It’s not every day that someone gets bragging rights to say they have the chance to work with a mega beauty brand like Fenty Beauty.
Content creator and self-taught make-up artist Rezah Sampson announced that he was chosen to partner with Arc stores for the launch of Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin in South Africa.
Sampson’s work in make-up artistry has redefined the game with his knack for creating make-up looks that can simply be described as works of art.
From 3D illusions, and costume/character make-up looks to avant-garde and special effects, it’s clear to see why the Arc X Fenty Beauty and Skin collaboration chose Sampson to partner with.
Sampson said he was ecstatic after being chosen.
“At this point in the game, I’ve earned it. This is my time. I try to not be apologetic about my blessings anymore,” he said.
“I’ve put in a lot of work, time and effort to get where I am. I need to be positive and celebrate them.”
ARC stores has been listed as an official retailer of the Fenty brand and Sampson said their decision to launch in Africa was a great step forward for the global make-up community.
“Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin are brands that are all about inclusivity. Having worked closely alongside ARC before, this collaboration is the perfect match for me,” he said.
“The ARC family has always embraced my differences, uniqueness and creativity allowing me to express myself through my art.”
Sampson is a 27-year-old content creator from the Mother City who uses his online space to introduce and navigate conversations around social issues, especially within the queer community.
Since he discovered make-up artistry three years ago, Sampson has made big waves. He’s been featured on many international and local beauty pages including Huda Beauty, Sensorium Beauty and Kryolan.
His partnership with ARC x Fenty will include bringing awareness to the brand’s launch in Africa.
“Content creators are the way forward when it comes to online marketing, as we unbox content, reviews and reels,” Sampson said.
He said his best friend and housemate, Suzan Khoarela, inspired him to get into make-up.
“I watched her blend colours and create shapes and it caught my attention. I realised that this is art, and I can do this,” he said.
“Since then, my face has been my canvas. It’s my creative outlet and how I express myself.”
As a content creator whose niche is avant-garde make-up looks, he looks up to other local artists such as Instagram content creators @mbalichristinam and @colourmesim.
“I would like to not be experienced as a one-dimensional character, where people only perceive or have expectations of what queer people are, especially growing up as Muslim,” he said.
Sampson believes that the future of make-up artistry in South Africa has a long way to go.
“I am looking for more inclusion. I’d like to see more people who look and sound like me. I’d like to see people stretch their ability to the limits.
“I am hoping for more authenticity and better relationships with content creators, amongst themselves, as well as with brands.”
