25 Questions: Kuwaiti Influencer Farah Al Hadi On Being Ambitious And The Advice She Would Give To Her Younger Self
From style and beauty secrets to her thoughts on her husband, Aqeel, she shares it all with Bazaar
Farah Al Hadi answers all of our questions here…
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): How do you renew your energy?
Farah Al Hadi (FAH): Staying away from my phone and having a day to myself renews my energy. I usually spend that time reading novels.
HBA: What’s your favorite time of the day?
FAH: When it’s time to wake up and have a cup of coffee; the quietness and calmness of mornings keep me concentrated and focused. It allows me to plan the rest of the day better.
HBA: How would you define beauty?
FAH: Beauty is inner beauty — the beauty of the personality. When one has a distinct and unique personality that doesn’t follow any wave, as well as humor, confidence, and, intelligence, in my opinion, it makes one more beautiful.
HBA: How do you deal with criticism?
FAH: I accept and respect constructive criticism; I listen to all the advice. Criticism can make us more aware of ourselves, our conduct and can help us grow for the better.
HBA: What’s the most important step in your makeup routine?
FAH: Making sure I take care of my skin because the beauty of make-up can only be seen when we have a clear complexiont. And by care, I mean, moisturising, using an eye cream, and of course, making sure I wash my face and remove my make-up before bed.
HBA: What are a few of your skincare secrets?
FAH: Moisturising and drinking water. Putting ice on your face — especially right when you wake up — is excellent, as it decreases the puffiness and exhaustion; it restores vitality to the skin.
HBA: What is one product you cannot go without during the summer and winter times?
FAH: Lip balm.
HBA: A product that always has to be in your purse?
FAH: Again, lip balm.
HBA: What is the last beauty product you use before bed?
FAH: I can’t go to sleep without using rose water, all day long even before bed. And, of course, lip balm.
HBA: Who inspires you from the beauty world?
FAH: I love the beauty of Natalie Portman; the way she takes care of her skin and hair, and the way she preserves her natural beauty is something that I really admire.
HBA: What are your first memories of makeup?
FAH: I used to take my mother’s lipstick when I was younger.
HBA: What’s your favorite way of removing makeup?
FAH: The most important step for me is using a cleanser to remove my makeup; I use makeup wipes to remove my makeup, but it never replaces cleansing. I also use a face scrub once a week.
HBA: How would you describe your sense of style?
FAH: There is no specific type of style I go for; I don’t like to constrict myself. I wear and style myself based on my mood — whether it’s high heels or sportswear. I also don’t follow trends — only if I’m really impressed or hooked by a trend, I’ll wear it.
HBA: What is your favorite fashion brand? Why?
FAH: Zara. I love it for its basic and non-basic pieces, as they suit everyone and their prices are affordable. I also like Shein if were talking about online shopping.
HBA: What’s the most important item in your wardrobe?
FAH: Jeans. Good quality jeans can act as a foundation for creating
HBA: Who’s your style icon?
FAH: I’m not inspired by one specific individual. I get inspired by the celebrities I follow like Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, Kylie, Olivia Culpo, and currently Elsa Hosk.
HBA: The five most important things that have to be in your travel bag?
FAH: Portable charger, makeup remover, hair straightener, make-up bag and dry shampoo.
HBA: Your favourite book?
FAH: The Lies We Told by Camilla Way; I am drawn to mystery and investigation type of books. And psychological thriller books too — I love unexpected endings.
HBA: Your favourite song?
FAH: A Thousand Years.
HBA: What advice would you give to your younger self?
To really be present in the moments. To not be so anxious and worried about work but, rather, spend time creating happy memories with the people in your life.
HBA: How would you describe your relationship with Aqeel?
FAH: We were friends before marriage, so our relationship is very close. I cannot describe it precisely; our souls are similar, and my relationship with him is not just a relationship of love — we are family, friends and spouses all at the same time.
HBA: What trait do you like best about him?
FAH: I love his generosity and how he gives his time to share advice and love.
HBA: What is your biggest ambition?
FAH: Securing the future for my family and children is my biggest ambition, as well as knowing and understanding what I want from life.
HBA: A country you dream of visiting?
FAH: Italy.
HBA: Something your followers don’t know about you?
FAH: I feel that I am really close to followers and that they know a lot about me. I do not consider them merely followers, but like friends to me. They may not know that I am a very nervous person, but I try to control this trait as much as possible.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram.