Let’s see what this Karachi-based artist has to say about her passion for makeup and artistry…
beauty
Areej Amir is an upcoming makeup artist who is quite popular among young girls on Instagram owing to her fun, quirky and funky makeup. She started her Instagram page in 2016 under the username @goresoul_, where she would post fun SFX and Halloween makeup looks that she experimented with. From there, her passion for makeup began to grow. Areej is only 19 and a student of A-levels. Everything that she has learned has been through YouTube and social media. “I think nowadays many makeup artists, especially of my age, have learned makeup through social media. I enjoy working as a freelance makeup artist, it allows me much more creative freedom,” says Areej. Let’s see what this Karachi-based artist has to say about her passion for makeup and artistry…
You! What made you interested in makeup?
Areej Amir: I always loved art. It was one of my favourite subjects in school. Makeup, I believe, is just another form of art, which is why I think I was naturally inclined towards taking interest in it.
I saw how social media was growing and that makeup was no longer as simple as it had been before.
There was so much variation and people could express themselves with makeup in whatever way they could imagine. I post all my fun looks on my Instagram page called @makeupreej.
You! What are the makeup trends right now among young girls?
AA: I feel like makeup trends change on an everyday basis and sometimes it’s difficult to keep up! There are so many trends right now but my favourite has to be artistic brows. After blocking your brows, essentially giving you a blank canvas, you can draw on any kind of an artistic brow, whether its leopard print, neon or a rainbow brow.
You! Describe your makeup style?
AA: I guess you can describe my style as funky. Funky makeup is very bold and always stands out, which is something that’s very important for every makeup artist. I try to make sure my makeup is creative and unique to my style.
You! What is the easiest way to do a dramatic smokey eye for a party?
AA: I think the best thing to do is to watch a tutorial as it’s much easier understanding makeup with a visual in front of you. However, the trick to the perfect smokey eye is understanding your face and eye shape, which helps to determine what shape of smokey eye will accentuate your face best. Also, don’t forget, it’s all about blending.
You! What makeup trends are totally over?
AA: Every time you think a makeup trend is over, it makes a comeback after few years. However, I definitely don’t think and hope that concealer lips will ever be making a comeback.
You! What are some of the most popular haircuts among young girls?
AA: Curtain bangs, stacked bob and long lob cuts are trending right now.
You! The must-have beauty products every girl should carry in their bags?
AA: For me, some must-haves include oil control tissues, a neutral lip colour, a pressed face powder and mascara.
You! What cosmetic products do you use on a regular basis?
AA: Eyeliner is my absolute favourite cosmetic product and I love experimenting with different types of eyeliner, whether liquid, pen or gel and different shapes and designs too.
You! What are some of your favourite makeup brands?
AA: My favourite makeup brands are Morphe, Fenty Beauty and Anastasia Beverly Hill.
You! What are some common makeup mistakes that young girls make?
AA: One of the most common mistakes that people tend to make is not matching their foundation colour right. I strongly believe that it has a lot to do with our culture’s systematic hatred for darker skin tones. All skin colours and types are beautiful and should not be covered with a lighter foundation colour, rather embraced and appreciated.
You! Do you recommend heavy foundation for young skins?
AA: I think that makeup should be something that someone enjoys doing and whether someone wishes to wear heavy foundation or a lighter one is completely up to them. The only thing they should be doing side by side is following a simple skincare routine to make sure their skin stays healthy.
You! Any makeup tip you would like to share with our readers?
AA: Always prime. Both your face and eyelids before applying any kind of makeup so that your pores don’t show through and that your eyeshadow comes out more pigmented.
You! How can one keep their skin smooth and supple in winters?
AA: Winter always results in really dry skin so it’s important to keep moisturising with lotion that is made specifically for your skin type. Please don’t use body/hand lotion on your face. Also, using vitamin oils and lip scrubs is a great addition to your winter skincare routine.
You! What fascinates you about this line of work?
AA: What I love most about the makeup community is the diversity. You could even put just three makeup artists in the same room and they would all have a different style and vision. The creative freedom and artistic expression this field offers is like no other.
You! Do you think social media is a good tool to popularise your work?
AA: I think social media is the most important tool to popularise anyone’s work nowadays. Even regular advertisements are all shifting their platforms to social media because the future is digital. Social media is the best device for any creator, small or big, to promote their business and platform, it gives a national and international reach, unlike any other existing platform.
You! Who are your favourite makeup artists in the beauty industry? (local and international)
AA: I’ve always been very inspired by James Charles. He was one of the first makeup artists to show that makeup doesn’t stop at just simple eyeliner and lipstick, it can be more than that and there is intense artistry involved. His brand promotes ‘unleashing your inner artist’ and his palette comes with a huge variation in colours.
You! Who are your average clients?
AA: Almost all of my clients are young girls and boys. I recently did a makeup shoot for a clothing brand called Glitch (@g.litchh) that was started by young entrepreneurs. I also did some SFX makeup for an e-drama series called ‘Ek Bhool’.
You! What kind of makeup you personally like?
AA: I love bold and artistic makeup that stands out and creates an impression.
You! What are your future endeavours?
AA: Right now, my main focus is my education, I’m going to study psychology at university, but on the side I will continue doing makeup which is my first love and passion.
