipstick is set with the loose powder without smudging it. Finish by reapplying another layer of lipstick and I guarantee the colour will last.
Let’s say there’s an emergency Zoom meeting in 20 minutes. What are some things women can do to help look put together?
Twenty minutes is a luxur y! I can almost do a full face of makeup with this amount of time. If you need to get camera ready quickly, I’d say go for some mascara to define the eyes, some blusher on the cheeks to give a nice flush of colour, and a bright lipstick—think red, lilac, dark red or pink— with a dash of lip gloss. These will help spruce up your look in a pinch, without seeming like you were rushed into it.