Malaysian celebrity makeup artists have become the driving force behind the country’s most glamorous looks, shaping the faces that define red carpets, fashion campaigns and bridal elegance. Blending artistry with innovation, these talented individuals transform beauty into an expression of style, confidence and sophistication. Their mastery goes beyond technique — it’s about understanding individuality and enhancing natural charm with precision and flair. From A-list celebrities and socialites to royalty and modern brides, Malaysia’s top makeup artists have earned admiration for their versatility and ability to make every client look effortlessly stunning. In this issue, Top 10 of Malaysia shares its list of the top 10 (presented in random order) most inspiring Malaysian celebrity makeup artists who continue to redefine beauty standards and inspire the industry with their unmatched artistry and creative excellence.
Geraldine Loy
Geraldine Loy, is a highly skilled award-winning Tokyo trained freelance beauty consultant, trainer and a professional makeup artist. Her creative work has received great acclaim from both Malaysia and abroad. Geraldine freelanced in beauty grooming and has worked with most of Malaysia’s top photographers and various local and foreign commercial directors. Her work can be seen in international and Malaysia’s top fashion magazines including VOGUE Italia, Mirror Mirror Mag, MILKx Taiwan, Madame Figaro, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Nuyou, Tatler, Prestige, Female, Her World, Women’s Weekly, Cleo, Shape, Cittabella, Glam, Glam Lelaki, Esquire, Unreserved, 96ST, Queen, Men’s Folio, Men’s Uno, August Man and Hangers. Geraldine’s skill has also extended her to backstage fashion shows for international brands and an experienced judge for beauty awards and competition events. She has also done celebrity makeovers for international and local celebrities such as Maggie Q, Anna Sui, Dato’ Jimmy Choo and Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.
Brriyan John
Brriyan John is a distinguished celebrity makeup artist, stylist and designer who has been making waves in the cinema and beauty industry for a decade. Known for his creative brilliance and flawless artistry, he has worked magic on numerous local and international actors, including Sangeeta Krishnasamy, Vasanth Sarna, Mimi Ernida, Sofia Jane, Vanidah Imran, Denes Kumar, Loga Varman and Jasmine Michael. His international clientele includes Abhirami Venkatachalam, Sonia Agrawal, Mahima Nambiar, Ineya, Yashika Anand and Mirnalini Ravi. Brriyan’s talent also extends to the pageant world, where he has glammed up queens like Thanuja Anand, Priyaa Simmi, Vanishaa Rameas, Saroop Roshi, Sargam Koushal, Eshwin Kaur and Shweta Sekhon. Notably, he made history as the first Indian makeup artist from Malaysia to represent the country by styling Mrs Malaysia World, Vanishaa Rameas, and was later selected by the Mrs World Organisation as the official makeup artist in Las Vegas for the reigning Mrs World, Sargam Koushal from India.
Syed Faizal
Syed Faizal is a Malaysian-born makeup artist based in Kuala Lumpur who began his career in 2003 and has since gained extensive experience across various fields, with much of his work influenced by fashion magazines. His artistry focuses on transforming and enhancing beauty in all forms, particularly within the fashion and beauty industries. With over 12 years of experience, Syed has worked with royalty in Malaysia and Brunei, weddings, advertorials, fashion editorials, corporate shoots, fashion shows, backstage makeup, and for television and radio stations. He has collaborated with international brands such as Louis Vuitton, Coach, Gucci, Dior and Uniqlo, along with renowned local brands like Rizalman, Jovian Mandagie, Mimpi Kita, Nurita Harith and Lynda Rahim. His work has been featured in top fashion magazines including GLAM, EH!, InTrend, Nona, WW Magazine, Malaysian Tatler, Cosmopolitan and Prestige. Among the many celebrities he has worked with are Fara Fauzana, Dayang Nurfaizah, Elfira Loy, Fasha Sandha, Alyah, Jaclyn Victor, Liyana Jasmay, Lisa Surihani, Hanez Suraya, Fazura and Anzalna Nasir.
Shiyo Joo
Shiyo Joo is a renowned Malaysian celebrity makeup artist and beauty influencer dedicated to redefining modern beauty through artistry and authenticity. Through his platforms, he shares his passion for makeup, skincare and self-expression, connecting with a community that values both creativity and confidence. Throughout his career, Shiyo has collaborated with leading international beauty brands, hosted workshops and masterclasses, and participated in high-profile campaigns and events across Malaysia and Asia. His impressive portfolio includes working with celebrities such as Shikin Gomez, Amelia Henderson and Vanessa Reynauld. His signature style focuses on enhancing natural features with balance, precision and a skin-like finish that celebrates individuality. Beyond artistry, Shiyo is deeply inspired by the emotional power of beauty – how it can transform, empower and tell stories. Through his work and content, he aims to encourage others to embrace their own version of beauty, stay curious and continue growing with confidence, inside and out.
