Flawless Friday - Nadia Ali

What inspired you to become a makeup artist? 
Early on in my career as HDS I had witnessed an incident when my bride, who I was applying henna, had a panic attack because her hair stylist made it to her house 2 hours late and the makeup artist didn’t show up at all. The hair stylist wasn’t comfortable helping with makeup and I jumped in to help her out. 
From then on, I wanted to create “a one stop shop” brand for brides where they can find all of the beauty services. 
A lot of artists enjoy how their client feels about themselves after they have applied makeup for them. For me it’s the process of the transformation that takes place. I love the options I have when choosing colors or placement of product and how I’m able to create an illusion. 

Did you ever have a client that asked you for a makeup style that was unsuitable for them. How did you handle it?
Yes, I have! I’ve had to handle it in two different ways. I always begin by listening to what my client wants and why they want it. Sometimes it’s as simple as I want glitter and not I want the glitter applied in this manner. I believe people can wear whatever they want, it just needs to be altered a bit to suit their unique features. I will always do a trial to show them what it will look like so they can see it for themselves and then I work with the bride to adjust it to suit her. 

What, in your opinion, is the most important quality in a Makeup Artist?
Flexibility in both the art of makeup and requests by clients. While you’re in your groove with an end image for the client, they can easily request a change that won’t fit that idea you have in your head. I’ve seen several times where the artist will try to convince the client to stick to what they are doing or their mood immediately changes. Ultimately, it’s what the client wants and if you have to change a cut crease look into a Smokey eye then that’s what you should be able to do with ease and happiness.