Roodepoort’s Suna Robberts is like a modern-day fairy godmother but instead of a magic wand, she uses make-up brushes. We chat to her about celebs, over-tweezed eyebrows and her future dreams.
We all know there’s no shortcut to success … How did you become one of the most renowned make-up artists in the country?
I always try to create opportunities by reaching out and networking with others, and I believe in following up with previous clients. I’ve always wanted to do make-up and I’m a qualified stomatologist, but I’ve worked for other people until my children were born. Although make-up is my passion, I never thought I could make money doing it. While still working in the beauty industry, I came across the Hannon product range and decided to use and sell it. My brother and I started doing mini makeovers to promote the product, and soon after that Hannon asked me to do make-up for Jacaranda Popsand the Ghoema awards. What an incredible experience! Later on I sponsored the make-up for the Ghoemas and this led to the Afrikaans is Groot concert, until it escalated to the career I have now. As the saying goes … and the rest is history!
What major projects and celebs have you worked with?
I’ve done make-up for a lot of music videos, concerts and even a few TV shows! Celebrities like Riana Nel, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Elana Afrika, Elvis Blue, Melinda Bam, Dirk van der Westhuizen and Mampho Brescia are just a few on the long list of people I’ve worked for. Doing make-up for movies seems like the next big step, but it also means that I’ll have to be away from my family for a few weeks, which I can’t bear to do. I think the highlight of my career was working on the Afrikaans is Groot concert because it was where my career took off.
What would you say is the biggest misconception people have about celebs?
That they have to be perfect. They are put on a pedestal but they are also people with issues and problems. They make the same mistakes everybody else does.
What is your favourite and less favourite part of being a make-up artist?
It is very fulfilling to be able to bring out the best in someone. I always feel good about my job when I see how happy my clients are with my work. My less favourite parts about being a make-up artist are last-minute changes, and when things aren’t going according to schedule because then I have to work under extra pressure.
‘Make-up is not a tool meant to make an ugly thing beautiful, it is meant only to magnify the beauty that already exists.’
Not only a make-up artist, but also a fashion stylist and photographer?
What makes my job so much fun is that I get to be creative with styling from make-up to the outfit, and even the hair. My love of photography is just a hobby because as soon as you do it professionally, your client has expectations, and you don’t get to choose who you photograph and how you do it.
During this time of social distancing, what do you find most challenging about your profession?
I find it challenging not to be able to go out to see my clients and work on projects. I started doing video make-up tutorials on my daughters, which is something new for me. One-on-one online consultations and webinars are also a fun way I kept my business going during this time. I’m planning on going to celebs’ houses and doing their make-up for my webinars soon. You have to use social media if you want your business to be successful in this time.
How would you say you had to change your mindset in terms of your work?
When you go through a tough time, you have to renew your mind and focus on what God is telling you to do. If you focus on the negative, you’ll stay in a negative mindset, but if you think positive, you are forced to think of creative ways to do things. I’ve done so many new things in my business during this time that I never even thought of before.
Your ultimate dream?
My online store will be launching soon and I hope that it will be a success. I also want to get more involved in the community. My dream is to have a house with make-up, hair and photography studios, a tea garden, a vegetable garden and a little shop, all with different owners to help the community through these projects.
Both your daughters make excellent ‘models’ to showcase your make-up. Do you think one of them will follow your direction?
My eldest daughter is very technically inclined and I think she might become an interior designer or architect, but my youngest loves to design and draw dresses for her dolls. She does make-up too, so I think she might become a make-up artist one day.
Your family loves travelling. Which place would you like to visit first once we’re allowed to?
We had planned to travel locally in July and we wanted to go to Mauritius for my birthday in September, but we’ll have to see if that will still work out. We are looking forward to a big American vacation at the end of 2021 and hopefully, we’ll still be able to go. Before the pandemic, I had the chance to travel to a lot of beautiful destinations. Austria was one of the places that took my breath away when I visited the picture-perfect town of Hallstatt with my husband.
How will your friends describe you?
I hope they will describe me as hardworking and a go-getter who creates opportunities. I am also a very friendly person and I love to give …
How do you relax?
I like to go on Pinterest and dream about epic vacations and places I want to see.
Snippets:
Make-up quote?
‘Make-up is not a tool meant to make an ugly thing beautiful, it is meant only to magnify the beauty that already exists.’
Your go-to make-up product?
Inglot’s black gel liner sets perfectly on the skin
One beauty trend that should never reappear?
Definitely thin, over-tweezed eyebrows
What are the most important things to keep in mind when buying make-up?
Eyeshadow should have a strong pigment and you should always choose a foundation for your skin type
The most popular make-up trend at the moment?
Bushy brows and bright eye colours
Your ultimate beauty secret?
If you are generally healthy, your skin and hair will look good too
What will you never leave the house without?
Mascara and lipstick
Five make-up products you can’t live without …
Good make-up brushes, a lipstick you can use as a blusher as well, a black liner, mascara and lastly, quality foundation
Text: JACO-MARI HAASBROEK. Image: ANDRÉ ROBBERTS.
