Project Vanity Podcast Relaunch: Episode 1 Recap with Albert Kurniawan

Today is a special day! I am beyond excited to announce the relaunch of the Project Vanity Podcast, and what a comeback it is! I'm your host, Liz Lanuzo, and I'm excited to dive back into the heart of the Filipino beauty industry with you. Our first episode is a treasure trove of insights and inspiration, featuring none other than the renowned makeup artist and founder of Teviant, Albert Kurniawan.

In this episode, Albert takes us on a journey through his fascinating career and the birth of his luxurious makeup line, Teviant. From his humble beginnings in Indonesia to becoming a celebrated makeup artist in the Philippines, Albert's story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of dreams.

Starting Out and Facing Challenges

Albert shares his early struggles, moving to the Philippines with only $100 to his name. Despite the challenges, his love for makeup and the supportive Filipino community helped him find his path. He talks about the pivotal moment in Milan when a chance encounter reignited his passion and led to the creation of Teviant.

The Teviant Journey

Launched during his 10th anniversary as a makeup artist, Teviant embodies Albert's vision of delivering premium, high-quality beauty products. He explains why he chose to formulate and manufacture in Italy, emphasizing the superior standards and meticulous craftsmanship that go into each product. This decision, although challenging, was driven by his commitment to offering nothing but the best to his customers.

Revolutionizing Bridal Makeup

Albert also discusses how he revolutionized the bridal makeup scene in the Philippines. He shifted the trend from the no-makeup look to more dramatic, couture-inspired styles. His philosophy? Brides deserve to look as spectacular as their gowns, with makeup that enhances their natural beauty while adding a touch of glamour.

Insights on the Local Beauty Industry

Albert is optimistic about the future of local beauty brands. He believes that Filipino consumers are increasingly recognizing and appreciating the quality and innovation of homegrown products. His advice to aspiring makeup artists and entrepreneurs is to focus on providing excellent service and staying true to their unique style, rather than just following trends.

Working with Celebrities and Personal Life

We also get a glimpse into Albert's life working with top Filipino celebrities like Heart Evangelista, Kim Chiu, and Pia Wurtzbach. He shares how his Indonesian background influenced his bold and creative makeup style, which has become his signature look.

Albert candidly talks about the challenges and rewards of working with his life partner in running Teviant. He emphasizes the importance of respect, managing expectations, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional life.



This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about makeup artistry and entrepreneurship. Albert's journey is inspiring, filled with valuable lessons and heartwarming moments that remind us why we love the beauty industry.

Tune in to the Project Vanity Podcast and join us as we explore the stories behind the brands and the people who make the Filipino beauty scene so vibrant and exciting. Don't forget to share this episode with your friends and rate us on your podcast app. It truly helps spread the word about our work.

Stay fabulous, and see you in the next episode!

Podcast Credits

  • Host: Liz Lanuzo

  • Producer: Pau Reyes

  • Editor: Marc Casillan

Liz Lanuzo

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

I eat makeup for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.

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