A Chit Chat with Arabia Weddings: Lebanese Makeup Expert Christian Abouhaidar
Christian Abouhaidar is one of the well known makeup artists in Lebanon and the Middle East. He transferred his passion for painting into becoming one of the most creative men in make-up.
His style gained popularity through his work with Middle East publications, including Elle Orientele and L'Officiel Middle East.
Christian Abouhaidar worked with stars, such as Lebanese singer Elissa, Egyptian singer Sherine Abdel Wahab, French singer Helene Segara and Paris Hilton.
His impressive bridal catalogue has helped him to achieve recognition as one of the top bridal make-up artists in the Middle East.
Christian also gained international recognition by appearing for 4 months as a make-up consultant on Star Academy Arabia, season 9.
We had the chance to ask the makeup guru a few questions and here is what he had to say:
- When do you think a bride-to-be should start a beauty routine to have a smooth and glowing complexion on her wedding day?
Whilst it’s important to look after your skin continuously, especially as we get older - if you need to start a new skin routine before your wedding day, I’d suggest starting 8 weeks before. Choose a cleanser, toner and moisturiser suitable for your skin type and use them every morning and night. Every couple of days you’ll want to use an exfoliator to get rid of any dull, flaking skin and most importantly of all, make sure you use products which contain SPF to protect your skin from sun damage.
One of the most popular trends seen at all of the catwalk shows was for a fresh faced, more natural look
- What are the latest beauty trends and makeup colors for 2015?
2015 has been a great year so far for beauty. One of the most popular trends seen at all of the catwalk shows was for a fresh faced, more natural look – keeping things simple with nude lips, barely there blusher and a glowing complexion but focusing on your brows to add some depth.
In terms of colours – the red lip is back in a multitude of shades. From orangey reds to deeper, almost purple shades, find a shade which works for your skin tone and wear it with confidence.
Make sure you use products which contain SPF to protect your skin from sun damage
- What are 3 of the most important makeup advice you can give to every bride-to-be?
Keep it natural – you want your husband to recognise you on your wedding day, so don’t go for an extreme look or something that isn’t you.Tone down eyeliner – too much eyeliner creates a harsher look, and will inevitable smudge – not a good look for your wedding day!Wear lashes – false lashes give you an excellent boost and open up your eyes, especially for photographs.
- How can a bride know exactly which makeup look and colors suit her best?
Try out different makeup looks and use photos to judge if they work for you, and make sure you try them in different lights too. Failing that, booking an appointment with a makeup artist will help you to work out what suits you best and which products you should use.
Some shades work well on all skin tones, particularly neutral colours and gold/bronze tones. If you want to keep it safe on your wedding day, sticking to these shades will create a soft, beautiful look and can be played up or toned down according to your preference.
- Do you offer a makeup trial before the wedding?
Whilst I don’t offer wedding trials, I do offer regular makeup appointments where clients can come and have a look done in order to see what would work best for them.
