Although it’s not quite popular culturally in Trinidad and Tobago, Halloween is acknowledged by many countries as a belief that supernatural beings, or the souls of the dead, roamed the earth. Halloween costumes are worn on or around Halloween, a festival which falls on October 31st. During this time, it is common to find people getting extra creative with their spooky looks.
Across our islands, many makeup artists have been using this time to show their creativity and skill by dabbling in some scary makeup looks. Tahirah Mustapha is a 20-year-old, self-taught makeup artist who has a love for these spooky Halloween looks. At just 10 years old, Tahirah started playing in her mother’s makeup palettes until she found herself truly encapsulated in the art. This hobby has grown into something she has become quite good at and loves. With Halloween just around the corner, we connected with Tahirah to learn more about her journey as a makeup artist and to give us some tips for fun, spooky looks that anyone can try. If you like dressing up in costumes for Halloween and doing those quick makeup looks to match, read what Tahirah had to share with the WE Mag:
What do you love the most about being a makeup artist?
The best thing about being a makeup artist is seeing the smile on people’s faces when they look in the mirror after I’m finished. It makes me so happy to know that people like my work enough to come to me to get their makeup done. I just love making people feel confident and beautiful.
Who are you inspired by?
I have always been inspired by free spirits, people who aren’t afraid to express themselves, especially in a climate where raw self-expression may not be the easiest thing. I have always been inspired by young, local entrepreneurs and creatives being themselves, unapologetically.
Tell us about three best achievements /milestones in your life or profession.
Seeing as all this is new to me, my first milestone was definitely mustering up the courage and confidence to put my work out there, by finally creating my makeup page earlier this year. Another milestone for which I am grateful - the opportunity to collaborate with other local creatives for projects and photoshoots. There’s a lot in the works.
Thirdly, it would definitely be this opportunity right here. The chance to reach other people who are interested in makeup, my work and what I have to say. I am so grateful to be featured in one of the most uplifting Caribbean magazines to inspire others just like me.
What’s a 2019 beauty trend you absolutely love and why?
Lately, I have been seeing a lot of people really stepping out of the safe zone and wearing makeup in unique ways - bold colours, dots, lines, gems and pearls. I love that unapologetic self-expression is becoming closer to the norm.
What is the biggest challenge you have to face as a makeup artist?
One of the biggest challenges is having to deal with the fact that many people don’t view makeup as an art form or an outlet for creative expression. However, I believe that with determination and talent, the MUAs of the Caribbean can show people that makeup artists are creative in our own special way.
Spook
With everyone now dabbling into makeup for Halloween, can you give us three Halloween makeup tips?
Tip 1 - There are many ways to do cool, spooky looks for little to no cost. Don’t feel like you can’t go all out for Halloween if you can’t afford to. There are a lot of hacks online that are quick and easy to follow.
Tip 2 - If you are working with facepaint, I suggest you start with a clean, fresh face, with toner and a cotton. You should also set the T-zone especially if you’re going to be out all night, since most facepaints have a very oily consistency.
Tip 3 - Have fun with it. It doesn't have to look perfect and neat, it’s spooky season! There’s no pressure. If you do end up making a mistake or a smudge, that’s nothing a little fake blood can’t fix. Happy Halloween!
Face the heat
