The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy- Designer Yves Saint Laurent surely knew what it meant to look your best. But makeup itself will not provide you with the kind of glow you wish to attain. Your own self-expression and passion for owning your distinctive look are what matter here. And that is the kind of vision with which makeup artist and salon owner Gulali K.Afridi takes on her practice. Her clients surely look amazing but they do so through her charm of accentuating their features which gives their inner confidence a major boost too. Speaking to Social Diary, she shared more on her passion for makeup, her incredible journey in proving her mark, and what it means to shine with outer beauty as well as inner.
SD: How did you venture into the field of makeup and beauty?
Gulali: My mother has been my biggest inspiration. She was actually a makeup artist herself in her early days and I have been able to learn so much from her.
SD: Share with our readers your earliest makeup memory.
GulaIi: Colouring brows super dark … yikes!
SD: As a beauty expert, how would you consider women’s expression with makeup has been evolving?
Gulali: I would say our conscience is what defines our outward appearance. I feel makeup has evolved into something so much more than just what you apply on your face. It has become a tool of self-love and self-confidence, and through the years, it continuously develops in how it defines our personality. Makeup itself is a form of art and a body of expression. And, just as with any other art form, makeup also reflects a person’s personality and thoughts.
SD: What kind of misconceptions do you wish to challenge and change with your skills and expertise?
Gulali: Makeup requires a whole lot more effort than most people think. It is creative work but has certain rules. Every face has a different structure and requires different techniques during application. We can’t expect every makeup look to be identical to an application based on a picture from a magazine. Faces are the closest features that reflect our inner self, and makeup helps in shaping it to its very best form. I intend to make my clients reflect their sheer beauty without having to rely on build-up applications.
SD: What kind of looks do you feel will be more in demand in 2023?
Gulali: The trending Bella Hadid looks like soap brows, fox eyes and lifted facial contours. I feel these will definitely be in most demand.
SD: What is your signature style that defines your work?
Gulali: Definitely my wing liner!
SD: Do you believe in adapting changes to your style of working as trends change?
Gulali: Absolutely! I always strive towards learning new styles that are trending. I love practising new looks on my friends and perfecting the techniques to give my clients the best of my skills which will reflect through them.
SD: Your absolute favourite makeup styles?
Gulaili: Rosey cheeks with glowing skin and fox eyes.
SD: The absolute skincare essentials every woman should be knowing of?
Gulaili: Sleep, water and retinol. Hydration is the best skincare, along with vitamin A. I recommend retinol for it helps in skin cell production.
SD: An underrated makeup look?
Gulaili: I don’t feel any look is underrated when it is done right. Makeup should define and accentuate a person’s features so having to follow every trend also doesn’t make sense.
SD: An overrated makeup look?
Gulaili: I think every look which is done with complete effort is going to make a distinctive mark. However, sometimes people try to make up their own application processes and the looks don’t turn out the way they’d envisioned.
SD: Is there a discontinued makeup product that was your favourite and why?
Gulaili: There are so many products to name, but I’ll go with Tati eyeshadow palette volume 1. It’s just that you get so comfortable with some eyeshadow palettes and it’s sad how they are discontinued regardless of doing great in the market.
SD: Less is more- how do you feel we should be adapting this when it comes to makeup?
Gulaili: I feel one of the most important things you need to focus on is having a healthy skincare routine. The better your skin feels naturally, the more your look will turn out to be the best version of a ‘less is more’. And, don’t forget to blend everything well. This is one of the basics many tend to ignore.
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