Arts
Getting creative with editorial makeup
Editorial makeup is not typically worn every day by ordinary people – rather it is used in magazine spreads and on the runway. But lately, the style of makeup that is used by high end fashion magazines like Vogue has now become a form of expression for many youngsters who showcase their creativity on Instagram.
Tehani Gunasekera
The Sunday Times Magazine spoke to three young people who have caught the interest of many through their passion for makeup.
“I think that makeup should be used as a tool to enhance one’s natural beauty rather than covering up personal insecurities. It’s so much more than just products used to make yourself look ‘pretty’, it’s a form of self-expression and a hobby,” said 17-year-old Tehani Gunasekera, a a Grade 12 student from Colombo.
“Editorial makeup is a professional form of makeup that brings out an individual’s own creativity and style which is not typically brought out in an everyday look,” she said.
“It’s makeup that’s out-of-the-box and different from day-to-day looks,” said Kaveesha Joanne Samarajeewa, an 18-year-old A’ Level student at Gateway College, Colombo.
“I think it allows you to bring out your creativity and look at yourself from a different perspective. I do editorial makeup not to make myself look beautiful, but to push my boundaries and discover what I’m capable of, and create something that takes people by surprise,” Kaveesha added.
“It does not have to be something complicated, it could simply be you expressing your feelings or emotions at that moment, with art not on paper but on your face,” says Kavindya Tennakoon, 18, who is currently reading for her LLB from the University of London.
“I don’t think that you have to be the best makeup artist to do so, you can eventually get better at it if you’re into it and love what you do,” she added. She also believes it’s a good stress buster as it helps people express their feelings.
All three have their own Instagram page for their editorial makeup looks. “I created a separate Instagram page because I wanted to highlight the looks I create,” said Kavindya who also hopes to become a good influencer with great content and be recognized by popular makeup brands.
Kaveesha says she didn’t tell anyone at first “because I wanted to gain followers on my own”, but that didn’t happen because her friends found the account. “I would love to collaborate with a big makeup brand like Morphe and create an eyeshadow palette someday,” she adds.
“It was my friends who pushed me to create my own makeup page, and then I started to push myself out of my comfort zone to do more creative and bolder looks,” said Tehani.
Tehani’s biggest inspiration is Internet celebrity Jeffree Star -“I love the fact that he is so passionate and hardworking. The ability to grow a worldwide brand from his difficult past inspires me.”
Kavindya also recognises Jeffree Star as well as Lankan beauty bloggers like Yashora Samaradivakara while Kaveesha was inspired by makeup artists James Charles and Keilidh Cashell.
Kaveesha’s friends are her biggest fans.
“My friends send me pictures they see on Instagram and ask me to attempt these looks. I’m also inspired and excited whenever I see a makeup look I’ve never seen before, so much that I have to do it immediately,” said Kaveesha.
Kaveesha Joanne Samarajeewa
Kavindya Tennakoon