Suit up with Jeremy Tok
Kuala Lumpur based mens bespoke designer, Jeremy Tok was in town last week to share his expertise and knowledge on menswear. The event was held at Matadoe Bistro ...
More
Welcome to bruneiONS.com
brineioONS.com is a weekly online magazine on art, lifestyle and culture
bruneions interview with dewi hairani
Meet Dewi Hairani, a very pleasant and cheerful lady with many talents. During this interview request, Dewi was also juggling her time to prepare for her wedding so we are very lucky to have Dewi squeeze in some time to answer some questions for us. So Dewi, let us talk about you now...
Where did your love of makeup begin?
I've always known that I have the eye for beautiful things. I'm very observant. In my younger years...wait let me rephrase that!...In my high school years, (hehe..), being in the top 3 of the inter-school art competition was an annual thing for me. So with the art basics I have, I just tend to be a little more experimentative...not just on canvas but on faces! Love making people beautiful!
What was your big break as a makeup artist?
hmmm...Facebook?...hahaha...Kidding! I've been doing bridal makeup since 2003 (Long before Facebook became famous in Brunei). Word of mouth is magical, it just spreads! I didn't even have a business card then. :) In no time, I was painting faces in all 4 districts. After years of doing the weekend bridal routine, I wanted to do something more challenging, that's when all these crazy ideas came in...and I've been doing photoshoots ever since.
What challenges have you faced in this field since you began?
My weekends are always taken away by makeup bookings. Basically, I'm working 7 days a week! Full time teacher, a part time makeup artist and recently, officially a full time WIFE! Hahaha... So i had to juggle all these at the same time but hey! I'm not complaining, semua rezeki, ALLAH swt! Alhamdullillah. ;)
What’s a typical day like for you?
Its always a race for me in the morning...teachers need to be in school before 7.30am! Always awaken by the sound of students singing their morning greet to me in class..teaching, marking, swearing (haha kidding!), if there are no meetings or extra classes I will be done by noon. Favourite part of the day is lunching out with hubby. Afternoons, working on new photoshoot projects, meetings with clients, updating my page & blog, shopping! I will end the day with a movie marathon with my love. :)
Have you work with any celebrity? local or international.
Yes, I've worked with almost all the local Bruneian artistes. (Not 'makeup-ing' but performing...Oh yeah..my other job is singing!) They are all my dearest friends. I represented Brunei in a few TV programs in Kuching, Kuala Lumpur & Thailand. So yes, I use to perform with a lot of famous artistes especially Malaysian & Indonesians ones...too many to mention!
If we peeked inside your makeup kit what would we find?
All mixed brands of products. I don't stick to one brand. I take the best product from each brand.
What’s the one beauty item you can’t live without?
I'll give you 2....Anti-bacterial wet tissue & eye drops!
What’s the last beauty item you purchased?
An enormous palette of shimmering eyeshadow from KL..love it!
If you wanted to make someone more youthful, what would you do?
You mean LOOK more youthful?...hehehe. Ask her to go for cosmetic surgery or botox! Hahahaha. Kidding again! I always joke with my clients that I'm performing an instant corrective surgery when I'm doing their make up. For example, when I'm doing shading on their nose, I'll ask them," Are you ready for your 5-minute nose job?" It makes them laugh! Eyebags & skin imperfections need to be hidden with my magic concealer!
Give us your best beauty tips.
What’s the biggest makeup mistake women make?
OMG!!! These women will get me starring at them! Seriously! I created names for these mistakes:
The worm in the bush: Women who draws one thin black line on bushy eyebrows.
The floating head: Applying the wrong tone of foundation or powder and forgetting about the neckline.
The Snuffelophagus;: Putting on far too much long eyelash extension which covers half of the eye.
The Ventriloquist: Putting on eyeliner too far from the lash on the lower lids
Sorry ladies!! :S Please seek advice from a professional makeup artist ASAP!
What’s next in your career?
I'm currently working on starting my own bridal boutique - designing gowns, pelamin, hantaran & deco. All of which, by the way, I'll be showing at my very own wedding reception on 30th September 2011. Insyallah. So excited! You'll be invited, don't worry. ;D
What has been your most memorable assignment and why?
