Sisters that Blush
Raegan and Beulah Taulealeausumai are just like any other siblings, except for their incredible style, creative talents and makeup skills that culminate in their business RNB Beauty. Have a scroll through their Instagram feed and you'll find endless makeup inspiration, which you'll especially love if you share their passion for heavy glam.
You’d think that the Samoan sisters are twins. And both even admit they’re regularly mistaken for one another. As my little cousins, it’s only fair I share some truths about them growing up. Behind their online personas are two of the most wackiest, most lovable sister pairings you’ll meet.
For Raegan, 23, it was pretty evident that she had an interest for makeup at a very young age – she was the one in everyone’s makeup bags (even her next door neighbours haha) and was definitely the extrovert out of the two. Beulah, 20, was polar opposite. She was timid and a little Einstein - always fascinated with nature, catching bugs in jars and looking out her telescope at night for shooting stars.
“We’ve always had a strong bond. It’s borderline weird. We like the same things but have very different personalities. We balance each other out,” Raegan shares.
Now as business owners, the sisters have brought together their strengths to create a their flourishing makeup service, RNB Beauty.
“After Raegan graduated from Samala Robinson Academy she went straight into freelancing. She got busy straight away so I started to help her with clients,” Beulah says.
Raegan adds, “I would give Beulah my kits if she wanted to make extra money. When she did more and more we decided to create RNB Beauty. Together we get more customers. Even with photos online we get more likes when it’s together, compared to when we upload selfies (laughs).”
IT’S A SISTER THING
Connecting with other women is something that fulfils a part of our hearts. Even in a sisterhood like Raegan and Beulah, it’s sometimes easy to forget the importance of a one-on-one connection with another human being.
For both of them, it's hard to see them without the other in tow. They're inseparable these days and do everything together. The sisters say that this has played a big part in their success.
“You can’t explain certain things and with a sister I feel like she just gets it. And that’s what makes us work well together,” Raegan says.
“I also love that Beulah just doesn’t just give herself to everyone. When she makes friendships, she will give 110% and she will do everything for her friends and family. Without her I don’t think our business would run smoothly – she’s always the one reminding me about appointments and checking all the DM’s.”
But, their partnership goes beyond the business. The birth of Raegan’s son, Carter, was another turning point for their relationship. It is something that Beulah is proud to have witnessed - seeing her sister tackle the role as a single parent.
“When Carter was born, Raegan was really good from the start and raised him on her own – she had our family – but she still did everything herself. On top of that, she continued to follow her passion for makeup and never gave up,” she says.
Now that Carter is almost five, Raegan appreciates her sisters support throughout her pregnancy.
“Sometimes I feel bad, because I know Beulah had to grow up when Carter was born. It was a blessing for me to have her by my side. I appreciate her so much for that. And it’s also a blessing because she is another Mum for him.”
MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE
On Social Media, the two have overcome the typical trolling from fellow peers, and hope people can see past their online personas of being “just a pretty face.”
“I get upset when people don’t see Beulah the way our family sees her. Like you’d look on her Instagram and not think that she’s smart cause it looks like it’s just all about makeup. You wouldn’t know that she’s actually a nerd and got Student of the Year five years in a row (laughs). I get really protective when girls don’t see the person she is,” Raegan shares.
A giggly Beulah adds, “Yeah and I wish people would stop thinking I’m Raegan when we’re out (laughs), the amount of conversations I’ve had with people only for them to say ‘bye Raegan,’ as they walk off.”
Raegan currently works at her dream job as MAC makeup artist and Beulah is finishing her last leg of her Business Degree at AUT.
“I feel so lucky working at MAC and now I just want to work hard and continue building my skills and our business on the side,” Raegan says.
“And for me, when I graduate, hopefully I get into marketing or advertising agency. I’m currently finishing an internship at Ogilvy. So, I definitely want to pursue that and keep makeup in the loop,” Beulah adds.
The future is looking bright for the makeup duo. And I couldn’t be prouder to see them enter careers they only once dreamed of doing.
As the saying goes, “sisters before misters,” and these two have proven that this is the way to go.
Both share a comical word of advice for their followers,
“For girls out there, I think first of all stop texting each other’s boyfriends,” Raegan laughs.
“But seriously, one thing that made us closer was the fact that yes, friends do come and go but family will always have each other.”
Beulah adds, “its so cliché but we honestly had to learn this the hard way. Now we know always keep family and eachother close.”
Q&A with the girls:
From what age did you get into makeup
R – I’d say from the age of three. My dad would buy me little makeup pallets from the $2 shop or I’d get them for Christmas. I would always practise on him (laughs). When I fell pregnant with Carter, I had nothing to do at home so I’d order makeup online and watch YouTube tutorials – that really got me into it even more.
B- Raegan would do my makeup when I was little and I hated it (laughs). It wasn’t until I was in intermediate/high school (about 13) when I started wearing it and got into it with Raegan from there.
Who inspires you
R- Our Mum and Dad. Mum is artistic and paints and our Dad is a Graphic Designer. We’ve always admired their creativity. It has made us who we are as creatives and I thank them for that.
B- Mum has taught us so many life skills and Dad always teaches us business skills as he works freelance as well. We are so appreciative of them and how they worked so hard to provide for us.
What about makeup inspiration?
R- Definitely PLouise Makeup Academy, MakeupWithJah and Stacie McDonald
B- We really like Gwendolyn Laumatia as well – the fact that she’s also Samoan - we both love her looks.
What is one misconception people have about makeup artists
R- I feel like people think that makeup artists wear makeup to impress people or feel they’re insecure. Majority of the time we don’t wear makeup.
B- Yeah, we only wear it when we want to or when we go out.
What advice would you give to an aspiring makeup artist
R- Everything in makeup keeps evolving. So always keep fresh, current and updated. It’s not all always about the ‘Insta-Glam.’ So always think about other careers makeup can take you - special effects, or fashion-editorial makeup. Get any makeup experience you can.
B- Stay inspired and always look at different styles. Don’t just do makeup on yourself but do it on other people with different skin types and face shapes. Use social media to stay on-trend and to share your own looks - it’s free advertising.
Find the girls on IG
BEAUTY PAGE - @rnbbeauty_
RAEGAN - @itsraecvrter
BEULAH - @beulahtiana
Thank you Raegan and Beulah for letting me share your story (you had no choice because we are family haha). I am proud to see you living your dreams! You both have an inner beauty that is reflective in your love for each-other and those you love. I pray that others are encouraged by your bond and I can't wait to see what's next in store for you both.
xxx