Makeup artist interview with Zahra Hassani
Makeup artists love to know the inside scoop from other fellow makeup artists to learn from how they work and what tips we can pick up. It is a never-ending process of learning! This week we meet Zahra Hassani, we worked in the training team together at MAC Cosmetics. Zahra career has skyrocketed since going freelance and is Jess Glynne’s key makeup artist who has toured the world and creates beautiful vibrant colourful makeup looks. I would say that Zahra’s makeup style matches her fun and energetic personality that is infectious.
Jess Glynne x Spice Girls Coventry
Test Shoot X Philip Bradley
Jess Glynne Tour House of Blues Boston
How did you start out in makeup?
I decided to go back to uni to do a Design Media makeup: Prosthetics and SFX course but you needed an art background which I didn’t have. Luckily as I applied late and it was mid-September, they had had dropouts and needed to fill spaces. I was the only one in my year without art A-level or foundation.
A day in the life of...What does an average day consist of?
The thing I treasure most about what I do is that there is no average day. My job has allowed me to go to some really cool places, and I constantly have “is this actually my job?!” moments
What is your signature style in your work? Is this your favourite thing to do in makeup?
I still get excited about making someone’s skin look super gorgeous and luxurious. Its the feature people notice the most, and great skin/ makeup can give you superhero confidence.
Beautyblender
Estee Lauder Micro Essence
MAC Cosmetics Ruby Woo
Your favourite products :
Skincare I couldn’t live without Estee lauder micro essence. It’s my secret weapon. Also, love La Roche posay effaclar matte.
Foundation Concealer Nars radiant creamy concealer, MAC studio finish and YSL touché eclat- such a beautiful product. Recently have started mixing it with concealer for that dreamy airbrushed coverage!
Mascara It’s a tie between Mac extended play perm me up and Milk Kush mascara.
Eyeshadow MAC Cosmetics has the best balance between payoff and blendability. I love pigmented shadows but not when it’s difficult to blend, or they’re chalky and don’t stay on!
Eyeliner Clinique gel liner is super black and doesn’t dry out!
Lip product I don’t know where I’d be without Ruby woo. I use it almost on every shoot to achieve a natural lip tone. Applied softly with a blending brush it’s the perfect colour. And of course as the ultimate statement red
Brush More of a tool, I love beauty blenders. There is nothing like it and worth every penny!
What should every woman own in her makeup bag?
Eyelash curlers! Instant eye lift!
What's your advice to someone wanting to be a makeup artist?
Learn how to make people feel good, and be a good listener! Not just with your ears.. listen to your client’s body language and let it guide your makeup.
What’s been your OMG wake me up, pinch me am I dreaming moment? The most recent OMG moment I had was seeing my makeup on a big screen, on a musician I respect, in front of 25k people.
Jess Glynne Makeup Artist UK & IR Arena Tour
What is the greatest challenge you have overcome in your career?
Starting out freelance was a challenge. You have to really believe in yourself or at least have people who believe in you, to tell you “keep going” “you are good enough” when you constantly doubt yourself.
Scenario: Your case has gone missing at the airport and due to start a job as soon as you get there. You have 15mins to grab essentials. What are your 5 essentials do you pick up to complete the look?
If I’m going on a shoot? concealer, illuminating moisturiser, lipstick, brow powder, powder.
How do you like to organise your kit?
One big essentials bag and everything else in smaller bags. Oh and Label everything!
What trend should be left behind in 2019?
The abuse of Highlighter and sharpie brows.
Where can we follow you online?
Thank you for your time and sharing with us Zahra, it is greatly appreciated!
Love,
Lisa x