By Snaya Master
Every woman spends at least 15 minutes checking her make-up and appearance before she leaves home. In Qatar, there is one lady who takes on the challenge of making others look beautiful, especially when they are in the public eye.
Born in Mumbai but living in Qatar since the age of two, Asma Ahmed is driven by determination and endowed with talent. A make-up geek up to date with the latest trends and techniques of the art of looking good, she discloses tips to take care of one’s skin in her blog and Facebook group.
The make-up artist is an ITEC graduate from Qatar International Beauty Academy (Tajmeel). “My college principal, Beverly Crowther, was instrumental in honing my skills and, above all, in believing that I had a bright future in this industry,” says Ahmed.
What started out as a hobby became her passion and later turned into her profession. “My Inspiration is to help people look beautiful and make them happy,” she says.
Ahmed has worked with multiple award-winning director Raid Makdessi in his film The Door. The movie was featured at the Arab Camera festival in Rotterdam in 2012. She has also done make-up for celebrities, including soloist Deyan Vatchkov, who played “The King II Re” in Verdi‘s acclaimed opera Aida, which was performed together with Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra at Katara in 2012.
She has also worked with Han–Na Chang, music director of Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, in 2013.
“Combining a naturally creative eye with precise technical skill and a passion for the art of make-up transformation, I am on a mission to build an impressive portfolio of private and commercial clients. I believe that creativity and artistic talent should mean that every job is fresh and innovative,” she says.
According to Ahmed, make-up has no rules. “The face is like a canvas and you can mix and match different colours to create something beautiful.”
Ahmed’s passion for her work is infectious and her talent shows in her creativity. She likes to experiment in her work and is versatile in her creations.
“I love creating looks by really listening and responding to each person’s individual needs. I do not believe in the cookie-cutter treatment -- that one look suits all. I use the same professional work ethic for every job, from fashion shows to film productions and personal clients. I endeavour to create beautiful looks that clients feel confident in and that leave a lasting, positive memory,” Ahmed says.
She believes that each of her clients should be pampered and treated like a celebrity, which helps spread the good word and boost her clientele. Networking and marketing are important tools to promote oneself in the industry.
Ahmed emphasises drinking water, which is vital for the skin as it helps flush out toxins from the body. Another advice from the expert is to never sleep with make-up on as one needs to let the skin breathe at night so that it is fresh and healthy in the morning. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing are also very important for the face and help rejuvenate the skin.
Finally, Ahmed’s advice to all aspiring make-up artists is: be passionate, optimistic and patient, believe in yourself and your abilities, and, above all, love yourself.
The Peninsula
