We got the chance to chat to MUA Renate Shikongo about her journey as a make-up artist as well as her career aspirations. She also lets us in on her favorite beauty brand.
Happy Read!
Who is Renate?
Renate is an authentic, confident, creative spirit. A bold and retro enigma. She is an artist that exudes these qualities through art. I am a makeup artist, post-modernist (conceptual) artist, fashion design student, image consultant, fashion enthusiast, singer, clinical psychology student and a proud Feminist. I express myself well, I love perfection and I am a person that loves socializing, meeting new people. I am very much of an extrovert who really enjoys having fun and dressing up, having fun and dressing up… I really love dressing up, OMG! Glam life is life, haha. I am an old soul who is recklessly happy and believes in the importance of mental health.
People call me weird based on everything and I LOVE IT, cliché is boring.
Journey with make-up, how did it all start?
Well, I always tell people that makeup is part of my DNA because I grew up with a mother who would never leave the house without lipstick. “My makeup has to be done,” she said, even when we just wanted to walk to the nearest shop. It only made sense that at least one of her daughters loved makeup just like her, and out of 3 daughters that is me.
My love for makeup is not only about the products and enhancing your beauty but the fact that it is fine art that only confident women understand and appreciate, an opportunity to wear how you truly feel in the moment, an accessory that fashion lovers use to complete their outfit and basically owning and applying makeup for yourself. Besides the above, making women feel beautiful has always been one of the things I live for, I incorporated that with makeup. It started at home at the age of 12 where my mum was my first canvas to practice this art on and she never complained, I then moved on to myself and when I went to high school I would do it on my friends ,for the love of that smile I witness every time I complete the art. I started being noticed in high school for doing makeup, so on weekends I would spend the day at the hostels doing their makeup for free and then in grade 10 I started doing makeup for pocket money and I used to charge N$50 for farewell and N$30 for an ordinary face beat. I kept doing it even on credit and so many learners never paid me, it didn’t bother me much because my parents would always invest in me to get new products.
In grade 12 I was better in my art and I was well known for the art so I started charging N$200 and I became strict with payments. When I started university, where I am studying a double major of clinical psychology & arts, I realized that I could incorporate the two, e.g paint and beauty makeup, which I refer to as “makeup meets art”. I became eager to learn more and keep perfecting it until today. Social media is my mentor and I am open to new looks every time. Today I charge N$350 for a face beat and I am busy creating a clientele for my brand.
What is your favorite thing about what you do?
Mmmhh my favorite?.. well, I try my utmost to give my clients what they want and that’s why I have key questions like “Are you a simple person? Or extra? What is the theme of the event?” Which leads to the look I would do (to avoid “It’s too much..etc”). I love being behind the massive change of dressing them my confidence, that’s why I always believe that before I give them the mirror they will love it. I am very confident in my work and that’s why I smile before they smile. The end is my fave!
When they cannot believe their eyes. It makes me so happy! I cannot describe that sort of joy.
What are your career aspirations?
I am a 3rd year student at the University of Namibia, doing a double major in clinical psychology and creative expression (art). I aspire to branch into Abnormal behavior and Art therapy.
It has always been a dream to be in the mental health department. I would like to work for a rehab facility and with inmates one day. I also study fashion at UNAM, I am a fashion lover and being able to be a fashion designer for myself is one of the best things that could ever happen to a fashion addict, it is challenging yet amazing to learn how to make your own clothes.
My makeup journey will hopefully branch into owning a lipstick line one day and remain a beauty enthusiast.
Your favorite project ever?
Earlier this year, I discovered that I am actually not a bad teacher and that I enjoy teaching people how to apply makeup. Knowing there are women out there who really want to have makeup on but because they lack skills, they would rather not try encouraged me. It made me come up with a brilliant idea of hosting an affordable makeup seminar, that everyone in need could attend.
Overall, everything went well and it was an amazing experience and because of that, I decided I will start doing private tutoring for makeup as well and not only face beats.
Biggest challenge as an MUA in Namibia?
Clients who really want to look pretty with makeup but have anxiety when it comes to shaping their eye brows. This is caused by having gone through a bad experience when it comes to shaping/shaving brows, it makes it really difficult for me to work because they ask for a mirror every second to make sure you don’t shave a lot off, I always ask them to trust me and let me do the job. Another challenge would be coming across ladies that limit the makeup artist. It would be great if clients allow the artist to complete the work, then they can criticize after for adjustments. It is makeup, it can be wiped and corrected. The biggest and most daunting challenge will be time management on the client’s side, I get to the venue, the client is behind schedule and expects the makeup artist to rush the art because they are late. Majority of the ladies think makeup should take about 20 minutes but good blended and perfect makeup takes 30-40 minutes.
Favorite beauty brand?
MAC! MAC! MAC! A brand based on my favourite makeup product which is lipstick. Mac has the best lipsticks, they are so subtle. The matte lippies have less lead which has less damage to your lips, very pigmented, rich in color, texture and long lasting when applied. And also, Mac has one of the best setting sprays in the makeup industry and setting sprays are very important, they keep the makeup firm for long hours.
Whose craft do you admire most?
Shayla Mitchel well known as makeupshayla, she is an Instagram and Youtube phenomenon and a makeup artist. I absolutely love her work, there is something about the way she applies her art and I would advise every makeup artist to look her up for inspiration. I follow her everywhere and I learned a lot from her.
Plans for your brand?
I want to work on bigger projects like having a glam team for a movie/series cast, have makeup exhibitions in the galleries in collaboration with theme based art, have yearly seminars in collaboration with other African makeup artists from different countries in different countries and end up with a beauty line that contains hair care products, facial care and makeup (lipstick). I have always wanted to own a lipstick line one day and I will make it happen.
5 BEAUTY PRODUCTS EVERY GIRL SHOULD OWN RIGHT NOW:
First of all, us ladies need to take good care of our facial skin, get it rich and glowing. This will make the makeup applied look more gorgeous.
1. Organic Coconut oil, it is number one for a reason! This is a must have ladies! Nothing treats your facial skin better than this, it moisturizes well and is naturally antibacterial and antifungal. The best penetrating oil on skin and hair.
2. Foundation, every girl should own the perfect foundation shade for their skin, can’t find any? Learn to mix two shades to get the perfect shade that looks like your skin. Foundation gives an extra glow, hides blemishes and spots and boosts a girl’s confidence by appearing flawless.
3. Lipstick, please tell me every girl owns lipstick? This is beauty itself, lipstick is a mood lifter based on the color you apply which is according to your outfit or mood. It heightens it all and keeps you beautiful at the same time, own lipstick! At least 10.
4. SETTING SPRAY, get the best setting spray that not only keeps your make up on for long hours but also protects your skin from germs and is infused with SPF for sun burn protection.
5. EUCERIN TONER, the best toner that is necessary after a good scrub or a facial wash. This toner unclogs pores without over drying, prevents blemishes and reduces growth of bacteria. Those are my must have beauty products for a Lady.
Follow Renate on Instagram:
Photo credit: @amphotography
