In Her Shoes

There are a lot of things I love about being a blogger, and one of those perks is, of course, all the amazing gifts and products I get for reviews. I was too excited to receive a package from Shoe Planet recently that contained a really pretty pair of shoes. They have added an array of new and exciting designs to their collection, and I had the opportunity to sport one for them. 

Cutting to chase, the shoes I chose are your standard ballet flats but with a slight twist in that there is a really small heel. It gives you all the comfort of flats but also gives you good grip by producing necessary friction.

These delicate-looking shoes were anything but, at first. They loosened only after a few minutes to adjust to the measurements of my feet. I chose the white colour because I am practical-minded and I know that white goes with everything. Plus, there is a thin, nude-coloured lining on the shoes making them even more wearable with whichever dress you like.

Its design is the first thing that attracted me; the bow at the end and the net on either side of the shoe gives it a feminine feel, and it’s hard not to feel like a princess wearing it. I lent the shoes to my sister who completely agrees with me.

Shoe Planet has a lot of other designs, not just for women but for men too. The footwear is in equal parts about comfort and style, but additionally it is also easy on the pocket, which makes it the perfect choice for anyone.

Design: 4/5

Comfort: 3.5/5

Price: 3.5/5

Overall:   4/5

VMSM 2015 - Celebrating Beauty with Style

As much of regret that I have for procrastinating about writing this piece, it makes me more excited to finally be able to share my experience of the night we got our Veet Miss Super Model for the year 2015. As I write about the night, I feel a hint of remorse too at not taking any pictures of myself there, nevertheless I took plenty to corroborate my account of the event and for you to enjoy.

Azfer Rehman hosting the grande finale

 Sana Bucha on the Pink Carpet
                                                  

The depilatory brand hosted the grande finale of VMSM 2015 last week at The Palm, Karachi. The pink & white themed evening began with the red carpet challenge hosted by news anchor, Sana Bucha where some of the questions asked to the top contestants towards the end of the show were given by the attendees comprising of a few reputed journalists, and personalities from the fashion fraternity such as Shanaz Ramzi, Sumeha Khalid, Saadia Qamar, Raheel Rao and Zurain Imam. 

The show, hosted by the feisty and refreshingly charming Azfar Rehman, started with a majestic opening introducing the contestants with their mentors, Cybil Chaudry, Faiza Ansari and Mehwish Hayat, and the judges panel comprising of veterans Nabila, Rizwan Beyg and Tapu Javeri. After the introductions, the audience was presented with enchanting live performances by Gohar Mumtaz followed by Zoe Viccaji while the participants flaunted some gorgeous pieces by Ali Xeeshan on the ramp ending the presentation with the mentors making a grand entrance in their breath-taking attires.

The show proceeded towards the final question and answer round after showcasing highlights of the contest journey so far. The entire season, consisting of 10 episodes, has been shot in Thailand where participants took part in different tasks and underwent challenges to fight off each other for the title under the guidance of their respective mentors that included coaching the 12 contestants in skills in presentation, grooming, catwalk, confidence and other essential attributes required in the fashion industry today. The questions consisted of cliches like 'Would you change anything about yourself?' and 'What would you do if you won the VMSM title?' and some unusual ones like 'Which field of modelling would you pursue and why?' and 'What changes would you like to introduce in the field?'. While the answers contained some not-so-unheard-of thoughts like 'I would like to be a role model for all the young girls out there' answers like 'I would like to change the perception that short girls can't be models' (because the finalist was short) put an interesting spin on the round.

 The mentors and judges were then invited on the stage along with last year's winner Beenish Khan to crown Jasmine Kayani (from Mehwish Hayat's team) the winner of Veet Miss Super Model contest 2015.

The Highs

This was my first collaboration with BodyBeat pr team and I was so pleasantly surprised at the way they organised everything. I met with Hassan (Rizvi) too who was so humble and appreciated my presence at the event. I faced a minor glitch at the entrance for which I contacted Muznah (Siddiqui) from their team and the issue was resolved effortlessly in no time. It is really quite refreshing to see a team of young, energetic and well mannered individuals doing their job efficiently when some other pr firms have started thinking themselves to be bigger than the industry itself and indispensable. I see a long and bright future for them. Kudos!




