Getting glamorous with make-up

If you have a soft spot for beauty and cosmetics, you have probably seen how sparkling and alluring people, particularly women, look on our streets or offices because of make-up. You may also have appreciated this during special occasions such as weddings and corporate functions like dinners where women look beautiful and charming.

Oh yes, some women, bridegrooms and bridesmaids look extra ordinary like angels on wedding events, courtesy of their dreamiest and wearable make-up vibe.

You have also seen how stunning and attractive music artists, including vixens, look in music videos and actors in local movies.

Of course, high definition (HD) pictures and videos, which are currently trending, cut a powerful impact on the beauty of many people, including artists, bridegrooms and bridesmaids. But the gifted hands and the role of make-up artists, who beautify these people during their special occasions, cannot be downplayed. They simply render incredible service if one wants to set an occasion ablaze with charming looks!

There are several make-up artists in Malawi who have become important secrets behind the beauty of many people just like HD photographers. They mostly play their valuable role behind the scenes and people rarely recognise them.

In Lilongwe, there is one Moureen Kafoteka-Banda from Area 25 who does magic on people’s faces as far as beauty and cosmetics are concerned.

Only at 20, Kafoteka-Banda is one of the youngest make-up artists to reckon with in the city of Lilongwe. She is fast establishing herself as an asset of Joy Adenuga (the queen of colourful make-up) or Lisa Eldridge type under her own brand, Reen’s Beauty Parlour.

Kafoteka-Banda said she ventured in the beauty business in 2019 and she has worked on over 100 clients, including artists.

Among other notable artists, she did a complete make-up on actress Daina Zakochera during the premiere of her movie Atsikana last November at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.

When Zakochera recognised the 20-year-old make-up artist during her speech, she received a standing ovation for doing a glossy complete makeover on her. Indeed, Zakochera looked elegant like an international film star.

Kafoteka-Banda, who is also a hospitality management student at the Malawi Institute of Tourism, said she has improved her skills through self-training and a lot of practice.

“Of course, I was taught the basics by a certain lady who owns a beauty parlour in Mzuzu. But I acquired most of the skills and styles through the Internet. I mostly watch tutorial videos on YouTube and follow popular make-up artists on Instagram to learn new tricks of the trade. This has really helped me to develop my own unique style and touch,” he said.

Kafoteka-Banda said looking charismatic and presentable is the first impression that any person should always strive to have.

“The way you look determines the type of person you are. Even the hiring authority in a company sometimes judge your personality based on how you look.

“Less care on beauty is a total turn off which inspires nobody. Therefore, people should be putting on make-up because it adds colour to their beauty,” she said. Kafoteka-Banda said make-up that is done properly makes people glow with courage and confidence.

Zakochera, one of Kafoteka-Banda’s clients, described her as a ‘magician’ of make-up.

“Oh yes, Kafoteka-Banda is a magician who can totally transform you into a great beauty in just a matter of minutes. I and some people that I know in Lilongwe haven’t regretted her work,” she said.

However, Moureen registered a concern that some clients were not trustworthy when it comes to doing business with them.

She said: “Being a make-up artist has not been easy. Sometimes you end up working on some clients who do not pay or avoid you once you work on them. I must confess that this business is tough at times.”