Azka Saifullah harnesses her talent to shed light on the Palestinian struggle, crafting impactful videos that are both thought-provoking and visually engaging. In a conversation with Social Diary Magazine, she reflects on the origins of her journey and her commitment to addressing the current crisis, driven by her observation of the silence among fellow artists. Continue reading to uncover her inspiring narrative. 
SD: Could you tell us about your journey as a makeup artist and how you started in this profession?
Azka: I have always been the artistic one in my family. I did my bachelor’s from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in NYC, where I experimented with various mediums, ranging from screen printing, sculpture, painting, and graphic design. A few years ago, I finally took a leap of faith with makeup because postpartum was tough and I needed to reignite a sense of “me” in myself. I dwelled deep in makeup as my medium, and the rest is history.
SD: What inspires your makeup looks, particularly those centered around different themes and causes?
Azka: Honestly the only social cause I have dedicated my art to so far is that of Palestine. Before that, I mostly did Western trends and desi bridal and traditional looks. I started creating my transitions, dedicated and inspired by dance choreography by various dancers. But since Oct 7th, I put all that aside and only worked on content highlighting Palestine’s plight.
SD: How do you incorporate Pakistani culture and traditions into your makeup creations?
Azka: I’m a sucker for traditional desi looks. From the full glam bridal, to the simple khol eye look, I have tried it all. Needless to say, I have done it all and I love what our vibrant and colorful culture represents. Even though my work right now might not have a lot of traditional looks in it, I hope that once there is a permanent ceasefire, I can go back to creating more traditional work, while simultaneously continuing my work for other social causes.
SD: Can you share some of the most memorable makeup looks you’ve created for specific causes or events?
Azka: My most memorable work is mostly the work I have created to spread awareness towards Palestine. I have really pushed my comfort zone and boundaries to unleash the creativity in me to put forth these looks. In a world of repetition and mundane, trying to come up with content that served a purpose beyond just “beauty and makeup” was very tough. It still takes up so much of my time and it is a creative challenge to keep the ideas flowing, and in the end, it feels like an achievement in itself every time one look comes together.
SD: In your opinion, how does makeup serve as a form of expression and empowerment, especially within the context of Pakistan? 
Azka: Pakistan has had the “gora” complex as far back as I can remember. With the work I did around my Pakistani identity, I aimed to highlight the beauty of our skin tone and acceptance of our unique features, to counter the “white base” complex. We are so much more than just some societal beauty standard.
SD: What challenges do you face as a makeup artist in Pakistan, and how do you overcome them?
Azka: Initially, I faced a lot of criticism from my distant family and community, but Alhamdulillah I have a very supportive husband, who has prioritized me above all else and always has been my biggest support and protector. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for him. Other than that, there’s always online trolls. And people just commenting for the sake of bullying. But I have learned to let go of it all. Especially since Oct 7th, a lot of what held me back, a lot of what I desired in this field, has come undone.
SD: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in the makeup industry while maintaining your unique style?
Azka: I used to follow a lot of makeup accounts prior to Oct 7th which helped me stay up to date on the latest “trends” in the industry. But since then, I have unfollowed 99% of those, many Pakistani influencers because of their silence/indifference towards this Genocide. Now I have discovered new creators, with whom I share not just my passion but also values.
SD: Share with us the inspiration behind looks highlighting the Palestinian plight.
Azka: My inspiration for these looks is solely the people of Palestine and the diaspora and those standing up for them, risking it all. I have come across so many amazing souls/artists that have risked it all for the sake of their morals and humanity, while so many have stayed quiet. I take inspiration from artists such as Jenan Matari, llunr, Dana Saleh, etc. Their music/art and poems help evoke my ideas. Been doing so for 6 months, to a point where now, all my makeup ideas in my head automatically align themselves once I come across a music, or poem that resonates with me and the rest I leave up to my brush set and me in the moment. 