Japhet Bong
With an eye for detail and a passion for the art of beauty, Japhet Bong honed his skills over 20 years of experience, working with a diverse range of profiles, from celebrities to everyday individuals. His work has been featured in both international and local TV shows, commercial, prestigious publications and on the runway, showcasing his ability to bring out the best in every captivating looks he creates. Whether enhancing natural beauty or crafting avant-garde masterpieces, Japhet approaches each project with unwavering dedication, ensuring that personality leaves feeling confident, empowered and truly radiant. His impressive portfolio includes makeup for cover personalities of magazines such as Grazia and L’Officiel. In April 2025, Japhet also created partnership content including the “Hari Raya 5 Minutes Make-up Transformation & Giveaway” with chef Anis Nabilah, and the “From Nyonya to Modern Look Transformation” with actress Ferlyn G.
Ummi Nasir
Ummi Nasir is an acclaimed Kuala Lumpur–based professional celebrity makeup artist with more than ten years of experience in the beauty industry. She is known for her natural yet polished makeup style that focuses on enhancing each client’s unique features rather than masking them. Among her star-studded clientele are celebrities such as Natasha Noor, Nadia Brian and Afifah Nasir, each transformed by her signature blend of glamour, precision and artistry. Ummi is also certified in Colour Analysis (Second Degree) from the MCCEA Korea Institute, giving her an expert edge in understanding how colour harmony can elevate one’s appearance — from makeup shades to wardrobe choices. Apart from her work as a makeup artist, Ummi is a content creator who regularly shares makeup tutorials, beauty reviews and educational insights on her social media platforms. She’s also a familiar face at beauty events and product launches, where she connects with brands and audiences alike through her passion for artistry and education.
Ady Razak
Ady Razak is a Malaysian celebrity and bridal makeup artist celebrated for his remarkable ability to enhance natural beauty with an air of effortless sophistication. Over the years, his artistry has graced some of the country’s most prominent faces, including Michelle Yeoh, Yuna, Izara Aisyah and Marsha Milan. Known for his flawless blending, exquisite attention to detail and glamorous finishing touches, Ady has become the go-to artist for celebrities. Beyond the world of celebrity, his bridal creations are nothing short of breathtaking — transforming brides into radiant visions of elegance on their most special day. With his creative flair and refined techniques, Ady Razak continues to redefine beauty standards, solidifying his reputation as one of Malaysia’s most sought-after names in the makeup industry.
Nuex Rosli
With over 15 years in the makeup industry, Nuex Rosli has become one of Malaysia’s most celebrated celebrity makeup artists, admired for his flawless artistry, technical precision and visionary approach to beauty. His exceptional talent has attracted royals, VIPs and A-list celebrities including Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, Fazura, Aina Abdul and Mira Filzah. Nuex honed his craft under his personal idol Scott Barnes—the legendary makeup artist to Jennifer Lopez in London, an experience that elevated his artistry to global standards. As one of Malaysia’s renowned makeup gurus, he has personally trained over 10,000 alumni across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Pakistan and beyond. Throughout his career, he has received multiple honours including the Beauty Industry Icon Award (2018), listed in Successful People in Malaysia (2019), the Nona Top Beauty Award (2020), and the Super Celebrity Award (Shopee Super Awards 2023). A scientist at heart, Nuex founded NRC Cosmetics, a Halal premium local brand that achieved international recognition through the Superbrands Award in 2020.
Najeeb Azami
Najeeb Azami is a prominent Malaysian celebrity makeup artist whose artistry has become synonymous with elegance and sophistication. With an illustrious clientele that includes icons such as Siti Nurhaliza, Ziana Zain, Erra Fazira, Maya Karin, Neelofa, Scha Al Yahya, Elfira Loy, Nora Danish and Aina Abdul — as well as top models like Nia Atasha and Batrisyia — Najeeb’s work speaks of timeless beauty and refined grace. His collaborations with global luxury brands such as Shu Uemura, Dior, MAC and Laura Mercier further solidify his position as a powerhouse in the beauty industry. Known for his ability to enhance natural features using soft, pastel hues, he creates looks that exude understated glamour and radiant confidence. With his unmatched skill and artistic vision, Najeeb Azami stands as one of Malaysia’s most sought-after names in beauty and cosmetics.
Khir Khalid
Khir Khalid is a makeup maestro whose artistry has captivated Malaysia’s elite and beyond. Sought after by big names like Neelofa, Carey Ng, Raja Jesrina Arshad, Dayang Nurfaizah and Ameera Khan, Khir’s talent lies in his unmatched versatility — effortlessly mastering everything from ethereal bridal beauty to high-fashion editorial looks. His creative brilliance continues to earn the trust of top magazine editors, who rely on his touch to bring colour and sophistication to the pages of leading fashion and beauty spreads. Beloved by brides across Kuala Lumpur, Brunei and Indonesia, Khir is also a frequent collaborator for major commercial shoots and designer campaigns. Adding to his prestige, he has even lent his artistry to royal nuptials, including the Selangor royal, YM Tengku Alana Iman Shahirah. With every creation, Khir Khalid redefines beauty with elegance, precision and timeless allure.