21 year old Jeeshan Umar is a highly talented Sri Lankan make-up artist, operating out of her home in Mount Lavinia. A part time CIMA student and a full time make-up artist, I had a hard time catching her. However, she very graciously agreed to meet me on a Sunday afternoon, straight after dressing a bride and we spent the whole evening chatting and eating. I was even lucky enough to get a free make-over!
Jeeshan, when did you start hair and make-up?
I started make-up and hair about one and a half years ago. Prior to that I was a beauty blogger (her blog: www.beautydosage.com) That was the beginning of everything. I’m currently a CIMA final stage student, so there wasn’t much time for me to do makeup and study as well. Also, my parents are really strict so they weren’t too keen on me doing hair and makeup full time. I somehow managed to convince them and began doing what I love, although they’re still super strict so I only show my eyes and lips on my Instagram and Facebook posts. However, I think that this has become my signature marketing tactic. Most people want their eyes and lips to stand out, when they do make up so I focus on those areas in my pictures. I still write to my blog, though not as often. I’m a full time makeup artist and a part time student now!
You said you’re in your final stage of CIMA. How do you manage work with your studies?
I hardly get time to study, but I really enjoy the work I do. When I started CIMA I had no idea of becoming a makeup artist. This just happened. I don’t see my work as “work”. I wake up, dress and come to my salon to pursue my hobby. I greatly enjoy doing what I do!
Do you practise before doing makeup on your clients?
I don’t practise beforehand but obviously, I have a makeup trial for brides beforehand. This is really important because I make sure we do enough changes until the bride is happy, so we both know what to expect on her big day!
Are you self-taught or have you had any professional training done?
I’m completely self-taught. I’ve had no training related to makeup, whatsoever. To be honest, I was looking for a qualification that would help me, but the Beauty related qualifications in Sri Lanka don’t focus on makeup. It’s mostly a general training and that’s not what I wanted. I found out that I was doing a great job and keeping my clients happy, without any professional training so I didn’t pursue it. Makeup is an art, if you practise enough, you can be good at it, even without a professional qualification.
I understand that you also conduct makeup classes?
Yes, I do. I used to conduct my lessons more often, in the past, but with my inflow of clients, it’s been pushed back. Classes do take a bit more energy since I have to speak and demonstrate all along, and it usually lasts around 6 hours. I conduct a Basic as well as an advanced class. It’s an individual class and happens as and when students want it. You can contact me for more details on the classes.
Where do you get your products from?
I use top quality brands, most of the time I get it from USA through 3rd party shipping companies, or my relatives abroad send me products. I used to sell makeup through my Facebook page as well, but I have absolutely no time for that now! I use products Mac, Revlon, Nyx, Rimmel, Anastasia Beverley hills, Too faced, Urban decay etc.
What plans do you have for the future of Beauty Dosage?
I haven’t thought too much about it. Right now my clients are very happy and they come to me often, even though I am unable to accommodate large bridal parties as I do the make-up and dressing all on my own. I’m thinking about shifting to a location closer to Colombo but let’s see.
“Every woman can experience the glamour with a talented make-up artist like Jeeshan. I am so glad that I have finally met the right person who could turn my special days into even more special. Her makeup is beyond ordinary local standard; professional and outstanding. Once you have tried, you will keep going back for more. ”- Sayuri Perera
“She is Amazing, blessed with talent. She's also a beautiful girl herself inside and out, and her work defies description. The picture shows is the first time I had my makeover done, I looked better at that event, than I did at my own wedding! I only wish I had known her then! Ever since then I have gone to her for many occasions and she did a wonderful job each time”- Dulisha Hendavitharana
For more info
0776695194
@beautydosage on Instagram
Text by Shenali de Silva
0 Comments