Makeup artist Alana Wambeek combines beauty and glamour to create some Hollywood inspired vintage looks
Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Photography : Arantha Photography
Hair by Tiron Rosario
Outfits : Make my day by Buddhima/ Buddhika
Location : Galle Face Hotel
What is beauty?
For me, beauty is loving yourself for who you are and accepting others for who they are. Beauty is about being confident and appreciating yourself through your imperfections. Ultimately that is what makes you beautiful.
How did your career begin in the world of beauty?
I have a real passion for creativity. That coupled with my artistic ability made me select a career in the beauty industry. I decided that if I was to make a success of my chosen career
I would need the right knowledge and skills and my first priority was to undertake formal training.
I chose to study at one of the best academies in the world, the AOFM London Academy of Freelance Makeup. During my time there I not only learned how to apply make up but also aspects like hygiene, skin diseases and how to choose the right colours to complement one’s face.
I also learnt about each and every product in the market. Studying at the academy also made me understand that there is so much more than simply applying make up on a face!
An added bonus of attending the academy was that I had the privilege of being introduced to and learning from some of the amazing international makeup artists who are well known and respected in the industry.
I also had the honour of being given the opportunity to assist a few of them. This lead to an opportunity where
I was selected to be a part of the backstage team for some work in Milan, Tokyo, New York and London.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career?
Ah.. When I have to wash multiple brush sets at once. Jokes apart, it is the entry level challenges to the industry and competition between one and another. Despite that I do believe continued professionalism and positive work ethics will shine through.
What is the inspiration behind this shoot?
Old Hollywood as it oozes with glamour, chic and style. Old Hollywood means not only 1920s, there are more eras to it. I’d say right up to and including the 1960s. It may be lace, off shoulder, beaded with fringe and pearls, sexy necklines, chic silhouettes and a lot of sparkles complemented with vintage updos or Hollywood waves, a red lipstick and rhinestone earrings.
What is it about your style that sets you apart from other makeup artists?
Whether it is subtle or statement looks I like to keep it simple yet elegant. My approach is simplicity as for me it’s all about using the right products in the right occasions to enhance a person’s best features.
What is the most important beauty advice that you can give to women?
‘FOCUS ON SKINCARE’ spend your money on skincare, if you have a healthy canvas you can successfully use almost any makeup.
What advice can you give to prospective students thinking about an education and career in makeup artistry?
The beauty industry is so vast, it is not so glamorous at the entry level but I believe that’s how it is at the beginning of any industry. You should not give up but keep learning new and different styles. Remember if you have something unique and creative to offer you can always strive for success. You will gain the opportunity of meeting a lot of creative and some amazing personalities. Not just that, you get to use your unique skills to create beautiful looks. Beauty could always boost up a person’s confidence. I can’t stress how important it is to have an industry relevant qualification because once you are professionally qualified it would only help you to do your job in the right way.
Which element of your job do you most enjoy?
Creating new looks, playing with colours, getting to know different personalities and fashion shows! I just love almost everything about my job.
Beauty Instagram profiles have become a major influence to the beauty industry. How important are social platforms for you?
Nowadays it is very important to maintain social platforms as it helps you
to be connected with the world out there and to be in touch with some great makeup artists around the world. It also helps me share my work and skills with everyone and it helps them get an idea about my creations.
What do you love most about make up?
I love the ability it gives to enhance that unique natural beauty. Everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way and makeup can enhance that.
How do you keep up with all the new trends and styles?
I read a lot of magazines such as Instyle and Vogue etc and pay attention to celebrities like Rihanna, Hadid sisters, Jenner sisters, Hailey Baldwin, Victoria’s Secret models such as Joan Smalls, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Cara Delevingne and Victoria Beckham as these fashionistas love fashion and are often photographed in the latest trends.
