By day, Asma Lootah works as an architect at Dubai Municipality; by night, she is a make-up artist transforming brides-to-be and birthday girls.
“There are lots of similarities between the two professions,” she says. “Both of them are a kind of art and they deal with colours, proportions and lines. Studying architecture helped me a lot with becoming a make-up artist.”
Lootah, 28, had nothing more than a vague interest in make-up while she was at university, and did not decide to take it further until she began researching make-up for her wedding four years ago.
“I was looking at magazines and at Facebook and the internet at all kinds of make-up artists – it really developed my interest. I decided I wanted to learn more about it and, as an engineer, when I like something, I like to know everything about it.”
After taking classes at a local beauty school, Lootah began practising on her family and friends. Two years later, she has a busy diary of weddings, birthdays and parties, and more than 6,500 followers on her Instagram account, @MakeUpByAsma. "Everyone has Instagram; it's like an epidemic," she says. "It's good for anyone wanting to start a small business."
She also helps run make-up courses. At the moment, she plans to continue working in the heritage department of the Municipality but says that one day she would like to turn her interest into a full-time career.
“I’m still growing and I’m not that big in the business but some day I would like to be. I want to have my own line of make-up brushes as well, that would be amazing.”
Lootah is also a wife to Mohamed Hussain, 35, and mother to their son Rayan, 2. She says her family have enabled her to succeed. “My mother helps with my son – without her I couldn’t do anything. Still my family are my priority. I would not compromise on quality time with my son.”
What is your most important make-up item?
Concealer. People don’t always give enough attention to the under-eye area and concealer gives a glow. My favourites are Make Up Forever Full Cover and Mac Pro Longwear.
Best piece of advice you remember?
I read that you must believe in yourself before expecting others to believe in you. You must be your own rock. I wasn’t a very confident girl growing up and it got to a point where I had to just tell myself: “You’re strong, you’re confident, you can do it.”
How do you enjoy the outdoors?
I love going to the beach, usually Jumeirah Beach Park. I go with my son; he loves swimming and the water.
What’s your best holiday memory?
My honeymoon in Interlaken, Switzerland. It’s very beautiful with lots of mountains and nature. We did a lot of activities, such as rafting in the rivers. It was a paradise on Earth.
What are the most common mistakes in make-up?
The first is choosing the wrong shade of foundation, either too light or too dark. Second, overdoing the eyebrows. It’s the first thing I notice on the face. Arab women tend to draw their brows on very, very thick and it takes over the whole face.
Name one celebrity whose make-up you like.
Nancy Ajram from Arab Idol. Her make-up artist, Fady Kataya, is one of the best. Nancy has a soft look and sometimes a strong smoky eye, but she still looks feminine.
Most important thing to you when raising your son?
I want him to feel loved growing up. This is the most important thing. It seems basic but it’s important. I want him to grow up with lots of love and care.
Name one brave thing you have done.
Skydiving in Dubai. I bought it as a present for my husband’s birthday so we both did it. It was the ultimate experience.
One material item you would rescue in a house fire?
My hard drive because it has all the memories and pictures, like my wedding albums. Then I’d get my phone and my make-up.
Which make-up artist do you look to for inspiration?
I follow Maya Mia on Instagram and look at her photos every day.
What’s your favourite book?
The Secret. It's an amazing book; it will change the way you think.
munderwood@thenational.ae