Aya Abdel Hamid: Reigning Elegance Makeup Artist of the Year

Aya Abdel Hamid: Reigning Elegance as Charlotte Tilbury’s Middle East Makeup Artist of the Year

Step into the world of opulent beauty and unparalleled artistry with the luminous Aya Abdel Hamid, now adorned with the prestigious title of Charlotte Tilbury’s Middle East Makeup Artist of the Year. A symphony of glamor and expertise, Aya transcends conventional boundaries, shaping the future of makeup with her distinctive touch. In this exclusive rendezvous with Flair magazine, we uncover the layers of Aya’s spellbinding journey—unveiling the secrets behind her signature style, the enchanting world of Charlotte Tilbury, and the avant-garde trends destined to define the beauty landscape. Prepare to be captivated by the grace and allure of a maestro at the pinnacle of her craft.

Congratulations on being named Charlotte Tilbury’s Middle East Makeup Artist of the Year! How has this recognition influenced your approach to makeup artistry, and what doors has it opened for you in the industry?

Thank you, Flair. Winning Charlotte Tilbury’s Middle East Makeup Artist of the Year was a tremendous honor. I am elated to represent Charlotte Tilbury in the Middle East, and it has truly opened doors for me, allowing me to meet Charlotte and the Tilbury family on a personal level. The experience has been nothing short of amazing.

Your makeup looks are often described as unique and distinctive. How would you define your signature style, and what elements do you believe set your work apart from others in the field?

I believe my signature style revolves around enhancing the natural beauty of women, particularly in beauty makeup. I focus on achieving a flawless, almost glass-like skin appearance, emphasizing the eyes in a beautiful way without altering the individual’s features. While I explore various facets of makeup, my commitment to enhancing natural beauty remains constant.

Winter can present challenges for makeup enthusiasts. What are your top tips for maintaining flawless makeup during the colder months, especially considering factors like humidity and dryness?

Hydration is key during the winter months. Moisturizing and hydrating are essential for achieving a flawless look, combating the dryness often experienced in colder climates.

Working with a renowned brand like Charlotte Tilbury must come with exciting opportunities. Can you share a memorable experience or project where you had to overcome a particular challenge, and how did it shape your growth as a makeup artist?

One of the most memorable experiences with Charlotte Tilbury was meeting her for the first time in London during her skin summit. It was incredible; her energy is unmatched. She recognized and appreciated my work, and the encounter was surreal and inspiring, shaping my growth as a makeup artist.

As we approach the holiday season, what makeup trends do you anticipate will be popular this winter, and how can our readers incorporate these trends into their festive looks?

The upcoming winter season will see the resurgence of white eyeshadow and the sugarplum trend. TikTok is currently influencing trends, and I’m particularly fond of the sugarplum makeup, which involves burgundy hues on the eyes, glossy sheer colors, and a touch of burgundy blush for that enchanting sugarplum fairy look.

Every makeup artist has their set of go-to techniques. What are some of your favorite and perhaps unconventional techniques that you believe make a significant impact on the final look?

While I can’t reveal all my secrets, skin prep is my favorite technique. Prepping the skin before applying makeup makes a substantial difference. Additionally, elongating and opening the eye shape, giving it a cat-eye appearance, is one of my signatures looks. An interesting technique I employ is working on the eyes first before the rest of the face, especially when creating a smokey eye.

Given your expertise, what advice do you have for someone who is just starting to explore the world of makeup artistry, especially during the holiday season?

Start small and focus on learning until you feel comfortable. You don’t need an extensive kit; basics are sufficient to unleash your creativity. Take pictures of your work, have fun, and enjoy the creative process. Makeup is about having fun, being creative, and loving your art.

Collaboration is often key in the beauty industry. Can you share an instance where collaboration played a crucial role in a project, and how did the exchange of ideas enhance the final outcome?

Collaborating with brands, magazines, or movie projects involves sharing creative ideas. Expressing my opinions as an artist during collaborations has often opened up new perspectives, resulting in enhanced outcomes for talents and publications alike.

In your opinion, what trends do you foresee shaping the beauty industry in the future?

The future of the beauty industry lies in individual creativity and self-expression. It’s not just about following trends; it’s about embracing what works best for individuals and celebrating personal preferences.

Let’s get to know you better,

Matte lipstick or lip-gloss? I prefer Satin lipstick.

Favorite Charlotte Tilbury product? Oh, the Magic Water Cream.

Your ultimate beauty icon? Easy, my mother.

If you were to design a limited-edition winter makeup collection, what three products would be must-haves? Ugh I wish. A moisturizer, lip & check tint and mascara. 

If you were to create a festive makeup look inspired by a classic movie, which one would it be? “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” where Marilyn Monroe sings “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” I might add a touch of red glitter and shimmer to capture the essence of the film.

If you had the chance to collaborate with a fiery celebrity known for their bold style, who would it be? Beyonce, Dua Lipa, or Doja Cat—all intriguing personalities I would love to collaborate with.

Credits:

Art Director: Salma Adel