WHEN MAKE-UP MEETS ART
With make-up being on the back burner because of face masks, some make-up experts have carved out a niche for themselves creatively using make-up to communicate.
One of Voice on Fashion’s favourite professional make-up artists, Tsholofetso Taukobong of Flawless Make-up, shares about the products we really need for this season.
For more exclusive make-up tips, and creative storytelling visuals using make-up, follow her on Facebook at Flawless Makeup & Nails, and on Instagram @ flawlessmakeup279.
THE ART OF MAKE-UP!
What role does make-up play in fashion and in your daily life? What’s make-up to you?
Make-up and fashion are best friends. My make-up translates my emotions and mood hence compliments what I am wearing. Make-up to me is confidence, it’s artistry; it’s my bread and butter!
What kind of make-up do you do and what message do you want to convey with it?
I am a versatile make-up artist or a chameleon really. I do glam, bridal make-up, editorial, film and TV makeup but my signature is really special effects make-up (SFX); that’s my true love of makeup. With special effects makeup, I can be a diamond or a cartoon; it’s more creative and exciting! My message really is make-up has unlimited potential. It can be used for advertising both locally and internationally. My goal really is to share my culture, my country and tourism with the world.
And your experience as a make-up artist; your proudest achievement so far?
I am yet to be proud because I believe I still have a lot to share and teach. Let me open my make-up academy then I will answer this question.
What experiences do you have apart from from using typical make-up techniques?
I am very artistic. I can use
anything (leaves, branches, foods) to showcase a look. I have also been using food to create my horror film make-up apparatus since it’s quite hard to find them in my country.
What is the difference between applying make-up for a tv shoot, photo shoot or a party/outing?
When it comes to TV, we have to consider the lighting used, so the application has to be heavier than normal. The concealer is also used under eyes to cover the dark circles, a popping eye also gives the make-up life; a smokey eye, liquid liner and eyelashes are necessary. A studio photo shoot uses similar make-up as TV. However, everyday make-up should have more of a natural feel to it; less foundation is important and less powder, we don’t want the cakey look. If you are a colourful person and love those bright colours (eye shadows) blend and apply less is more for everyday look.
I have 5 minutes to do my make-up, what must I do?
Foundation or moose to hide uneven skin, scars, a bright lipstick - preferably red - and black eyeliner. No need to flick the eyebrows.
What are some common beauty mistakes that women make?
Wrong foundation colour. It’s either too light or too dark. Make-up wipes do not clean off the make-up, you need to wash your face. Lastly, the concealer under the eyebrows must be blended, please.
How do you stop foundation from slipping off and lipstick from smudging?
Honestly, you can never go wrong with baby powder when matting the foundation. A little amount goes a long way. I am not a fan of setting spray. I love that J-lo glow. Kiss a tissue and your lipstick will stay, old school trick.
What is the one product you can’t work without?
My angle brush
What is the oldest product in your make-up kit?
My palette; I got it when I was 18. I don’t use it anymore.
What should be included in a lady’s beauty regimen?
A skin care routine is important.
What three make-up items must a woman never leave home without?
Lipstick, make-up wipes, and a powder. I usually take my red lipstick only.
What are the biggest challenges make-up artists have to face?
• Less appreciation and pay from the film, fashion and creative industry really. • No products in our BW market to show how creative we can really be. • Under charging artists who hinder growth and respect in the beauty community.
How best can we experience make-up artistry?
Trust the process, don’t compare me to any artist and get the mirror when it’s all done, not during the process.