DUBAI: Lebanese celebrity makeup artist Bassam Fattouh, founder of his namesake cosmetics brand, shared his expert tips during a Dubai masterclass at Beautyworld Middle East, the region’s leading international trade fair for beauty, hair, fragrance, and wellbeing, which took place this week.
The session provided a glimpse into his signature soft, glowing approach that has made him one of the Arab world’s most trusted beauty figures.
The session provided a glimpse into his signature soft, glowing approach that has made him one of the Arab world’s most trusted beauty figures. (Supplied)
Fattouh began by revealing that he usually starts any look with eye drops to remove redness and prevent tearing. “Tearing is a nightmare for us makeup artists,” he said, adding that eye drops also help hydrate the eyes, keeping them bright and refreshed.
When the model came on stage, she already had basic base makeup and lashes applied, allowing him to focus on the artistry and refinement of his techniques. He started with the eyes, applying a thin line of kohl along the lash line before gently smudging it for a natural, diffused finish.
“Blend, blend — it’s your best friend,” he reminded the audience, emphasizing that perfect blending can transform any look. He also applies very little product on the brush to achieve a smooth, even blend.
He started with the eyes, applying a thin line of kohl along the lash line before gently smudging it for a natural, diffused finish. (Supplied)
As a professional tip for fellow makeup artists, he revealed that he uses a puff under his fingers while working on the eyes to avoid disturbing the base.
Fattouh said that there is no fixed order between doing eyes or skin first. It depends on the look and mood he is going for.
When it comes to brow gel, he advised applying brow mascara quickly to avoid a white cast, regardless of the product or formula. He also warned against placing concealer too close to the lash line, because it can make the eyes appear smaller.
During the masterclass, Fattouh teased the launch of a new foundation early next year and a nano brush mascara designed for precise definition. (Supplied)
On contouring, his trick is to brush over the entire nose, then highlight only the bridge — a simple method he recommends if you find nose contouring tricky or hard to perfect.
During the masterclass, Fattouh teased the launch of a new foundation early next year and a nano brush mascara designed for precise definition.
He concluded by unveiling his latest innovation — a “see-through” highlighter with almost no pigment, designed, he said, to give the skin a natural, long-lasting glass-like glow.
