It was her sister’s desire to have her makeup impeccably done for her wedding that led Robecca Ramnauth to learn the trade and today she is not only paid to create flawless looks but travels to parts of Guyana teaching aspiring makeup artists.
Robecca who is originally from Adventure, Essequibo Coast is the second of three children. Life in the country, she said, was quiet and fun and she rates it as better than Georgetown where she now resides.
It all began in 2017. Her sister was preparing to tie the knot in June of that year but was worried that she would not be able to have her makeup professionally done for her big day as they did not know of anyone along the coast offering such services.
While they were still contemplating, Robecca learnt that famous Trinidadian makeup artist Amiela Razzaq was to visit Guyana to teach a makeup artistry course. Wasting no time, she registered and completed the course in April that year. Over the next two months, the sisters sat down together and Robecca practiced her newly learnt techniques until they figured out the perfect look.
At that point she had not decided to take up makeup artistry, but then she posted pictures of her sister’s well done makeup on her Facebook page and people began reaching out; some wanted her to do their makeup, others wanted her to teach them what she knew.
Asked whether she was worried that sharing her skills would mean less work for her, Robecca said she was all too happy to equip others as she knew such services were lacking along the Essequibo Coast. Makeup artistry soon became a passion for her.
Robecca relocated to the city in 2019 where she currently works as an accounts clerk for Ram’s Logistics. This leaves evenings and weekends free and she takes bookings for those times. Just this week she started another class, which she conducts in the evenings.
Though she has regular clients, the majority are brides who often require her services on the weekends. Since taking up makeup artistry almost five years ago, Robecca today has clients from various parts of Guyana including the Essequibo Coast, Linden, Bartica, Berbice and along the East and West Demerara.
Makeup has taken her places. With no salon, Robecca travels to meet her clients. Sometimes the places are way out in the countryside and she is required to overnight. On such travels, she tries to get much done early so she can spend some time sightseeing.
Another of the advantages is getting to meet and socialise with new people every time. Such experiences, Robecca said, also connect her with clients who sometimes get so comfortable in her presence, they seek her out as a confidante and share life stories with her.
While makeup artistry is fun, it is not easy, said Robecca, who explained that with a full-time job, her schedule is tight. Nevertheless, she does not plan on doing makeup artistry full time right now. Robecca said she likes the way things are for the time being and she is working towards owning a makeup artistry school where she can teach more people.
Teaching, she said, is a humbling experience and shared about four women who were her students during one of the classes she held in Berbice. The women, she said, were between the ages of 40 and 65, and she felt great to see that they had not allowed age to prevent them from following their dreams and wanting to lead independent lives.
Along with Razzaq’s work, Robecca is also inspired by Mario Dedivanovic; they are both known for their creativity and bold looks. It is not often that she gets to try out these vibrant looks on her clients as many of them prefer subtle makeup. However, Mashramani is an occasion known for such daring looks and as such she is looking forward to getting creative with clients next week.
With so much to do, she is often unable to do her own makeup for work. Yet, if she could advise clients on two makeup products they should use when they are rushing out, she would recommend mascara and some lipstick for that pop of colour. Robecca noted that it is important that people remember that it is essential to have great skin too. She admonished that one should never sleep with makeup on and always remember to remove makeup before bedtime. Additionally, she said it is also vital to use a moisturiser with high SPF (sun protection factor) and apply sunscreen prior to leaving home and to not forget to moisturise and use primer before applying makeup.
In her limited free time, she likes to read and/or watch crime, mystery and romance.
Currently, Robecca is a second-year student at the University of Guyana pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
The makeup artist has upcoming certificate courses slated for Georgetown, Bartica, Essequibo Coast, West Coast Demerara, East Coast Demerara and Linden. The courses include knowledge on skin prepping and sanitation, brow shaping, eyeliner application, contouring and highlights, and eyelash application.
To register for a course or book Robecca, she can be reached @MakeupbyRobecca on Instagram, and on Facebook at Beauty by Robecca and Robecca R Professional Makeup Artistry or 666-5314.
