Lights, camera, magic. If make-up is a girl’s best friend, then Bashayer Al Mualla is a great person to have in your corner. Whether for a wedding or graduation party, the self-taught Emirati is always prepared to doll-up her customers.
It was a friend’s suggestion three years ago that inadvertently led to Al Mualla unearthing her hidden talent. “My skin began to form horrible acne when I was in university,” says the 23-year-old. “A friend suggested that I get some foundation to hide it, but at that time, I had no idea that make-up could do such a thing; my knowledge was zero.”
The Abu Dhabi resident went to the closest Paris Gallery, and started to explore the make-up world. It was to prove a breakthrough moment in her life.
“I began to watch make-up tutorials, and tested my skills on my skin. This went on for a year and a half,” she says. After that, Al Mualla began to practise on her family and friends.
When they noticed that she had a knack for make-up artistry, they suggested that she should turn it into a fully fledged business. Today, she’s an accountant by day and a make-up artist by night.
“I didn’t think of starting a venture until I felt that I was fully skilled and knowledgeable enough in the field,” she says. “Make-up discovered me; I didn’t discover it.”
Last year, she turned a guest room at her home in Khalifa City into a make-up studio. It’s a welcoming place, painted lavender, and beautifully furnished. Al Mualla uses products from Inglot, Mac, Dolce & Gabbana, Make Up For Ever, Benefit, The Balm and Illamasqua.
“Since I renovated the guest room, I began to receive more people,” she says. “My mother has been the source of my support. She helped me financially when I was still unemployed, and trusted in my abilities.”
Al Mualla has more than 7,000 followers on her Instagram page (@Bashayer_beauty), and keeps them updated on the latest trends. Visit her page for examples of her work and more.
Who is your favourite make-up artist?
The Kuwaiti Hanan Al Najadah. She has an elegant, eye-catching style, and can change people’s features. Once she made a girl look like Angelina Jolie. She used bucket of make-up, but it didn’t show. That’s how amazingly talented she is.
What’s your definition of “me” time?
Solitude. I usually spend my “me” time in my room or my studio. It’s the time I reflect and sit back. Sometimes, I play with make-up and watch tutorials.
Which is your favourite shopping mall?
The Dubai Mall – it offers everything in one place.
What was the best movie of 2015?
The Hunger Games [Mockingjay – Part 2].
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
In terms of my career, I want to improve myself. Entrepreneurial-wise, I would like to expand my business, and one day deal with celebrities.
What’s your motto in life?
I follow the principle that “It’s never too late”. I am adventurous and I like to challenge myself. There is no right time, we just create the right time and take a step forward.
What is the best feedback you’ve received from a customer?
Generally, the response has been positive. Some people tell me that my make-up style is smooth.
What have you learnt from your customers?
I have gained more patience and realised that I have the ability to convince people without imposing it.
How do you study customers’ faces on a first visit?
Usually I ask my guests about their skin type and their likes and dislikes. Then I begin the make-up process.
How do you deal with naysayers?
There are those who criticise me and are not happy with my success. But through them, I get strength and constantly try to improve myself.
aalhameli@thenational.ae
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