As beauty trends dominate social media feeds across South Africa, many clients book makeup artists expecting a quick glam session and flawless photos.

While the final look may seem effortless, industry professionals warn that what happens behind the scenes tells a very different story.

The combination of high client expectations, last-minute bookings and inconsistent industry standards creates a challenging environment for makeup artists (MUAs) trying to build sustainable careers.

During weekends and event seasons, artists often work long hours, travel with heavy kits and manage multiple clients in a single day. Everyday challenges such as no-shows, late payments and clients questioning their techniques can add pressure to an already demanding job.

When trust breaks down between a client and an artist, the working relationship can quickly become tense, making it harder for the artist to deliver their best work.

According to self-taught makeup artist and University of Fort Hare graduate Lisakhanya Mene, these are some of the realities that MUAs deal with but rarely talk about publicly. Lisa is also a qualified nail technician who has been building her brand in the beauty industry.

Speaking to The Insight Co, Lisa opened up about some of the challenges that make working in the beauty industry harder than it looks.

One of the biggest challenges, she says, is not being taken seriously, particularly when clients are unwilling to pay deposits to secure their bookings.

“Not being trusted is another big one. And also the willingness of clients to be honest about their skin type. That affects the whole process,” Lisa says.

She explains that even small actions during a makeup session can signal a lack of trust.

“When you’re doing someone’s face and they constantly check the mirror, it screams lack of trust,” she says.

Where her passion began

For Lisa, her love for makeup started early. She says South African media personality Mihlali Ndamase inspired her interest in beauty while she was still in high school and later at university.

“I’d watch Mihlali’s YouTube makeup tutorials all the time,” she recalls.

Her mother also played an important role in nurturing her interest.

“I grew up around her and she was a makeup girl, so she would give me her leftover products when buying new ones,” Lisa says.

Today, Lisa has built her own experience in the industry and has a clear idea of what she believes could make life easier for makeup artists.

Creating better spaces for MUAs

One of the changes she would like to see is a move away from house calls, with more artists having dedicated spaces where they can work.

“I want us to have our personal salons so that people can understand that makeup life is expensive. This would make our lives easier,” she says.

She also believes clearer booking policies could help create better relationships between artists and their clients.

“Even with the bookings, with booking policies, everything would be smoother so that people understand that bookings are a thing,” she says.

For Lisa, the goal is ultimately about creating an industry where makeup artists are respected as professionals, clients understand the boundaries that come with bookings, and artists have spaces that reflect the true cost, time and skill behind the craft.

Behind every flawless glam look is an artist, a business and hours of work — something Lisa believes deserves to be recognised.

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