Najla Kaddour is a Dubai based make-up artist and blogger who launched her blog because she wanted to share her experiences as a make-up artist and beauty expert. The blog has developed over the past years and has now become a platform where you can find anything beauty related.
Q HOW DIDÂ YOU GET INTOÂ THIS AND WHYÂ SPECIFICALLYÂ BEAUTY?
Najla: I used to study fashion but at a young age I knew that I wanted to become a make-up artist. After getting my degree as a make-up artist I started freelancing and eventually moved to Dubai four years ago to continue my career. After building my clientele and working on photo shoots, I received so many questions about make-up products, tips and tricks. That’s when I decided that I wanted to share my experience and knowledge with others, and that’s how the blog najlakaddour.com was born. It was a very obvious decision to blog specifically about beauty as this was my profession and as a professional I felt that my readers would value and respect my opinion. At that time, I also felt that there was a lack of high quality educational beauty blogs or websites.
Q WITHIN BEAUTY, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE AND NOT SO FAVORITE ASPECTS?Â
Najla: I don’t like the fact that certain make-up trends are being overused such as contouring. Every few months there’s a ‘new’ make-up trend, which already existed and it just keeps getting overused. My favorite part is that you can achieve so much within the beauty industry. You can go really in any direction with it. Whether you want to focus on editorial, blogging, bridal or TV. You can establish a wide career for yourself and still enjoy what you’re doing. Beauty in this region plays a big part in everyone’s life, for both men and women and it has become a way to express yourself.
Q IF A WOMAN HADÂ TO CARRY ONLY 4 BEAUTYÂ PRODUCTS, WHAT SHOULDÂ THEY BE AND WHY?
Najla: It depends on what skin type you have and the problem areas you have that you really want to hide. Personally speaking, I can’t leave the house without a lip balm, bronzer, tinted brow gel and a rosewood toned lip liner. When I’m in a rush and I don’t have time to get ready but still want to look presentable, these are the main items that can save me throughout the day.
Q WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FAVORITES INÂ BEAUTY?
Najla: Moroccan Oil; ever since I colored my hair blond a few months ago, I can’t seem to live without the Moroccan Oil. It really helps to make my hair healthy and shiny again.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip Liner #2C; this is such a multi-functional product to me. The shade is very flattering for my skin tone, it lasts super long and feels light weighted. I can create fuller lips and it will still look natural. Or sometimes I fill in my lips with the lip liner and if I
feel like having some gloss I apply a clear gloss on top of it.
L’Occitane Pivoine Sublime CC cream; whenever I’m wearing a full make-up look, I always use this CC cream. It cancels out any blemishes and creates an even skin tone. It’s very light weighted to the skin and it doesn’t make my skin oily which is what a lot of CC creams do.
ZOEVA Cosmetics Cocoa Blend Palette; this is one of my favorite eye shadow palettes at the moment. The palette itself is very light weighted which is perfect for travel or for my kit. The colors are also very pigmented and with these shades I can create a simple, natural look or a bold, evening look.
Q HOW CAN A WOMAN GETÂ GLAMMED UP EFFORTLESSLY?
Najla: Bold lips are definitely a must! You can use either a classic red lipstick or a very bold burgundy, or even purple lipstick color. Highlights are also great for a glamorous look and definitely fluttery lashes.
