Bassam Fattouh Reveals His Top Tips & Tricks For The Perfect Bridal Beauty Look
From skin prep to creating Christina Mourad’s wedding-day make-up look, the Beirut-based beauty pro is the man you need to know…
Renowned for creating breathtaking bridal looks, king of Middle Eastern make-up, Bassam Fattouh is the man on everyone’s radar. Here, Nina Catt catches up with the make-up artist and founder of his namesake cosmetics brand to talk tips, tricks and Christina Mourad’s wedding-day look…
What’s the number-one piece of advice you give to brides-to-be when it comes to their big-day beauty look?
“The first thing I always advise my brides to do is to go for a make-up look that represents them and resembles their character. For their special day they should be confident and comfortable in their own skin. They shouldn’t go for a look that is out of their comfort zone. On top of that, if any bride asks for my opinion, I usually advise her to go for a natural look using a neutral colour palette as it will always remain timeless.”
How should skin be prepped in the run-up to special events?
“A daily beauty regimen should be started at least four months before the wedding. This would include exfoliating, cleansing, toning, and moisturising to ensure the skin is in tip-top condition. Sunscreen should be applied whenever stepping outside.”
What are the top things brides-to-be repeatedly ask for?
“The first thing they ask for is make-up that will stay intact for the entire day. Secondly, every bride wants that highlighted glow, and an even complexion.”
What are your tips and techniques for making make-up last?
“First of all, make-up should be applied to a thoroughly clean face – and by clean face I mean cleansed and toned to completely get rid of dead skin, dirt and any make-up residue. The products used should be professional make-up formulas. And I strongly believe that blending is key. Make-up must be blended well so it lasts longer. Next, loose powder plays a big role, especially on oily skin. For dry complexions, a hydrating cream should be used as a base.”
Christina Mourad on her wedding day
You famously created Christina Mourad’s beauty look for her wedding to Elie Saab Jr. What were some of the key products that you used?
“Before the wedding day Christina and I met up many times along with her hairdresser, and Elie Saab himself, to come up with the bridal look. We wanted the look to be uniform and perfect from all an-gles. The three of us gave our input to create the final vision. I used Backlighting from Bassam Fattouh Cosmetics to brighten her skin, The Star palette for her eyeshadow, and a mix of the neutral shades of lipstick from our Matte Tricks collection.”
The Star eyeshadow palette, Dhs250; Backlighting All Over Glow in Bride’s Way; Dhs190, Matte Tricks Lipstick in Bride Lips, Dhs100. All Bassam Fattouh Cosmetics
You have some stunning nude and pink lipsticks in your cosmetics line. What’s your favourite shade?
“If I have to pick just one I would say, the Bride Lips shade. It’s the one I use the most on my bridal clients. It’s a fresh pink-nude that is universally flattering.”
What was the first beauty product you ever bought for yourself?
“Guerlain Mousse de Beauté cleansing foam.”
And what is the one product you repurchase for yourself, over and over again?
“Clarins Double Serum.”
What’s next for your brand? Please share a secret…
“I have so many exciting projects in the pipeline, but the project coming to life very soon is – drum roll please – a bridal kit! We have created a make-up kit containing all the products needed for a bride’s big day. It will also please everyday fans of soft, natural and glowy make-up. I can’t wait for it to launch.”
From the autumn/winter 2020 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Bride