With a little black book filled with local celebs, Tammy Pienaar is the go-to make-up guru for Durbanites and South Africans.
With a passion for beauty and a focus on meaningful make-up, 37-year-old Kloof make-up artist Tammy Pienaar creates countless iconic looks that are special occasion and red carpet ready. So, what’s her secret to success? Staying behind the scenes and letting other’s shine.
As a freelance make-up artist and founder of PRO Make-up Durban, Tammy kick-started her career in a pre-social media era where new jobs and clients were all through word of mouth. Today, she’s a sought-after make-up artist thanks to her determination, hard work and empowering networking skills.
“Looking back, I have always loved weddings.” says Tammy who fondly remembers spending her childhood holidays with her grandmother who lived in a flat on the Berea, opposite a Catholic Church. “She and I would take turns at the window on weekends, waiting for brides to arrive. We’d sit and chat about the dresses, she’d let me put make-up on her and play with her hair.”
Tammy’s first real job was at Elizabeth Arden, but her heart was always in the training side of things, so when a position opened at the make-up college she’d previously attended, she grabbed it.
“I taught many young aspiring make-up artists, some of whom are very successful in the field today. I also gained a decade of valuable experience after joining Kryolan South Africa in 2011 where I got to travel, meet and work with some of the world’s best make-up artists. It really was the dream job. But, behind the scenes I’d slowly started working for myself.”
After the pandemic and the KZN looting, Tammy, wife to her high school sweetheart Tyrone and mom to two gorgeous sporty boys – Blake who is 10 and six-year-old Chad – realised she wanted to spend more time with them, so she turned her focus fully to her freelance business and her family.
“I’ve been so well-supported by local brands and photographers, and continue to grow while at the same time being able to enjoy the creative freedom I have to be a mother, an artist and a game changer.”
Tammy has since built a brilliant reputation for herself, not limited to just KZN. With heavy influences from her first mentor, professional make-up artist Lindsay Nixon, and inspiration from some of her favourite social media beauty profiles – she loves to follow @marlenastell and @valencianaidooofficial. Tammy specialises in bridal make-up as well as empowering woman with the knowledge of how to apply their everyday essentials with just a few tips and tricks!
She’s worked with SA celebs, the likes of The Parlotones, Arno Carstens, Freshlyground, Mafikizolo, Sorisha Naidoo and comedian Kevin Fraser, to name drop a few. Career highlights, among others, also include being part of professional make-up teams for world class events such as The Loerie Awards, Miss World and Global Face Art Dubai.
“Weekends are for weddings LOL! I’ve been doing them for almost two decades now and recently reached my 500th milestone. I still do a little happy dance, not only in gratitude, but also because I am a small part of bringing dreams to life. Weekday mornings are spent doing make-up and hairstyling as well – for maternity shoots, corporate clients, matric dances and other special occasions. I have a beautiful studio at my home in Kloof and a passion for sharing my skill, so am often booked for corporate workshops too.”
For the last 18 years, Tammy has seen many trends come and go. She’s looking forward to the next Spring/ Summer trends which will see colour used as a means of expression. Think vibrant, bold colour eyeliners, fresh dewy skin and defined cheeks.
“If there is one bit of beauty advice I can give anybody, it’s SPF! I know I sound like a stuck record and every beauty advisor would say the same thing but, looking after your skin is key.
When it comes to the three most important tools she carries around in her personal make-up kit these include clean (and soft) brushes, mascara and fixing powder.
“Because even when you are having the worst day, mascara brings light to your eyes and fixing powder works wonders when it comes to Durban’s wicked humidity.”
And Tammy’s favourite kind of make-up to do? “I call it Meaningful Make-Up. Every once in a while, someone who has been through a traumatic experience sits in my chair and experiences a transformation – often covering scars, either physical or emotional. That first look in the mirror of sheer delight and relief… the is-that-really-me moment … that fills my cup.”
When she isn’t giving someone the ultimate ‘glow-up’, you’ll find her baking in the kitchen, chilling on the beach or on a nature walk. She lives for making new friends, sharing her skills with others, and seeing their confidence shine through, always with a coffee in hand!
Tammy’s tips on how to beat the summer heat …
Primer is key! It smoothes out any texture on the skin and blurs imperfections. By using a primer you actually use less foundation because the skin has already been prepped, which will help keep your foundation in place.
Always opt for lightweight foundation. Nothing too heavy or high in oil content. An easy-to-blend, medium coverage foundation with a built-in SPF is a bonus. You can also opt for an all-in-one face tint that gives skincare benefits as well as a make-up.
Power in your powder. It’s my number one secret for make-up longevity. Even for a more mature skin. Key areas like the t-panel require powder to set the foundation. It must be a loose powder that is applied after your initial foundation application. Apply with a sponge in areas prone to sweat – the t-panel, and around the mouth, and brush over the rest of the face. Powder during a KZN Summer is a MUST! You can increase the staying power by using a fixing spray once your make-up is complete.
Blushing blush. Embrace your blush and add some colour to those cheeks, even if it’s a just a hint of colour.
Loaded lashes. Summer is warm so most of us don’t wear eyeshadow during the hot months. Keep your lashes full by applying a good mascara. If you are prone to sweat, opt for waterproof.
Lip tint. This adds the perfect amount of colour flush to the lips to create a lip stain effect. I am a sucker for these in stores and secretly have a very large stash of different brands.
Details: Follow Tammy on social media: @promakeupdbn or e-mail [email protected]
CREDITS
Photograph: Natalie Edy Photography, www.natalieedy.com, [email protected], 084 765 0329
