18/01/2026

ON SUNDAY January 18, 2026 theSunday Special III

Like Zulyasrani, Iqbal also has social media to thank for the rise of his career as a makeup artist, especially for men in recent years. With so many brands and influencers promoting grooming and men’s makeup, Malaysian men in particular feel more confident about trying makeup. “A lot of new clients discovered me on social media and placed their booking via direct message. It has even given me opportunities to work with clients abroad, too,” he said. Cultural reset Makeup artist Neroy Raj noticed the stark GL̆ HUHQFH EHWZHHQ WKH EULGH DQG JURRP DW weddings. While the bride always looked radiant, the groom often appeared dull and exhausted. This contrast became even more noticeable in photos and videos, especially now that photography and YLGHRJUDSK\ DUH LQ KLJK GH¿QLWLRQ ZKHUH even the slightest acne scars or skin tone LPSHUIHFWLRQV DUH PDJQL¿HG “I took this opportunity to highlight the importance of makeup for men and encouraged grooms to consider it. In the beginning, it wasn’t widely accepted as the idea of men wearing makeup was still seen as taboo. But times have changed. Today, the response is truly amazing, with more grooms embracing makeup as part of their big day,” he said. Raj’s package for men’s makeup in cludes hairstyling, natural makeup and DWWLUH DVVLVWDQFH 7KH DSSURDFK LV GL̆ HUHQW from traditional or everyday makeup. For weddings and events, the focus is on long-lasting products right from the base, with moisturiser, primer and setting spray to ensure the look stays fresh throughout the celebration. Raj even makes it extra special by using only high-end products, adding a touch of luxury to his service. On the other hand, traditional or daily PDNHXS LV PRUH FRVW H̆ HFWLYH XVXDOO\ relying on drugstore foundations, fewer products and minimal detailing with little to no contouring. “ 7KH GHPDQG KDV GH¿QLWHO\ LQFUHDVHG especially in these past few years. There are days when I’m fully booked and have to turn down clients. In those cases, I usu ally recommend them to other makeup artists I trust. The number of artists specialising in men’s grooming remains small compared to those in the women’s segment, so naturally, the demand is

Raj’s package for men’s makeup includes hairstyling, natural makeup and attire assistance.

We are also starting to see more ‘getting ready’ videos for grooms, which used to only focus on brides. Makeup and grooming content for men on social media is becoming more visible and popular,” Raj shared. M DVFXOLQLW\ LV QRW GH¿QHG E\ WKH SURG ucts you use, the bag you carry or the RXW¿W \RX ZHDU 0DVFXOLQLW\ LV FKDUDFWHU and no amount of material things can take that away. Having said that, why worry about how others perceive you? If wearing makeup makes you feel good and ERRVWV \RXU FRQ¿GHQFH 5DM¶V DGYLFH LV WR just go for it. “I also believe that as a community, we shouldn’t project our judgments or beliefs onto someone’s masculinity just

Iqbal thinks that the shift in men’s makeup is largely about acceptance.

because they choose to wear makeup. This could be a cultural reset for all of us here. As a commu nity, we should focus on teaching one another to be more mindful and less judgmental,” he said.

Iqbal thinks that the shift in men’s makeup is primarily about acceptance. Maybe 10 or 20 years ago, it was con sidered vanity and men having makeup done as part of grooming was considered girly and highly judged. It has since been normalised by social media and K-pop idols’ influence. Skincare and makeup SURGXFWV VSHFL¿FDOO\ IRU PHQ DUH ZLGHO\ available today. At the end of the day, men just want to look presentable and FRQ¿GHQW IRU SKRWRV SRVWHG RQ WKHLU VRFLDO media pages. “Back then, two-way cake foundation was the only product I used on men because using too many products would make them uncomfortable. But now, I start by prepping the skin to keep it healthy – toner, moisturiser, then primer. I use a colour corrector for discolouration, followed by foundation depending on skin type and concealer for marks and H\H EDJV 7KHQ , DSSO\ EURQ]HU WR GH¿QH the jawline, brush the brows to keep them natural but groomed and finish with setting spray. That’s generally all I do for men’s makeup,” Iqbal explained. Iqbal also recalled how it was all very hush-hush back then. The grooms would quietly ask for what they called face touch ups right before the wedding. Now it is perfectly normal for grooms to want to look equally good next to the bride. In urban areas like big cities, weddings are more extravagant with hired photogra phers and videographers. Grooms feel the pressure to look their best in HD. Makeup services from seasoned professionals like

Makeup doesn’t change who you are. It helps you look your best.”

higher. On top of that, men now want to look polished and well-put-together, too.

Iqbal

Iqbal are also in high demand among EXVLQHVVPHQ FRUSRUDWH ¿JXUHV DQG 79 presenters who must appear on camera or on stage. “I always tell my clients that men’s makeup is not about making them look feminine. Just as they tailor their suits and style their hair, proper makeup will help WKHP IHHO PRUH FRQ¿GHQW ORRN IUHVK DQG look sharp. Nobody would notice that they are wearing makeup. They need to see it for themselves to realise that makeup will not make them look any less masculine,” he said.

More grooms are embracing makeup as part of their big day.”

Raj