You may think going from air traffic controller to make-up artist is a flight of fancy.

But to hear Shiseido's hair and make-up maestro Tadashi Harada (above) tell it, it's a natural progression.

The 36-year-old, who was an air traffic controller for three years before enrolling in a beauty school in 1992, said through an interpreter: "Being an air traffic controller requires good communication skills. I decided to move on to the beauty business as that is another form of expression."

His big break in the beauty industry came in 2000 when he joined Shiseido as a hair and make-up artist.

Six years later, he joined Satellites Shiseido, a creative group of six top hair and make-up artists who travel around the world to educate people on the art of beauty and make-up.

They showcase their work through demonstrations, seminars and fashion shows.

Harada was in Singapore in March for his photo exhibition, which featured his hair and make-up creations.

The five-day exhibition, held at The Arts House, showcased 20 of his works which were inspired by the 1970s Japanese comic Devilman.

He also gave the media a preview of Shiseido's premiere skincare and make-up line Cle de Peau Beaute's new refining fluid foundation.

Priced at $200, the hydrating foundation is available at the Cle de Peau Beaute counter at Takashimaya.

Harada has worked with countless fashion designers for runway shows, including Thom Browne, Phillip Lim, Neil Barrett, Vera Wang and Proenza Schouler.

His favourite designer, he says, is Browne because "the scale of his show is so large with 50 models".

"And even though it was a men's show, I got to put full make-up on all the models."

What's the most common mistake Singaporean women make when it comes to make-up?

I have found that many women here are worried that foundation may clog their pores.

But it is actually the opposite: Having coverage creates a barrier effect on your skin.

Also, it's more polite and presentable to wear some foundation and light make-up. This helps to give a favourable first impression.

Foundation and concealer - which should be applied first?

I prefer applying concealer after liquid foundation.

If you apply the foundation after, you might rub off some of the concealer while you are blending.

When applying foundation, do so in a circular, upward manner to help fill up the pores, especially around the T-zone area, for a flawless finish.

What are the key trends in hair and make-up this season?

For women, keep your hair at shoulder length with soft curls and waves.

For eyes, use pastel shades of blue and green and keep to pink-beige shades for the lips. When put together, the look is very elegant.

Also, I noticed at the fashion shows for autumn/winter 2008 that the smoky eye is back while lips are subtly coloured.

What are your favourite products?

I like the following Cle de Peau Beaute items: La Creme ($878), a luxurious revitalising night cream which moisturises and smoothes out uneven skin texture; Deep Cleansing Oil ($101), which you use once or twice a week to thoroughly cleanse pores; and the Facial Contour Treatment ($245), which reduces puffiness caused by water retention.

I also like the Shiseido Men Anti-shine Refresher ($50), which is a gel you apply over the T-zone. It helps to reduce shine by absorbing excess oil.

Of all the celebrities you have worked with, who is your favourite?

Orlando Bloom, whom I worked with for Uno's latest ad campaign. Uno is a line of men's grooming products by Shiseido.

Not only was he easy-going when it came to hair and make-up, he was also down to earth, easy to communicate with and very professional.

His favourite product was the Cle de Peau Beaute Lip Treatment balm ($101), which helps to plump up lips and also reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Shiseido Men is available at all 16 Shiseido counters here, including those at Isetan Scotts, Isetan Orchard and Takashimaya.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on May 29, 2008.