5 minutes with Make-up Artist, Morag Steyn.

She's one of the most sought-after makeup-artists in India and when in South Africa, she literally is booked up in advance. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Morag Steyn. SA Life Mag, sat down with the beauty and got to know her a little better.

You are based in India and work with some of the biggest Bollywood Stars in the world, who has been the most memorable to work with?

Kamal Haasan, he is such a gentleman and it was an honour to work with him. I have my set female celebs now who are my tribe and for me that is  important as I am spending most of my time with them. My favourite three are Shama Sikander, Elnaaz Norouzi, Radhika Madan.

Describe yourself in 5 words?

Honest, ridiculously sarcastic, organised, Funny (I am always cracking jokes possibly at the worst time as well) & Independent.

What was your childhood like?

I had a wonderful childhood. My parents were involved with everything I did especially my equestrian activities as this basically took up most of my time till university. My parents gave my independence from the age of 16, and they taught me how to be street smart and deal with real life. I was pretty average in school as most of the time i really didn't enjoy school, i mean who does right?

When did you first discover a love for the makeup industry?  Was it a childhood passion, or something you fell into by chance?

I was always in my mother’s make up drawers. The first time I really knew this is what I wanted to do was when I was studying at Isa Carstens Health and Skincare academy, my lecturer Isabel Crause, she was my favourite and it was through her where i knew I wanted to make this a career.

Who are you when you’re simply at home, on a Sunday afternoon?

Chilling in a t-shirt, watching documentaries, making food, having a beer and in the arms of my man on the couch. If not this then we mostly always tanking at the pool.

Who do you admire within the beauty industry, and why?

Wayne Goss - he was one of the first make-up artists I admired for his honestly and great tips and bigger than that as a business mogul most probably Kylie Jenner, I know this is cliche but she is going down in history for being the first set made billionaire under 21.

How do you deal with negative criticism?

I have been very lucky in my career to never get direct negative criticism, most of the time it'll be a tweak here and there and I work through that with whatever or whomever it is regarding. I am a very straight forward simple person, this way there is no time for confusion or negativity especially the industry I am in. I have also noticed that when people criticise it’s normally a reflection of themselves. When it is constructive criticism I do listen and welcome it as how do we become better and how will we learn from mistakes. At the end of the day it’s all about perception.

Who is your role model and why?

I have so many to be honest, and for different reasons. I would say it would be both my parents purely because they have worked so hard for what they have, they enjoy life and they live in the now, that is the most important lesson for anyone is just to live your best live, and appreciate everything, be grateful, and respect each and everyone’s journey.

Where’s the most interesting place you have travelled to and why? 

I have been fortunate enough to travel to so many places but the most memorable is when I did a trip from Mumbai to Leh Ladak on the India/China border through the Himallaya mountains it was life changing and so special, it’s also where I fell in love. *blush* and the people I met along the way are just so heart-warming and wonderful.

What motto or words do you live by?

It’s never too late to do what you desire, it’s not impossible either, always just believe and have the courage to pursue just that. Wake up every morning and be grateful for what you have, this is something I do daily and it is something so small but it changes an energetic vibration around you and it opens up space for more magic.

We all know that the media doesn’t always get all their info correct, what is the strangest thing you have read about yourself that wasn’t true?

I have been very fortunate here as well. I honestly have the best management and PR team. I have always been real and authentic and this doesn't give space for anything untrue.

You have a growing following on social media! What is the most memorable tweet you have received, or been tagged in?

I have received many. My favourites are most probably from my master classes attendees when they tell me that I have changed their life and made such an impact. Of course when a celebrity tells me they love my work, my favourite most recent was when Elnaaz Norouzi dedicated her whole red carpet look to me? that was really special.

Everybody starts their working careers off small, what was your very first job?

My first job ever was when I was studying I had to do practical hours and that was at a beautiful Health spa, but it was also the time when I realised that it was not for me.

The makeup and beauty industry is a tough industry to break into. What encouraging words do you have for anyone starting out?

Be sure that this what you want to do. This industry is a commitment, yes of course I love what I do but it hasn't been easy. I would say if you have a goal stick to it, stay committed and consistent and always give it your all.

In your line of work, you get to meet a wide variety of people. Who was your most memorable?

Honestly, you can say that again! there are so many people. The most memorable for me was most probably Huda Kattan it was short and sweet but I was like OMGGG

I am sure you have encountered a few fans along the way, what has been your favourite fan encounter?

It’s always special when someone does recognise me. My favourite and funniest time was when I just popped out to the shops and this girl recognised me, it was so crazy, she was super sweet and just wanted a picture. Most of the time it is really special though.

What has been your most challenging decision in your career thus far? What made it so challenging?

Moving to India, and literally starting over. It is on its own a challenging country to live in but going into my fourth year here back and fourth it has really taught me so much and honestly not to take anything for granted.

Everyone harbours a pet peeve. What is yours? 

I have OCD so basically my pet peeve is untidiness and when people are not hygienic especially in my work environment.

Final Question. If you could choose any superhero to play on a big budget Hollywood production, who would you play?

Wonder Woman in an action and or Mary Poppins in a comedy.

Share some love to your South African Fan base during this time of pandemic.

I honestly cannot be more grateful and proud of all South Africans during this time. I am exceptionally grateful for all of my friends and fans who take out the time to watch and follow my stories during this time. This time for the whole world is so uncertain and I really feel that we all need to use this time as valuably as possible and with that work on becoming a better version of yourself. take the time to meditate, and really go inside and change all the bad habits and patterns, forgive yourself and others and when this is all over the whole world can be on a higher vibration and it will honestly be a better place, I say this knowing that the world will not be the same again things won't be normal as none of that was working; we all need to change and be better and we can only do this together.

Follow her on Social media -

Instagram: @moragsteyn

Facebook: @MoragSteynHMUA

Twitter: @moragsteyn