Often described as free spirited, loving and eclectic, Renata Shenice Marie Richards is a 24-year-old makeup artist from Arima. Rentata told the WE Mag that her love for makeup started when she was a child after seeing her aunt applying makeup for work, events and even her part-time job as a princess character. Renata explained that she has always been enthralled by the transformation that makeup would allow. She has also been fortunate to have the constant support from her parents who facilitated her passion for makeup. Actually, it was her dear mother who bought her first makeup kit. She is proud to admit that even to this day she still has her first ever silver makeup brush, one that she considers an heirloom.
Renata describes makeup as being diverse and disparate, so much so that she decided to take the plunge and come out of her comfort zone to try illusion makeup. Illusionary makeup is done in a way to create an illusion of something that looks real, but is only created with makeup and is often used in the movies. This type of makeup artistry requires great patience. According to Renata, sometimes you think you aren’t capable (of doing something) and it scares you but you will never know until you try. You do not grow in your comfort zone. With that frame of mind, she took to the Internet, ordered some face paint, looked at some ideas and got her hands into the illusionary looks. It’s a perfect mix where she can be creative and have fun yet never lose her passion for makeup.
Although Renata loves makeup, she speaks boldly on women loving themselves and having those essential perceptions of one’s self without makeup. “Makeup should enhance, never take away from your truest self” stated the makeup artist. Here’s a bit more from Renata as she shared with the WE Mag Team in an interview:
Tell us what you love the most about being in the beauty industry?
The beauty industry offers me the space to be creative, authentic and my most beautiful self. It’s such a fun and carefree environment where you can fully immerse yourself into creating something beautiful, be it an artistic look, a timeless look, a futuristic, modern look.
What part of the makeup routine do you love doing the most and why?
My favourite part of my makeup routine is eyeshadow application. I love to see the blending of the shadows, the shimmer, the definition - how it all comes together to create a beautiful look.
What’s one thing your clients can really count on you for?
Transformation and transcendence. My work is to transform my clients, making them even more beautiful. They leave feeling beautiful and full of confidence. It is magic.
What are three makeup tips that you can give to us?
My first tip sets the precedent for a flawless makeup application and routine–that would be skincare. Think of your bare face as a beautiful, flat canvas on which you ultimately paint your masterpiece. You must have a smooth foundation. Skincare is intertwined with makeup. Be consistent with your skincare routine. Cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturise–in that order.
Eyebrows–Our eyebrows frame our faces. Know the shape of your eyebrows. Working with it (the shape of your eyebrows) as opposed to creating an entirely new shape aids us in applying beautiful eyebrows.
Finally, foundation matching. Never match your foundation through a swatch on your hands. With foundation, the first step is to find out your undertone –are you yellow under-toned, pink or grey? Secondly, discover what is your skin type. Do you have oily, dry or combination skin? Third step: when in beauty stores, match your foundation to your neck not on your hands. Finally, remember foundation oxidises. Oxidation happens when the foundation adjusts on your skin over the course of the day. Your foundation can turn shades darker (or even orange), as it reacts with your skin’s natural oils (and their acidity levels) and with the air. From the store, apply some of the foundation and observe if it does or does not oxidise.
