Multi-award-winning creative and content creator Colour Me Simphiwe blooms bright as she spreads a new hue across Mzansi’s beauty landscape…
Born and bred in Phoenix, in the fondly nicknamed ‘Banana City’ (also known as eThekwini or Durban), Simphiwe Mbatha is the youngest of four sisters and was always seen as the ‘artsy’ one out of the bunch. From art and crafts in school to hosting singing concerts for her family and acting in school plays, she’s always used creativity as a way to express herself and share her inner feelings.
When it comes to make-up, it isn’t just about the girly vibes for Sim; it’s a visual protest, a personal diary and a love letter to all things bold, beautiful and unapologetic.
This month, she’s bringing all of that energy and more to ClubX HQ Spring usually comes quietly, soft and subdued. But Colour Me Simphiwe doesn’t believe in quiet. She arrives like a sunrise in motion: bright, intentional and impossible to ignore.
The making of a muse
Sim’s obsession with all things beauty started after high school, at age 18, working as a sales consultant for TFG. “I’d spend the majority of my lunch break talking to the beauty sales consultants, asking them about tricks, tips and everything make-up; she reminisces.
She went on to study at Durban University of Technology. Tertiary education comes with a lot of responsibility and various pressures, which is why Sim chose to take a mental-health break. And it was during this time that she decided to make beauty her career.
“A lot of people don’t know I went to varsity to study civil engineering. And due to that break I took, I was able to create the brand Colour Me Sim,” she says. “I’m comfortable with where it’s at now, so I decided to go back to school to finish my degree, because even though I love make-up and content creation, school and education are very important to me.”
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Now, almost eight years in the game, her daily content captures the hearts of hundreds of thousands of followers across TikTok and Instagram. From stunningly embellished cut creases to fully painted looks — inspired by everything from her cultural heritage to luxury car brands — her artistry is unmatched.
“I’m known for my ‘Africa Day’ videos, so I’d definitely say all the looks I’ve done to promote and educate people about the beauty of South Africa and Africa as a whole have been the most memorable for me,” she says.
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With her magnetic energy, flawless skin and no-filter approach to life and beauty, Sim is more than a trend — she’s a full-on movement. And when it comes to her creative juices, her content creation process is what keeps her grounded.
“It’s a three-part process of planning, executing and editing. The process I love most is, of course, the execution, because I get to listen to music while I work, and I love music!” she enthuses.
“I always start every make-up session with a prayer because I believe that what I do is a gift, given to mc by God. After that, I go in hard and turn my make-up room into a mini disco featuring all my favourite tracks.”
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More than make-up
Last year, all Sims’s hard work and ability to touch the lives of other beauty enthusiasts was recognised when she won the DStv Content Creator Award in the Beauty category. A win that was well-deserved!
“I think every creator loves receiving positive feedback regarding the work they put out. Receiving that award made me feel seen and appreciated,” she says. “In that moment, all the hard work, dedication and tears shed trying to create Colour Me Sim was all worth it. I’m both grateful and humbled, and all gratitude goes to the Most High.”
As humble and genuine as she is, Sim understands that with success comes a few haters and online trolls — something she approaches with a pinch of salt.
“I went to an all-girls high school so, trust me, I’ve had my experience with bullies. I don’t take what people say about my art personally because art is subjective. Some will get it and some won’t, and that’s fine with mc. As long as I’m growing as an artist, I’m happy.”
Sim mixes artistry with advocacy, fusing conversations about colourism, identity, self-love and cultural pride into her beauty content. She wants her followers to know that beauty doesn’t come from fitting in; it comes from owning who you arc.
“The world has so many people out there that are not being their true self, which is both unfair to themselves and the rest of the world” she says.
“Never lose sight of who you are and what you bring to the world. Take it from me — I never thought in a million years I’d be on the cover of a magazine, and it was all possible because I was unapologetically myself. I expressed make-up in a way that was true and authentic to me” she continues. “Know that you are special, and the world is waiting to experience your greatness.”
The beauty slayer uses her platform to raise awareness of various social issues, like gender-based violence, queer inclusivity and mental health, spreading positivity across the internet and IRL. Her videos have previously confronted topics like Sexual Assault Awareness in South Africa (April), for instance.
Beauty Boss Baddie
When it comes to the business of beauty, and making it a lucrative career path, Sim feels it’s something worth looking into if you’re a young enthusiast considering taking the plunge.
“The beauty industry, like every other industry, is constantly growing and evolving. Brands are always looking for fresh creatives to advertise their products in a way that’s most authentic to them and their audiences — all at a price, of course,” she says.
Being successful in this domain is all about consistency and growing a community that resonates with your vision and values as an artist. Sticking to the plan, and not your mood or negative feedback, is what gets you ahead.
“In the future, I’d love to have my own make-up line or collaborate with an existing make-up brand to produce a line that speaks to me and aligns with my brand. And my brand is colour! My brand is pushing past the norm to use make-up as a way to express yourself,” she states.
“I always encourage my internet family that normal, in 2025, is so boring. There are so many colours that exist between black and white.”
As she works towards building her brand and legacy, Sim hopes to venture into becoming an international brand. But the biggest milestone she hopes to reach one day is being a boss behind the scenes, running renowned beauty company. “I love what I do, but I want to take Africa to the world through make-up”.
Face beat 101
Sim has opened up about a lot publicly, taking part in African All Stars TikTok — a content series hosted by Phil Mphela, in which remarkable South African creatives sit down and chat about their experiences and celebrate their wins. So, having her on set with us, we obviously wanted to get the tea on her beauty tips and tricks.
When it comes to trends that are simply just not it, Sim admits to favouring bright and bold over the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. “The ‘no make-up’ make-up look is, personally, not my cup of tea. Mainly because I love using make-up as a form of self-expression. So I love using products and techniques to enhance my existing features; she explains. “
My make-up is fun, colourful and, most importantly, bold! They don’t call me ‘Colour Me Simphiwe’ for nothing; she laughs. “Creative make-up is what I resonate with most… I love using my face as a literal artist’s canvas. From doing floral looks to butterflies, rainbows and clouds, make-up for me is more than just glam — it’s art.”
And when it comes to technique, Sim says it’s one thing offering newbies advice and hacks, but it’s a completely different thing sitting and learning and honing your application skills on your own at home.
She gets real: “Make-up is a skill like every other skill out there. You need to constantly practise and want to learn in order to be better. You can’t learn how to do a face beat from watching one video on the internet,” she says.
You need to learn what works for you, from your fact shape to contouring and highlighting. You have to practise in order to get the perfect application that enhances your features.”
Her vibe for the season is unbothered and beaming. She believes in making today your moment, embracing whatever works for you, your skin, your confidence and your mental health. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to glam up or dress yourself pretty.
If you want to wear rhinestones on your fact or an eye-catching swipe of blush, do it. Mix things up and focus on a more personalised approach to your beauty routine, instead of becoming anxious about following the latest trend.
If her rise so far is any indication, Colour Me Simphiwe isn’t just shaping the beauty game — she’s reinventing the rules entirely. Between brand collabs, live tutorials and talks on inclusive beauty, Sim is plotting her next big move: think high-impact pigment for deep tones, skincare that actually works for melanated skin, and campaign images that don’t need retouching to be beautiful.
So, this spring, if you’re looking for a reason to step outside your comfort zone, to try the glitter liner, rock the neon liner and dare to be seen, this is your sign. Because Colour Me Simphiwe isn’t just a name. It’s a command. A lifestyle. A love letter to living out loud.
@colourme__sim WE DID IT!!! Thank you everyone for voting for me! It’s both an honour and privilege to be the Beauty Content Creator of the year 2024! Thank you @TikTok South Africa for celebrating African icons today! #colourmesim #TikTokAwards #TikTokSouthAfrica #TikTokAfrica ♬ Vuka (feat. Thukuthela) – Oscar Mbo & Jazzworx
Fast Facts
- Full Name: Simphiwe Nondumiso Mbatha
- DOB: 26 July1999
- Hometown: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Star sign: Leo.
- On your bucket list: An international beauty trip.
- Best make-up hack: Underpainting.
- Dream travel destination: Dubai.
- Favourite colour: Pink.
- Go-to accessory: A smile.
- Favourite pastime: Shopping.
- If you could host a beauty workshop, who would you have on your panel of speakers? OG YouTube girlies who inspired me, like Kay Yarms, Mihlali Ndamase, Thandi Goma and Vongai Mapho.
- A song you like to do your make-up to: ‘Imithandazo’ by Kabza De Small & Mthunzi.
- Always in your make-up bag: Primer, full-coverage foundation, concealer, pressed powder and setting spray.
- Describe yourself in one word: ICON.
Get the look
Re-create Simphiwe’s cover shoot ‘Butterfly Lips’ look with these products
- MAC Lipglazer Glossy Lip Liner In ‘Root For Me’ R385, Foschini
- Colours Limited Blush Trio Set In ‘Always Yours’ R49.95, Jet
- Essence Dewy Eye Gloss Liquid Shadow R60.95, Foschini
- Luella shimmer Setting Spray R199, Foschini
- Yardley Bronze Glow Highlighter R199.95, Foschini
- Revlon Super Lustrous Glimmer Gloss In ‘Lavender Lust’ R189.95, Foschini
- Foschini All Woman Mini Up Oil in ‘Grape’ R23
- Foschini All Woman Natural Luxe 3D Synthetic Magnetic Lashes R99
Keep up with Simphiwe
Instagram: @simphiwee_mb
TikTok: @colourme__sim
*Prices correct at the time of publishing.
By: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography by: Zhann Solomons
Styled by: Mia-Tess Smith
