An award-winning talent, Muwanguzi enhances faces of numerous high-profile music celebrities, including Rema Namakula. She is the CEO and founder of FaythPresh Makeup Studio, a wife, mother-of-three, born-again Christian, born and raised in Kampala.
Her journey from a passionate makeup enthusiast to a celebrated artist is not only inspiring but also reflective of the growing appreciation for makeup artistry as a well-recognized job in Uganda.
With her brushes and palettes in hand, Muwanguzi has transformed the way makeup is viewed in Uganda today; her unique ability to highlight individual beauty while infusing her signature style has caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts and the public alike.
Her portfolio reads like a who is who of Uganda’s music scene, having worked on music videos, album covers, and live performances for some of the biggest names in the business.
INSPIRATION
Muwanguzi traces her love for makeup back to her childhood. Her mother, who was obsessed with beauty, used to have a lot of makeup on her dressing table.
“My mother is my main inspiration. Growing up as the only girl and last born, I spent a lot of time with my mother and I picked interest in all her cosmetics from powder to lipsticks. My mother was obsessed with looking good; so, she had a lot of makeup back in the day,” Muwanguzi said.
She added that coming from a family of artists/creatives was also an inspiration, having been around people with love and passion for art from a young age.
“I could draw and sketch faces at a very young age and I always knew that I wanted to choose a career that was art-related. And makeup being art in itself, it came so easy for me,” she said.
Muwanguzi notes that she started doing makeup while at university just for fun with no intentions of becoming a professional makeup artist.
“I was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in industrial fine art at Makerere University at the time when I started doing makeup for fun, because I have always loved beauty, but I had no idea that it would be my end goal.”
CREATIVE PROCESS
She believes there is a look that suits everyone and enhancing beauty is the end goal for whatever event or character.
“Study client’s facial features; for example, if someone has very beautiful eyes, there is no need to go overboard with the eyeshadow; just transfer the focus to their least catchy feature,” she said.
She said the client’s preference also matters, because it is part of her job to make the client happy and satisfied as well.
“It is in my power as a professional makeup artist to create a look but, still, I always ask my clients what look they would like to have and I build on that because some people like simple makeup while others like full glam.”
The type of event and time of day/night also helps to choose either primary or secondary colours to work with for visibility and radiance.
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Muwanguzi has been doing makeup professionally for eight years now. She started doing makeup at university for fun, but had her turning point into the makeup industry in 2017.
“The turning point was when I collaborated with the renowned photographer Oscar Ntege, for my first makeup profile. We worked on lots of models, and that got a lot of attention on social media; there was a uniqueness about my work, and celebrities started reaching out,” she recalled.
“Rema is among so many others that have influenced my makeup brand especially in the bridal industry. I work on lots of brides and they always want that simple makeup look, like what I always do for Rema.”
The artist notes that she was blown away when she got nominated in back-to-back awards, which was one of her dreams to come true.
“When I first got nominated for makeup artist of the year 2018 in the Abryanz awards, that was a win for me because the recognition that came with that was massive.”
TRENDS AND TECHNIQUES
When it comes to beauty and cosmetics, there will be new products and trends every now and then, and like any other businessperson, Muwanguzi has her ways that help her stay on top as she explains.
“I research a lot online to keep up with all the latest makeup trends and I take a lot of inspiration from other international makeup artists I look up to; for example, Skin Like Glam, because it’s more like in-between soft and full glam. I even go ahead to recreate some of their looks just to always challenge myself,” she said.
“I think skincare before makeup is underrated, especially the fact that for your makeup to last long, it has to breathe and feel light. Hydration has to be done at every step while basing, which is why one should always mind the type of skincare products to apply on her face.”
CHALLENGES IN MAKEUP INDUSTRY
Like in any other business, makeup industry also has its challenges and Muwanguzi notes that social media platforms have not only been positive in the line of their work but have come with negativity as well.
“You know, before makeup artists were paid for makeup application, but today, content creation has redefined the industry and makeup/beauty influencers earn more than field operating makeup artists, because all they have to do is create content and post it all over social media and beauty brands reach out to them,” Muwanguzi said.
The artist adds that also being self-taught might sound prestigious in a way, but every makeup artist at some point needs professional, formal training.
“I am originally self-taught but have been forced to take upgrade makeup classes internationally, but mastering the art requires more detailed techniques.”
The industry is so much competitive and it continues to grow as a career for many because it is looked at as an easy and quick way of earning; so, there is a struggle to stand out, which is why Muwanguzi is rebranding to serve her clients better and attract a new audience.
She notes that if one wants to enjoy the makeup industry as much as she does, he or she should not focus on quick earning first but, rather, concentrate on building a worthy portfolio.
“First take the focus away from earning quick money and simply showcase your work. Good makeup is expensive but it’s worth the investment in the long run. Cheap non-authentic makeup will only give you bad results.”
She adds that learning does not stop; so, following as many good makeup artists and beauty influencers as possible helps, in addition to taking beginner and upgrade classes because there is always something new to learn.
Then and only then, when one is finally able to get rewarded for the work done with love and passion, can one call oneself successful.
“Success, to me, is having a brand recognized globally, be it rendering a bridal/ celebrity service internationally or having a beauty line of products used all over the world. And being able to achieve some awards or even a mere nomination is a win in itself.
FUTURE GOALS
Muwanguzi’s goals align with the famous British celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath, because the artist already accomplished most of Muwanguzi’s dreams and now the Ugandan is patiently waiting to achieve hers. She also shared a few of her upcoming work events including the Capital FM big weddings event in November.
“I am excited about the big weddings event of Capital FM happening in November. My team and I simply can’t wait to glam as well as work alongside other great names in the industry,” she said.
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