What inspired you to start Kandy Kane Make-Up?
My blog was named after the very Afrikaans me, but I wanted to change it to something catchy and easy to remember. It was Christmas time and I saw a candy cane on my desk, and I got this revelation how it’s so much like us ladies – decorated differently on the outside, but on the inside it’s all the same sweetness (we all want to be loved, to feel beautiful and be sweet). I decided then to name it after the sweet but swapped the C’s to K’s to make it unique.
How do you balance filming YouTube tutorials, seeing clients and attending beauty events? What do you do in your spare time?
To be honest, I am so bad at balancing it all. I wish I were better at time management but turns out admin is one of my weaknesses. Hopefully, one day I can appoint a PA who would be able to handle all those things for me as I feel you have to be very good at responding to clients and fans. But sometimes with the industry I am in, it’s not like I sit in front of a computer the whole day, so it’s a bit tricky. I try my best though. I started marking out days in my diary where I would like to sit down and film, and brands always let you know in advance when an event is happening, so that also makes it easier to book that time out. In my spare time, I actually enjoy listening to music and going to gym.
How long does it actually take to film one make-up tutorial for your YouTube channel?
Depends on what sort of video I need to film, but it takes at least three hours (to set up, prepare, film and finish up). Then importing it to my computer takes about half an hour and editing can take up to four hours! And uploading can take one to two hours. It’s actually a timeous process and you have to be very patient.
From what you’ve seen in the world of beauty lately, what are the make-up trends for Spring/Summer 2017?
Wavy brows! [Laughs.] JK! People had a lot to say about my wavy brow pic, but some trends are just here for two weeks and then they disappear again. But one I am definitely a fan of is the warm-toned make-up looks. I think this one is going to stick for a while. Oranges, reds, yellows; the Urban Decay Heat palette really nailed it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYbRGvVFYw0/?hl=en&taken-by=kandykanemakeup
Who are your favourite beauty bloggers/vloggers?
Carli Bybel has always been an inspiration to me. I see other vloggers change a lot in terms of trying to stay on top and only being seen with “certain” popular vloggers. She never changed. She’s kind of in her own bubble, making a difference and staying humble. I love that about her. But can we just say that Nikki Tutorials Makeup skills are off the hook!
What are your favourite/must-have make-up items (local and international brands) at the moment and what is the one product you will not leave home without?
One product I will not leave home without is actually deodorant! [Laughs.] But if I have to think make-up related, I would say mascara. I’ve got lash extensions and still put a little bit of mascara on them. I love big, fluffy, crazy lashes. My fave must-have make-up items are currently: UD Heat palette, my KKW x Kylie collab liquid lip cremes and also the Chanel Natural finish loose powder. The new NYX Total Control Drop Foundation, Clinique’s Flutter to Full Lash Mascara, Urban Decay Self Adjusting Primer, Urban Decay B6 setting spray, Smashbox Always On liquid lipsticks… The list can go on and on for days. There are so many great products on the market currently.
It depends on how much time I have to get ready. I can get ready in 10 minutes, and I can also take up to three hours!
What has been the biggest highlight in your beauty career?
There are actually two. The first is being able to work with Afrikaans singers Karlien van Jaarsveld, Juanita du Plessis and Franja and Ruan. This was like a dream come true for me in my make-up career. And second when Urban Decay flew me to Reunion Island for the launch of the Heat palette. I still cannot believe that happened!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWz5LKBFjHa/?hl=en&taken-by=kandykanemakeup
Any tips or advice for aspiring make-up artists and beauty gurus?
Just follow your passion. I get so many messages asking “how do I get brands to sent me stuff”, “ how do I get paid for videos”, “how do I grow my following” – these shouldn’t be your focus. I started this as a hobby five years ago. I only did it because I loved it. It was and is my passion, and only last year was I able to quit my job and work full-time as a make-up artist and beauty influencer. If you do it for the passion and love, the other things will fall in place at the right time.
For More From Kandy Kane
To see more on all things makeup, beauty and fashion, follow the lovely Kandy Kane on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and of course, Youtube. Also, check out her blog at www.kandykane.co.za.
