MAKE-UP artists’ portfolios on Instagram offer ideas and tips on getting the right look for a special occasion or just adding a little magic to your appearance.
Here are 10 local make-up maestros to follow on Instagram:
1. Suhaib Daud
(Instagram) @suhaibdaud
Followers: 113,000
He is known as the untrimmed eyebrow specialist. Instead of trimming eyebrows, Suhaib uses a glue technique to cover excess hair. It creates the perfectly-arched eyebrows. His techniques include blending eye shadow and shading, and his make-up workshops are in demand in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore. He often posts make-up tips and behind-the-scene photos with participants on Instagram.
2. Erin Leola
(Instagram) @erinleola
Followers: 103,000
She likes to mix and match bold colours like red lipstick with orange or purple eyeshadow but prefers a natural look for the cheeks. From her followers’ comments, many are brides-to-be waiting in line to book her as their make-up artist.
Erin is also available for events and photoshoots. In addition to behind-the-scenes photos, she uploads videos on make-up.
3. Syed Dewa
(Instagram) @syedewa
Followers: 102,000
His clients include celebrities like Neelofa (photo), Rozita Che Wan and Ziana Zain. Syed Dewa likes both natural and dark colours that result in a simple yet flawless and elegant look. Through his YouTube channel — Syedewa MUA — he offers make-up tips and suggestions on products. Together with another makeup artist, Nuex Rosli, Syed Dewa has published Ultimate Makeup Manual, a guide to make-up secrets.
4. Nuex Rosli
(Instagram) @nuex_rosli
Followers: 100,000
He started his career as a professional make-up artist in 2011, while studying for his Master’s degree in Genetic Science. His clients include Sarimah Ibahim. Popular for the smokey eyes look, he uses brown, black and grey to create the perfect smouldering look. Nuex is also the founder and designer of Absolute, a hijab brand, as well as the creator of NR Cosmetics.
5. Najeeb Azami
(Instagram) @najeebazami
Followers: 82,700
With clients including Siti Nurhaliza, Ziana Zain, Erra Fazira, Maya Karin, Neelofa, Scha Al Yahya, Elfira Loy and Nora Danish, Najeeb prefers the less-is-more approach. Using pastel and soft colours, he creates a naturally radiant and beautiful look.
He has worked with international brands such as Shu Uemura, Dior, Mac and Laura Mercier. He is also a wedding planner and fashion designer, and has launched his fashion line, Kuntum.
6. Deq Sha
(Instagram) @makeupbydeqsha
Followers: 56,800
With more than 10 years’ experience, Deq Sha is one of the most sought-after make-up artists among celebrities including Erra Fazira, Lisa Surihani and Fasha Sandha. He prefers light shades such as soft pinks and natural hues for the lips to achieve a flawless look. In addition to beauty tips on Instagram, his followers have the opportunity to attend classes and learn make-up step-by-step.
7. Syed Faizal Syed Noh
(Instagram) @syedfaizalsyednoh
Followers: 40,000
He likes bold and dramatic colours for lips and eyes, and has worked his magic on many brides as well as celebrities including Liyana Jasmay, Dayang Nurfaizah, Fara Fauzana and Scha Alyahya. Syed Faizal has launched his brand of matte liquid lipstick, Bibir by Syed Killer Eyes, which reflects his love of vibrant lip colours.
Follow his Instagram account to know more about the range of colours as well as his style.
8. Khir Khalid
(Instagram) @khirkhalid
Followers: 27,900
A professional make-up artist for the past 15 years, Khir is synonymous with the glamorous world of high fashion. He is a highly sought-after make-up expert for beauty and fashion spreads.
With his signature nude look for brides and highlighting of natural beauty with colours, he is in demand for weddings in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.
9. Sheng Saw
(Instagram) @shengsaw
Followers: 18,100
With over 13 years of experience as a make-up artist, Sheng Saw’s style is influenced by his love for travelling and work experience in various cultures. His resume includes backstage make-up for both London Fashion Week and Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.
He has also worked as an assistant to make-up artists such as Sharon Downsett, Val Garland, Lucia Peroni, Terry Barber and Gordon Espinet. His expertise is creating the flawless looks, ranging from soft and natural to edgy on all types of skin tone.
10. Teyn Nash
(Instagram) @makeupbyteyn
Followers: 8,963
With the belief that a minimal look is the best way to bring out natural beauty, Teyn’s work experience ranges from photo shoots, music videos, movies, competitions, TV shows and weddings. She has worked in theatre productions Cuci The Musical and Lat The Musical, and the movie Lawak Ke Der 2 as well as photoshoots for local magazines including Cosmopolitan, Prestige and Seventeen.