Nadine Mustafa It’s finally here – the sweet cold breeze of winter. Our favorite season filled with cheer and festivities is finally approaching, and one word comes to mind when we think of the holidays – glamour! Among delicious food and presents, this merry season also provides us with the perfect excuse to channel our inner divas and go big with our makeup looks. We are talking statement shadows, bold red lipstick, shimmering highlights, and of course, glitter all the way. The talented uprising makeup artist, Noha Ezz El-Din, spills the tea on how to turn simple minimal dewy looks into alluring glam.
How did you get into the glam industry?
I don’t like to limit myself to one specific niche, so I can’t say that I only belong in the glam industry because I’m also working full time in the media and film industry. It was three years ago when I arrived in Cairo, excited to embark on a new journey and filled with energy. I started reaching out to a bunch of photographers, models and celebrities so I could get their makeup, try to showcase my work and what I was capable of.
What fascinates you about this line of work?
What I mostly like about working as a makeup artist in the media and film industry is being part of the glam squad of a celebrity. For you to do that, you need to be fast and efficient, moving from one scene to the next with touch-ups in between. Another reason is working on the destined character designs. Getting creative with a specific character look while working closely with other key people from different departments, from costume-makers to directors and actors to ensure that the overall look is consistent and cohesive.
Best ways to prepare different skin types before applying makeup?
We often talk about skincare and makeup as if they’re both separate entities, when, in fact, they go hand in hand. The way you get your skin ready for makeup is just as important as the makeup itself, but figuring out how to prep your skin before makeup application can differ based on the type of skin you have. In my opinion, the best way to prepare different skin types is as follows; clean your face with a facial wash or some makeup wipes, then apply a moisturizer and let that soak in for a good 10 minutes. You can fill in your eyebrows meanwhile or jump straight to eyes. Finally, use a lip scrub to help exfoliate dead skin cells from your lips. Then, dab on a lip balm to help create a smooth canvas for lipstick!
Your favorite two-season makeup looks you find interesting?
I’m a summer girl, for sure. I live for that zero-effort summer beauty routine. Sunburnt red cheeks, naturally bronzed skin, coral lips, and of course, the summer glow! My second favorite season would have to be the holidays, in general. I would go for big fluffy lashes, fresh glass skin and a red-bold lip everyday during the holidays.
You created many looks for ElGouna Film Festival. How do you settle on the look you have in mind, and do you choose on the spot or prepare ahead?
I was lucky enough to be a part of this year’s El Gouna Film Festival. When there’s an upcoming shoot, I usually plan out two makeup looks beforehand on a grainy paper face chart and propose it to the actor and stylist before I move to makeup application. I often use a face chart as a tool of visual communication that allows the person in front of me to have an overall feel of the direction we’re going for. Here are two simple tutorial steps of my favorite holiday looks.
Classic Morning Holiday Makeup Look:
- Make sure you have a clean canvas. Start with clean, moisturized skin.
- Start with a lightweight foundation all over the face and build up. If you want to, you can use a full coverage concealer and spot conceal any blemishes you may have.
- Apply an eyeshadow primer all over your eyelids as a base.
- Bring a little warmth to your face by applying some bronzer with a big fluffy brush (preferably a cream bronzer, and avoid using any powder as it could get chunky in the morning).
- Add some liquid or cream blush to your cheeks. Feel free to use any lipstick instead of liquid blush – it will do the trick.
- Brush your eyebrows upwards, fill them in slightly and finish them off with a clear brow gel to ensure all hair is sealed in place.
- Add a pop of highlighter in the inner corner of the eyes to open them up.
- Draw a very thin liner across the upper lash line for some definition.
- Curl your lashes and give them two coats of mascara. Use a brown mascara for a more subtle look.
- Line your lips with a pink lip liner and fill them in with a rosy peachy cream lipstick.
- Set everything with a setting spray, and you’re good to go!
Big Fluffy Lashes, Bold Red Lip & Graphic Liner:
If you want to go for something bolder and amp up your makeup, you can go for this look.
- Start with a medium coverage foundation all over the face, going from the center of the face and blending outwards. Make sure you get your eyelids primed as well.
- Sculpt your cheekbones, jawline, temples, and forehead with a warm bronzer and a cold tone contour.
- Add a touch of pink to your cheeks and the center of the bridge of the nose.
- Apply an eyeshadow primer all over your eyelids as a base.
- Pack on a shimmery eyeshadow on your eyelids.
- Apply a bronze shade in your crease, outer corners and the lower lash line.
- Smudge a dark brown/black eyeshadow along your upper & lower lash line for more depth.
- Blend everything so it looks seamless. Take your time with this step.
- Finish the eye makeup by curling your lashes.
- Apply two coats of voluminous mascara.
- Pop on some big fluffy lashes.
- For a perfect red lip, start by lining your lips with a red lip liner. Make sure your pencil is sharpened. That will give you more stability and precision.
- Draw a thin winged eyeliner going from the inner corner to the outer corner of your eyes. Make sure the wing is slightly thicker towards the end for a cat-eye effect.
- Bring the tip of your eyeliner into the crease to give it a modern twist.
- Apply a red eyeshadow.
- Smudge a black kohl pencil through the lower lash line and the waterline.
