Glam Squad: (From left) Celebrity stylist Ty Hunter, TV personality Ayanda Thabethe and make-up artist Sir John at the #BeyGlamSquad masterclass.
Acclaimed singer and songwriter Beyoncé Knowles’s dress style and make-up is always perfect. Whether she is walking the most prestigious red carpets around the world or performing in a short, sheer dress, or just going on a walkabout with her family, one thing is for sure - she always looks flawless.
World-renowned beauty and fashion duo, Sir John and Ty Hunter, who have been part of Beyoncé’s glam squad, #BeyGlamSquad, recently visited South Africa for special masterclasses. Hosted by fashion, beauty and food retailer Woolworths, the style superstars staged two VIP events at Woolworths Canal Walk in Cape Town and Woolworths Sandton City in Johannesburg.
Between them, Sir John and Hunter have glammed up Queen Bey (Beyoncé) and helped the likes of Solange Knowles, Viola Davis, Kim Kardashian West, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland and Serena Williams.
Ty Hunter on dressing the stars.
Who are the stars you work with repeatedly?
I’ve been styling Beyoncé for the past 18 years. I have also been working a lot with basketball players like Kevin Garnett.
What is a big no-no when it comes to dressing stars?
Never dress anyone in what you like or think works for them - it is not about what you like but what they are comfortable wearing. It is about highlighting their best assets. If they are comfortable, they will wear each garment with confidence. Oh, and wear the right undergarments that will flatter your body. No dress or outer garment will work if your undergarments aren’t fitting properly.
What was your favourite look from Met Gala?
I loved Cassie’s suit - very chic. Also loved Rihanna’s outfit - it fitted in well with the theme, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”, which was pretty amazing this year.
Favourite look: Celebrity stylist Ty Hunter loved Rihanna’s outfit for the Met Gala 2018.
Sir John shared some of the hottest make-up and skincare looks for the winter season with us.
Your top-five winter make-up looks for the lips, skin and eyes?
Honestly, everyday women should not follow trends or try to repeat what they see on Instagram - keep it authentic and natural - you are beautiful. Pick five things you love about yourself and highlight those things. You need to be authentic and true to your own beauty - that will give you confidence.
EYES:
Be bold with colour this winter
especially with blue and greens. Don’t
be shy to experiment. Wear a new look
everyday to work for five days straight
and see what works for you. Give
someone a reason to look at your eyes
– the eyes are the gateway to the soul!
My favourite No 1 make-up product is
mascara. You can never wear enough
mascara!
Make a statement: Be bold with colour this winter especially with blue and greens. Also lips are the perfect accessory to change any look. Supplied picture.
SKIN:
Foundation is so important –
do not settle for cheap foundation.
Foundation is the one product you need
to spend a little extra on and get a good
one that will give you coverage. Most
important… glowing skin will never go
out of fashion. Use a wet application
sponge over your moisturiser – that will
help with getting that glow. Keep it
natural without layering too much.
LIPS:
Dark and glossy – gloss is the
perfect product to double up on for
cheeks as well. Spend money on
products that can be used for more
than one purpose. It is important to
layer lips to make sure you don’t end
up having no lips after your first coffee
in the morning. Start with your lipstick,
followed by your lipliner – it will go on
smoother. The lip liner should be just
outside your lip line top and bottom,
followed by some gloss. Lips are the
perfect accessory to change any look
from informal to formal. It is also the
easiest to apply and can be done
anywhere – so no excuse.
What was his most important beauty advice to women?
Be yourself. Your beauty will give you confidence - start with yourself, be happy with who you are, before looking at what celebs are doing on Instagram. It is not real, so stop comparing yourself.