This season definitely seemed better what with being shot at beautiful locations in Thailand and having such beautiful and successful mentors on board. Even the finalists seemed fit to have come so far; the young girls owned the ramp as if they were born cat walking and were impressive in their demeanour. Unlike other reality contests where professionals from unrelated fields are seen judging participants, even the judges panel seemed perfect for their seats. It is only testament to the platform's betterment which I certainly see increasing in seasons to follow.

Veet also presented its success stories so far as a form of encouragement and evidence of its successful philosophy. Abeer Rizvi and Areeba Habib walked the ramp looking amazing and proving that this platform works for every beauty who dreams to have a good channel to enter this field and do quality work.

Zoe Viccaji's performance was one of the best parts of the evening. You had to be there to know what I am talking about. Need I say more?


The Lows

As for most other events, of course this one too started later than the time given but here I am talking about a good 2 to 2½ hours of difference. Hardly the responsibility on the organisers' part, it is really astounding to me still that media personalities have such little regard for someone else's time and arrive at their own sweet pace knowing full well that this will result in the event being held up. When are people going to practise basic manners and show decency..sigh

Gohar Mumtaz's performance, albeit enjoyable, was as good as listening to the tracks on the music system. He was very clearly lip syncing but that became even more evident when he started moving his lips to a voice that he could not possibly had sung. He should have left that part of the song out. Deception over deception, but the second one just made feel like the audience is being made a fool out of and is expected to buy it because we might not be sharp or bothered enough.

I was almost impressed by the other two finalists, both named Hira; they carried themselves well and spoke even better which is a combination not often seen together. I was confident that Hira from Faiza's team would win and wanted the one from Cybil's team to be the runner-up. But to my dismay, the girl from Mehwish's team took the winner's title. A clear case of misjudgement, favouritism and politics, it was saddening to see such a twist after everything else had been nearly perfect so far. Talent and hard work speak for itself and the time to come will prove this. Hopefully, this will be one of the things to get better with future seasons. 

Little Miss MUA of the Week - Kiran Khan

"My mom who also loves makeup and getting dressed, I would see her getting ready, try to copy her, find old pictures of her and just couldn’t believe how amazing she looked all the time. I think my interest in makeup developed because of my mother. I get it from her. She has an even bigger vanity than me."

It is really surprising and inspiring how much a one can learn just by observing and without any formal training if only one has the passion for something. Our next UA is the example of just that! Currently studying Fashion Designing from Asian Institute of Fashion Designing, Kiran Khan is a professional make-up artist. Being a tom boy all her life, she only developed a passion make-up when she turned 15. She recalls the first time she tried her hand at the craft - it was for her sister's wedding - and defines the experience to be novel and unusual.

"It was me but a better version of me." Since then there has been no turning back; she took a keen interest and made an effort to groom herself. "I would do it for myself and no one else, because I felt confident with make-up on," says the girl who never thought she would engage herself in such feminine activities. Her goal is to bring all the new local and international trends to her clients and offer the best that there is at a very reasonable price; she believes, every girl deserves to look beautiful on her wedding day and feels pure joy to be a part of their big day. 

"Every girl deserves to look beautiful on her wedding day and I get so much joy in being a part of their big day"

"I am very proud of myself that I am now supporting myself and don’t have to rely on my parents anymore. I feel very independent. It’s the best feeling ever," she adds that she loves buying presents for her parents every now and then even though they hate it and rarely accept it.She accredits all her success to her friends and family and is grateful to them for supporting and believing in her even before she did. 

                                  

"I am against charging an arm and leg to clients for make-up that they will just wash off in a few hours"

How long have been working as make-up artist for? How did you start?
I have been doing make-up for friends and family for four years, but started professionally a year ago. My birthday is in August and it is the same month I officially started, which is why this month is so important for me [Laughs] I didn’t even make my own Facebook page, my cousin made it for me and had he not done that, I would never have started because I always thought I wasn’t ready, that I needed more time. So a big shout out to my cousin Farhan Ahmed for kick-starting this journey for me.

How supportive are people and your family about your work?
My family and friends support me so much that sometimes I can’t even believe it. My parents, I feel get more excited about my work than I do. I can feel their pride. When I tell them I can’t go to a certain place with them because I have clients coming over to the studio, it is the best feeling ever because I see how happy they are to see me working.

What problems did you have to face to establish an entrepreneurial setup to practice your skills?
Honestly, I did not face any problems. Everyone just supported and encouraged me so much. I was initially worried if people would come to me, a newbie in the field. But that concern went right out of the window as soon as my Facebook inbox started flooding with appointments within a month of my starting the official page.

What proper avenues do you think girls need to learn the craft and become a professional? Are those channels lacking here?
I really do feel you need proper training to start your business. Take your time to make yourself perfect and then start; education and knowledge in the field will take you so far ahead. That is how we also learn how to tackle different make-up and skin related situations. We lack proper training schools here. The are very few we have here, and they are out-dated in their techniques and need to catch-up with the trends. I would love to see some international make-up training academies open in Pakistan.

How did you learn? What inspired you towards the field?
I initially did my basic course from Anam Falak. After that I would just practice and practice and practice. All those nights when I couldn’t sleep, I would just spend hours applying make-up on myself. Whether it was 3 am or 4 am, I would do a full-on heavy, glam make-up with lashes and everything and take pictures so I can learn. I still have every picture in my record. I really hope no one finds those awful initial pictures when I was just learning [Laughs] But the key to success is practicing, it makes perfect.
I just recently took Natasha Khalid’s master class. I had the honour of meeting the make-up and hair gurus, Natasha and Sabrina, they both are truly amazing, humble ladies. Even after being a working make-up artist, I still walked away with a lot of new things that I had learned from them. I loved both of the courses, and I can’t thank my gorgeous teachers enough even for every bit of help.

What are the perks and perils of styling clients at the salon as opposed to at home?
I have a home-based studio, and I prefer working from within my house; it is comfortable, it is easy. But that does not mean it does not have a professional environment. The room is off limits to everyone in my house except me. I provide the comfort of home to all my clients without them feeling like they are at a bridal factory; each look is customised for every beautiful face that sits in my chair.

How important is the role of social media in promoting talent? Does it also expose you to a lot of harshness?Social media is everything nowadays. It holds a lot of power; it can make or break any business. I get all my clients through social media. I didn’t go for any advertising or any sort of promotions, just word of mouth and social media. Any business can take off easily on Facebook, if your work is good, people will come to you.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see my name amongst the top make-up artists in Pakistan. I want to see my name in every local and International magazine and InshAllah I will work my butt off to acheive that.

What advice would you like to give to young girls who want to become make-up artist and hair stylists?Get proper education, knowledge and training in the field. Along with skill and talent one still needs education to really excel. Don’t start unless you think you are at least near perfect but don’t practice on clients [Laughs] Because that would give off a very unprofessional vibe. Clients are smart these days, they know who is experienced and who is not. The most important thing, don’t let anyone bring you down. If you love, something, go for it.

You have been holding a lot of classes for young girls too. What brought on the idea?
I actually started teaching first, and started taking clients later. I always did great make-up on myself and a lot of people would come up to me and ask me to teach them. I would just laugh off the idea until one day, while my university semester was off for the summers, I thought of holding a class and checking out the response. The class got filled in just two days Alhumdulillah, and I have never looked back since.

What are the most common mistakes that you see your students making when they come in first? What are their strengths?The biggest issue with a lot of girls here is picking the right foundation shade for themselves. Unfortunately, Pakistan is where we celebrate 'fairness' which leads to people picking one, two to three shades lighter than their skin tone and then they start looking grey. I always explain it like this, if you mix black and white, what colour would do you get?
I would say my students are eager to learn everything. Even though I only give a two-day master class, they still want to learn so much and it gets me excited to see that.

Rapid Fire

Your biggest inspiration? 
My beauty queen, my mother, Natasha Khalid and Jaclyn Hill.

Best fall/winter routine for skin?
Beauty is inside and outside, which means a clean body inside will give you a clean body outside. Drinking lots of water, no matter what season it is, and pure, 100% raw virgin coconut oil. I apply 2-3 drops of the oil everyday to my combination skin, and it does wonders for me; I wake up with the softest and most hydrated skin the next morning.

Best fall/winter routine for hair?
Castor oil mixed with mustard oil, Aussie’s miracle moist deep conditioning hair conditioner, Lolane hair conditioning mask

Someone you would love to work with?
Jaclyn Hill, Jennifer Lopez, Amna Baber, Beyonce, Jennifer Anniston. My list would never end [Laughs] I would really love some sort of collaboration with Natasha for a project.

Someone you would love to be styled by?
Mario Dedivanovic, Scott Barnes and Samer Khouzami 

Biggest dream?
I have big big plans for myself; I want to create a one-stop place for women. So InshaAllah I want to provide a place where I combine all things I am passionate about - make-up, designing clothes and photography. InshAllah, I’ll have a big building with one floor for my make-up studio, one for a boutique and one for a photography studio. Of course I’ll be needing my awesome and amazing sister’s help for all of this because she is my best friend and I cant do anything without her!

Proudest/most memorable moment?
I had this client who came to me for her engagement make-up, all throughout she kept on saying how she loved her look. Then 10 minutes after she left my studio, I got a text from saying that she loved the make-over so much and that I should be free for her wedding. That was so cute!
When I get a call at 1 am from the brides saying how much they, along with everyone else, loved the make-up so much. When my clients are happy with my work, it is the  best feeling ever. I really put my heart and soul into my work and it feels amazing when it shows that it has paid off.

If you had to choose anything else other than this?
I am actually pursuing a degree in Fashion designing. I am studying and working at the same time so if I wasn’t doing this, I would be designing. 

You wish you could…?
Live in a Sephora outlet and take whatever I want without paying a single dime [Laughs]

The best kind of clients are…?
Who sit back and relax and say, 'I trust you, do what you think suits best'.

The worst kind of clients are…?
Who keep on questioning in the middle of the make-up. All I want to tell them is that it is not finished yet. They should let me complete then if they don’t like or want to add something, tell me. All I ask from them is patience and their trust in me.

You’re happiest when?
When I get the same clients back, and every time a get a new mail waiting for me. I also get at least 2 parcels every month full of make-up [Laughs] Yes I have a problem, my mother is sick of me buying make-up!

Your favourite look to work on?
Smokeys and the no-make-up look. And for people who don’t like too much make-up on themselves or when I want to just look like I rolled out of bed , I love doing a fresh faced minimal make-up.

Little Miss MUA of the Week - Qirat Baber

This might sound really clichéd but I didn't know dressing up my barbies would eventually turn into dressing up real life dolls

Being a victim of habitual surfing on Facebook is not always such a bad thing. This is proven every time I come across some really good people or information. Since I am a make-up enthusiast, a lot of my surfing revolves around beauty blogs and make-up artists. I came across Qirat Baber on one of those days and was surprised that I did not already know about her. This young lady is not only really good at her work but she is quite young to be that good. It obviously feels good when I come across such young people who exhibit craft, hard work and passion towards whatever they do and are working to make their dreams reality. Coincidentally, since I am also celebrating young make-up artists this month, I decided to have a talk with her immediately. 

The only sister of three brothers, Qirat always behaved and talked like a boy naturally, but as she grew up, her mom would braid her hair and invested all her time to dress up her girl, something she is extremely thankful for. She tells me she would try to play with her mother's make-up but would get scolded every time she went near her dressing table. This girl who looks like a doll herself says she would dress up her barbies with utmost passion and admiration; make them wear lipstick and make sure she braided the hair or cut them according to the latest trends then. It is hard to imagine her surprise when she turned her attention from that to dressing up real life dolls. The humble beauty gives all the credit to Allah, her parents and her two best friends.

How long have been working as make-up artist for?

I have been practicing since the past four years but I started professionally about seven months ago.

How supportive are people and your family about your work?

My family and my friends are my pillars, they are my biggest strength! The positivity around me has made me who I am today.

What problems did you have to face to establish an entrepreneurial setup to practice your skills?

Really none! When you have friends and family supporting you and when you believe in yourself, there is nothing that can stop you.

What proper avenues do you think girls need to learn the craft and become a professional? Are those channels lacking here?

With the increasing talent here in Pakistan, girls need to properly go and learn one-on-one; practice makes man perfect, practice makes your make-up perfect too. Attend classes and learn how to use your products. Buying them is easy, applying them is not! I did not think to start professionally until I  had not practiced enough. We definitely lack proper make-up academys and schools here.

How did you learn? What inspired you towards the field?

I started off doing make-up on my friends; they would come to me for all the events they had to go to and encouraged me to really work on  my skills further. My first ever make-up class was from Anam Falak who even asked if I had taken proper courses before because I was so good. At that moment, I was on cloud nine! But I never thought I would get to where I am today Allhumdulliah.

What are the perks and perils of styling clients at the salon as opposed to at home?

I have a home-based studio but that is my personal working space where no one is allowed to enter! In order for your client to get the right feeling, you definitely need a professional environment. It makes them feel comfortable.

How important is the role of social media in promoting talent? Does it also expose you to a lot of harshness?

Social media is like a backbone when it comes to promoting talent, it really gives you a platform to show what you have to the world but of course everything has its own detriments. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

On every magazine in Pakistan and one of the top MUA’s around InshAllah!

What advice would you like to give to young girls who want to become make-up artist and hair stylists?

Never give up! You might face a lot of difficulties in the beginning but it will all be worth it in the end. Practice, practice and practice and no one can ever stop you to get to the top.

You have been holding a lot of classes for young girls too. What brought on the idea?

Now, go forth and spread beauty and light (Elizabeth  Laban). This is exactly what I wanted to do - spread beauty, love and light.

What are the most common mistakes that you see your students making when they come in first? What are their strengths?

Not understanding that everything needs preparations likewise your skin needs it too before you put anything on it. Skin care is the most essential part of your makeup. Their strength is in how keen they are to learn. I am always surprised to see how motivated and enthusiastic these girls are to learn.

Rapid Fire

Your biggest inspiration? 

My mother (who looks like my sister) and Huda Kattan

Best fall/winter routine for skin?

You are what you eat so eat healthy. Cleanse, tone and moisturise.

Exfoliate at least twice a week. You get this right, you won't have a single skin problem, I promise!

Best fall/winter routine for hair?

Oiling. Coconut oil is my ultimate favourite for both hair and skin.

Someone you would love to work with? 

Huda Kattan, Tamanna Roshan, Mahira Khan, Natasha Khalid, Kareen Kapoor

Priyanka Chopra, Emma Watson - I can go on and on and on.

Someone you would love to be styled by?

Samer Khouzami

Biggest dream?

To be one of the top MUA’s around the world

Proudest/most memorable moment?

When clients message you in the middle of the night to tell you how they don't feel like taking off their makeup!

If you had to choose anything other profession?

I can't think of anything other than being a make-up artist, this is what I love.

You wish you could…?

Own every single make-up product, literally.

  

The best kind of clients are…?

The ones who sit back and ask me to do what I think will look good on them.

The worst kind of clients are…?

Who keep checking and disturbing you throughout the make-up. They just don't let you finish and I always have to remind them that there is still a lot to be done till they see the finish product. 

You are happiest when?

My parents are happy and when my clients come back to me

Your favourite look to work on?

I like to work on someone who really thinks they are average looking even though they are not. I love to simply bring out the best in them. And of course bridal! 

Little Miss MUA of the Week - Zara Imtiaz

I always strive to provide latest styles in make-up, which are consistent with international standards. My aim is to bring innovative trends and modern styles to my clients.

I came across this talented young lady through one of my friends and of course because of my own love and passion for the craft. In less than five years, she has managed to make a name for herself and a standard that her clients enjoy and crave. She has always had a passion for beauty & fashion, which led her to pursue a college degree in fashion design during which she became attracted to the glamorous world of make-up. She decided to learn make-up professionally in 2012, and enrolled at the London College of Makeup where she learnt fashion, photographic and media make-up, special effects and dressing hair. She is also Dermalive certified from the Dermalogica Academy for Skincare and received ‘Young Entrepreneur in spotlight’ at an award ceremony honouring and appreciating hardworking women of talent at the Sindh Governor House in Karachi earlier this year.

How long have been working as a make-up artist for? How did you start?

I started working as a professional MUA in mid 2012 while studying at Asian Institute of Fashion Design and subsequently learning make-up from London College of Make-up. Initially, I started with a table in my room and slowly with my family's help, I grew in strength to establish my own studio.

How supportive are people and your family about your work?

My family has been my biggest strength; it has always believed in me and supported me in following my passion. All my friends have been encouraging and I am blessed to be surrounded by such positive people.

What proper avenues do you think girls need to learn the craft and become a professional? Are those channels lacking here?

The proper way is to attend to institutes or schools that offer make-up & beauty courses as a degree or diploma. This will insure that students receive the required technical knowledge and acquire skills needed to become a make-up artist. Unfortunately, no such schools exist in Pakistan as this field is yet to be properly recognized here. Only recently make-up artists have started imparting their skills to students by holding classes which is a great initiative. I am hopeful this will lead to establishment of a professional institute.

What inspired you towards the field?

While studying Fashion Design, I realised I was more attracted towards the glitz and glamour that this field offered. I started with short courses at Bina Khan, Pivot Point and then went to London College of Makeup to complete Diploma and getting certified from International Makeup Association.

What are the perks and perils of styling clients at the salon as opposed to at home?

The Studio provides complete set-up and a professional environment which is not available in a home environment. Also the clients feel more comfortable at the studio where they can relax and receive services they want.

How important is the role of social media in promoting talent? Does it also expose you to a lot of harshness?

Social media has its perils, however it is an important way to engage with clients and potential ones. It has helped me in promoting my business and expose my brand to a wider audience.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I would like to represent Pakistan in international events and be counted as one of the top MUA’s in the country.

What advice would you like to give to young girls who want to become make-up artists and hair stylists?

Young girls aspiring to enter this field need to take professional classes and then build a portfolio while continuing to practice their skills. There is no substitute for experience hence they should practice and engage in professional employment where they can enhance their skills.

You have been holding a lot of classes for young girls too. What brought on the idea?

I took this initiative when I recognised the lack of learning options in Karachi as most girls do not understand the proper techniques of applying make-up. These classes help them to learn grooming and important techniques.

What are the most common mistakes that you see your students making when they come in first? What are their strengths?

A lot of my students lack of basic understanding of skin care which is most important. Their most admirable strength is their willingness to learn.

Short & Simple

Your biggest inspiration? 

My mother & Natasha Khalid

Best fall/winter routine for skin?

Cleanser, toner and moisturiser; it keeps your skin fresh.

Best fall/winter routine for hair?

Shampoo and conditioner frequently to keep hair healthy and fresh. Oil and protein treatment is important to keep hair shiny and away from dryness.

Someone you would love to work with? 

International MUAs Jaclyn Hill & Huda Beauty 

Someone you would love to be styled by?

International MUAs Tamanna Roshan & Aiman Shan 

Proudest/most memorable moment?

When I launched my own makeup studio.

If you had to choose any other field?

Fashion designing

The best kind of clients are…?

Ones who trust my ability to give them the best look rather then instructing me on every step.

The worst kind of clients are…?

Ones who don’t come for their appointments on time, it shows lack of respect for everyone else's time.

You are happiest when?

When I am busy at work and my clients are satisfied with their looks.

Your favourite look to work on?

Bridal & fashion looks.

Little Miss MUA of the Week - Shiza Osama

I aspire to learn more and more about the make-up world and never stop as this is not only my passion but a dream that is gradually turning a reality MashaAllah!

I have known Shiza Osama for about six years now and have been friends with her for about three. Even when we were just acquaintances, I always know this 22-year-old super efficient girl to be an ardent make-up enthusiast and always highly well groomed. Today, she has been married for a year now but that has not slowed her down one bit. In fact after completing her graduation she went on to start her own blog where she posted her swoon-worthy make-up looks and soon set up a small area at home where she can take in clients. She has also acquired a basic-to-advance make-up artistry course certificate from the talented Zara Imtiaz. Nail arts, make-up, hair styling, grooming tips, you name it and Shiza is there to help you. 

How long have been doing make-up for? How did you start?

I have loved make-up ever since I was a child. I would see my mother with envy when she would use all those gorgeous lipsticks and liners! *laugh* The moment I got done with my studies and got married I knew that I wanted to step in to the beauty world professionally. My family, friends and my husband were very supportive and encouraged me to do so and it was then that I enrolled myself in a course at Zara Imtiaz, my guru! It turned out to be an amazing experience and I have learned a lot from her. It has been six months since then and I am really happy with the flow of clients and most of all the appreciation, MashaAllah.

What problems did you have to face to establish an entrepreneurial setup to practice your skills?

At the moment, space is a little problem as I am working from a bedroom studio. But I have major plans by the end of next year, InshaAllah. Rest, all you need is patience.

What proper avenues do you think girls need to learn the craft and become a professional? Are the channels lacking here?

I think proper make-up courses can do wonders only if you have some prior knowledge yourself. I personally learned a lot from Youtube make-up artists such as Carli Bybel, Chloe Morello, Makep-up by Evon, Maya Mia, Saleha Abbasi etc. It is always better to practice and learn first at home and then join a training program. Although, I do believe that we lack proper make-up artistry schools in Pakistan. 

What are the perks and perils of styling clients at home?

Working from home, I have time for my family, my husband and my home as well as I can pursue my dream of styling. I don't have to think about problems such as conveyance.

A set back is that it can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable for me to entertain people I don't know and invite them in to my place. 

How important is the role of social media in promoting talent? Does it also expose you to a lot of harshness?

Social media plays a very important role when it comes to promoting your work but cyber bullying and harshness are also a part of it and you do get exposed to a lot of senseless people! I don't get a large amount of negative comments luckily but the best policy is to ignore if I do.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A decade down the line, I would like to own a beautiful make-up studio that also has all the facilities of a good salon and spa.

What advice would you like to give to young girls who want to become make-up artists and hair stylists?

Follow your dreams and work hard on achieving what you believe. Nothing can make you as happy as achieving the things that you have wished and yearned for. Best of luck!

Short & Simple 

Your biggest inspiration? 

Kate Middleton, Saleha Abbasi, Huda Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills and Charlotte Tilbury 

Best fall/winter routine for skin?

Drinking lots of water and moisturising the skin.

Best fall/winter routine for hair?

Oiling all the way!

Someone you would love to work with?  

I would love to work as a professional make-up artist for MAC, Maybelline or L'Oreal. It would be amazing if I get to style Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Mahira Khan and Kate Middleton. 

Someone you would love to be styled by?

Kate Middleton herself. Just cant get enough of her amazing styling sense!

Biggest dream?

Their are just so many but I guess to be a perfect wife, mom, sister, daughter, daughter-in-law and owning my own make-up studio one day.

Proudest/most memorable moment?

When ever I make my family proud of my achievements.

If you had to choose anything else other than this profession?

I would have been a lawyer.

You wish you could…?

Reach the stars and beyond!

The best kind of clients are…?

Who listen to the make-up artist 

The worst kind of clients are…?

Who interfere too much when they know nothing 

You are happiest when?

When I am surrounded by the people I love!

Your favourite look to work on?

So many! Vintage, cat eyes and bridals top my list.

   

Little Miss MUA of the Week - Zulekha Muhammad Yasin

I still remember, about six months back, I received an email from a 20 year old girl out rightly asking me to feature her in the magazine I was working at, at the time. I was taken a back by how confident and bold she was and yet always respectful and humble. She told me how hard its been for her  to pursue her passion while studying to become a dentist and constantly facing discouragement. She wanted to have a forum where she could share her story. I decided to give her a fair chance and visited her page, and I am glad I did.
As a makeup enthusiast myself, I really liked the pictures of her work on her clients' hair but specially face; she showed a lot of potential back then and she has just continued to improve and grow ever since. Today, she has a lot else to her credit; having done a few courses herself, she has held numerous classes to teach young, aspiring girls like herself and proudly boasts of a good and steady clientele. I am glad to have given Zulekha a chance; I found a friend and have become a part of the supported system for someone who has a bright future ahead!

