As a typical girlie-girl I LOVE wearing make-up & being made to feel pretty. I don’t wear make-up every day (I often just work from home), but when I go out I like to put in some extra effort. And looking at social media influencers who are super talented & inspiring makes me want to try harder, experiment with new looks, & also support these beautiful ladies. GypsyBird Makeup is one of these influencers that constantly amazes me & her feed on Instagram is full of beautiful pics & awe-inspiring makeup that she does.
Her prices for makeup for events & so on are only R650, & with lashes are R750. With Rare Diamond Awards coming up soon I know who I will be contacting!
Your name: Charmaine Cooper
Business name: GypsyBird Makeup
Tell us more about what you do: I am a self-taught makeup junkie, who’s recently joined a makeup academy because I would like to have the qualification as well. I do people’s makeup for special occasions & then I create crazy makeup looks on myself for peoples enjoyment.
How did you get into this: Makeup has always been part of my life, but I never though I would want to make a career of it, I decided last year in 2017 that I want to be a full time MUA. I don’t really know how I got into it, it’s just always been there so I just went with it. If that makes sense.
When did you become interested in make up: When I turned 4 and I got gifted a Tinkerbell makeup set, my grandmother let me paint pink eyebrows on her, I walked around with this little bag everywhere and no one was allowed to touch it, so I guess you can say I’ve always had an interest in makeup.
Jeannie Mai used to give little tutorials in the ad breaks on the style network- when it still existed. I would watch her do it and then go apply it to my eyes. I was always hungry to learn about makeup.
I became very interested in makeup when I realized the power it has, not only does it boost your confidence and enhance your features, but it can completely transform your face. I wanted to know how to do these things. I was makeup information hungry.
What did you do before this: I studied graphic design.
Where do you get your inspiration: My main form of inspiration is artworks and music. I would listen to a song and imagine in my head what makeup would I do for a music video, haha it’s so weird but it’s what I do.
Then also I look to other makeup artist, plouise makeup academy is one of my all time favs. And then of course our local girly, Kandy Kane.
What do you recommend for every woman’s make up box: Oh this is a hard one, I think there are so many amazing products and I’ve searched for the best of the best in my opinion so I’ll have to say
1. A good primer (Urban Decay optical illusion primer)
2. Foundation (LA girl HD pro coverage foundation)
3. Brow mascara (Maybelline brow precise fiber filler)
4. Mascara (Urban Decay trouble maker)
5. Skindinavia – you will thank me later.
6. And a killer nude lippie.
What is your favorite makeup brand: 100% Urban Decay Makeup Junkie
Any advice for other makeup artists: Don’t pay attention to anyone around you, you are in your own lane – focus on where you are going. And girl you are good enough!
What is your favourite makeup look: Super dramatic colorful makeup! Also fluffy brows with big lashes and a neutral lippie.
Social media handles:
Instagram @gypsybirdmakeup
Facebook @gypsybirdmakeup
How can people get hold of you: By emailing me on gypsybird231295@icloud.com or my social networks.
Quote you live by: Don’t be eye candy, be soul food.
Anything else you want to add: I think it’s extremely important that makeup artists realize that their worth isn’t determined by the amount of Instagram followers they have, or if a brand shows interest in them. Remember that you are doing this for yourself, and your approval counts way more than anybody else’s.
Just stay true to who you are and what you stand for! Remember you started this for a reason, don’t lose sight of your end goal.
Charmaine is based in Pretoria, so if you are looking for someone to help you with your next event, you should definitely give her a call. This girl has natural talent that is simply EXPLODING! Make sure you follow her on Instagram & FB. It will make your day seeing her posts.
