Power to make you gleam flawlessly: Sangthy Longkumer

A makeup artist and beauty expert, Sangthy Longkumer, is a recipient of the “Women Nano Entrepreneur Citation” awarded by the Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, New Delhi, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, 2021, organised by MSDE, Govt. of India. Sangthy is a mother of one and a makeup artist trainer at PMKK Mokokchung Centre.

She got trained as a make-up artist under Skill India’s Media and Entertainment Program at Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK), Mokokchung Centre. Additionally, during the COVID-19 nationwide shutdown, she received advanced online training for bridal makeup from Empower Pragati Vocational and Staffing Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.

Sangthy’s artistic endeavour is to make each and every client feel beautiful in their own skin. She performs bridal and fashion makeup, with a preference for natural and oriental-inspired styles. She stated that she is making an effort to meet clients’ expectations by being as versatile as possible. She admitted that although she had a strong interest in the art as a child, she had “always felt it was an expensive skill that needed substantial training and a considerable amount of expenditure.” As a hired event makeup artist, she also took part in a number of fashion and beauty pageants, including Miss Mokokchung 2019.

Here is an exclusive interview with Sangthy Longkumer, a trainer and makeup artist, where she talks about her profession as a MUA.

MTimes: How did you get started in the beauty career? When did you start professionally as a makeup artist? Did you initially experience any problems?

Sangthy: My husband manages a training centre in Mokokchung under Skill India Initiative that imparts free training. I was encouraged by him to undergo makeup artist training under the program, and I willingly accepted his invitation. That was in 2019. I don’t remember any major initial hurdles.

MTimes: If you had to describe your MUA, how would you do it? Where do you regularly shop the most for cosmetics?

Sangthy: My favourite makeup styles are minimal and natural, with a blend of Asian flair. I order most of the products online.

MTimes: What kind of response do you usually get from your clients? Do you have any assistants who help you?

Sangthy: Only when required, I ask my students to assist me; otherwise, I do not have a regular assistant.  Because I keep a reference Instagram account, my clients are already familiar with the specific style I typically employ, and the majority are pleased with the outcome.

MTimes: What is the most important quality in a makeup artist, in your opinion? How do you keep up with the latest beauty trends?

Sangthy: In my opinion, to be a professional make-up artist, one needs to have a keen eye and ear, a creative and versatile hand, and an empathetic heart. It is a challenge to keep up with the ever-changing beauty trends, but I do keep a progressive mind. And thanks to the various online media platforms where one can learn from other professionals for free.

MTimes: How do you decide which products will best meet the needs of a customer?

Sangthy: First, consider the client’s budget; second, and most importantly, consider the client’s skin tone and type; and finally, consider the occasion for which the makeup is needed.

MTimes: What is the most difficult challenge that makeup artists face?

Sangthy: It occurs when a particular client demands a style that is not suitable for her skin tone or facial structure.

MTimes: Do you believe Nagaland’s MUAs can pursue careers?

Sangthy: Yes, indeed. In fact, even during the wedding season in Mokokchung, I turn away many bridal clients on specific dates because I am already booked for the day. And I’ve witnessed many clients’ plights while looking for alternative professional makeup artists.

Sangthy’s Beauty Tips for Women

Maintaining the right skincare routine, being mindful of one’s diet, getting enough rest, and avoiding the use of excessive skin products are vital to staying beautiful.

Contact Sangthy Longkumer at 9774727213 for glammed up related queries.

Alternatively, you can follow her at  _sangthylongkumer on Instagram.

Mokokchung Times