How long have you been doing make-up for? How did you start?
I have always loved makeup; it is an art for me. I started one-and-a-half years ago. I used to do it on small scale but the appreciation I got for my work motivated me towards this field to start doing major work on a bigger scale. 

Have you ever planned on being a stylist professionally?
Yes. I want to master myself in both my fields, i.e dentistry and makeup. 

How supportive are people and your family about what you do?
Many of them have tried to discourage me, but two of my friends and my parents have been my biggest supporters. They helped me at every single step I took towards this field.

What proper avenues do you think girls need to learn the craft and become a professional? Are those channels lacking here?
The first thing everyone has to learn are manners. Trust me, no matter how good you are at what you do, if your behaviour with your client isn't good or if the client isn't comfortable with you, your work means nothing. Secondly, practice. I practiced for about six to seven months  hard and straight, then started taking clients. Nowadays, girls take a few classes and start considering themselves 'make-up artists'. They need to polish their skills first, practice on their friends and family before they can start a business and most importantly learn about skin care as it plays a vital role in this field of work. And never stop learning; keep taking short courses, refreshing what you already know and increasing your knowledge through learning of new techniques. 

How did you learn?
I started from the Youtube then I took a few short courses and practiced a lot! I started with a 12 colour eye shadow palette which was my mum's wedding gift *laughs*. I would practice on my mum and sister any time I got free from studies, they would correct me. 

What are the perks and perils of styling clients at home?
Ahhh someone asked me finally! Well, you have your mum , your sisters to assist you , you have someone who can bring you a cup of tea if you are getting tired and the constant support you get whilst working is great.
But people don't understand that every home has some rules and regulations. They come and behave like its their home; they start using things without your permission and they talk and behave like without any concern. Sometimes people behave like what I do is chhota mota kaam just because I do it from home. 

How important is the role of social media in promoting talent?
Social media plays a great role in promoting your talent and business. People from all over the world encourage and appreciate you. Your craft gets promoted after people are exposed to it.

Does it also expose you to a lot of harshness?
Sometimes *laughs* 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself as a successful dentist and make-up artist InshAllah with a beautiful make-up studio next to my clinic

What advice would you like to give to young girls who want to become make-up artists and hair stylists?
Whether you want to be a make-up artist or hairstylist or anything else for that matter, stop thinking log kia kahaingay. Do what you want to because you are doing it for yourself, not for others and you will be rewarded with success in the end. Secondly, keep practicing and learning; polish your skills and trust me, the more you practice by heart and your work will only get better.

Short & Simple

Your biggest inspiration? 
Lilit Caradanian - she is born to teach. 

Best fall/winter routine for skin?
My skin type is normal Alhamdullilah, so I don't have a special skin care routine.

Best fall/winter routine for hair?
Nothing beats oiling.

Someone you would love to work with? 
Emma Stone and Mehreen Syed

Someone you would love to be styled by?
Lilit Caradanian

Biggest dream?
To get everything I wish for.

Proudest/most memorable moment?
When my I got featured in Women's Own Magazine, Pakistan

If you had to choose anything else other than make-up?
I love painting too.

You wish you could…?
Buy all the products of every single make-up brand! 

The best kind of clients are…?
Who are happy with the way you work and instead of pin pointing you on stupid things, they appreciate your work. 

The worst kind of clients are…?
Who disturb you whilst doing makeup and keep on changing their mind because they think nothing suits them. 

You’re happiest when?
When people support and encourage me and  appreciate my work. When my post gets so many likes and comments full of praises.

Your favourite look to work on?

I like the effortless glam. A beautiful face, flawless canvas, emphasis on the lashes and gorgeous brows. Enhancing someone’s natural features is my favourite type of look.