There was a time when only a few women would use cosmetics such as lipstick or powder applied to the face.
Now, the makeup box has grown with the inclusion of primers (face, eye, lip), concealer, foundation, face powder, BB cream, contour powder/cream, highlight and mascara, only to name a few.
And with more women confidently enhancing their looks daily, makeup services have become quite an income earner in PNG over the last few years.
Loop Lifestyle sat down with Jemaimah Yai-pupu, a freelance makeup artist in Port Moresby, operating under the name Wantok Makeup Service, to delve into the world of cosmetics in PNG.
The 19-year-old, from Enga Province, is a student at Tafe College in Port Moresby, works part-time with her dad and offers her makeup skills to women in the nation’s capital.
She started towards the end of last year after watching numerous makeup tutorials on YouTube.
“I would download and watch a bunch of videos over and over again until I learnt the skills and technique the right way and began practising on my friends. Eventually, I developed my own extra skills and signature style,” Jemaimah said.
Moving to PNG after her two years of schooling in Australia, she created an official Facebook page with the aim to promote her service as well as provide tips to those who want to do it on their own.
“Not everyone knows a lot about makeup but they do want to look a little extra on special occasions.
“In PNG, most know just the basics – lipstick and eye shadow and maybe blush, but there’s more to it,” she said.
“Some people don’t have a wider range of knowledge about many things like makeup and make fun of those who wear it.
“But it’s for those who want to go that extra mile, with a look that perfectly matches their outfit, shoes and bags,” she explained.
Interested people can check out the Wantok Makeup Service Facebook page or contact Jemaimah on email wantokmakeup@gmail.com.
(Pictures by Kennedy Bani)
