South African beauty influencer and content creator Mihlali Ndamase has stirred conversation across social media after revealing details about her upcoming make-up masterclass, Beauty and The Beat.
Set to take place later this month, tickets for the event are priced at R3,500 per person, immediately raising eyebrows among fans and followers. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to question whether the cost is justified, especially given the state of the economy as 2025 draws to a close.
Public Outcry: Is R3,500 Too Steep?
Critics were quick to voice their frustrations online. One X user wrote, “A make-up masterclass in 2025??? Also, 3,5K in Cyril’s economy is disgusting.” Others suggested an online alternative could make the event more accessible:
“3,5K is too expensive. She should have held it online and made it R350 per person. That way, more attendees,” another user commented.
Some critics poked fun at the value of the class itself, noting that online tutorials abound:
“And my girlies will buy that ticket, chile just to learn how to apply concealer when there’s a million YT videos,” one fan joked.
Supporters Defend the Price
Not everyone was critical. Many fans argued that the masterclass is more than just a simple tutorial—it’s an investment in skills, networking, and even products.
“If bekuthiwa Brazilian hair is R3,500 bengeke ukhuze, but to develop your skills and network with your peers, the amount is a lot,” one defender pointed out. Another added:
“Can people stop complaining. It’s a masterclass. R3,500 is reasonable to gain new skills that will make you money. You will exponentially get the money back.”
Attendees are often provided with goody bags featuring make-up products worth more than the ticket price, a common practice among high-profile SA beauty events.
A Trend in the SA Beauty Scene
Ndamase is far from alone in hosting premium masterclasses. Big international and local beauty brands, including L’Oreal, Fenty Beauty, and MAC, continue to hold high-profile events in South Africa.
The L’Oreal masterclass, for instance, has become a must-attend gathering for beauty enthusiasts, content creators, and industry professionals, with hosts like Bonang Matheba and British influencer Uche Natori drawing massive crowds.
These events are about more than learning, they offer exposure, industry connections, and opportunities to engage with trending beauty products and techniques.
The Bigger Picture: Skill vs. Price
While the ticket price has sparked debate, Ndamase’s masterclass reflects a broader conversation in South Africa about investing in personal development and professional skills. In the beauty industry, mastering techniques and building connections can often lead to opportunities that far outweigh the initial cost.
For fans, the key question remains: is R3,500 steep for some tips and tricks, or is it a worthwhile investment in skill, confidence, and networking in the competitive world of beauty?
With Beauty and The Beat set to unfold later this month, social media chatter is only expected to grow, both from those eager to attend and those watching the debate unfold from the sidelines.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@visse_ss}