In case you weren’t acutely aware already, the most romantic day of the month is right around the corner, yes we mean Galentine’s Day of course (duh). What’s a better way to express self-love than indulging in some good old fashioned self-care with your homegirls?
When it comes to self-care, nothing beats 30 minutes of solo time with a makeup bag comprising all your favourite beauty products. With that being said, gorgeous makeup should undoubtedly be at the top of the list of whatever you and your girls have planned for Galentine’s Day. According to beauty guru Khanyisile Odigeng, popularly known as Khay Republik, “less is more” is the ultimate pro makeup tip for a flawless girls’ night out beat.
Boasting over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube, Khay has honed her craft over her many years in the social media space and is thus a pioneer in her own right. Since her rise to social media fame, the beauty creator has worked with various esteemed brands such as Revlon, Nivea, and Lounge Lingerie, among others. Her “why?” A passion for aesthetics and digital creation.
“I started creating content at 17 and grew across platforms for my lifestyle vlogs, my love of fragrance and fashion but mainly for my beauty and skincare knowledge and content. This journey has been amazing and building a business out of my passion is a dream come true. God has given me the best audience and placed the best brands in my path,” expresses Khay.
We chat with Khay about her journey in content creation, and most importantly – her other pro tips for a flawless Galentine’s Day face beat!
What drew you to make-up and what do you love most about it?
The 2016 YouTube beauty guru era was a big influence for me. NikkieTutorials, Jackie Aina, I was a die-hard fan. When I started actually doing makeup on myself, I was a natural. I hardly had the awkward “learning phase.” It came naturally and I loved it. So much so that I took clients in high school and did Somizi’s makeup in 2018.
What is your go-to makeup look for a girls’ night out?
A girls’ night out means Instagram pictures. A look that photographs well would be my go-to. Emphasis on the eyes using liner and being heavy-handed with the mascara or a bold red lip so everything pops well on camera.
What are your go-to makeup items (and brands) for achieving this look and why?
Revlon is my number 1 for a night out look. They have an amazing selection of makeup products that pop on melanated skin. The blushes, the highlighters, the eyeliners. Revlon truly has high-quality products for an amazing price.
Revlon Skinlights Prismatic Bronzer Sunlit Glow
R229.95
Revlon Colorstay Line Creator Black
R191.91
Which makeup hack tip do you swear by?
Less is more! Post 2020 our makeup looks became more muted and more skin-focused and everyone looks amazing. Yes, bold glamour is fun and creative but nothing beats enhancing your natural features with soft feminine techniques.
What’s your go-to setting spray of all time?
Benefit Cosmetics “The Porefessional Super Setter.” It applies like a mist and leaves the skin radiant. My favourite as a dry skin girl.
The POREfessional: Super Setter Setting Spray
R491.00
Selfies are an essential part of a girls’ night out. What are your makeup tips for avoiding flashback in pictures and in general?
You should always aim for a skin-like base. You can amp up the finishing touches like the eyeliner, the blush, and the mascara but keep it simple with the foundation, setting powders, and concealer. Avoid overly bright concealers and baking under your eyes. That’s a recipe for flashback.
What is your favourite makeup product at the moment?
Revlon “Very Berry” Blush and Maybelline Lifter gloss in “Petal.”
Revlon Powder blush – Very Berry
R216.00
Maybelline Lifter Gloss Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid – Petal
R160.00
Make-up removal is arguably just as important as its application. What is your pro tip for effective make-up removal?
Don’t rush it. Yes, it can be tedious but do it properly. Also, a cleansing balm can really cut down on how long makeup removal can take. It melts off your makeup and makes the whole process so easy. A great recommendation of mine is the Elemis Rose Cleansing balm.
Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm
R1,330.00
And remember, Galentine’s Day is meant to embody the spirit of Valentine’s Day day — all the mushiness and affection — except rather than doling it out to your lover, you dole it out to your friends. Happy Galentine’s in advance!
