I like pushing the make-up boundaries
As I’m not a good writer, I asked my mentor to pen his thoughts about me as a make-up artist.
I was not expecting any elaborate write-ups, but rather some simple and kind words from him. However, when he showed me what he had written, I was shocked. He somehow expressed what has always been my philosophy as a make-up artist.
I’m truly touched and flattered by what he says below:
“You look different today.”
“Did you lose weight again?”
“Wow, you look like some rich Tai Tai!”
The above were some things I said each time I met Joeng, my professional make-up artist client.
Today, she looked like a lady who works in the CBD area even though she only wore an off-white blouse and a pair of Bermudas – anything but office-looking. But she still looked like an office lady!
I know make-up can make one look different. But Joeng’s make-up is so natural; if you don’t pay attention, you’d think she didn’t wear any make-up at all.
And the fantastic thing is, despite the natural make-up, she looks different every time I meet her.
I always held back asking her lest it be impolite. But curiosity got the better of me. So, I succumbed.
“I can’t put a finger on it, but why is it that each time I see you, you look very different even though your dressing didn’t change much?” I asked, albeit sheepishly.
Joeng smiled and said, “It’s my make-up. Before I leave the house to meet someone, I will decide what look I want today. Therefore, each time you saw me, my make-up was different.”
“Remember the last time you said I looked like a rich Tai Tai?” she continued.
“Yes! That was the first impression I got when I saw you,” I replied.
“And that was the style I had wanted to show. I was so happy when you said I looked like one because when someone describes me according to the look I intended to portray with my make-up, I know I’ve succeeded.”
“A good make-up artist doesn’t need to tell people what make-up style they’re doing. People will know and give it names like ‘Korean make-up’, ‘sporty make-up’, and whatnot.”
“Just like today. Since the purpose of our meeting was business, I decided to wear make-up that gives off a corporate feel. So, when you said I was OL-like, I knew I’d succeeded again!” Joeng beamed with joy.
The nature of my business allows me to meet people from different industries and professions. From CEOs to executive chefs, to doctors, to multi-million-dollar business owners to work-from-home entrepreneurs, you name it; I’ve met them all (almost).
Although their trades vary, they all have one thing in common – a deep love and respect for their profession. The amount of time and money they’ve invested in their trade is unimaginable.
When Joeng told me how much she spent on make-up products monthly, I gasped. I won’t tell you how much. But suffice it to say is what she spends on make-up products monthly is what most ladies spend yearly.
No. She doesn’t use those make-up products to make herself look good per se. She uses them to see what brands suit what styles and looks. Although by doing so, she may not get more clients necessarily, she still does it regularly to push the boundaries of her make-up skills.
This, to me, is professionalism and craftsmanship in action.
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