Make-up artist and hair stylist Shindesu reveals why it took him two years to launch his handmade make-up brushes

Dubai-based make-up artist Shindesu. Victor Besa for The National.

Dubai-based hair and make-up artist Shindesu can breathe a sigh of relief – he finally launched his new line of exclusive, handmade make-up brushes after two years of sweat and toil.

The Malaysian entrepreneur, who has worked on high-profile fashion events such as India Fashion Week, as well as major advertising campaigns for Bloomingdale’s and Harvey Nichols, says: “Having my own line of brushes is not a new idea. I have wanted to do it ever since I lived in Malaysia. Because I have worked as a make-up artist for so long, I wanted to produce well-made tools – just the way I like them. Then two years ago, I realised that if I didn’t start, it would never happen.”

Shindesu made several trips to Hong Kong for research and quality control. “From the beginning it has taken a long time – from choosing the materials, creating the designs, checking the quality. I rejected a lot of samples. I am a perfectionist, and have always thought that if I can’t do it right, I had better not do it at all.”

Aimed at up-and-coming make-up professionals, the 24 brushes come in a ­custom-made belt bag, which is roomy enough to store powders, mascaras, pencils and tweezers.

The handles are made from Schima superba, an evergreen, durable Asian wood. The ferrule is made from copper, painted grey for finish. Bristles vary from brush to brush, depending on purpose.

The large powder brushes, for example, are made from premium-­quality goat hair that Shindesu chose for its exceptional softness, as well as for its cruelty-free harvesting.

Smaller eye brushes are made from weasel bristles, while the flathead brush, meant for ­applying liquid foundation, is a mixture of premium goat hair and top-grade Korean synthetic fibres.

“It’s very important that the brushes feel comfortable on your skin,” he says. “Cheap brushes can feel scratchy and when you are applying make-up on your ­client, she can feel it.

“I have mixed real hair and synthetic hair on these brushes, which are special. When you apply liquid foundation, you need a firm brush to move it around the skin. The real hair will hold the powder easily, which synthetic fibre can’t do. I put the two together, so it’s very soft on the skin.”

Each brush is handmade, with the bristles laboriously tied together before gluing.

“Handmade, can you believe it?” says Shindesu. “But even the smallest ‘mistake’ and I reject them. When the first lot arrived, I checked every single piece, sorting them into two piles. The ones that weren’t good enough, I sent back to Hong Kong.” ­Describing his product, he says: “I like things to be simple and elegant. Although I have my name on the brushes, it is ­discreetly embossed on the wood, not printed on it.” Shindesu, who is passionate about his craft, says his love for make-up stems from his love of art, which he has dabbled in since school.

“I liked drawing, I liked mixing colours,” he says. “I also studied film production, so I understand light and shadow. But I wanted to do something that was close to art. So I chose make-up. It’s like drawing – only on a different ­surface.”

• The set of 24 make-up brushes and bag costs Dh2,890. Also available individually. Buy from www.shindesu.com