Bassam Fattouh Teaches Us How To Recreate His Most Signature Make-up Look

Bassam Fattouh – Lebanese make-up artist and luxury cosmetics brand founder – attending Beauty World Middle East this week, sharing his hints and tips for creating one of his signature looks

Few makeup artists have shaped the modern Arab beauty aesthetic, quite like Bassam Fattouh with a philosophy built on effortless radiance, timeless elegance, and the power of enhancing natural features with modern artistry. Known for crafting looks that transcend time and trend, the Lebanese makeup artist has long defined the region’s vision of glamour — luminous, confident, and deeply feminine.

Bazaar Arabia takes a look at Fattouh’s philosophy of beauty and at the creation of his signature “Effortless Radiance” look — a modern balance of Parisian refinement and Arab elegance. From glowing skin to sculpted brows and softly diffused eyes, he reveals how true allure begins not with transformation, but with celebrating individuality.

Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your journey as a makeup artist?

I’ve always believed makeup is more than colour — it’s emotion, confidence, and transformation. My journey began in Paris at La Maison de Beauté Carita, where I trained in the art of beauty. From there, I built my career working with celebrities, royal families, and women across the Middle East. Every face inspired me to create my own language of beauty — one that celebrates individuality and modern femininity. Today, through Bassam Fattouh Cosmetics, my goal is to share that same artistry with every woman, making professional beauty approachable and empowering.

What is your signature or favorite makeup look that you’re known for?

My signature look is what I call “Effortless Radiance.”

It’s the perfect balance between glowing skin, softly sculpted features, and captivating eyes. The focus is always on harmony — never too much, never too little. It’s that refined Arab elegance with a modern Parisian twist: luminous complexion, naturally lifted brows, diffused eyeliner, and lips that look kissed with colour.

What inspires this look or what makes it special to you?

It’s inspired by the women I’ve met throughout my career — confident, elegant, and real. I wanted to design a look that celebrates their kind of beauty — timeless, not trendy. This look enhances rather than hides. It allows a woman to feel powerful while remaining herself. To me, that’s true luxury.

Can you walk us through the step-by-step process of creating this look?

Step 1: Prep & Prime

Start with clean, hydrated skin. I use Serum Glow to create a smooth, luminous base that makes makeup blend seamlessly.

Step 2: Flawless Canvas

Apply Blur Kit 2 to softly contour and highlight. Keep the centre of the face light and the perimeters warm for natural dimension.

Step 3: Eyes that Speak

Blend neutral tones from the Essential Palette across the lids. Add a soft wing using Aiguille Liner for precision, then finish with mascara for lifted lashes.

Step 4: Brows that Frame

Shape and lift with Lift & Line Brow Pencil — fill with the thin tip and highlight under the arch for a natural lift.

Step 5: Blush & Glow

Use the Blushed palette for a flush of colour on the cheeks and a subtle highlighter touch on the high points.

Step 6: Lips that Shine

Outline and fill with Line & Shine — the lipliner defines, and the gloss adds light for that fresh, juicy finish.

Are there any key tips or tricks you recommend when recreating this look?

1. Always start with skincare — makeup only looks as good as the skin underneath.
2. Use cream textures for a youthful, seamless finish.
3. Blend in circular motions — harsh lines kill elegance.
4. Never over-powder; keep the glow alive.
5. And finally: know when to stop. Beauty lives in balance, not excess.

What are your must-have products to achieve this look?

The Blur Kit — because it’s a blurry era, where we move away from heavy contouring and focus on natural definition.

Shadow Eyebrow — the thinnest, most precise brow product made in Japan for a feathered, natural finish.

Cream Blush — it’s truly the blush era; it gives the skin that fresh, glassy, and dewy effect everyone loves.

EyeDare Mascara — for bold, lifted lashes that open the eyes beautifully.

Lip Architect — a new 2-in-1 lipliner and lip gloss that defines and shines at once — an absolute must-have in every makeup bag.

Images: Supplied