TikTok: 6K
Instagram: 121K
Meet Yong-Chin, a MAKEUP ARTIST and content creator with a unique and inspiring journey.
Born to a Malaysian mother and Scottish father, Yong-Chin's fascination with makeup began at a young age. She honed her skills by practicing on her sisters and taking on face-painting jobs, but she faced a common struggle – finding makeup styles that truly complemented her distinct ethnic features. Instead, she often found herself
copying trends that didn't suit her face.
Yong-Chin's early years were marked by a lack of representation. She explains, "Growing up... I didn't see Asian models, I didn't see makeup being done on hooded eyes, and I was always copying these trends that didn't suit my face at all. I think it's important for everybody to find a makeup style that suits them and not what they're seeing in campaigns."
She also grappled with her identity, as she looked different from most of her friends. Living in Glasgow, she rarely encountered anyone who shared her mixed heritage, which led her to downplay her Asian side. However, her perspective evolved after she moved to London at the age of 19 to pursue a fashion degree. The diverse and dynamic environment of the city opened her mind to new possibilities and encouraged her to explore her heritage.
Yong-Chin's journey took a significant turn during the COVID lockdowns when she began taking makeup seriously. She applied to appear on the BBC Three reality show "Glow Up" multiple times before being accepted for the 2022 season. The show is a competition where aspiring makeup artists vie for a career-changing opportunity. Yong-Chin's distinctive, asymmetric eyeliner design, born out of her quest to find a look that suited her unique eye shape, captured the judges' attention.
Despite facing challenges early in the season, Yong-Chin emerged as the winner, and her life transformed. Since her victory, she has worked backstage at major fashion shows, headlining festivals, music videos, TV, and film productions. Simultaneously, she has grown her Instagram and TikTok channels, where she continues to inspire and connect with her followers.
Looking ahead, Yong-Chin is preparing to launch her own podcast, offering a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of the beauty and fashion industry. The podcast will delve into the lives of influential artists making waves in the creative world and explore subculture movements, providing a unique perspective on the industry and the people who shape it.
Yong-Chin's journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery, the importance of embracing one's uniqueness, and the endless opportunities that life can offer when you follow your passion.