Meet Mortuary Cosmetologist Aileen Ong

A Career Born Out of Tragedy

Aileen Ong has been a mortuary cosmetologist and funeral director for the past 12 years. Her journey into this unique profession began when she witnessed the poor handling of her late brother’s body after a fatal accident. The experience left a lasting impression on her, and she decided to leave her banking career to pursue a new path.

From Banking to Mortuary Cosmetology

At the age of 13, Aileen’s brother passed away, and she vividly remembers how poorly his body was handled. The prayers were conducted improperly, and the makeup made him look like an elderly man. This experience sparked a desire in her to learn more about the process of preparing the deceased for burial. She enrolled in a short course to become a makeup artist and mortician, and after completing several courses abroad, she dedicated two years to mastering her skills.

Aileen’s Role in Preserving Dignity

As a mortuary cosmetologist, Aileen’s primary mission is to preserve the dignity of the deceased. She believes that her work is not just about applying makeup, but also about ensuring that the body appears as though the individual is peacefully sleeping. This involves tasks such as embalming, repairing stitches, and concealing wounds on the body, all of which require meticulous attention to detail.

Concealing Wounds and Imperfections

Before preparing the body, Aileen inspects it in the presence of the family to identify any wounds. If the body has undergone an autopsy and the stitching is poorly done, she will restitch it to make it less noticeable. She uses wax vaseline to conceal any wounds, and she also applies makeup to conceal any imperfections.

The Importance of Makeup

Without makeup, the face will darken, turning black, blue, or purple. Typically, decomposition begins within two hours. Without makeup, the family might feel deeply saddened, and it could even lead to gossip among relatives. Aileen’s role is to preserve the dignity of the deceased and shield them from any criticism.

Aileen’s Work Process

Applying makeup to a body in good condition typically takes around 15 minutes. However, the technique differs slightly from that used on a living person. For a body, Aileen uses oils like baby oil and olive oil as moisturizers. She also coordinates with the police to search for missing body parts, which can be a challenging part of her work.

Pricing and Services

Aileen handles at least 60 bodies a month, with her services priced between RM580 and RM6,000.

Conclusion

Aileen Ong’s unique profession requires a high level of attention to detail, compassion, and dedication. Her work is not just about applying makeup, but also about preserving the dignity of the deceased and shielding them from any criticism. Her experience and expertise have made her a respected figure in her field, and she continues to serve families across the country.

FAQs

Q: What inspired you to become a mortuary cosmetologist?
A: My experience with my brother’s passing and the poor handling of his body inspired me to learn more about the process of preparing the deceased for burial.

Q: What is the most challenging part of your work?
A: Searching for missing body parts is among the most challenging parts of my work.

Q: How long does it take to prepare a body?
A: The entire process of preparing a body can take between two and nine hours, depending on the condition.

Q: What is the primary mission of a mortuary cosmetologist?
A: The primary mission of a mortuary cosmetologist is to preserve the dignity of the deceased and shield them from any criticism.