READY TO SLAY

The TL Glam Squad helps Minah Rachel rediscover her sense of style

NAME: MINAH RACHEL

Age: 30s

Occupation: Sales Consultant

“I wear uniform to work each day and requested a makeover because I feel I’ve lost my sense of style. I no longer make an effort with outfits and just stick to boring neutral colours and simple make-up. So I needed advice on how to look chic and ladylike when I’m not in my uniform,” Minah says.

HAIR

“Minah mentioned that she’s bored with her plain, short hair. To add some glam to her look, I opted for a longer wig which I curled to create a soft, feminine feel. We started by nourishing her natural hair with hair oil and plaited cornrows so that it would be moisturised, neat and healthy underneath the wig. Before styling the wig with a straightener, I applied a heat protectant spray to protect the hair from frizzing and heat damage. We finished off the look by applying a fortifying oil for a smooth silky finish,” says hairstylist, Zola Ngejane of Urban Zulu Hair.

MAKE-UP

“Minah said she usually, only, applies powder and gloss before leaving the house, so I wanted to do something different and go full glam with her look. We applied an illuminating primer for an ultra-luminous, glowing complexion, followed by a light foundation that she could wear daily. To define her eyes, I used a combination of bronze and deep browns on her eyelids. I completed the look by applying a highlighter to give her an effortless glow, and a nude mixed with pink lip for a girly touch,” says make-up artist Vuyo Varoy.

MINAH’S EXPERIENCE: Do you wear make-up?

I never wear a full face of make-up. I usually apply powder and gloss, so I was looking forward to trying out a full glam look.

How did you feel after the transformation?

I felt super glamorous and as though I could walk into any job interview or meeting and totally slay it!

What did you enjoy about the makeover?

I loved being fussed over; from the stylist giving me different outfits to try on, to the make-up artist working on my face. I also enjoyed learning how to create a full make-up look and which products were best suited for my skin tone.

Did you learn anything about beauty and fashion?

I learned to step out of my comfort zone — which is usually safe tones like navy — and experimented with brighter colours and prints. I never wear heels, as my job requires a lot of walking around so I got to try on different kinds. I also finally found the correct shade of foundation for my skin tone.