By Yumna Bodiat
Edited by Imaan Moosa
Ilhaam Schrueder paints us a picture with gloss and glitter to describe HERstory.
Self-taught Durban based make-up artist has taken social media by storm with her creative and unique looks, glamming herself up the ladder as the next South African beauty influencer.
Ilhaam Schrueder is the face behind Instagram account @ilhaamxsch. The 22-year-old also manages her own makeup business, 'Makeup by Ilhaam Schrueder'.
Her passion for makeup and artistry began as a little girl when she would dig through her mother's makeup bag and play with the pink lipsticks and purple eyeshadows.
At the age of 4 or 5 I would even take permanent markers and apply eyeliner on my Bratz and Barbie dolls too!.
Photo: Provided
Schrueder began her creative artistry journey a few years ago after posting her recreation of infamous YouTuber and make-up artist Nikkie Tutorials' crown-shaped cut-crease.
She told To EmpowHer that from that moment forward her followers requested more recreated make-up looks from her. Posting and tagging make-up artists and brands resulted in some of her favourite brands beginning to recognise her.
"This really fuelled my passion to do and post more creative looks," she says.
Schrueder has worked with brands like Avon, Dis-Chem and Almay and has collaborated with local beauty brands such as SwiitchBeauty.
When it comes to creating looks, Ilhaam is inspired by her favourite artists' social media profiles and YouTube tutorials. She often finds herself inspired by more than one photo or video and will put together a few ideas to create her own version of the look.
Depends on what look I’m going for, but it usually takes around one to two hours doing a full creative, glam look. Sometimes the more intricate looks, like my Halloween ones, take longer since I am a perfectionist and I like my looks to be blended.
Once her look is complete, she uses Instagram to take her photos. She then uses the app 'Facetune' to edit her photos to enhance the colours of her makeup by adjusting both the exposure and contrast of the photo.
It’s an easy process. I think the hardest part of it is choosing a caption!.
Schrueder is well-known for her crazy, glamorous and out of the box Halloween looks. "I LOVE Halloween season," she told To EmpowHER. Some of her favourite Halloween artistry is inspired by makeup artists @ColeCarrigan and @laviedunprince with how they are able to use make-up to create illusions.
I would say my signature style has got to be bold brows on myself and my clients. I spend a lot of time perfecting my client’s eyebrows with either a gel or a pencil. "I feel as if eyebrows frame the face and not many makeup artists spend enough time perfecting their clients brows."
Photo: Provided
Through her experience, Schrueder notes that well-prepped skin is the key to a flawless foundation application. Some of her kit essentials include a good moisturising primer, eye cream and her Max Fix+ spray.
No one likes cakey makeup! So I use this [Max Fix+] spray throughout my makeup process, making sure the skin always stays hydrated and glowing.
She has had the opportunity to meet renowned makeup artists who have graced the skin of the Kardashians/Jenners and Beyoncé, which has enabled her to develop her skill set.
I have attended masterclasses hosted by Beyoncé’s makeup artist Sir John, the Kardashian’s makeup artist; StyledByHrush and I attended in 2016, an all time favorite, Huda Kattan aka HudaBeauty.
Photo: Provided
Schrueder biggest supporter and inspiration is her mother. "She used to be the only person I would do makeup on before I took client bookings and she is the reason I started my career in makeup artistry."
Over the years, I have gained knowledge, numerous skills and experience which has allowed me to enhance the beauty of women of all ages. I am approachable and I am able to cater to my clients requests so that they may radiate with confidence.
When asked about a potential masterclass, Schrueder says, "I've been getting this question so often lately! I don’t think I will host an entire masterclass just yet, but I am definitely working on starting one-on-one lessons for sure!"
To work or book with Ilhaam, clients can either DM @ilhaamschrueder or pop an email to ilhaamschrueder@gmail.com!
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