She has just turned 20, this year and celebrated her 20th in the most unique manner. She gave a make-over to a few frontline workers and pampered them on her birthday! Something she aspires to do every year. The young make-up artiste Arwa Beig, who was part of Filmfare ME’s Arab Asia Starz cover shoot speaks to Manju Ramanan on her passion, her inspiration, and her dreams!
When did you realise that beauty is what you’d like to pursue?
I always had the passion for beauty since I can remember. When I turned 17, my mom was diagnosed with cervical cancer and just seeing her confidence and energy post a makeover, pushed me to pursue “Beauty” as my career.
Where did you train and how did you start?
Initially, I was encouraged by YouTube tutorials and used to practice on myself and my family. In January 2019, I took up an intensive course for fashion makeup in Glauca Rossi College of Makeup in London, UK. This started my journey into the world of beauty and I am so glad I have taken up something that I am so passionate about.
What is the first thing you notice about someone?
For me, the favorite part of someone’s face is their eyes – so that’s definitely the first thing I notice. The eye has the power to express way more than we can comprehend.
The celebrities you want to work with and why?
I hope to work with celebrities from all industries. From Bollywood, I would love to work with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as she has always been the inspirational beauty icon. From Hollywood, I would love to work with MakeupByMario aka Mario Dedivanovic, a renowned makeup artist who has changed the technique of makeup. I would love to showcase my passion and talent for beauty to him.
The people in Dubai you admire and why?
I would start off by saying that my mother Zoha Beig is one of the biggest inspirations as I have seen her pull through every situation with a smile on her face and is always there to help everyone around her no matter how tired she is. Raza Beig; my uncle I admire because he has managed to take his family who had nothing, to a well-settled life after working tirelessly to provide for us all. These two people in my immediate family have taught me a lot about having a strong work ethic, to be generous and to love genuinely and help anyone you can. I am most impressed with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who transformed the UAE with his vision and has made such incredible progress in giving back to our society and making it a safe and happy environment for us to live in. I hope to one day give people the same feeling he has given by succeeding in his vision.
Tell us about your recent birthday celebration? Are you planning to do this regularly?
For my big 20 in 2020, I wanted to make it special for the many frontline workers who toil tirelessly. This year I decided to give back to the community by my initiative ‘Arwa’s Beauty Beliefs’ where I gave a makeover to a few selected doctors and nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. I did a makeover, styled them with two outfits, had a lovely dinner and gifted them a return ticket to visit their families. I do plan to continue my initiative and plan to do my next session for some deserving cancer fighters and survivors.
Do you see yourself own your line of make -up someday?
The love I got from the initiative is pushing me to do more, give back to the people who do so much for our society. For the time being, I want to focus on my initiative and do my part for the community. Inshallah God willing in the future, I hope to launch my own line of makeup and if I can give the joy that Arwa’s Beauty Beliefs gives through my own line, it would be amazing.
Beauty is skin deep? Comment?
Yes, this is true. While saying that, beauty also reflects how you feel within. There is so much the power of make-up can bring to a person – it boosts confidence, builds fresh energy and instills a sense of self-assurance.
Five must-have makeup items in your bag
My must-have items are eyebrow pencil, mascara, Charlotte Tilbury airbrush powder, bronzer and lipstick .. These are must-haves for any girl’s bag.
You grew up in Dubai. What are the Arabic influences to your make -up style?
I have definitely adapted the way I put my eyeliner from the Arabic Inspirations as I love how they have it thick and sharp.
Quick Questions
Sonam, Priyanka and Anushka – whose make up style do you like the most ?
I like Priyanka’s style of makeup the most because it’s done in a way where it brings out her beautiful features rather than changing how she looks.
A clear no no in makeup is…
caking up your face and changing your identity to fit the new norm.
Inner beauty is important…
as it reflects who you are as a person and what type of energy you hold.
Courage is…
going through the hardest moments in life and coming out of it with a positive mindset and a lesson taught.
The best part of being in Dubai is…
being able to be around my loved ones and working towards bettering the society.