It’s been about a decade since the beauty Goddesses and Gods smiled down on us and the beauty industry exploded into a billion dollar industry and, more importantly, availed make up artistry to the average woman. In South Africa alone the list of beauty Gurus whose content taught us how to slay, snatch and fleek shamelessly is endless.

It’s also been just as long since I began my journey as an unrelenting disciple of all things beauty. What started as a piqued interest in learning how to make my eye brows fleek (Note, no longer use this term😉),and other tips and tricks turned into a full blown obsession and I found myself immersed in learning the ins and outs of the industry as a whole.

I’ve been there through it all. By all, I mean ALL – The rise of OG make up Youtubers such as Michelle Phan and Nikki Tutorials whose focus was mainly on make up techniques; the rise of their successers who innovated their content to include make up challanges, product reviews and make up hauls.; the rise of black beauty influencers such as Jackie Aina and South Africa’s own Mihlali Ndamase; and the eventual eruption of in-fighting in the beauty community. It’s been as colourful a rollercoaster as my favourite eyeshadow palettes, but we love it here still.

Unfortunately, the success and subsequent saturation of the industry has made it harder to find beauty content that’s relevant and relatable to individuals. Not to mention the pandemic has not made things easier for us – our make up skills and knowledge are rusty. So if you’re looking for easy-to-incorporate tips to add to your make up routine this summer as we all attend weddings, and other types of glamourous ceremonies, look no further!

1. Less is more!

Simplify your skin care routine if you’re going to wear a full face of make up the whole day, especially at an event.

Make up will cake, especially on mature skin where wrinkles/fine lines are visible, if it’s sitting on too many products such as for example oil based serums, thick moisturisers, sunscreens etc. So on event day cleanse, tone, moisturise and sunscreen only.

2. Spray-on sunscreen is your friend!

We’re all in agreement that sunscreen is an absolute necessity even for us melanated queens. So try purchase spray-on sunscreen if you sweat a lot/have oily skin and your foundations are dewy finishes instead of matte finishes. Spray-on sunscreen is great for those 2 to 3 hour re-applications too.


3. Time between products is key!

If you have normal sunscreen, try give it time to settle into your skin before beginning your make up routine (this should be done with all products actually, allow a minute between each, some need up to 20 minutes)

4. You’re not ready till you set!

Foundation alone is not enough especially on mature skin. This goes for all you glass- skinned queens as well – on event day everybody sets! If you do not like a press powder finish, lightly set the foundation with a loose/translucent powder to prevent caking, transference etc. This goes for all skin types because all skin types will be dancing and hugging for hours.

5. Give brow gels and creams a break.

Give the brow gels a break and opt for brow powder or normal brow pencils. I was reluctantly converted to brow gels and I love them but they will have you looking droopy eyed halfway through the event. They smudge and are visibly shiny. The same with brow Kohls. If you have no other alternative, base them well and slightly set them with some loose powder.

6. Dab access sweat and make up off always!

If you’re gonna touch up with any powder, avoid powdering on sweaty, already caked make up. First do the dab method with some tissue.

7. Lock make up in with each step.

Don’t forget to prime, set primer with setting spray, and seal with setting spray after. Remember face mists are not setting sprays!

Sekelwa Mpambo

@sekelwampambo