Albert Kurniawan—from celebrity makeup artist to founder of Teviant

Arriving to the Philippines with only P5,000, he proves that dreams do come true with passion and hard work


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Celebrity makeup artist Albert Kurniawan took a risk flying to Manila with only P5,000 in his pocket. He fell in love with the Philippines, and the rest, as they say, was history. 

Who could have thought that Albert, an Indonesian, who didn’t know how to speak Filipino, can adapt so well in the Philippines—even becoming a well-known makeup artist who can speak a minimum of four languages including Tagalog. Not one to rest on his laurels, he questioned himself on what he should be doing next. 

On a solo trip to Europe where he reflected on his future plans, he bumped into someone he worked with who gave him the idea to put up his own cosmetics line. Call it serendipity, call it fate, but that moment marked the start of another exciting chapter for Albert.

Beauty brand Teviant was born in 2018, officially launching in 2019. Memories of him as a child watching his mom apply makeup was the inspiration, the brand was a spin-off from Albert’s mom Tevianty. In fact, both his parents were at the official launch last April 19 to show their full support. 

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Albert poured his heart and soul to this baby brand of his, visiting factories and laboratories in Europe to check on the quality of his products. For its first official launch, Teviant focused on its eye makeup products, and Albert admits that both brow and eye makeup are equally important to him. “I can never choose between the two,” he says. 

Multi-Glaze, a duo pen that comes in two formulas—eyeshadow stick and liquid eyeshadow. Both of which can be used on its own, and can also be applied together for maximum effect. Choose from six shades, Little Bride (Golden Sunset and Antique Copper), Nectar (Metallic Cacao and Ashy Purple), Dahlia (Magenta Metallic and Cashmere Rose), Agnes (Burnt Plum and Sheer Glittery Copper), Alabaster (Rustic Metallic Mauve and Golden Rose), and Final Walk (Antique Rose Gold with Gold Dust and Sheer Champagne).

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Eyebrow Tint comes with four-progned felt-tip liner that mimics fine hair strands when applied. This gives a three-dimensional and microbladed effect with one swipe that makes it easy to apply. Precise, long-wearing, waterproof, sweat-resistant, and paraben-free, it’s a worry-free product that can be used even when you swim. Choose from five shades: She (Khaki Brown), Her (Ash Brown), Midwife (Beige Brown), Harlot (Cinnamon Brown), and First Born (Coal Gray). 

Eye Intensifier is their award-winning eye pencil that now comes in waterproof formula. This highly pigmented eye pencil delivers high-color pay-off that’s gentle on the eyes. And, yes, even for the earth. Albert shares that each pencil is shaped differently as they only used wood from fallen trees. Choose from seven shades: Termagant (Intense Black), Cleo (Rustic Golden Green), Flesh (Nude), Dobi (Rose Gold), Doyenne (Champagne) from our previous collection, Gold Rush (Yellow Gold), and Nipah (Brown). 

Liquid Eyeliner Pen helps define eyes for up to 18 hours. Albert has tested this to make sure it can work for our tropical weather. Waterproof, quick-to-dry, long-lasting, and smooth to apply, this liquid formula is easy to use. Choose from Black, Chocolate Brown, Burgundy, and Sangria.

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Mon Cheri Mascara is extra special, because it comes with two wands that contain waterproof, smude-proof, and long-wearing formula. Albert believes that, aside from the regular spoolie brush, we also need the smaller version for the lower lashes and to coat the upper lashes as well. 

Albert also added Lip Spell, a matte color lipstick that’s lightweight and nourishing. Licorice root extract, sunflower oil, rosemary extract, Vitamin E, collagen boosters, skin-soothing properties, and anti-aging derivatives make this good for the lips. Choose from nine shades: Libra (Cool-toned mauve with a hint of pink), Haute (Fiery paprika red), Forty-one (Mid-tone burnt coral), Queen (Peach Warm toasted peach), Maktub (Antique rose), Sunday Kiss (Nude honey hazelnut), Ley (Light dusty pink), Titleholder (Mid-tone nude with pink undertone), Elizabeth (Sandy nude with a peach undertone). 

All products are sold at no more than P600 pesos. Follow Teviant at @Teviant and Albert Kurniawan @Abtkurniawan for more details.