You have probably seen ladies with plastered make-up that makes them look like they are wearing a mask. They are probably supposed to look pretty, but the thought that they put effort into concealing what one would think is their true self, repulses. The use of make-up is often intricately linked to low self-esteem. Why else would anyone want to hide their true self, right?
Well, not quite… Make-up is meant to enhance your best facial features and hide a few blemishes here, and there.
As someone who has the fair advantage of walking out without make-up and still looking attractive, I have kept away from make-up preferring to use it on special occasions, which is when most make-up artists recommend it be used anyways. But even then, it can be daunting to know which foundation shade is compatible with your skin tone, whether you should lather powder on top or use a blue or pink eye shadow… The use of make-up is an art that requires creativity, skill and lots of practice to master.
The trick is to accentuate the eyes, nose and lips, which are my best features. For the eyes, eyeliner works well with palette shades that suite the skin tone ÔÇô pinks, browns etc. For the lips, although red is a staple that one never goes wrong with, feel free to try anything from nude, earthy tones to pink and burgundy shades. Black women can look very attractive but sometimes using the wrong make-up ruins their appearance.
The first step is to ensure you have flawless skin, which is usually attained through a healthy diet, drinking lots of water, washing, toning and moisturising the face, and avoiding smoking, junk food and too much alcohol. After all, healthy skin is the foundation of good youthful looks.
When choosing a foundation or powder, test the shades in daylight to know how it really looks. Also select suitable blush and bronzer ÔÇô both colours should gel with your skin and not create two tones; browns and copper work well with most African skin.
The eyes are considered the windows to the soul, and what better way to show them off than accentuate them. Metallic hues are better on darker skin, while pale palletes work wonders with lighter skin. If you aren’t afraid of experimenting, mix colours and play around to create a look that pleases you. To create the illusion of longer lashes (which are quite attractive) use either brown or black mascara.
Although most people think make-up is simply, aesthetics, Marari insists it’s intricate to positive image and confidence. She however recommends that make-up be used occasionally. “If used daily, it’s important to intensify your wash, tone and moisturize routine in order for the skin to be nourished. Most importantly, make-up should enhance your features, not hide you, or make you look like another person,” she adds.
Marari hosted a make-up tutorial session in April to teach women how to use make-up. “I am passionate about women empowerment and helping girls to grow up confident. Make-up won’t change your looks but it can leave you looking prettier, and when you look good, you in turn feel good.”
She however cautions against daily use of make-up, as the skin needs to refresh. “Make-up is better occasionally for special functions. When you use it, make it a point to wash your face, tone and moisturize heavily to avoid replenished nutrients, and invigorate the skin.”
Make-up is not only for women, as men can also fight the common oily face and shiny nose effect, with a bit of dabbing here and there.
Marari has worked magic on many well-known faces like that if jazz singer Sethunya Maele, rapper Dramaboi, media personality Big Fish, fashionista Tsholo Dikobe and musician Ditiro Selepeng (better known as DT) to mention a few.
