Contrary to popular belief, a photograph is not just the work of the Photographer. There’s a whole team contributing to the final image, including lighting, hair and makeup, art direction, styling and more. I’m always happy to be part of a bigger production because you can produce a much more epic and crafted piece of work.
After talking about myself for 11 weeks, I figured you would probably want to take a break from me (hehe). So over the next few weeks, I’ll intersperse my personal posts with a new “10 Questions with” series. This series was birthed from the idea of wanting to shine a spotlight on crew members I usually work with for productions. They’ve been indispensable to me and I’ve enjoyed their help and company for every shoot.
For the first post, I have Christabel Neo, my go-to hair and makeup artist (HMUA), talk about her work. She’s a conscientious and talented HMUA whom I’ve had the pleasure to work with. We met in 2016 when I was starting out as a photographer. I didn’t get a chance to hire her back then but we did a lot of test shoots together to help build each other’s portfolios and also our working rapport. Now she regularly supports me on production shoots.
Christabel Neo, Hair and Makeup Artist
1. Describe what you do in 2 sentences!
Hello, I’m Christabel, a hair and makeup artist specialising in weddings, corporate photoshoots and commercial projects! My job can be very physical but it is always a joy to style my clients, glam them up for a special event or just for a regular Tuesday afternoon. Whatever that pleases them!
2. How did you start your journey of being a HMUA?
I’ve always been vain since young! Watching my mum and older sister doll themselves up was so intriguing to me. When I was in my teens I began binge watching beauty gurus on YouTube and it was pretty much the only content I watched there! After completing my A Levels, I figured this is going to be the last time I get to do something fun before entering University and getting a boring desk-bound job. So I emailed multiple makeup artists locally and asked if I could assist part-time! Cherry Au from Autelier Makeup (my mentor!) replied my email and I ended up shadowing her on jobs. I am eternally grateful for her trust and faith in my passion for makeup artistry! Eventually, I took up a professional course with her and decided to pursue this full-time after graduating from university.
3. How does makeup enhance a person’s beauty?
Many would agree that makeup is a very powerful tool to beautify a person and I definitely think so too! Cheesy as it sounds I believe that there is innate beauty in every single person. Makeup simply helps you to focus on what is already beautiful on the inside without the distractions of an occasional pimple or the consequences of a late night. Having your hair and makeup done, whether is by yourself or a professional can be so empowering! It is a treat, a luxury, a form of enjoyment and it definitely makes you not just look beautiful but feel extra special!
4. How would you describe your makeup style?
As I evolve in my style I noticed that I have begun to appreciate simpler styles, though they are more challenging to achieve than you might imagine. Think French ladies, natural Korean makeup…These styles are clean and crisp. It makes you look effortlessly beautiful, confident, not overly made up and definitely still recognisable!
5. What do you enjoy most about being a HMUA?
Besides the fact that I get to do what I love and play with makeup all the time, one thing I truly enjoy is the conversations that I get to engage in with my clients! I have clients from all walks of life engage me either for their wedding makeover or for personal styling. The 1-2hrs that I get to spend with them is enough for us to bond and share our stories with each other. I learn about people, laugh with them and empathise with them. Some of these conversations have made a mark in my own life story and I would like to think that mine have inspired some of them too.
Image Credits: For PUManofSG Campaign. Photographer Muhammad, Illustrator Charmaine and Daphne Tan
6. What’s the most interesting assignment you’ve done?
I had the opportunity to conceptualise the makeup look with the creative team of PUMA for their PUMan shoot a while ago. Not only did I get to play with bold colours and paint on areas of the face you least expect, it was fun and exciting to get my work replicated into AR face filters on Instagram!
7. What’s the most challenging assignment you’ve done?
I have had my fair share of challenging clients and struggles at work but perhaps one that I recall was a lady who insisted for a look that I knew would A) be very unflattering on her and B) difficult to achieve due to various concerns (skin type/eye shape etc.) I had trouble convincing her of my professional opinion and any alternative recommendations and suggestions were not well received. Perhaps I was also not the most experienced dealing with such situations then and it ended up being one of the most excruciating hour of my life. I have since grew from that incident and learnt how to better communicate with my clients. Being a makeup artist is 50% skill, 50% customer service.
Image Credits: For PAZZION SS19 Sartorial Luxe Campaign, Photographer Corrine Fu
8. Which are your proudest works so far?
It is impossible to pick just one! One of them is the SS19 Sartorial Luxe Campaign for Pazzion. Super high fashion and right up my alley! Definitely hope to create more in the future!
9. Are there any makeup styles or concepts you would like to explore more of?
I am an avid Kpop fan and their stage makeup looks never fail to wow me. Given the opportunity, I would love to play with more colours in my assignments! Maybe even glitters and neons which are hardly ever requested for regular wedding and corporate assignments. Perhaps an opportunity to do a conceptualised creative shoot that gives me the leeway to play with more bold colours will be exciting! Something fun and wild is what I am thinking of.
10. How long have you been working with Matt and how do you find the experience?
I met Matt in the early stage of our careers. He struck me as an approachable guy that is passionate in what he does! He is definitely a hard worker behind the camera and dreamer who gives his 110% in every assignment! We kept in contact ever since and have worked with each other for multiple assignments. Working with Matt is always stress free and enjoyable not only for me but for the clients too. Every smile he captures is so genuine because of that. We have good chemistry in and out of work and it is definitely a blessing to have a friend you can work well with in the industry.
You can find more of Christabel’s works here. If you wish to hire us as a team, drop me a note at my contact page :)