THE BEAUTY OF BECOMING YOURSELF
For many, Sara Karimi is a familiar face in Kuwait’s beauty scene, a talented makeup artist whose creativity, distinctive aesthetic and passion for transformation helped her build a loyal following and eventually establish her own salon. Yet today, Sara’s story extends far beyond brushes, palettes and beauty trends. Her journey has evolved into one centred on self-expression, confidence, personal growth and a deeper understanding of the relationships that shape our lives.
Creativity was part of Sara’s world long before it became her profession. From styling dolls as a child and developing an appreciation for music and the arts to studying Linguistics at Kuwait University and later receiving professional makeup training in Los Angeles, each chapter has contributed to the woman and creative voice she is today.
While she now chooses to work with selected makeup clients rather than pursuing it as her primary focus, Sara continues to connect with her audience through fashion, beauty and increasingly candid conversations about relationships, self-worth and authenticity. She does not position herself as an expert dispensing advice; instead, she shares observations, experiences and perspectives from her own ongoing journey of self-awareness.
There is a refreshing openness to the way Sara approaches social media, equally comfortable celebrating the glamour of dressing up as she is showing the imperfect, unfiltered moments behind it.
In this conversation with CP Magazine, Sara reflects on childhood, creativity, entrepreneurship and beauty, while opening up about confidence, relationships, personal style and why feeling good within yourself will always matter more than simply looking good.
Let’s begin at the beginning. Tell us about your childhood and the person you were growing up.
I grew up as a deeply loved and cherished child. Being four years older than my sister, as well as the very first grandchild in my grandfather’s home, I was showered with affection, attention, and care. Looking back, my artistic inclination was present from a very early age. My favorite toys were always dolls; I spent endless hours brushing their hair, manicuring them, and experimenting with makeup on them. I also had a large Barbie collection and loved constantly styling and changing their outfits. Music was another foundational part of my childhood from a very young age, I was listening to Umm Kulthum, traditional Iraqi mawaweel, and intricate musical maqams, which played a major role in shaping my auditory taste and artistic sensibility.
Looking back, what were your biggest dreams as a young girl, and did you ever imagine your career would take this direction?
Because my father was a pilot, my childhood dream was actually to become a flight attendant! But as I grew older and my identity began to take shape, my aspirations evolved. I never could have imagined back then that my path would lead to the specific fields I ended up studying and pursuing professionally.
What role did your family play in encouraging your creativity and confidence?
My family played an immense role in shaping who I am today. Thankfully, I was blessed with a supportive family that allowed me to fully be myself through all my personal evolutions, giving me the freedom to pursue what felt right for me without rigid constraints.
What did you study, and were there any experiences during your education that shaped who you are today?
Initially, my goal was to study psychology, but I ended up being accepted into the Department of English Language and Literature at Kuwait University, majoring in Linguistics with a minor in French. My natural love for learning languages certainly helped me during my university years, even though it wasn’t my primary passion at the time.
How did your passion for makeup first begin, and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?
My journey with makeup began during my second year at university. I admired the way a classmate did her own makeup, so I asked her to teach me. I started practicing and applying it on myself, and a genuine love for makeup bloomed, though at first, it was strictly personal. It wasn’t until after graduation and entering the workforce that I began taking it seriously as a career path. I decided to pursue professional training and earned a diploma from the Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles, followed by numerous masterclasses and workshops with renowned Kuwaiti and Lebanese makeup artists.
Building a successful career as a makeup artist is highly competitive. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your early years?
One of the biggest challenges in the makeup industry is people’s fear of colors Most clients prefer to stay within their comfort zones and stick to classic, familiar looks rather than taking risks. In the beginning, persuading clients to embrace transformation and try new styles was difficult, but over time, I successfully gained their trust.
You also established your own salon. What inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship, and what were the most valuable lessons you learnt from running a business?
Opening my own salon was a wonderful and enriching milestone. It taught me patience, persuasion, and true humility. Learning how to navigate women’s diverse moods, personalities, and preferences is no small task, and managing the salon truly mastered my ability to handle different temperaments with grace and empathy.
Looking back at your years as a makeup artist, which moment or achievement makes you the proudest?
