A 57-year-old male makeup artist in Malaysia
A wedding is one of those days when looking your best isn’t just encouraged – it’s essential. While the blushing brides typically get all of the glitz and glam, let’s not forget that grooms deserve a moment to shine too. Enter the pak andam, who, in Malay culture, takes on the role of both a groomsman and a stylist.
In Malaysia, there are just a handful of individuals like Megat Mat Akhir Megat Mohamad, a 57-year-old makeup artist who ensures that grooms step up their wedding glow game on their big day.
We sat down with the man himself to uncover how he creates the seri pengantin glow for grooms.
A journey rooted in tradition
Born and raised in Taiping, Perak, Megat Mat Akhir Megat Mohamad is fondly known among his clients simply as Pak Andam. The hardworking family man runs a firewood factory by day, but beyond the sawdust and timber, his passion for applying makeup for grooms-to-be burns bright.
Image credit: Pak Andam
For the uninitiated, a pak andam is a traditional wedding beauty expert and advisor in Malay culture. Think of him as the fairy godparent of groom styling but with a deep-rooted cultural and spiritual touch. Traditionally, a pak andam for grooms and mak andam for brides ensure that a couple looks their absolute best during the wedding day, not just in terms of makeup, but also in styling, rituals, and even spiritual well-being.
Image credit: Pak Andam
The Perak-born Pak Andam’s love for makeup began at 18 years old when he first took on the role of a pengapit, or ‘groomsman’ in English, who is responsible for assisting the groom. In the past, this typically meant shaving beards and applying simple powder and concealer to freshen up the groom’s appearance.
Over time, his skills evolved, and what started as a cultural duty turned into a lifelong passion. He proves that masculinity and makeup can go hand in hand, as both a family man with a wife, 8 children, and 12 grandchildren, and a makeup artist who has now spent decades in the industry.
Throughout his experience, Pak Andam believes that makeup is not about changing one’s entire look, but about enhancing one’s natural beauty. He believes that every man should shine in his skin tone – never altered, only illuminated. “Whether Malay, Indian, or Chinese, every groom deserves to feel special on his wedding day. My job is to bring out that natural glow, not change who they are”, Pak Andam shared with TheSmartLocal Malaysia.
A self-taught makeup artist
Unlike typical makeup artists today, Pak Andam never attended any professional courses. Instead, he refined his craft through hands-on experience, mastering everything from flawless skin prep to precise powder application on his own to help the grooms he attends to exude that effortlessly polished look.
Image credit: Pak Andam
For those unfamiliar with the cultural essence of the seri pengantin glow in Malay tradition, Pak Andam explains to us that it refers to the radiant, almost ethereal glow, that newlyweds exude on their wedding day – a glow he has made his signature.
He believes that achieving this glow isn’t about simply caking on layers of makeup. Rather, it’s about enhancing both the inner and outer handsomeness of a groom, and ensuring he looks as confident and luminous as he feels.
Image credit: Pak Andam
To truly grasp Pak Andam’s artistry, we asked how his passion goes beyond just makeup. He shared with us that “It’s a ritual, a responsibility, and a craft steeped in tradition”.
The creative process of a pak andam
Before he even begins prepping a groom, Pak Andam ensures that his energy is positive because, to him, being entrusted with someone’s wedding day is no small matter. His process starts with a prayer and a commitment to looking presentable.
Image credit: Pak Andam
Often seen garbed in a full Baju Melayu outfit paired with a songkok, or on occasion a crisp formal shirt and trousers, he believes that his own polished appearance sets the tone. “It gives off a positive energy to the groom”, he explained.
To begin the makeup application, he first asks permission from the groom to touch their face, recognising the sacredness of the moment. Before picking up a makeup tool, he prays so the seri pengantin shines through not just in the makeup, but in the spirit of the groom.
Image credit: Pak Andam
Understanding that many men are unfamiliar with makeup, Pak Andam only uses high-end brands to avoid skin irritation. His go-to products include Kryolan, NARS, MAC, Huda Beauty, and Laura Mercier. “Most grooms have never used makeup, so I must be extra careful. I invest in high-quality products because I refuse to compromise their skin’s health, especially on such a significant day”, he explained.
Hygiene is paramount in his practice. Brushes and beauty blenders are washed thoroughly with hot water, lipsticks are cleaned layer by layer after each use, and his hands are sanitised before and during applications.
When asked about his pricing, Pak Andam shared that he charges RM250 per groom nationwide, with transportation fees varying by location. Given today’s economy, his rate is remarkably affordable. Naturally, we had to ask why he charges so affordably, and his answer was simple yet profound: “Every groom deserves to look his best on his big day, without the stress of cost”.
To preserve his positive and active energy, he limits himself to only two clients per day so every groom gets his undivided attention. Pak Andam’s meticulous standards go to prove that for him, makeup isn’t just a business – it’s a labour of love.
Image credit: Pak Andam
Pak Andam loves makeup, but he is aware that it can be challenging for an elderly male to be a makeup artist. Nevertheless, he continues to thrive by staying true to his passion. He believes that his age and gender make him unique in the industry, rather than a disadvantage. “Never think you are better than others. Respect every artist’s creativity. If people criticise, just smile and move forward”, he shared.
As we wrapped up our interview, we just had to ask Pak Andam the secret behind his smooth, glowing skin. He responded that it’s not just about products – it’s about mindset. Embracing natural beauty and keeping a positive outlook is key as true radiance always starts from within. “I believe energy matters. Having good intentions and a positive aura doesn’t just uplift your spirit – it brings out a glow that no highlighter can replicate”, Pak Andam shared.
More than just a makeup artist
As a devoted family man and the owner of a firewood factory, Pak Andam’s world is one of grit and hard work. Yet, in the delicate realm of lipsticks and blushers, he moves with equal grace, seamlessly bridging the gap between tradition and a craft often seen as feminine.
His unwavering dedication proves that passion, when fueled by the right intentions, will always shine through – defying age, gender, and expectations. A true testament that talent knows no boundaries, Pak Andam inspires us all to embrace our calling with confidence and humility.
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Cover image adapted from: Pak Andam
Some quotes have been edited for clarity.
TheSmartLocal Malaysia sincerely thanks Pak Andam and Miss Su, his business partner for sharing their time and wonderful energy, making this interview a truly special experience.