The glamour girl

beauty

In a world that often chases trends and quick fixes, there are only a few faces that leave behind their trace. Sabina Pasha, a familiar face in fashion, is no stranger to the spotlight. With countless magazine covers and brand ambassadorships, she’s a name that’s made waves across the beauty industry. She has built a career around embracing authenticity.

Known for her grounded approach to beauty, Sabina may have graced the covers of over 50 magazines, but her charm goes beyond the glamorous headlines. From Pakistan to Canada, she’s been an ambassador for global brands like Nestlé, Sephora, and L’Oréal, and now channels her energy into SabinaConnects, her own consultancy and fashion academy. But what truly makes her stand out is her commitment to real, approachable beauty and her drive to empower others. This week, Sabina shares her tips on skincare, style, and beauty…

When did you first fall in love with makeup?

Honestly, I’m not sure I ever did. I’ve always had a closer relationship with skincare. I’m all about investing in a solid routine to maintain healthy skin. Makeup is fun, but good skin is what I prioritise every day.

Any skincare rituals you swear by when stepping out into the sun?

Sunblock. Every time. Sun damage goes way deeper than what you see on the surface, affecting pigmentation, accelerating aging, and even leading to serious skin problems.

What’s your go-to makeup look?

I keep it simple - light base with a pop of red lips. That’s enough for me to feel put-together without too much fuss.

Any skincare advice for the autumn/winter season?

This is when the air gets drier, so it’s a great time to switch to more hydrating products. I’d recommend using a gentle, hydrating cleanser and incorporating hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump and hydrated. This can make a real difference in maintaining that healthy glow even in colder months.

What are your top picks for perfumes and lipsticks?

I’ve always been drawn to deep florals. Some personal favourites include Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540, Extrait De Parfum, and Roma by Valentino. For lipsticks, I was once loyal to the classics like Revlon, but now I’m really into L’Oréal and Charlotte Tilbury shades.

Finding the perfect foundation can be tricky. What’s your preferred tone?

I go for medium undertones with mild, natural coverage. I avoid the ‘porcelain white’ look. Clarins’ tinted skin serums are great - they offer coverage without masking your skin.

After a long day, how do you cleanse your face?

Shu Uemura’s Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil is my secret weapon. It’s thorough but gentle, removing makeup and impurities without stripping my skin. Way better than using harsh wipes or tugging at your skin with cotton pads. It’s my go-to for that deep clean at the end of the day.

Hair damage is every girl’s nightmare. Any healthy hair tips?

Having dealt with alopecia, I’ve learned a lot about hair care. The biggest game-changer? Diet. Omega-3s, proteins, salads, and seeds all support hair health. Managing stress is key, too - letting go and focusing on your inner peace can actually have a big impact on hair health. Sulphate-free shampoos and conditioning treatments twice a week are also essentials for me.

Not everyone can afford high-end makeup. What’s your advice for them?

Honestly, less is more. Pakistan actually has some amazing local brands that are both affordable and high-quality. Nabila’s Zero Makeup line, for example, offers great pigment without the high price tag.

What does your diet look like to keep that glow going?

Water, lots of it. Plus, stews and salads. And, okay, maybe a full cake once a week - I’m only human. Keeping things balanced and not stressing over every bite goes a long way. The glow is just as much about how you feel as it is about what you eat.

Is there a cosmetic you simply can’t live without?

I’d say the Nudestix Pretty Peachy - it works as an eye shadow, lipstick, and blush. Convenience in a stick.

Favourite makeup brands?

L’Oréal Paris and Dior.

What essentials do you always carry in your beauty bag?

Always have some candy, Fenty gloss, and an extra car key because, well, I lose mine constantly.

What scares you when applying makeup?

The eyeliner. It has a mind of its own, one wrong move and you’re left with a mess.

Stylists who inspire you?

Locally, Maheen Khan’s minimalist designs and Maheen Kardar Karma’s intricate work always catch my eye. Internationally, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Stephan Cara and KH Luxury - they really know how to create those show-stopping Oscar-worthy looks.

What’s your daily beauty regimen?

I start my day with two glasses of water and cleanse my face with an organic cleanser. I do a light gua sha massage with jojoba oil to get the blood flowing, and a tinted sunscreen with a bold lipstick finishes the look. At night, it’s back to the cleansing oil for a fresh, clean face.

What’s your take on whitening creams?

I’m firmly against them. Why try to change your skin tone when you can embrace what’s naturally yours?

Finally, what does the word ‘beauty’ mean to you?

Beauty isn’t just skin-deep; it’s heart-deep. It’s about showing yourself a little love, quirks and all, and having the confidence to own every bit of it. When you’re vibing with who you are, you’re already ahead of the game. It’s that little spark that says, “I’m here, I’m fabulous, and I don’t need permission to shine.”