My proudest moments are built on two things: firstly, every time a client walked out of my salon feeling genuinely beautiful, happy, and confident in her own skin. Secondly, every time I conceptualized and executed a unique, highly creative photoshoot that brought something entirely original and unprecedented to the scene.
Your content today extends well beyond beauty. When did you realise that your audience was connecting just as much with your thoughts and advice as with your makeup skills?
Having been on a personal journey of self-awareness and inner growth for a very long time, I naturally wanted to share another authentic side of myself with my audience. The topics I bring up touch upon our shared human experiences, which is why people resonate and engage with them so deeply.
You often speak about confidence, relationships and self-worth. What inspired you to start sharing these more personal perspectives?
I love encouraging myself and others to foster self-confidence and nurture our relationships. I truly believe that relationships are the most profound mirrors, they teach us who we are, revealing our strengths, weaknesses, and life lessons. Recently, I’ve found myself deeply drawn to this area, listening to experts in psychology and human dynamics. Sometimes, sharing a small perspective might just light up a dark corner in someone’s mind.
Many women look to you for advice. Do you feel a responsibility to ensure your content is both inspiring and realistic?
I actually don’t give advice to anyone except when asked about makeup techniques, and even then, I view it as a personal opinion rather than a strict directive. I strongly believe that what works for me might not work for someone else, whether in makeup, fashion, or life in general. There is no absolute right or wrong; we are all unique and free to love, think, and shape our lives in whatever way feels true to us.
Social media often promotes perfection. How do you encourage women to embrace authenticity while still enjoying fashion and beauty?
By keeping it real. I often post photos without makeup, with messy hair, or share genuine moments and feelings. Just because I love beauty and fashion doesn’t mean I’m a doll at the end of the day, I’m a human being, and I have days where I can’t stand fashion or makeup! Sharing that vulnerability encourages women to embrace their authentic selves.
You frequently discuss the importance of dressing well. In your opinion, how much can the way we dress influence our confidence and the way others perceive us?
It makes a world of difference. Whenever I’m in a bad mood, getting dressed up, doing my hair, and applying my makeup meticulously instantly shifts my energy. When we feel good about how we look, it elevates our mood, boosts our mental state, and radiates authentic confidence that everyone around us can feel.
Do you believe that style is more about trends or about understanding your own personality?
Style is fundamentally an extension of your personality and self-expression. While we all enjoy incorporating modern trends into our wardrobe, trends should never be the foundation of your identity or personal style.
Relationships have become another area where your voice resonates with many people. What do you think are the biggest challenges couples face in today’s world?
I’m no relationship therapist; I’m just someone learning about myself through connections. From what I observe, the biggest challenge is the lack of genuine dialogue. Often, one partner attacks while the other defends, or people suppress their desires and inner emotions instead of speaking up. Healthy relationships simply require calm, open-hearted communication and mutual acceptance.
What advice would you give to women who struggle with balancing self-love while maintaining healthy relationships?
It all starts with open dialogue and self-acceptance. When you communicate your needs calmly and cultivate peace within yourself, you create space to give and receive love without sacrificing your own essence.
Have you ever faced criticism for speaking openly about relationships or lifestyle topics, and how do you deal with differing opinions?
Yes, I occasionally receive blunt comments or accusations of being biased towards women. But I understand that everyone views content through their own lens, background, and personal experiences. That is completely natural. I accept different opinions peacefully because I’m not here as a therapist or advisor, I’m simply sharing my passion and thoughts on my own space.
In an era where trends change almost daily, how do you stay true to your own identity rather than simply following what is popular?
By wearing whatever makes me happy and brings me joy whether it’s a current trend or something that’s been sitting in my closet for 40 years! Authenticity is about honoring what feels right to you.
Finally, if you could leave our readers with one message about confidence, beauty and living authentically, what would you want them to remember?
I want them to remember that inner feeling is far more important than outer appearance. When your soul is at peace and genuinely happy on the inside, that light effortlessly shines through to the outside.
Your message for us at CP magazine.
Thank you to the wonderful team at CP Magazine for providing a platform that celebrates authenticity, creativity, and meaningful stories. It has been an absolute pleasure sharing a glimpse of my journey with your readers, and I wish the magazine continued success and inspiration!
