My Journey as a Makeup Artist – By Viki Pienaar
Photographer: The Kaalvoet Photographer
My name is Viki Pienaar, and I have been a professional makeup artist since 2005. For me, makeup is not just about applying products to the skin — it is about telling a story, bringing confidence to the surface, and highlighting the unique beauty in every person I work with.
I am based in Pretoria, South Africa, but my brushes and creativity travel with me wherever my clients need me. Over the years, I’ve specialized in bridal makeup, as well as photographic, editorial, stage, and fantasy looks. Each style allows me to express different parts of my artistry: soft elegance for brides, precision and detail for camera-ready work, and bold creativity for fantasy and editorial projects.
How It All Began
My love for makeup started with a fascination for how color, light, and detail can completely transform a look. In the beginning, I experimented, practiced, and pushed myself to learn more with every opportunity. Nearly twenty years later, I am still learning, still perfecting, and still excited every time I sit down with a new client.
My Approach
I’m a perfectionist in my work. I believe every brushstroke should be intentional, and every look must be refined down to the smallest detail. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or a model in front of the camera, I want them to feel beautiful, confident, and unforgettable.
Brides often tell me how calming it is to have me by their side on their big day. I create a structured timeline so that everything runs smoothly, and I always do the bride last — so that when she puts on her dress, she looks and feels fresh, radiant, and ready.
Beyond the Bride
As much as I love bridal work, I also have a deep passion for creative projects. Working with photographers and models gives me the chance to explore bold, dramatic, and sometimes fantastical makeup styles. These moments are where I push my creativity and allow myself to go beyond tradition, while still keeping the look polished and professional.
My Tools & Techniques
I don’t believe in chasing trends — I believe in skill and technique. I mix and match products from my favorite brands, including Inglot, Kryolan, and Phoera, to create the right look for each person. My brushes are my most trusted tools, and I take pride in caring for them properly, cleaning them after every client to keep them perfect for the next face I paint.
What Makeup Means to Me
Makeup, to me, is more than beauty — it is a connection. It’s the smile I see when a client looks in the mirror. It’s the quiet confidence that shines through when they walk into a room. It’s the memories I get to be part of, from weddings to special occasions to creative shoots that capture a moment in time.
If I could give advice to younger artists, I’d say this: be passionate first. This career takes long hours, dedication, and sometimes working for free before the opportunities open up. But if you love it, if it’s truly in your heart, success and recognition will follow.
Nearly twenty years in, I still surprise myself with how a look turns out. And I still leave every appointment thinking about what I could do even better next time. That, for me, is the beauty of this art form — it never stops growing, and neither do I.
You can find my work on:
Facebook: facebook.com/vikipienaarmakeupartist
Instagram: instagram.com/vikipienaarmakeupartist
Photographer: The KAALVOET Photographer - Meditation shoot
Photographer: Deon Coetzee, Actress Kayla van Dyk, Dress and outfits by Hollywood Costumes, Hair by Du-Mant Hair Studio
Comments
Post a Comment