‘My makeup is glowy, modern and snatched’ – Saad Sami

beauty interview

It’s a world of glamour, gloss and changing trends. We constantly keep tabs on what’s happening around the world of fashion and lifestyle so that our readers are fully aware of new style tips and the ins and outs of makeup.

Today, we have Saad Sami who is a self-taught freelance hair and makeup artist. The first look at his Instagram was enough to have a realisation that he knows his stuff pretty well and this week, he is a perfect pick to be our makeup and fashion guide. Let’s deep dive into his style and explore his makeup game…

You! How did your career begin in the world of beauty?

Saad Sami: Whenever I think or talk about the inception of my obsession with makeup and beauty, it takes me back to when I was around two or three years old and I had discovered my mother's 30 shade Christian Dior eye shadow palette and that's where it all began. I felt like my eyes would have just sparkled at that time and they never stopped shining every time I saw any makeup product, so basically I like to believe that I was born with my passion and mania for makeup and beauty.

I am self-taught and I like to use the word artist instead of a beautician because it is art. I love drawing on faces and getting creative feelings fulfilled.

You! What inspired you to become a makeup artist?

SS: There was nothing excited me than playing with makeup and experimenting with creating looks from the get go. I was intrigued on how I could apply a certain makeup product and it could enhance a person's look. I used to get super curious and amused about hair braids so I started to see my aunts doing braids and I used to copy the style on my mother's hair.

You! Can you remember the first beauty product you bought in your teens?

SS: Etude concealer.

You! What are the makeup trends right now?

SS: Bold eye shadows and bright lip colours are a rage this season internationally and so are dramatic eyeliner.

You! If a girl has just five minutes to do makeup, what should they do/use?

SS: Use a tinted moisturiser or light weight foundation. If need, add some concealer onto the problem areas. Slap on some cream blush on cheeks and eyes to make you look fresh and bang on loads of mascara for the eyes to look alive. Add some eyebrow gel and lip tint and you're good to go.

You! It is post-quarantine-shaadi season, what kind of look is in among brides-to-be?

SS: My brides always wanted to go for full glam on their wedding day but this trend has started to digress a little post-Covid. Now, brides are looking for a fresh, glowy and natural look which is very now and modern.

You! What are your three favourite makeup products and brands in cosmetics?

SS: I like different products from different brands and that has helped me build my vanity for every type of skin and client. It's easy to find good makeup, be it high street or drugstore because the technology is now available across the board and the only aspect that makes most of the difference between products is how they are marketed and where they are placed on a shelf based on pricing. Whenever I find something cheaper which suits my taste, I purchase that happily.

You! Are women in Pakistan becoming more experimental and confident when it comes to makeup?

SS: The younger generation has no doubts taken a leap when it comes to experimenting with makeup and hairstyles. A lot of my young clients like to see what new I could bring to the table or to their vanity for that matter. When it comes to confidence, I feel like it really is your inner confidence that shines bright on your face. No matter if you're wearing YSL foundation or lashes curled by a Surratt curler, if you're not confident from inside you just won't gleam outside.

You! What are some of the most common mistakes women tend to make while choosing makeup?

SS: Without a doubt, choosing two shades lighter for foundation and even lighter concealer.

You! What three makeup items should no woman leave home without?

SS: Mascara, lip colour, eyebrow gel/wax.

You! What products are you currently obsessing over?

SS: In my vanity, mascara is my top favourite product. I am obsessed with L’Oréal Paradise mascara. It's inexpensive and amazing. It gives you full fat lashes and drama to the eyes.

You! Are smokey eyes still in vogue and tell us the smartest way to get the look?

SS: Smokey eyes were, are and will always be an ongoing trend because there's nothing that enhances your eye and takes your look to the next level than a smokey eye. A quick tip for a beautiful smokey eye is to smudge eye kohl or black or coffee colour eye pencil over half of the eyelid, line the inner eye and under the eye half way through, blend it with your ring finger and dust it with some cool or warm brown, mauve or burgundy and top it off with loads of mascara.

You! Any makeup tip you would like to share with your readers?

SS: Once you apply concealer, rub your ring finger on your palm and press it over the concealer ever so lightly that it blends out seamlessly and that also helps the concealer to melt into skin and there's less creasing.

You! What's your signature style?

SS: I like to define my signature makeup in a way which is diffused and no harsh edges or creases. It's always about adding makeup little by little while blending and diffusing it out without any prominent creases and lines around the face and on the eyes. My makeup is glowy, modern and snatched.

You! What do you love most about your job?

SS: The most cheerful aspect of my job is to be able to meet a new face every day and see them gleam up. I love everything about my work because it never feels like a job to me. It gives me a feeling of fulfilment and content which is one of the crucial aspects of a happy life.

You! Do you think social media is a good tool to popularise your work?

SS: These forums are definitely a major in pushing your portfolio forward with larger inertia and placing it on a bigger map to be discovered by people.

You! What are your future endeavours or plans?

SS: I like to go with my intuition, so I like to plan it accordingly. However, I would like to enhance my skills and to impart knowledge to aspiring beauticians

You! If you could share one piece of advice for someone looking to follow in your footsteps, what would it be?

SS: Always be humble and stay grounded and never stop learning. Work hard and don't compete with anyone else because there are a myriad of opportunities and sufficient space to go around for anyone to be successful in the industry.

You! Makeup aside, what else makes you feel happy and content?

SS: Love and family.