Between the heat, humidity, sunrise fetes, water events and hours spent dancing outdoors, carnival can put even the best beauty routine to the test. The challenge isn't creating a beautiful look. It's making sure it survives every single fete.

From long-wearing make-up and healthy skin to the products worth carrying in your bag, local make-up artists Rael Iman, of Iman Artistry, and Oneka Trott, of OFaces, shared their advice for looking fresh from the first fete to the final jump on the road.

It starts before carnival weekend

According to both artists, great carnival make-up starts long before make-up is even applied.

For Rael Iman, the foundation of any successful carnival look is healthy skin.

“To prep the skin leading up to carnival, the girlies should definitely be wearing sunscreen and just be vigilant with their skincare routine every night. Basic cleansing, toning and moisturising. A good canvas guarantees a flawless beat.”

Oneka Trott agrees, noting that consistency is often more important than complexity.

“One thing I always encourage is maintaining a good skincare routine year-round, not just during carnival season. Healthy, well-cared-for skin is the best foundation for any make-up application.”

She recommends a simple routine that includes cleansing, moisturising, sunscreen and regular exfoliation to keep skin looking fresh and radiant.

“From my experience, the clients with the healthiest, most beautiful skin are usually the ones who are consistent with their skincare routine. It doesn't have to be complicated, just a commitment to caring for your skin every day.”

Making make-up last

One of the biggest concerns during carnival season is longevity. After all, make-up applied at sunrise often needs to survive until long after sunset.

For Ms Iman, the formula is simple.

“Definitely a great primer and setting spray combo. My current faves are Danessa Myricks universal blurring balm or One Size oil sucker and the L’Oréal infallible setting spray. Thank me later!”

Ms Trott takes a more customised approach, beginning with skin type.

“Before selecting any products, I always consider my client's skin type — whether it's oily, dry, combination or normal — as this plays a major role in how the make-up will perform throughout the day.”

For oily skin clients, she starts with mattifying products before layering long-wearing formulas.

“I then apply a silicone-based foundation for added longevity, followed by a liquid or cream blush and a light layer of powder to set everything in place,” she says.

Throughout the process, Ms Trott uses setting spray between layers before finishing with a make-up sealant.

“With the right preparation, products and techniques, your make-up can stay looking fresh and beautiful from the first jump to the last fete.”

The biggest beauty mistakes

When asked about common carnival beauty mistakes, both artists pointed to one area people often overlook: what happens after the party.

For Ms Iman, sleeping in make-up remains one of the biggest offenders.

“I get it, it's hard to keep up, but don't do it. Thoroughly cleansing after the event is just as important, if not more important, than the make-up application.”

Ms Trott takes a more philosophical approach.

“I don't like to refer to anyone's make-up as a mistake. In my opinion, make-up is a form of self-expression and beauty is very personal.”

She believes confidence matters more than following trends.

“If a client requests a particular look and both she and the make-up artist are happy with the final result, then that's what truly matters. Make-up isn't about pleasing everyone. It's about helping someone feel confident, comfortable and like the best version of themselves.”

This year's carnival beauty trends

While carnival beauty has traditionally been associated with dramatic eye looks, gems and theatrical make-up, both artists say the trends are shifting.

Ms Iman expects to see lots of big curly hair, goddess braids and bright pops of colour throughout the weekend.

Ms Trott has noticed clients gravitating towards a softer approach.

“Many clients still want to look polished and elevated, but with make-up that enhances their natural beauty rather than transforms it. There has been a move away from heavily theatrical eye make-up, with fewer gems, less intricate detailing and a greater focus on fresh, radiant skin and refined glamour.”

More than ever, she says, people want to look like themselves, just elevated.

When it comes to hair, long lace-front wigs, boho braids and Ethiopian-inspired braided styles continue to dominate appointments.

“They offer the perfect combination of beauty, versatility and effortless glamour,” adds.

The carnival beauty survival kit

So what should everyone have on hand during carnival weekend?

For Ms Iman, practicality is key.

Her essentials include a mini fan, body glow, lip liner and gloss, blotting papers and spray deodorant.

“This is the perfect line-up to guarantee you stay fresh and keep the beat intact,” she says.

Ms Trott's list leans towards versatile make-up products that can do double duty throughout the weekend.

Her must-haves include OFaces Chocolate Lip Liner, OFaces Fleekin Matte Red Liquid Lipstick, Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, Fenty Cream Blush and Benefit's Precisely My Brow Pencil.

“I reach for these products again and again because they're versatile, reliable and perfect for the carnival season.”