FIVE years ago, Brriyan John saw an advertisement for a two-month course on special effects make-up.
The Sitiawan-born talent decided to sign up and the course has totally changed the direction of his life.
Before the lessons were even completed, he got his first job to create special effects makeup for Malaysian-produced Tamil film Innaval directed by Saran Z.
That was 2016. The movie featured some gory scenes.
“I was close friends with the lead actor Vasanth Sarna,’’ said the 27-year-old, who grew up in Johor Baru.
“Vasanth thought I would be the perfect makeup artist for the film and recommended my name to the production team. I am really grateful to him for my first break.”
The opportunity opened new doors and more movies began to come his way.
“I was training to be a physio therapist,’’ he explained. “I was in the midst of taking a diploma.”
He abandoned that pursuit and completely immersed himself in his dream to become a makeup artist and celebrity stylist.
In the last five years, he has met tremendous success. He has enhanced many faces of celebrities and beauty contestants from Malaysia, Singapore and India.
He credits his mother Cecily John Benedict as his inspiration for success. “She is not a makeup artist. But she knows about makeup and colours well.
All her friends would ask her to do makeup when they had important functions to attend. Watching her playing with her makeup tools inspired me to walk this path.
Where will we see you in five years time?
“I would like to base myself in Hollywood and Indian cinema industry. These two places are the largest film making industries and I believe working there will enhance my talent and I will gain new experiences.
I would like to start my own cosmetics brand where my products will be vegan and more skin friendly. I would love to open my own academy to teach what I have learnt to newcomers.
What is one piece of advice for a youngster who wants to be a makeup artist?
There are people who will say there is no job scope for makeup artists in Malaysia. Do not listen to them. You have to listen to your heart and follow your dream. You have to prove your critics wrong.
When I wanted to be a makeup artist, a lot of people told me that this job has no security. But I ignored their negativity. I am lucky that my mother supported my dreams. She told me to follow my heart and be the best in the field.
The other advice I would like to give is that you must always upgrade myself. I have taken online makeup courses where I got tips from the best makeup artists in Hollywood and Bollywood.
Who is one international celebrity whom you admire for their makeup style?
Nayantara. She is my all-time favourite actress. Her style is really simple but elegant. I would love to work with her
in future. I would like to give her a new look.
Who is one Malaysian celebrity you admire for her makeup style?
Sangeeta Krishnasamy. I have worked with her several times. She is easy to work with and very open to new ideas. She has always given me good advice where my career is concerned.
What is the one biggest change you’d like to see taking place in the Malaysian makeup scene?
It is important for the director and the cast to work closely with the makeup artist and costume designer when they are shaping the character for the movie. The makeup artist and costume designer could give interesting suggestions to enhance the character.
I have had this kind of discussion for several film productions. I would like to see this trend taking place for every film production.
What is the biggest mistake people do with their makeup?
They put heavy makeup on their lips and their eyes at the same time. That should not be the case. If you go heavy on lips, then you should go easy with your eyes and vice versa. Try not to use counterfeit products because they can really damage your skin.
TRIVIA :-
Favourite actor:
Ajith. He is humble and down to earth.
Favourite movie:
Jeans. I adore Aishwarya Rai in the film.
Favourite fashion designer:
Manisha Malhotra has brought Bollywood fashion to a different level
