SelfServiceSeries ___Elaine Mohlahlane___



 Here’s to ‘I’m not just a pretty face’. A talented make up guru at Bobbi Brown and stylist. Recently I meet up with a Durban based young lady who goes by the name of Elaine Mohlahlane and had a few things to mention and ask her. A humble, grounded lady letting us in on who she is, how she does daily living and gives us tips and advice. The first time I saw her she was recognisable with presence from a mile away, as I entered her beauty booth, I couldn’t help but feel like a kid in a candy store with all the cosmetics that surrounded me. In her all black Bobbi Brown attire she still manages to always look fashionable with her ever changing stylish hair does, flawless well-made face & bubbly yet confident personality. She has definitely made me a Bobbi Brown fan and is here to inspire your confidence in makeup.

 

1. In your words, when you think makeup what comes to mind?

- Pretty, Art, confidence.

2. Now I’ve been checking out hard at work, how did you get where you are today?
- I started very young to be fond of makeup, used to steal my mom’s makeup and used to even wear it at school lol, when I finished high school I was lost for a while didn't know what to do, then the passion in me for makeup arouse, and then studied cosmetology(beauty as whole)but my passion for makeup was more powerful so had to study makeup artistry which is just the art of different makeup, I started working for Bobbi brown 5yrs a go as a casual makeup artist then grew and now I'm the coach, trainer for KZN for Bobbi brown.

3. Who or what keeps you pushing hard in life?
- Bobbi Brown herself inspires me and many other artists I've worked with I'm always keen to learn more from them.

4. Now for the fun stuff… I’ve seen you at a few events (nothing serious) and throughout I have noticed you know how to dress your body in a fun and fearless way and do it too well! How would you describe your style and what’s the best advice you’ve had as far as clothing and fashion?
- My style is versatile, I love fashion but always stick to what suits me, I love accessories with my outfits they always complete my outfit especially if my outfit is simple, I’m not afraid of colour I absolutely love colour.

5.Night out or chill session indoors?
- Both depends on my mood

6.Your favourite item from Bobbi Brown?
- Foundation, its natural evens out my skin tone, and the healthy glow it gives me.

7. What every woman should keep in their purse?
-Lip gloss, lipstick, natural powder, mascara.

8. What do you have planned for your future in beauty?
- Continue with my studies (image consultant) open my own business my own beauty studio, and grow in beauty editing.

9. (Finish this statement off) Happiness is……my relationship with God and being able to love.

10. Now Elaine, as women we know that there are inevitable predicaments against women and the way they look, body-bashing realities and ridiculous standards that we have to live by in order to be considered beautiful. Do you feel pressure to look a certain way as a woman and make-up artist? And how do you deal with it?
- I try not to get pressurized by media I believe you should be happy with who you are but if not do something about it by living a healthy lifestyle, I try to live a healthy lifestyle by going to gym, and eating healthy, beauty is in the inside the outer beauty is always a bonus.

11. What’s on your playlist right now?
- I'm playing a lot of kirk franklin, Idia Arie and lyfe Jennings.

12. Best beauty advice for all skin types and colours?
- 3 steps are important cleansing, toning and moisturising and exfoliating the skin twice a week, and always use a moisturiser with a sun protector. Always test foundation on the jawline of your face and always test it professionally.

13. Lastly, where does a lady like you draw her strength from?
- I’m a child of God saved by grace, I always put aside time to spend with God where I meditate on the word, pray and I read a lot of inspirational books so God gives me strength.