Do what you want, not what others want you to do.
Meet Fajer Al-Masoud a certified and professional makeup artist from Kuwait. She also loves oil painting and continues to taking more courses to further hone her skills. We sat with Fajer to know more about her passion for makeup and what her future plans are.
Could you briefly introduce yourself for our readers?
My name is Fajer Al-Masoud and I have been a professional makeup artist for seven years now. My college education was actually in accounting but my passion was always in the arts. Besides doing bridals and fashion makeup, I also love oil painting.
Tell us about your education.
I received my bachelor’s degree in finance from Kuwait University in the summer of 2012. However, it was in 2014 that I decided to switch careers and move into makeup artistry. That is when I started enrolling in as many professional workshops as was available in Kuwait and Dubai. I also completed several online courses with world renowned makeup artists like Danessa Myrics and Harriet Hatfield. For me education is a journey not a destination, and that is why I continue to take online courses regularly to hone my skills even further and to keep up with the latest in the field of makeup.
How and when did you get interested into art and makeup?
I believe I was probably 7 or 8 years old. My mom was getting ready to go out and as she was heading to the door I distinctly noticed the shift in her eye shape and the tone of her skin. She had makeup on, but I was unaware what that was. I was however hooked to that beautiful transformation.
My interest in art came in about the same time. I grew up in a family that put more emphasis on math and science than they did on art and music. Luckily, for me I had an art teacher who was a God send, Mrs. Futooh, who noticed my passion. It was her encouragement that inspired me to keep going.
How old were you when you first began experimenting with makeup and what inspired you to do so?
I was not allowed to put on makeup until I was 12 years old. And that marked the beginning of my personal experimentation. I used to save my allowances so that I could purchase makeup items and experiment on myself. I actually remember the first time I walked into a makeup store. It was the VAVAVoom store at the Marina Mall. It was there that I bought my first Lancome lip-gloss, which I wore all the time. Even while sleeping. But It was because of the Spice Girls that discovered frosty blue eyeshadow. My face was my canvas.
Which is your personal favorite: painting or a Makeup Artist?
That is a very difficult question. Do I love my arms or legs more? I would have say I love both equally. Both require lots of creativity and that is why they hold a special place in my heart.
How would you best describe your art?
I would say it leans towards painterly and impressionistic art. That intentional caution that lies between high levels of artistry where you emphasize the accurate depiction of light and visible brushstroke marks are very enjoyable and intriguing to me.
What materials and mediums do you use for your art?
Oil paints, charcoal and pencils.
What are your favorite things about being a makeup artist?
Definitely the creativity. With makeup artistry, you are not limited to just makeup as a medium you can also use stationary, plants or even food and still manage to create a painting on a human face
What message do you like to convey through your art?
Do what you want, not what others want you to do.
How and when did you start with Makeup artistry officially?
I officially kicked off my makeup artistry career in 2014 after getting my professional certificate in makeup from the Lebanese makeup artist Majid Zahir. Shortly after that I started building my client base. My first clients were friends and family. I did their makeup for all of their special occasions, like engagement parties, weddings and birthdays. I not only did the makeup, I also hired and collaborated with photographers and models. It was in 2015 when I started getting new clients outside my circle. And so the journey began.
Staying fresh and innovative in today’s fast-paced world can be a challenge. How do you stay creative and where do you look for inspiration?
In my opinion whilst it is a fast paced world also it is saturated with many sources of information. Therefore, you can easily find inspiration from people, magazine, and online creators. I made it a habit to constantly lookout for what’s trending and new.
What is beauty for you?
Beauty is a balanced perception of things around us. It’s known that nothing is perfect yet we strive to reach perfectionism. Only by realizing that “everything carries its opposite in its composition.” is where you begin to see and appreciate beauty everywhere.
How would you describe your signature look?
One word: Polished. Which for me means definition on the eyes and glowing skin. it’s timeless and looks flattering on everyone.
What is your favourite makeup look you have ever done?
It was a look I did in 2022 on a model named Ansab with the photographer Fatma Faraj. This was inspired by a look from Vogue Arabia March 2017 issue where Gigi Hadid wore a Fuscha scarf on her head as a hijab. I have replicated that look and loved the version that we produced because it was on a deeper skin tone.
Does everyone look better with make-up?
Everyone looks better with right makeup. Personally, I believe that makeup is just a tool to accentuate our beauty, regardless of age, race or gender. I have had clients who were as young as 14 coming out of my makeup room looking so radiant with only a few touches.
If you turn up at a show/shoot and the model has terrible skin, what do you do?
I would not say a skin is terrible because it’s natural to have issues with your skin. However, in the case of problematic skin what I do is come prepared with appropriate skincare and good coverage base products.
Has your work been published in any magazines?
Not yet.
What’s one beauty trend you can’t get enough of right now?
Fluffy bushy eyebrows. It is so flattering and gives a youthful look.
In your opinion, what is the most important quality in a makeup artist?
Flexibility. To be adaptive to criticism, feedback and new trends.
Art needs to reflect one’s growth and personal development, if you keep running in the same comfort zone no change will come your way.
What is the biggest makeup tip you think everyone should know?
Buy what you need, not what is promoted. In today’s advanced beauty industry, brands are constantly coming up with new products. They use every marketing gimmick and channel to push their products. Needless to say, this can be overwhelming to consumers and draining to their wallets. This might come as a surprise to readers but I don’t recommend buying too much beauty products.
What are some of your other hobbies?
I love reading, playing tennis and yoga.
Share with us 3 random facts about you that very few people know!
I am a certified yoga teacher. I hate eggplants, and I have never watched the Godfather.
Your message for CP magazine team.
I love the creative direction taken by Jameel Arif. I also wanted to thank you for the opportunity to be featured in your magazine. Keep up the good work.
Art Direction: Jameel Arif (@jameelarif)
Hair & Makeup: Fajer AlMasoud (@artistry_by_fajer)
Photographer: Riyaz (@riyas.photokw)
