Visionary
Makeup artist Rae Sacha shares her favourite looks, tips and must-have products
Photography: Holly Sarah Burgess
Eyes
For easy day-to-day looks, I tend to stick with a quick and simple routine. This might be sweeping a bronzer like the Endless Summer Bronzer by bareMinerals over my lids with plenty of black mascara to play up my eyes, or a brown eyeshadow pressed and smudged into the top and bottom lash line for a soft, sultry look to the eye. Lately, I have been enjoying glitter and sheen products swept across the eyelid for a bit of fun. Les Perles Metallic Eyeliner by Chantecaille has such a beautiful fine glitter pigment. I like to decant the product on the back of my hand and apply to the eyelid with a soft fluffy eyeshadow brush. Have fun building up the product; the more you apply, the more dramatic your look becomes.
Brows
I love that there is a diversity of brow looks you can achieve using different tools such as brow powders, pens and gels. My personal favourite is a fluffy yet defined brow. My tip is to use a fine eyebrow pencil. I love the Mecca Max Brow Pencil and use this to feather in fine strokes following the shape of the brow. The tip here is to use a flicking effect starting from the base of the brow; this allows you to create delicate, hair-like strokes. To finish, I comb the brows up using Anastasia Brow Freeze which keeps the brows perfectly in place all day.
Lips
I love a diffused lip for easy daywear, as it doesn’t require precise application or too much time. Whether it’s a lip liner or lipstick, I love taking the product to the edges of the lip and using my ring finger to dab and diffuse the lip edge. It gives a soft blurred finish and enhances the lip shape, making them look fuller.
Skin
When it comes to achieving an even skin look, whether it's a dewy, satin or matte base, it is important to remember the overall finish is impacted by the prep done first on the skin. One of my favourite hydrating bases is the Go-To Face Hero Oil. Depending on your skin type, I use up to three drops mixed with a hydrating moisturiser by Emma Lewisham and massage firmly into the skin for a good few minutes. This helps boost blood circulation, allowing the product to absorb better into the skin, resulting in a smooth, plumper look.
Photography: Holly Sarah Burgess
Photography: Holly Sarah Burgess
5 minutes with Rae Sacha
First makeup memory?
My favourite makeup memory is seeing my mum always apply her maroon Revlon lipstick when getting ready for the day. She would buy two, one for her makeup dresser and one to keep in her bag for touch-ups.
What do you love most about working in your industry?
I am so fortunate to work with incredibly talented individuals; from photographers, producers, models, designers and hair stylists. It’s the beauty of collaboration that I most enjoy about this industry. We all trust each other with our creative vision, and in turn, we produce amazing work together.
How would you describe your signature look?
My signature look can best be described as effortless yet elevated. This can mean a range of things depending on if I am working on a model for a fashion shoot or for a client off to an event. Personally, I don’t like to subscribe to just one beauty look for myself and my clients. Makeup should be fun and experimental yet still make you feel like your most beautiful self.
Most memorable project?
I am fortunate to have plenty of these so far in my career. Some special standouts would be having my work featured in Vogue Australia and Vogue India. I must also say that collaborating with other artists on test shoots is always memorable. This is a time where there is no set brief and the opportunity to flex creative freedom.
The most underrated beauty must-have?
Water! Honestly, it makes a world of a difference in how your skin looks and feels and really does help with a smoother makeup application. It’s one thing I say to all my clients who book in with me, to make sure they are well hydrated and at the least using SPF daily.
Your ultimate beauty icon?
It would be difficult to pick just one. I am inspired by so many women beyond their physical beauty. However, my aunt who lives in Botswana and who I see every few years is so effortlessly elegant. She’s someone I’ve admired since childhood, and seeing her style and makeup looks evolve over time is iconic.
Top tip for looking fresh and awake when you’re down on time?
I find a splash of really cold water, or if you have a few minutes to spare, a quick facial massage with ice cubes followed by moisturiser perks up the skin. A very mild form of cryotherapy, if you will.
How do you start your day?
I enjoy mornings that aren’t rushed, so no matter how early my call is for work, I always ensure I allow enough time to sit down and eat breakfast in a relaxed state. I’ve learned this really sets the tone for the day ahead.
Outside of your career, what brings you joy?
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, which mainly tends to revolve around food - haha. I love to cook and try new recipes and equally enjoy dining out. I also love to travel when I can. That is when I feel most inspired.