This week You! talks to Karachi-based beautician Maha Ali Bintory regarding latest trends in makeup and hairstyles and what kind of beauty regimen should brides go for...
beauty interview
This week You! talks to Karachi-based beautician Maha Ali Bintory regarding latest trends in makeup and hairstyles and what kind of beauty regimen should brides go for...
Maha Ali Bintory is a professional makeup artist who is known for edgy cuts and subtle bridal makeup. Maha has always been passionate about makeup since she was a child. “I grew up watching my mum sit in front of her vanity and with just a simple swipe of a stick would see her transform and look so glamorous.
Makeup for me is magic and creativity and that is what intrigued me to pursue it as a career,” says Maha. Hence after completing her O Levels, she took a few courses from renowned salons and began her career as a professional makeup artist some seven years back. She has her own salon/bridal studio in Karachi. This week You! talks to Maha regarding latest trends in makeup and hairstyles and what kind of beauty regimen should brides go for ...
You! What are the makeup trends right now?
Maha Ali: Current makeup trend is all about skin and keeping it natural looking and luminous with the right skin prep before makeup and applying lighter layers of products so the skin looks as natural yet porcelain as possible. Also higher contour and flushed cheeks are trending these days. High shine and glossy lips are also back in fashion.
You! What makeup trends are totally over?
MA: Caked up foundation is totally over now. Also clumped up mascara is a big no-no, and overdone dark eyebrows is a trend long gone.
You! What kind of hair styles are in this season?
MA: Voluminous hair is trending these days, be it tossed layers or a long sleek ponytail. Long bobs are also following the trend of this season.
You! Are there any trends that you absolutely love?
MA: Yes! I am currently loving the no-makeup look where less is more and each feature is enhanced with a tiny bit of product, making it look youthful and super natural.
You! It’s shaadi season too, what kind of look is in among brides-to be?
MA: Brides don’t like to experiment with their looks on their big day so most like to just play it safe and traditional with glowy, flawless skin, glittery eyes and dark lips complementing their outfits.
You! What are some of the colours a bride of regular Eastern skin tone should never try?
MA: There is nothing that comes to makeup that any bride shouldn’t try! Makeup is all about creativity and experimenting so if one feels comfortable in all colours, they can totally pull it off and rock it. However, as I said earlier, most brides want to play safe and wear staple colours.
You! The must-have beauty product for the winter 2018 season, the product every girl and every bride should always bring in her purse is...
MA: A good moisturiser according to one’s skin type is a winter staple along with a good lightweight corrector to cover any imperfections. If there is only one product in the bag, I would recommend it is peachy pink lipstick as it can be worn on the lips, cheeks for a natural flush and eyes to make it brighter proving to be of multi-use.
You! As we are approaching winter, what colours you suggest for brides/women to wear when it comes to makeup?
MA: I love dark, berry colours in winter so find berry or rosy-toned lip colours and blush look great as it looks natural in the cold weather. Also, shades of plum and purples look pleasing in winters.
You! What beauty regimen should women especially newlyweds adopt to take care of their skin in winter?
MA: The three basic steps of cleansing, toning and moisturising should be staple steps for every woman all year round, but in winters, women especially newlyweds should incorporate the use of serums and face oils to give their skin extra hydration and moisture. Also, creams should be used morning and night to prevent fine lines and creases especially in dryer colder weather.
You! Do you emphasise on using foundation during winters? If so, why?
MA: Winter is the perfect weather to play with makeup and flaunt it because it lasts way longer and stays put with minimum touch-ups. Foundation should be lightweight and dewy because our skin tends to dry up and become patchy, so a good foundation can make us look luminous and alive in winter season.
You! What is the biggest challenge makeup artists face while doing bridal makeup?
MA: Good communication between brides and makeup artist is the most important factor for satisfactory experience and results. Hence, brides who do not properly explain their desired look in the first place and then keep nagging the makeup artist in between or after the makeup, becomes really challenging for us.
You! What are your three favourite makeup products?
MA: 1.Estee Lauder double wear foundation
2. Lancome Hypnose mascara
3. Mac Ruby Woo lipstick
You! What three makeup items should no woman leave home without?
MA: 1. Face powder
2. Lipstick
3. A good voluminous mascara
You! Are women in Pakistan becoming more experimental when it comes to makeup?
MA: Yes definitely, thanks to social media awareness and YouTube. Women have developed some awesome skills when it comes to makeup.
You! What are some of the most common mistakes women tend to make while choosing makeup?
MA: Choosing a wrong colour and undertone of foundation is the biggest and the most common mistake women tend to make which ends up making them look grey and made-up. Also, overdoing highlighter on the face, ignoring skin type and condition makes skin look oily and like a disco ball, if not done right.
You! Describe your makeup style in three words:
MA: My makeup style in three words would be natural, rosy and sparkly! In fact, that is my signature style - soft and natural with rosy flushed cheeks and sparkly eyes and nova highlight to glam the look.
You! Any makeup tip you would like to share with the readers?
MA: Always buy a medium coverage matte foundation and dilute it with an illuminator to sheer the coverage in drier, colder weather.
You! What do you love most about your job?
MA: Good communication with my clients is the most important aspect of my job and I love the fact that I get to meet and interact with different people from different backgrounds which helps me to learn, improve and expand my horizon.
You! Do you think social media and Insta are good tools to popularise your work? (Especially for upcoming beauticians)
MA: For sure! Social media is what gets each one of us business! It is the most effective medium to exhibit our work and skills because it is mostly used by the younger lot.
You! How do you wish to make a change in the beauty scene in Karachi?
MA: I want to change the beauty scene in Karachi by helping women appreciate their features and not completely transform them or their skin colour. I wish to make people feel comfortable in their skin and not believe that only piling on tons of makeup or surgeries will make them look pretty and confident.
You! What are you currently working on or preoccupied with?
MA: Currently, I am working on redesigning the salon and giving it a more modern and elegant feel to it by decorating it for the upcoming bridal season. Also, our new bridal shoot is coming up which is exciting because it will show the new trends we will adopt in 2019 and showcase our spring bridal look.
You! What are your future plans?
MA: For now, it is to grow and stabilise in the market of beauty - to build a good client base and ensure client satisfaction. Hopefully, in the near future I would like to expand and open branches in other cities as well. Fingers crossed!