My most memorable assignment would be my Tribal Warrior Photoshoot. We drove to a beautiful place called Selapun in Temburong and stayed overnight. I started doing makeup at 4 a.m and finished at 9 a.m, but it was worth it! Nice clear river with big smooth stones...I even had a free reflexology & fish spa while shooting! Simply amazing!
What do you think of the local industry relevant to your work at the moment and where do you see it in 5 years from now?
Big media companies are now starting to collaborate with makeup artists and use their artistic knowledge to help in the presentation their projects such as T.V ad, posters, T.V programs and banners. I can say Brunei now is starting to appreciate & understand the importance of art & design on a product and that's why there are more demands for artistic makeup artists. If this persists, in 5 years time, the face of Brunei Darussalam will look better. :)
Where did your love of makeup begin?
I've always known that I have the eye for beautiful things. I'm very observant. In my younger years...wait let me rephrase that!...In my high school years, (hehe..), being in the top 3 of the inter-school art competition was an annual thing for me. So with the art basics I have, I just tend to be a little more experimentative...not just on canvas but on faces! Love making people beautiful!
What was your big break as a makeup artist?
hmmm...Facebook?...hahaha...Kidding! I've been doing bridal makeup since 2003 (Long before Facebook became famous in Brunei). Word of mouth is magical, it just spreads! I didn't even have a business card then. :) In no time, I was painting faces in all 4 districts. After years of doing the weekend bridal routine, I wanted to do something more challenging, that's when all these crazy ideas came in...and I've been doing photoshoots ever since.
What challenges have you faced in this field since you began?
My weekends are always taken away by makeup bookings. Basically, I'm working 7 days a week! Full time teacher, a part time makeup artist and recently, officially a full time WIFE! Hahaha... So i had to juggle all these at the same time but hey! I'm not complaining, semua rezeki, ALLAH swt! Alhamdullillah. ;)
What’s a typical day like for you?
Its always a race for me in the morning...teachers need to be in school before 7.30am! Always awaken by the sound of students singing their morning greet to me in class..teaching, marking, swearing (haha kidding!), if there are no meetings or extra classes I will be done by noon. Favourite part of the day is lunching out with hubby. Afternoons, working on new photoshoot projects, meetings with clients, updating my page & blog, shopping! I will end the day with a movie marathon with my love. :)
Have you work with any celebrity? local or international.
Yes, I've worked with almost all the local Bruneian artistes. (Not 'makeup-ing' but performing...Oh yeah..my other job is singing!) They are all my dearest friends. I represented Brunei in a few TV programs in Kuching, Kuala Lumpur & Thailand. So yes, I use to perform with a lot of famous artistes especially Malaysian & Indonesians ones...too many to mention!
If we peeked inside your makeup kit what would we find?
All mixed brands of products. I don't stick to one brand. I take the best product from each brand.
What’s the one beauty item you can’t live without?
I'll give you 2....Anti-bacterial wet tissue & eye drops!
What’s the last beauty item you purchased?
An enormous palette of shimmering eyeshadow from KL..love it!
If you wanted to make someone more youthful, what would you do?
You mean LOOK more youthful?...hehehe. Ask her to go for cosmetic surgery or botox! Hahahaha. Kidding again! I always joke with my clients that I'm performing an instant corrective surgery when I'm doing their make up. For example, when I'm doing shading on their nose, I'll ask them," Are you ready for your 5-minute nose job?" It makes them laugh! Eyebags & skin imperfections need to be hidden with my magic concealer!
Give us your best beauty tips.
Cleanse & Moisturize! Never sleep with makeup on. Always moisturize after cleansing. Scrub once a week to clear away the dead skin cells. For those with oily skin, keep blotting paper & powder handy to look fresh all day!
What’s the biggest makeup mistake women make?
OMG!!! These women will get me starring at them! Seriously! I created names for these mistakes:
The worm in the bush: Women who draws one thin black line on bushy eyebrows.
The floating head: Applying the wrong tone of foundation or powder and forgetting about the neckline.
The Snuffelophagus;: Putting on far too much long eyelash extension which covers half of the eye.
