Tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to become a makeup artist?
I’ve been running a salon by the name Rukash Salon in lahore since the past 10 years now and what makes me keep going is my passion for what I do. Prior to coming into the beauty industry I was studying journalism in Dubai & being in such a multi cultured place where fashion and beauty was very diversified I had the opotunetey to explore many trends from around the world but my interest in becoming a makeup artist did not start from there, it was way before that. I remember ever since I became a teenager I discovered the power of makeup. Being someone who hardly recieved compliments I remember the first Time I went to a wedding wearing makeup the amount of compliments I received really made me more inclined and keen about learning the artistry even more. Makeup when done right has the power to change people’s perception of how they look at you and that alone gives you a lot of confidence. That is what makeup means to me; confidence.
Where did you receive your training as a makeup artist?
So like I mentioned I went for my higher studies in dubai and though my major was journalism in university I got to do a few internships while my time there and I always opted for fashion and beauty industries so that is where my professional journey towards makeup began. From there on I went to New York, Las Angeles and London. The style that I developed was a fusion of East keeping in mind the pakistani style and that of the west but I would say my signature style is all about neatness even when I have to go heavy with makeup it’s never to heavy like you’ve been painted. While in dubai I was very fascinated by the Lebanese style which was always a little extra but nonetheless supremely neat. I’ve been trained all over the world but to be honest you can get all the training in the world but you won’t stand out unless you have your own unique style. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to learn from so many versatile artist and what I bring to my clients is not just style but a fusion East and West.
What’s your favorite makeup products and what’s a must have for every girl?
Since the past decade a lot of bands have emerged and it gets confusing to choose the right because there’s so much marketing in every brand that comes about but when it comes to skin I make no compromises. For me traditionally the makeup brands that been around for longer still work for me and I don’t like to experiment too much when it comes to my clients skin nor mine. A must have is a foundation for every girl with spf not only does it protect your skin from sun exposure but also blocks from dirt getting into pores having said that foundation is the closest product your skin gets to so it has to be one that isn’t damaging instead refines it and for my clients and myself I love the finish and coverage of Estee lauder double wear. Another must have for every girl is a tint but when they aren’t the right consistency they tend to stain only on the dry patches and that could look off instead of making you look good. My recommendation for tints is actually a Korean brand called Holka, the texture of their tints is velvety which looks and feels luxurious on the skin.
Tell me about three makeup trends you’re a fan of?
1. Smokey eyes
2. Glossy lips
3. A very Subtle contour.
With the upcoming winter wedding season, what colours and makeup looks you think will trend?
Everything glossy will keep shining all through this year and rightly so, highlighted faces are here to stay as well. The only way to pull of a highlighter though is to have good skin hence people should be focusing to keeping a healthy skin by following a healthy diet and skincare once that box is ticked you can’t look more Glamorous than having a glowy face and glossy lips. Going into winters there wont be specific trending colors but we’d be seeing more nude. For hair a tight neat bun, centre partings and half tight ponies will be all the rave.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for makeup artists?
I think there too many off them, anyone who has some makeup and an interest in makeup can make a instgram page and call them a makeup artist. And I’m not saying it’s wrong but they aren’t professionals so I guess it’s challenging for both customers and makeup artists both to differentiate between professionals and amateurs.
Tell us about the three best services your salon offers
I wouldn’t want to brag about our top services but we do whatever we offer with passion. Be it a manicure, makeup or a simple threading we take our time to give a client who has trusted us with the desired look they want. Being a salon owner and a makeup artist it’s my motto to provide my customers hygiene, quality and a standard that I would approve for myself as well.
