Chit Chat with makeup artist, Katlego Lekalakala.
We caught up with the celebrated makeup artist and medical student, Katlego Lekalakala. The Pretoria based beautician opens up to us as she gives us some great insights regarding her profession.
Q: When did you know a career in beauty was for you?
A: I only figured out that I have a place in the beauty industry when I did my first wedding gig in December 2016. The bride’s satisfaction with my work and the positive commentary I received on social media made me feel more confident and solidified my decision to go all in.
Q: What do you love most about being a celebrated makeup artist?
A: What I love most about being a celebrated make-up artist is the amount of people I get to interact with, whether it’s through my work or people just simply wanting a bit of help or advice on certain issues. I have been given opportunities to educate and mentor which have enabled me to have a positive impact. And without being celebrated I would not get the reach I need to achieve all of this.
Q: If you weren’t a makeup artist, what would you do?
A: Well I am studying Medicine, so I am not just a make-up artist therefore make-up artistry or not I would still be a doctor. However, I did have an interest in the dramatic arts during my schooling years and I thought I would have ended up as an actress and a playwright but I am here now.
Q: In your opinion, what’s the misconception around makeup artists in the industry?
A: I believe one of the misconceptions is that make-up artists aren’t intelligent but the biggest misconception is that we are over charging and in fact we are actually undercharging in South Africa. The beauty industry in itself is an extremely expensive field to work in, however people don’t appreciate that and don’t appreciate the number of expenses MUAs incur and why we price the way we do to cover those.
Q: Do you have any beauty secrets you would like to share?
A: My number 1 tip to everyone who loves playing around with make-up is to drop the idea that less is more when it comes to foundation. Using a pea size amount to cover the whole face is simply not enough and creates a veil effect, which means that the person’s skin is visible behind the foundation and instead of creating the illusion that you have amazing skin, you just look like you are forcing to cover something. So, when applying foundation; use a penny size, apply with a brush and push into the skin with a damp beauty blender, your face will look flawless.
Q: What’s your favourite make up brand?
A: It’s difficult to choose just one make-up brand but I guess I use Morphe above all other brands, it’s inexpensive and great quality.
Q: Today’s woman is busier than ever. What is the easiest/quickest way to turn a day/work look into something that works for night out?
A: A little bit of highlighter to amp up the glow, a little more mascara and eyeliner and add a dark shadow in the corners of the eye, to deepen them and to create a look that is suitable for the evening.
Q: Any tips on how girls can achieve a look that is both “cool” and parent-friendly?
A: Don’t try too hard, always go for neutral and warm tones they always make the eyes look elegant and shy away from heavy liner, very dark eyebrows and Bright lipsticks.
Q: What three makeup items should no woman leave home without?
A: Beauty blender or a buffing brush, Lipstick and Eyelash glue
If you have a passion for make up and would like to learn how to do application on others or purely want to perfect what you already know, Then make sure you book your spot for the BBK Academy taking place this December.
For beauty inspiration, make sure to follow Beats by Kaz on Instagram
