Source:
https://scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3102996/emma-watson-and-kendall-jenners-celebrity-make-artist
Style/ Celebrities

Emma Watson and Kendall Jenner’s celebrity make-up artist, Alvin Goh, on why men shouldn’t shy away from beauty products – and 4 practical tips to getting it right

More used to styling the likes of Emma Watson, Kendall Jenner, Tilda Swinton and Uma Thurman, Alvin Goh says men should employ some of the same techniques to improve their appearance – in his first exclusive column for STYLE

Celebrity make-up artist, stylist and creative director Alvin Goh explains why men shouldn’t be afraid of a little make-up to make themselves look better. Photos: handout/Alvin Goh

This is part of Alvin Goh’s Look Good, Feel Good column for STYLE.

Growing up, I was never the sporty type playing basketball, or the one hanging out with the rest of the boys. Instead, I was the inactive one who hated sports and did not really have a lot of friends. In fact, I am a serious introvert with a bit of an inferiority complex (I know you won’t believe me!) that has plagued me for a good 20 years.

I hated the way I looked when I was younger. I even remember a year of not looking in the mirror because I was struggling with self-esteem issues. One feature in particular made me feel super lousy – my “grass-patch” eyebrows. It literally looked like a patch of grass that I was unsure where to start mowing.

I had my eyebrows tweezed at the age of 12 and even so, I detested it so much that I decided to get an eyebrow pencil and start fixing it myself. The rest is history.

As they say, “everything in life happens for a reason”, and sometimes you know the reason right away, but sometimes it takes years for you to understand. Being a celebrity make-up artist wasn’t an accident, it was me giving back to society.

Alvin with Superman actor Henry Cavill.
Alvin with Superman actor Henry Cavill.

In other words, whatever obstacles I overcame, it is now my calling to share. Especially in this industry, we are taught to amplify the glitz and glamour, but I’ve had enough of this fakeness.

I’ve been preaching superficial beauty for the last 22 years and I am still very superficial, but the difference between then and now is that I am able to differentiate what is real and what is fake. By all means, indulge in superficiality as long as you are not blinded by the smoke and mirrors.

So in this debut column, I am going to talk about all of the things I know that can make one beautiful – not just on the outside, but from the inside out too!

Alvin and Kendall Jenner getting ready for an event in Hong Kong.
Alvin and Kendall Jenner getting ready for an event in Hong Kong.

And no subject is more perfect for kicking off this series than that of why men should not feel ashamed to look good.

We are taught that only women are allowed to dress up and look good, but when a man does it, he will immediately be judged or called names. That’s just bullying, plain and simple, and I can’t accept it because I had enough of that growing up.

Why can’t men be allowed to look good? This is our right and we’re entitled to it. Putting effort into your appearance should never have stigma attached to it; in fact, it should be essential! After all, it is part of self love.

In this episode, I interview watch designer and lifestyle KOL Ian Choy, and show him four easy steps to making up his face by using a handful of simple make-up techniques. You can do all of these steps, mix it up or do just one – you don’t need to follow it religiously, it’s up to you.

Step 1: Eyebrows

Etude house eyebrow pencil in grey

Alvin Goh uses an eyebrow pencil in the first step of his tutorial on men's make up.
Alvin Goh uses an eyebrow pencil in the first step of his tutorial on men's make up.

Step 2: Concealer

Boy de Chanel concealer #40

Apply concealer under the eyes to cover dark circles.
Apply concealer under the eyes to cover dark circles.

Step 3: Foundation

Boy de Chanel foundation #40

Fenty beauty sponge

A light foundation is the third step to better skin.
A light foundation is the third step to better skin.

Step 4: Powder

Charlotte Tilbury press powder

Surratt Beauty large smoky eye brush

Alvin Goh applies pressed powder to Ian Choy in the final step of his make up tutorial for men.
Alvin Goh applies pressed powder to Ian Choy in the final step of his make up tutorial for men.

Remember, real strength comes from within! Having a strong physical appearance does not mean you are strong on the inside too; in fact, most men use outward appearance to hide their most vulnerable inner selves.

Real strength comes when you own all of you.

Lastly, if you don’t feel good, you will never look good and when you don’t look good, how the hell can you feel good?!

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