We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Areej Askar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Areej below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Areej with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic stems from my passion for the art of makeup, a commitment to constantly learning new skill’s, and a dedication to ensuring clients feel confident. Not a lot of people get to say they get paid to do what they love, I’m lucky enough to say that about makeup. I get to meet so many amazing people everyday who keep my passion ignited.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Areej and I’m the “face” behind Face by Areej, I’m a mom and a business owner.
I am a makeup artist located in the suburbs of Chicago. Makeup has always been an outlet for me – it gave me a creative space. I love the way it not only transforms someone but changes their mood, gives them confidence and makes them excited to get dressed up.
I started doing makeup professionally in 2021 when I was in between jobs and was lost on what I wanted to do. I found excitement in it and I love being able to see a look I envisioned come to life.
Being a makeup artist is so special and such a gift, we get to be apart of brides big day, someones graduation day and so many more exciting occasions. In this career you build so many great relationships and you truly get to meet amazing people who leave an impact on you.
My makeup style is soft glam emphasis on glam! I love all things blushy and glowy.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being the beauty industry definitely has its fun side but it is very demanding. I think the best makeup artists have a desire to keep learning and elevate themselves- this is best done by taking 1:1 makeup courses so you can take some great techniques from other artists. I would also say patience is something you have to have as a MUA, clients are not always going to love your makeup on the first go sometimes you have to change things to their liking because at the end of the day as I always say it’s their face! Another thing I would say is important is discipline, you have to wake up early, designate good time for each client, clean and sanitize your kit and brushes and repeat this cycle each time.
The best thing to do when starting out early is to be patient with yourself and always reach out to other makeup artists.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I think the number one obstacle I face being a makeup artist is artist block. Feeling like I’m doing the same look over and over again. Sometimes I lose interest when I’m doing the same thing, I overcome this by getting models to work on. I get to try new looks, work with new faces and use new products that make it exciting again.
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