How Albert Kurniawan Became A Top Makeup Artist

How Albert Kurniawan Became A Top Makeup Artist

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Known for his makeup artistry, Albert Kurniawan is now one of the most sought after makeup artists in the industry. 

Working with the likes of Jinkee Pacquiao, Heart Evangelista, Pia Wurtzbach, and Toni and Alex Gonazaga in his more than 10 years in the industry, he has cemented himself as one of the country’s most esteemed makeup artists. With his talent and work ethic, he has also able to work with international brands such as Nars, Laura Mercier, and Dior.

An artist in his own right, Kurniawan has also launched his own makeup brand, Teviant. Named after his mother, Tevianty, the brand was envisioned for all women, to celebrate their beauty. He is also gaining more followers through his work, with Kurniawan being awarded with the Silver Button from YouTube for gaining 100,000 subscribers for his channel.

While Kurniawan has now made a name for himself, this did not come easy. After graduating college in Singapore and being set to pursue further studies in Paris, Albert Kurniawan changed his plans when he visited the Philippines and fell in love with the country. Being alone in a country he was not familiar with, Kurniawan tried working in interior design, but had to find other ways to generate income. This was when he found his passion: makeup.

Having had the gift for drawing and painting, it was Queenmelo Esguerra, former Program Manager at GMA Network who first saw Kurniawan’s potential. She gave him capital to buy makeup, as well as the opportunity to work in GMA’s then QTV. Through work, he met Patrick Rosas, one of the country’s top makeup artists, who Kurniawan apprenticed under. It was through Rosas that he met the likes of Inno Sotto—one of the pillars of the local fashion industry.

After all that he’s achieved, Kurniawan wants to give back. He wants to mentor young talents, and has partnered with a local government to help the LGBTQIA+ community learn more about makeup and hairstyling. His master class, The Albert Kurniawan Master Class, will also resume and plans to expand to the US and Gulf States once the pandemic conditions improve. Kurniawan also plans on focusing on animal protection and conservation, by creating a new line for Teviant, where part of sales go this these causes.

A creative and innovator, we can’t wait to see what Albert Kurniawan has to offer next.

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