“My art is an escape—it doesn’t always come across as pretty,” says Ophelia Liu regarding her unique approach to artistry in her field. The make-up artist says the looks she creates and photographs on herself often explore “the uglier side of things”.
It makes her feel like she’s doing something different, which is important to her. This need for variety is reflected in how she is building her career: in addition to creating looks on herself, she does make-up for clients such as the English National Ballet, and last year, she launched a clothing and accessories venture, 18 Levels Of.
“People tend to have prejudgements about influencers and if I can break those perceptions, I will,” Liu says. “I like doing things that surprise people—I hate being a one-trick pony.”
Originally from Hong Kong, the London-based Liu shares that her pursual of a creative path did not align with her family’s traditional Asian values—but she eventually won their approval after winning Season 2 of Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-up Star, the Netflix reality show to find the next big name in make-up art. The 27-year-old grew her Instagram following to over 600,000, and now her bread and butter is regularly posting photos and tutorials of complex looks.
Liu’s view is that beauty is ultimately about what one feels comfortable with—although she has a unique level of comfort. “I’m intrigued by the grotesque, the dark and the disturbed,” she explains, and encourages her followers to challenge their own perceptions of beauty.
Denne historien er fra April 2022-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra April 2022-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream