Through her profession, she tries to change the way women
perceive themselves, and to help them celebrate their genuine selves.
We sat down with Hala to know more about her career, her
style, and of course to hear some of her top makeup tips.
AM: Who is Hala Ajam?
Hala is a very spontaneous artist. A make-up professional
who stays true to others and herself.
AM: How did you start off in the industry?
All my life, I have loved makeup and colors. So I
specialized in makeup art in Beirut and Los Angeles, and then worked for TV, magazines
and on music videos at the beginning of my career. I am still doing all of
that, in addition to making women in the Middle East feel beautiful and
comfortable with their makeup and style.
AM: What do you like about your career, and what is your
message?
I like how I meet new people everyday and who already are
familiar with my way of work, which is “Less is more”.
AM: Where do you get your makeup inspiration?
AM: Where do you get your makeup inspiration?
My inspiration comes from all different types of women and makeup
products.
AM: How do you balance between classical and modern
looks?
It’s simple; my strategy is to modernize classic and
timeless looks. Actually, that’s what all the international brands are doing
now, mixing vintage styles with new ones.
AM: In your opinion, why does a woman need a makeup
artist?
We are here to help a woman avoid some common mistakes and
to help her achieve a new look depending on her age and style. In a nutshell, women
seek us for our professional advice.
AM: What are some must-have cosmetics that every woman needs
to have in her bag, and why?
I would definitely say a lipstick and blotting powder, and all the other products should be kept at home. Makeup should last all day, but a woman will have to reapply powder
and lipstick throughout her day.
AM: What kind of makeup brand categories do you use, and
why?
MAC, Bobbi Brown, Urban
Decay, Nars, L’Oréal Paris, Armani, Estée Lauder, and Maybelline. I also love trying
everything new on the market. I am basically addicted to buying new products
because they give me a new source of inspiration. For me, a new color equals a
new style.
AM: What is your advice to Arab women concerning their
beauty regimens?
Besides my motto “Less is more”, I would say believe in
yourself and don’t get influenced but be inspired. Nowadays, everything in the
world is making women feel pressured to look perfect, especially with massive
photo editing in the media. Women should know that no one is perfect and that their imperfections
are signs of individuality.
AM: As a female makeup artist, how does your vision differ
from that of a male makeup artist?
Being a woman has definitely helped me a lot in understanding
my clients because I know what I like as a woman. I don’t order my clients to
follow a certain style, but I share my advice with them. Women want to be their
own boss, they don’t like to be forced into something. So I always try to
convince them with logic, and this often works.
Follow Hala's art here.
Follow Hala's art here.