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Interview With Makeup Artist Hala Ajam


She is definitely one of the most well-known makeup artists in the Middle East. You have seen her work on the faces of celebrities like Maya Diab, Sherine, Nawal Al Zoghbi and many more.

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? 
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