How did you get interested in makeup?

I have always had a very creative side to me. But I didn’t give it priority until it pushed itself to the front of the stage when I was trying to work a 9-5 desk job. I decided to leave and train in the field of hairdressing but soon realised that the makeup industry was where my heart truly was. In a way, I always knew I wanted to be a professional makeup artist. It wasn’t something I just stumbled upon.

How do you keep yourself up-to-date with the ever changing trends?

Mostly through social media. There is a lot you can learn off the internet if you really want to. I taught myself the art of makeup from watching YouTube videos and reading makeup or fashion magazines. Social platforms like Instagram and TikTok help me keep up with upcoming trends and what’s of interest to the public. I follow a few well renowned international professional makeup artists as well. I watch and read up on what’s new on the fashion runway to keep myself updated.

Generally what’s your process behind creating a look?

Every face and feature varies from person to person. I have to adapt and use my knowledge and skill for the client to have the perfect look. I take into account skin tone,  face shape, skin texture, facial bone structure and whether the eyes need to be highlighted or the lips. It’s important to know the basics of makeup. Because once you know the theory you can be as creative as you like.

What’s the hardest part of being a makeup artist?

 In my experience, the hardest part about being a makeup artist is accessibility, especially to genuine products. Now with the current Covid situation and how it’s affecting overseas travel, I have to find other ways of purchasing good products easily. There is still a stigma about being a makeup artist and it’s not quite respected or appreciated here. But the thinking is  slowly but surely changing. When I first started out as a professional makeup artist, a strenuous thing would be the working hours. Sometimes I start work at midnight and continue on through the rest of the day. But if you’re passionate enough, the working hours won’t affect you at all.

How does someone pick the perfect eye-look for an occasion?

Depends on the occasion. If it’s a simple day outing, then I would recommend just a simple eyeliner and mascara look. If it’s a more formal and glamorous event then you could go for a smokey eye look and full glam.

What are the best suited colours for South Asian brown skin?

Warm tones really bring out the richness of our undertone. Especially when it comes to foundations, choose shades which have a yellow or olive undertone. When picking bronzer or contour, stick to more golden tones, because cooler tones make our skin look ashy.

What do you think could change or improve in the Sri Lankan beauty industry?

Like I’ve mentioned previously, access to high quality makeup products is very important. And I don’t just mean expensive products. But good products that are safe to use.

People need to be made more aware about how much thought and work actually goes into being a professional makeup artist.

Within the makeup industry itself, I feel like we could strive to be more supportive of our fellow artists. I understand that it’s a hustle and it’s true you have to work hard to build your reputation. But we’re all in the same boat and kindness and understanding really goes a long way.

What do you believe is your greatest achievement as part of the industry?

In Sri Lanka, there is this idea that if you are a hairdresser you should be able to do makeup and be able to drape a saree as well. I believe I’ve had a part to play in breaking that belief. Makeup is it’s own profession. Just like hairdressing is its own. There are separate rules to each field in the industry. Don’t get me wrong, being an all rounder is good. But there shouldn’t be that pressure or stress to be an all rounder.

Where do you want to go from here?

Well a few years ago my dream was to be where I am today. And I am very grateful to every client and experience I’ve had throughout this journey. I would love to venture into more international work. To really push my creativity. Work in more fashion forward and editorial work.

Your top skin care tips?

• Cleanse your face before you go to bed. especially if you’re wearing makeup. No matter how tired you are, trust me your skin will thank you.
• Exfoliate once in a while to get rid of the impurities that are deep into your skin.
• Use a good moisturizer. Investing in your skin is the best thing you could do. It also helps makeup to stay on for longer and look much better.
• Drink a decent amount of water and have fruits or vegetables that contain water