The Ventriloquist: Putting on eyeliner too far from the lash on the lower lids
Sorry ladies!! :S Please seek advice from a professional makeup artist ASAP!
What’s next in your career?
I'm currently working on starting my own bridal boutique - designing gowns, pelamin, hantaran & deco. All of which, by the way, I'll be showing at my very own wedding reception on 30th September 2011. Insyallah. So excited! You'll be invited, don't worry. ;D
What has been your most memorable assignment and why?
My most memorable assignment would be my Tribal Warrior Photoshoot. We drove to a beautiful place called Selapun in Temburong and stayed overnight. I started doing makeup at 4 a.m and finished at 9 a.m, but it was worth it! Nice clear river with big smooth stones...I even had a free reflexology & fish spa while shooting! Simply amazing!
What do you think of the local industry relevant to your work at the moment and where do you see it in 5 years from now?
Big media companies are now starting to collaborate with makeup artists and use their artistic knowledge to help in the presentation their projects such as T.V ad, posters, T.V programs and banners. I can say Brunei now is starting to appreciate & understand the importance of art & design on a product and that's why there are more demands for artistic makeup artists. If this persists, in 5 years time, the face of Brunei Darussalam will look better. :)
What are your favourite three creations you have done recently? Can you describe them and also your thoughts when creating them?
Tribal Warrior. Inspired by the movie Apocalypto. Apocalypto's movie won an award for the best makeup effects and I wanted to challenge myself if could level up to their standards...you be the judge!:)
Goth, This was make up was for our local fashion designer ARTLY's fashion show. Her theme was Gothic. So I painted this masked-face look to go with their attire.
Creepy Doll; I was actually inspired by the model herself. She has a very interesting unique face and perfect for the creepy doll photo shoot
Any makeup artist who inspires you?
None specifically..I can be easily inspired by anything, scenery, objects, artwork or a situation as I am a very observant person. :)
A website and/or blog you visit often?
Ebay! I'm an ONIOMANIA! (google it up! heehehe)
The last workshop or seminar you attended and why?
None.
Do you have any workshops on the horizon?
None of my own yet, maybe when I have my own boutique in the near future. On 23rd July, I worked with a well-known photographer from the Philippines, Mr. Manny Librodo when he had a photography workshop here in Brunei.
One way you market yourself?
Weddings & Facebook.
Do you advertise? If so where?
Not Really...
How important is an awesome website for your business?
Very important! well, not that mine is! LOL!
What advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue makeup artist as a professional job?
What are you waiting for?! Go for it!! Start by experimenting and practice to build up your skills & confidence. :)
We know that each of us has someone or something, which inspires our life and work. Can you tell us the true basis of your inspiration?
I love making people feel beautiful! The best part of my work is when you can instantly inject a little boost of confidence and a smile on a face. Everytime when I hear my clients get compliments from others, it just makes my day. Their appreciation and gratitude is a catalyst to ignite my sense of satisfaction and inspiration. When you are inspired by your own work, creativity will flow naturally!
Something you’re still learning?
French Braiding Hair. :S
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My beloved husband, Mr. Issam Massaoudi! God is just too kind to send me this angel. He's everything that I could ever asked for! He's my rezeki. :)
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my touch!
Something that is overrated?
Cupcakes. Can you really eat up all the sugar??
Something you’re saving up for?
My own boutique. :)
What item do you wish you had designed?
Brunei Bebedak Accessories (Pakaian Brunei)
If you could have lunch with anyone who is famous who would it be?
Oprah Winfrey
Your favourite film (movie) of all time?
Dumb & Dumber
Finish this sentence. If I had one wish…
If I had one wish… I wish I have all the time & money for traveling around the WORLD!
Get to know Dewi better at facebook or her own blog.
Five tips on menswear by Jeremy Tok
BruneiONS had the chance to sit with Kuala Lumpur based men’s bespoke designer Jeremy Tok. Here he shares his five tips on how men can look and feel their best.
More
men+bags=cool
It's not just women who get to hold it, tote it, sling and swing it anymore. Men can do the same and their variety of functionally stylish bags are growing. We are ...
More
