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. 

Fashion Chronicles: Evolution of Cropped Pants

Culottes, boyfriend jeans, printed slacks, cropped flares... the options just go on. Cropped pants can make head turns on the beach and at a formal dinner alike; they are fun to wear, comfortable and can go with pretty much any kind of top which makes it a must-have wardrobe staple!

              

Alternative to a Skirt 

A summer staple, the skirt, provides us cool, comfort and freedom during the hot, sticky days of June and July. Want a funky twist on your basic skirt? Try culottes. They're trending pretty hard right now, so they're easy to find. Some are structured and some are more forgiving. Try skirt-inspired culottes for a dressy look.

          

Alternative to Skinny Jeans

Everyone has a favourite cut of jeans. Maybe its boot cut, skinny jeans or perhaps it's flared ones. Do yourself a favour and trade out your go-to pair with cropped boyfriend jeans. They can be destroyed, distressed, untouched, light wash, super-blue or anything else you want. Whatever you choose, you won't be sorry. They may even be your new favourite cut! Pick up a cute vintage tee, and you're the coolest, most casual girl on the block. 

                                 

Alternative to leggings

Legging tights are comfortable, there's no denying that. But, if shopped for correctly, cute cropped pants can be just as easy to wear. This kind of look in particular has a lot of versatility, thanks to the layering shirts. Just add some minimalistic jewelry and you're good to go.