EPHRAIM the make-up mastermind creates magical make-overs

Call him a magician if you may, but there is no question that this make-over guru is truly a master of make-up.  A former student of Diego Martin Secondary School, Ephraim Hunte was born in Trinidad and migrated to the United States at age 18 to pursue his academic studies in Electronic Engineering.  Some 30 years later, he’s coming back home to complete the statement he started making in Manhattan, only, this has nothing to do with engineering.  Hunte revealed back then make-up was not on the agenda, far more for it being a career, now he admits “...I’m a perfectionist!” He admits that it took him years of studying and applying make-up for him to be at his acquired level...and what a level it is!  Hunte spoke of the 1980s which he described as his “hay days.”  He talked about his primary work with fashion models for runway shows.  After which time he started doing beauty make-up for magazines. He has worked with celebrities in the modeling industry and boasts of his love for what he does.  “Make-up is an art, it goes beyond just the application of products.  One needs to design a look and then create it.” 

Hunte specialises in make-up artistry, aesthetics, massage therapy and photography.  He also conducts certified classes in make-up artistry.  “I maintain a ‘no hold back’ policy in my classes,” he informed.  Hunte said he believes in sharing his knowledge and giving his all to his students.  “I love to see women looking beautiful, and whatever knowledge I have that can assist in that process, I am more than willing to share.” Hunte revealed that his first local student was make-up artist Leas-el Rovedas.  He said that he was on a shoot in Trinidad and when Leasel saw his work, she insisted that he tutor her. When asked about his goal for make- up in Trinidad, Hunte was quick to inform “EPH Make-up Academy. I would like to create a sourcing umbrella for beauty.” Hunte is aiming towards establishing the forum for a make-up school by the end of November 2003.  He also aims to create an agency for people in the make-up field but in relation to the more technical aspects of make-up artistry.

Hunte’s work has been described as unbelievable, (but believe it, I have seen it myself).  He does indeed create a look, so too can he enhance, refine and revolutionise.  “Make-up is supposed to be applied to suit the shape of the face and it should be done well.  It matters not the length of time you have to apply make-up, a five minute job deserves just as much perfection as any longer period of time”.  Hunte stated “No matter what you do, somebody will see it, someone will notice, so do it well.” Questioned about the best work he thinks he has done, he reflected “I like most of my work most of the time!”  Beauty make-up and special effects are what he cites as his strengths.  “I miss nothing when it comes to make-up, it must be done right, it must be done well.”  Hunte has done extensive work in make-up and make-overs and the end results are astounding. He highlighted the fact that when someone loves what he does, he would go about it with a passion for perfection. So when will the permanent move to Trinidad be?  “Maybe 2004,” he said smiling.