The Sunday News
Rutendo Chidawanyika
IT’S no secret how the makeup industry in Bulawayo has been growing in the past couple of years. Women are paying attention to their looks; eyebrows on fleek, eyelashes all done and cheekbones contoured. This is all made possible by professionals; if you’ve noticed all brides look super fab nowadays, photo shoots have become a norm, posts on social media showing off their face beats. Some women are gifted to be able to apply makeup on themselves and look fly, while the rest of us rely on MUA (makeup artists).
I got the opportunity to interview Bulawayo’s top two makeup artists; Makeup by Sisa (Sisa Dube) and Makeup by Praise (Praise Richardson). These busybodies took time off their hectic schedules to answer the questions everybody is dying to know about them and how they are the best at what they do.
Sisa Dube works from home and does house calls as well. Her job is made easier by her loving husband who supports her and motivates her. During her spare time she loves cooking, watching TV and travelling. Sisa has been a makeup artist for two years and is still growing. You can get hold of her on Facebook as Bulawayoweddingmakeup and her Instagram handle @make_up_by_sisa.
How did your career as a MUA take off?
SISA: It’s something that started as a hobby, I used to watch YouTube makeup tutorials, each time I learnt a new skill I would try it on my face, take a picture and post it on social media. My facebook friends loved the final look and advised me to do it professionally. I took their advice and I don’t regret it.
How can one maintain healthy skin?
SISA: Drink lots of water, eat antioxidants such as spinach, seeds, purple grapes, dark chocolate, green tea and nuts. Do opt for natural skin products, avoid sugars and get enough exercise. Limit sun exposure and get enough vitamin C. A diet rich vitamin C leads to fewer wrinkles. Get quality sleep, eight hours sleep every night.
What are the mistakes women make when applying makeup?
SISA: Women use the wrong shade of foundation. Do not use your hands to apply foundation, use the correct tools, because hands make it difficult to blend and makeup is all about blending. Before you apply makeup do moisturise your skin. Never apply eyeshadow without primer. Know your skin, if it is dry stay away from matte products but if its oily matte products will work better.
Where do you get your clients?
SISA: Through referrals and social media platforms.
Top five must have makeup items for every woman?
SISA: Mascara, foundation, lipstick, eyebrow pencil and eyeshadow.
Where do you see your business in five years?
SISA: A makeup studio is still in the pipelines, I am also working on being a special effects makeup artist. I have a mentorship programme and I intend on growing it.
What is your advice to aspiring makeup artists?
SISA: Believe in yourself, do your research, be patient and stay away from fake makeup products.
Praise has been a MUA since 2012, she started doing her own makeup and her colleagues at Rainbow where she used to work.
You can catch Praise at her makeup studio at Mash Shop, 80B Jason Moyo St/8th Avenue. Get in touch with Praise on her social media handle make_up_by_praise on both Facebook and Instagram.
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What is your favourite colour lipstick and brand?
PRAISE: Georgie Lipstain Red by Jackie Mgido.
What do you like most about your job?
PRAISE: I enjoy making people feel confident in themselves after a makeover. Enhancing women’s beauty is the end goal not to change them but to make them beautiful.
How did you become a MUA?
PRAISE: It was a passion that I had from a young age, my dad would reprimand me for always taking time to pamper my face. Before I was a professional makeup artist I used to work on my friends faces and colleagues.
What can expect from you in the next couple of years?
PRAISE: In a couple of years if God willing I want to have my makeup brand and a beauty shop where you will find wedding gowns for sale/hire, a nail technician, hair stylist and a studio where the bride gets all her services in one shop.
Make up brands that make your job easier?
Vault Cosmetics by Jackie Mgido, LA Girl products, MAC products and Estee Lauder products.
n Both these ladies cater for weddings, engagements, Photo-shoots, Graduation, Award ceremonies; they sell makeup products as well. So ladies, whenever you need to a pro makeup artist to give you a face beat, stay in touch will Bulawayo’s finest makeup magicians.
Email: [email protected]
