Tell us about your journey to being a make-up artist.

I’m just a girl that loves make-up and loves playing with different colours. I started watching make-up videos on YouTube when I was in high school in 2014. I remember while in Form Two, I was given a two-week suspension because I had sneaked a Sh100 baby powder, which was against the school’s rules.

As a self-taught artist, I keep on practising and trying new things every time I get the chance to. So far, the journey has had its advantages and disadvantages, in that some people will love you for who you are — your work and creativity — while others will never give you any work because they are just overlooking that talent.

What does it mean being a make-up professional in this day and age?

Right now, every woman believes they are make-up artists just because they do their own make-up everyday. But there’s a difference between you doing your own make-up and someone else doing it for you.

So, the challenge is, there are too many ‘make-up artists’ in the industry to the point some people underrate the value of a true make-up artist. But your work as an artist will sell itself if you do a good job, hence more people would want to work with you. 

Besides the ‘self-made card’, what other attributes set you apart from your competitors?

A lot of make-up artistes nowadays are doing two-colour eyeshadow — a simple look. As for me, I love being extra; trying every colour on a palette. A colourful eye and glowing face makes my day, and that makes all the distinction between myself and the rest.

To you, what’s the definition of a good face-beat?

As far as I am concerned, it is investing in skincare before anything else; your skin must be taken care of and must be a priority. The second thing is to use original or legitimate make-up products, such that when you apply them, your face will stun and glow.

Do you have specific products that you prefer?

I have few fundamentals; for the foundation, Maybelline is on a whole different level. I also love Superstay Foundation because of its good matte finish. Also, Shade Coconut and Fit Me Foundation shade 355 are my other favourites. Locally, we have our own products such as Huddah Cosmetics and Joylips; they are my all-time favourites. For my everyday skincare I use Garnier products; they are pocket-friendly and make my face flawless. 

In your opinion, what Kenyan personalities have the best face-beats?

I love Kenyan YouTuber Joanna Kinuthia. I watched her videos on Facebook before her fame, and I was really inspired. I admire her hard-working nature and the go-getter attitude. I also love how Huddah Monroe does her thing. 

As far as beauty goes, what do women need to prioritise when looking for attractive looks?

The most influential factor in a woman’s physical beauty is her health. When a woman is healthy, she has an attractive glow on her. Good health adds more colour to the face and skin and helps produce more energy. A balanced and nutritious diet and exercise plans will help any woman to have a healthy glow.

Are men also susceptible to using make-up?

Make-up is for everyone. The purpose of cosmetics is to modify and enhance appearance, maintain the status and beautify the body. Renowned London-based make-up artist Kenneth Soh has groomed popular actors such as Richard Madden, Hugh Laurie and Martin Freeman.

He says: “More and more products are being launched with men as the specific target. Brands are now developing skincare and light cosmetic products that are branded and packaged for men. This takes away the stigma of guys who want to use products on themselves.”