A Masterclass in Transformation: Yong-chin Breslin at Aliya Baig Academy of Makeup
There was a quiet buzz of anticipation in the air as students gathered at the Aliya Baig Academy of Makeup (ABAM) in Banjara Hills for a masterclass like no other. The excitement stemmed from the presence of Yong-chin Breslin, a renowned Hollywood SFX, cinema, and prosthetics makeup artist, who has recently joined ABAM as the senior faculty member in Special Effects (SFX), Cinema, and Prosthetics Makeup. Her reputation precedes her, and students were eager to witness her artistry firsthand.
A New Adventure in Hyderabad
Flying down to Hyderabad for the first time, Yong-chin brought with her a wealth of world-class expertise and an easygoing charm. “It was a really exciting opportunity to come to Hyderabad — I’d never been to India before,” she shared, her enthusiasm palpable. Having known Aliya Baig and with a recommendation from her good friend James Mac Inerney, she was thrilled about the three-day masterclass. “It’s quite a rare opportunity to have the creative freedom to create the makeup you want and inspire others,” she added, her eyes lighting up with passion.
The Art of Transformation
Inside the studio, Yong-chin set to work, transforming a fresh-faced young model into a frail 80-year-old woman using intricate prosthetics. Over the course of two to three hours, every wrinkle and droop of the skin was meticulously sculpted. The transformation was nothing short of spellbinding, showcasing the profound impact that makeup and prosthetics can have on storytelling in film.
When asked about her inspiration for the look, Yong-chin explained, “This makeup is a step away from my norm — it’s inspired by the horror trilogy X, Pearl, and MaXXXine, where Mia Goth transforms into an old, scary woman.” The character she created reflected themes of aging and societal insecurities, forcing viewers to confront their own perceptions of beauty and time.
Challenges of the Craft
Creating such complex prosthetic illusions is not without its hurdles. Timing, she admits, is the biggest challenge. “Timing is always a challenge with prosthetic makeup — it’s like solving a jigsaw puzzle with different materials and pieces. Things can go wrong, but knowing how to fix and tweak them comes with confidence and experience,” she noted, her smile revealing a deep understanding of her craft.
Exploring Hyderabad
Despite her packed schedule, Yong-chin was eager to explore Hyderabad beyond the studio walls. “I haven’t seen anything yet besides the studio. I can’t wait to explore everything,” she said, laughter bubbling up as she imagined the sights and sounds awaiting her.
Essentials of a Makeup Artist
For someone whose professional kit must be packed with a dizzying array of tools, Yong-chin’s personal essentials are refreshingly simple. “Eyeliner, a contour stick, and lip balm. Can’t have crusty lips!” she quipped, showcasing her sharp sense of humor alongside her artistry.
Dream Collaborations
When asked which celebrity she’d love to work on, her answer came without hesitation: “Lady Gaga. I think she is bold and fearless, and working on a project with her would be something completely new.” This reflects her desire to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues.
Insights on Indian Makeup
Yong-chin’s brief thoughts on India’s makeup industry left a lasting impression. “It’s heavy, yes,” she mused, referencing the grand, opulent style typically associated with Indian bridal makeup. “People showed me images from Indian movies I hadn’t seen before. I love how it’s bold, over the top, and truly extravagant.” Although she has no immediate plans to dive into the Indian industry, her admiration for its artistry was evident.
Rapid Fire Round
In a quick-fire round, Yong-chin shared some personal insights:
- First makeup product you ever bought: Lipstick.
- Favorite SFX material to work with: Pros-Aide.
- One makeup trend you wish that made a comeback: 90s contour.
- Your go-to snack during long shoots: Crisps.
- Most challenging character you’ve transformed: The one at the masterclass!
- Favorite city for inspiration: London.
- Most memorable moment on Glow Up (a reality competition): My first week challenge and the first look I created was my favorite on the show — I absolutely loved it and it received a really great response.
- Describe your style in one word: Over the top.
Yong-chin Breslin’s masterclass at ABAM was not just an educational experience; it was a celebration of creativity, transformation, and the art of makeup. As students left the studio, they carried with them not only new skills but also a renewed sense of inspiration, eager to explore the endless possibilities that lie within the world of makeup artistry.
