Tana from Tana The Makeup Artist takes top spot in South Australia’s best makeup artist competition

A global pandemic, juggling three kids and relaunching a brand online? SA’s newly crowned best makeup artist has done it all. See the full list of winners.

Being named after one of music’s greatest of all times can be tough to live up to, especially if your talents are not musically inclined.

Santana (Tana) Whaitiri Kingi, of Tana The Makeup Artist, has managed to ride out the shock of a global pandemic, juggle three kids, rebuild her online presence and dip her brush into the music scene.

Named in honour of the band Santana, Tana claims no skills with the guitar, but our latest Best Of winner’s skills as a makeup artist are undeniable, attracting the attention of famous musicians.

The Veronica sisters Jess and Lisa after Tana worked her magic. Picture: Supplied, Facebook

During their last tour, the Veronicas’ Jess and Lisa sought out Ms Whaitiri Kingi after she demonstrated her talents and promoted her brand on Instagram.

Ms Whaitiri Kingi said the duo were incredibly accommodating to her as a working mum.

“I had Leilani — she was six or seven months old — I didn’t think I could take her to work but they said it was fine,” she said.

“They helped look after her while I did their makeup.

“I love that they still gave me that opportunity.”

Tana was recently booked by another talented singer, Emily Williams.

Williams shot to fame in 2005 after being declared the runner up on Australian Idol. She is performing in Adelaide on August 5.

Tana Whaitiri Kingi is SA's best makeup artist. Picture: Supplied

“I’m really excited to do that because she’s all about colour and really cool makeup looks,” Tana said.

Tana mainly attracts customers through Instagram.

She had to rebuild her presence after her account was hacked in October last year.

“They were like holding my account at ransom and requesting Bitcoin in order to get it back and gain access,” she said.

“After getting hacked I’ve grown now to 42,000 followers.”

Tana said she has been touched by all the support she received and thanked her fierce competition for the title of best makeup artist.

“I‘m just so grateful that I’ve got such a loyal clientele,” she said.

“Everybody who made the top 20 are amazing — I'm honoured to be in a company with them.”