Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas Beauty Week —the Secret Unveiled

On Friday, 28th August 2009, I walked into a beauty workshop hosted by an up-and-coming make-up brand known as Secret. Four fresh-faced representatives greeted me as I entered, one of them holding the microphone, announcing their latest line of skin-care products.

Being rather make-up-phobic, I was reluctant to listen, but all those cute little tubes of colourful paste just seemed quite irresistible. I soon discovered that skin care is like an exact science; one must use cleanser, toner and moisturiser in that order. Of course, there were side products as well to treat different skin conditions: there was an anti-shine oil remover, blackhead remover, and a cleanser that didn’t tighten the skin.

Participants were offered samples of the products to test on their skin. I liked the blackhead remover because to tell the truth, my skin actually did feel and look softer. A Q and A session was carried out as well, and those who answered correctly received free products.

Secret proved to be a great provider of many needs; our emcee was quite excited as she introduced their line of cosmetics. Again, I was baffled by how meticulous one needs to be with make-up. The emcee spent about 15 minutes just talking about the foundation and how to find the colour closest to your skin tone (apply it near your jaw line; the skin colour is most accurate there as it’s out of the sun). I got the chance to try out some foundation and loose powder to hold it together; it wasn’t bad, but I still felt that all foundation was a bit chalky.

The workshop aimed to be fun and interactive, so a little makeover session was carried out on three girls, randomly selected from the audience. Interesting effects were carried out on each; one girl was daubed with light powder and bronze sheen. We were told that it was the latest trend in make-up: nude make-up, which gave a natural look. One would look as if they were not wearing make-up when in fact, they were. Illogical as the idea seemed to me, the effect was good, giving the girl certain radiance.

There were some guys at the event as well. They were quite sporting in the sense that they agreed to their hair being subjected to ardent styling by the representatives. After several styling products were introduced, the artists started off with Nickhil’s hair, blow-drying it and manipulating it into an asymmetrical spiked look.

I asked Nickhil for his opinion on the workshop just before his hair was styled. He gave some interesting responses. He said that being at the workshop was a way of bringing out your own beauty. Now, I’m not sure whether he was serious or not, but that statement rings true. He admitted to using skincare products very nonchalantly. His frankness is a reflection of how open-minded we should be in this evolving society of ours.

There was a lot of hairspray involved as the stylists aimed to tame Daniel’s (another volunteer) mane. They stiffened his semi-floppy hairdo into a cut similar to Chris Pine’s. He admitted to being embarrassed by the experience. When I asked for his views on the workshop, he said he was apparently coerced by his friends into joining it. However, he thought that appearance and looking good were important things.

Even though there were two views from the opposite end of the spectrum, I still think that it was good of these guys to come and try something new.

I decided to end my session with some professional insight from one of the make-up artists. The make-up and fashion industry is a proliferating business, and it is interesting to know what, exactly, is the magical fuel that energises the new trends and seasons.

Edboard: Hello, madam, may I know how long you have been in this business?

Artist: Well, let’s speak in terms of Secret. I’ve been with them for ten years. 

Edboard: Wow, that’s long.

Artist: Yes, and not only that, we have many projects lined up too, especially for next year. I feel that this brand is becoming more and more well-known. We take care of projects such as photo and model shoots plus we also sponsor some other events ourselves. All I can say is that I’m looking forward to a busy year. 

Edboard: So what sort of effect do you think your job has on people? 

Artist: I think that workshops like this should be fun and innovative, not like those boring ones where there is only one speaker telling the rest what to do. Here, we allow attendees to try on makeup for themselves and familiarise themselves with it. 

Edboard: What is the part of your job that you love? 

Artist: I love the idea of beautifying people, especially females. I’d say I can create a difference as there is plenty of room for creativity.

Edboard: Is there any part that you are dissatisfied with? 

Artist: (laughs) I used to be really angry before, when I used to get repetitive jobs that were all the same, with the same type of models. It seemed like people were saying I wasn’t creative enough. But now I realise that people call on me for a certain job because they trust my expertise, and I’m grateful for that.

Edboard: How has the industry changed your concept of beauty? 

Artist: I don’t think it has. Beauty is variable; it depends on the model and the environment as well.

The Beauty Week certainly changed my idea of make-up. While still very much afraid to put it on, I realise that it can and should be used as an asset. Like Grace said, it does instil confidence in oneself. The enthusiasm of the make-up artist made me realise that make-up is indeed a way of creative self-expression as well as a career.

Kudos to the Student Council of TCSH for hosting this Beauty Week. It certainly proved to be quite an enriching experience, for girls and guys alike. Even though there weren’t very many participants, everyone still had a good time and it was enjoyable.

By YOULIN KOH