Heineken x Shentonista: Moderate Drinkers Wanted — A Day At A Time

Beno, Makeup Artist. T-shirt from Depression, pants from Amos Ananda, shoes from Camper, backpack from Robinsons.

We stole some of Beno’s time while he was waiting to have dinner with his friends. His hat first caught our attention, and then it was his multilayered, full-black, street-inspired look, which had initially given us the impression that he worked in the creative industry. We weren’t too far off, it turned out: Beno is a makeup artist, and it would seem that he’s probably more used to being behind the scenes and on the other side of the lens rather than in front of it, but he was unfazed by the lights and all the action. Although he comes across as a man of a few words, his gentle, unassuming demeanour won us over, which is why, when he shared some advice on drinking to last the night, we were inclined to take it; read more below.

Shentonista (S): What’s a regular day at work like for you?

Beno (B): No two days are alike, because I work on different projects like shoots, events or fashion shows.

S: How often do you go out for drinks after work?

B: I normally go on Fridays or Saturdays because you know you can chill out a bit longer since there isn’t work the next day.

S: Usually in groups, or solo? With your colleagues or friends outside of work?

B: I normally drink with my good friends.

S: How much do you usually drink?

B: I wouldn’t say I drink a lot, maybe just a cup or a glass.

S: How do you keep your alcohol intake under control? How do you stop yourself from drinking too much?

B: I talk a lot (laughs). So you know when you talk, you tend to drink less.

S: What if your friends are like, “Eh, drink lah!”

B: Then I just take very small sips, so I’m always considered to be the “slow drinker”.

S: What are some of your best tips for lasting the night?

B: Hmm. I would say I try not to drink too fast, or drink on an empty stomach.

S: Why do you think it’s important to control your drinking?

B: I think it’s best to do every good thing in moderation. Even when you party, you don’t party almost every day, right? So long as it’s done in moderation, you can still enjoy it.

S: Besides going out for drinks, what other activities do you enjoy? Any other hobbies?

B: Going to movies of all kinds, or having dinner with friends, like what most city people tend to do, right? (laughs) It’s always meeting up with your friends, watching movies.

S: What would you describe your personal style as? It’s quite street.
B: I do like local designers, because I do work with them for their lookbooks. (Support local?) Yes, I do support local designers!

S: Do you usually only wear black? Why?

B: For work, yes, I always like to wear black. I think it always seems more professional for makeup artists when you wear black, so my whole wardrobe is full of black clothes.

S: What’s your personal go-to when you’re having a stressful day?

B: I would go somewhere quiet, even if I’m having dinner. I like to have time for myself, or just play with my cats. (laughs)

S: Any personal mottos or philosophies that you’re living by right now?

B: Take one day at a time.