Melvin Tseng
Melvin Tseng is a Singapore-based makeup artist, beauty content creator, and founded his own makeup brand Make Up By Melvin. He is known for his creative, gender-inclusive makeup looks and for being an influential male figure in Singapore’s beauty community.[1][2][3]
Melvin Tseng | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Education | Diploma in Cinematography and Film/Video Production |
| Alma mater | Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts |
Background
Melvin grew up with a mixed heritage, being of Chinese and Indian descent.[2][4] He has said that his cultural background deeply influences his makeup work, and he often draws inspiration from his identity to shape his art.[4] In interviews, he has shared that he is largely self-taught: he learned makeup techniques online, experimented frequently, and refined his craft through consistent practice.[4]
According to his LinkedIn, He studied at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, where he earned a Diploma in Cinematography and Film/Video Production. His professional career began in the performing arts, working as a Street Jazz Choreographer at Dance Vault from 2018 to 2019. He transitioned into video production in 2019, serving as Head of Video Production at Boogie until 2020. From 2020 to 2022, Melvin worked with The Walt Disney Company as an Editor in Content Operations. In 2023, he spent six months as a Producer at Singtel before departing to pursue a full-time career as a content creator.[5]
Career
Melvin’s makeup philosophy centers on the idea that “makeup is art”—a belief he regularly communicates through both bridal and experimental creative makeup.[1] His Make Up By Melvin brand offers a wide range of services, including bridal makeup, event glam, and even special effects makeup.[1]
On social media, he has amassed a considerable following, especially on his Instagram with 179k followers[6], and TikTok with 255.6k followers[7]. According to a GetKobe article, his videos range from everyday glam to “all-out transformations,” and one transformation reportedly took six hours to complete.[3] His creative, high-effort makeup looks often resonate with a Gen Z audience and are well-recognized in Singapore’s beauty influencer space.
In an interview with FZINE Singapore, Melvin described his makeup as “dynamic”—capable of shifting from simple, wearable looks to elaborate, over-the-top creations.[8] Because of his distinctive style and creativity, his work doesn’t just celebrate beauty but also cultural identity and self-expression. He has said that many of his looks draw from his multi-ethnic heritage.[8]
Business and brand
Melvin Tseng founded Make Up By Melvin, a professional makeup service in Singapore.[1] The brand’s website lists his contact number and offers bookings for various makeup services.[1] His portfolio showcases both event makeup and highly conceptual, artistic looks.[1]
Advocacy and representation
Melvin is vocal about gender inclusivity in beauty. In a profile by Her World Singapore, he highlighted that makeup should not be restricted by gender and expressed his aim to break down stereotypes: “makeup is an art form … there’s no gender to art.”[2] He also spoke about representation: as someone from the LGBTQIA+ community and a minority race in Singapore, he believes it's important for people like him to be visible in beauty spaces.[2]
In recognition of his influence, Melvin was selected as a judge for the Her World Beauty Awards 2023.[4]
Style and creative process
In his more experimental looks, Melvin sometimes spends 4–5 hours applying makeup, and for very elaborate concepts, up to 12–14 hours, including prep and filming.[8] He also often incorporate DIYs props for his shoots and is known for visually theatrical makeup that merges color, culture, and concept.[8]
His beauty routine and product preferences are rooted in quality and practicality; for instance, he has mentioned using the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush powders.[8] Despite his more dramatic looks, he also advocates for minimalism: Melvin cautions against overusing products, suggesting “less is more” especially in daily routines.[8]
Recognition
Tseng has been named among “6 male influencers that are changing the face of beauty in Singapore” by Her World Singapore.[2]
He has also been featured by FZINE Singapore for his role in the “extreme makeup subculture” among Gen Z creatives.[8]
The Favikon list of top beauty influencers in Singapore includes Melvin, noting his blend of cultural motifs and creative content.[9] His influence is also captured in lists of top beauty influencers: according to Favikon, he is recognized for blending cultural motifs (like festive or traditional Indian elements) into his makeup artistry.[9]
In August 2024, Melvin attended a launch event for Daily Vanity’s “Vanity Vault” — a multi-brand beauty sample vending machine event in Singapore featuring influencers.[10]
References/Citations
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 “About” Make Up By Melvin. n.d. Accessed 14 November 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Seah, Letty. “6 male influencers that are changing the face of beauty in Singapore.” Her World, 4 July, 2024. Accessed 14 November 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 “3 Up-And-Coming Singapore Makeup Artists To Follow On TikTok” Get Kobe, 17 January, 2022. Accessed 14 November 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Chia, Vanessa. “Her World Beauty Awards 2023: Meet the judges” Her World, 16 May, 2023. Accessed 14 November 2025.
- ↑ “Melvin Tseng” LinkedIn. n.d. Accessed 14 November 2025.
- ↑ "@melvin_tseng" Instagram. n.d. Accessed 17 November 2025
- ↑ "@melvin_tseng" TikTok. n.d. Accessed 17 November 2025
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 Ho Guo Xiang. “The Gen Zers Fronting The Experimental Beauty Subculture In Singapore” Fzine, 18 April, 2023. Accessed 14 November 2025.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Renna, Josie. “Top 20 Beauty Influencers in Singapore in 2025” Favikon, 2 April, 2025. Accessed 14 November 2025.
- ↑ Yeo, Jade. “Daily Vanity Unveils Singapore’s First Multi-Brand Beauty Sample Vending Machine to Local Influencers” Daily Vanity, 20 August, 2024. Accessed 14 November 2025.