Top Makeup Artiste Tells Her Success Story

Sandra Don Arthur
Persons who have admired the expertly crafted makeup of some of the biggest screen stars in West Africa are most likely to have admired the works of Sandra Don Arthur of Alexandrina Makeup Artistry.

Her works on celebrities like Juliet Ibrahim, Jackie Appiah, Efya and Joselyn Dumas have made her one of the go-to makeup artists for the stars and a member of Maybelline New York Board of Influencers in Ghana.

'I love the challenge of taking the look I had in my mind and elevating it to the next level, doing something really different and special,' Sandra said, adding, 'there's nothing better than seeing your client satisfied with her image and the work you've done to bring out her inner beauty.'

After studying at Mink Cosmetics in London, her works have spanned across editorial shoots, advertising campaigns and primetime TV shows broadcast internationally. Her latest accomplishment was her appointment as a member of Maybelline New York's Board of Influencers, a partnership that saw her involvement in the hosting of Africa's first dedicated makeup TV show, 'Makeup Diaries,' showing on DSTV across 46 countries.

Sandra's main goal as a member of the Board of Influencers is to make a positive impact on what Maybelline does in Ghana by influencing what is done to tailor the products to the African market and bring something fresh to makeup artistry.

'Because of my work with Makeup Diaries, I feel like I'm part of the bigger picture of influencing the Maybelline brand and taking it to new heights in Ghana and other markets.

'It's great to be working with a world class brand; and the partnership has been mutually beneficial, so I'm looking forward to what's to come,' Sandra added.

Sandra's keen eye and innate understanding of colour and technique have enabled her to work with some of the industry's best and landed her the position of head makeup artist on hit television series such as @ Home With Joselyn Dumas, Jim Iyke Unscripted and Dzigbordi Show, which are watched daily across the African continent, Canada and Europe.

Sandra made her first big breakthrough when she was working on the set of '@ Home With…' in London. When the Managing Director of MNET Africa, Biola Alabi, came on set as a guest, the show's lead makeup artist told Sandra to do Alabi's makeup for the show.

Despite her nervousness, she was able to do it, pleasing the client as well as the millions of viewers who watched the episode. After that she became the lead makeup artist on the show and worked with Joselyn Dumas for five seasons.

Her impressive editorial experience includes covers for Glam Africa and Haute Canoe Magazine. For the launch of Maybelline New York earlier this year, she delivered an innovative tribute to Kofi Ansah via her Haute Avant Garde collection which featured clothes from the legendary Ghanaian designer and creative makeup to showcase the diverse range of Maybelline New York products now available in Ghana.

'I feel incredibly blessed to have been given these opportunities. I try to make the most of each opportunity presented to me and have fun always,' said Sandra, adding, 'When I look to the future, I'm hoping for pan African success with global recognition.'