Makeup for an Insta gen: Get Shahnaz's Tips and Tricks

Dubai-based insta sensation Shahnaz shares makeup tips and tricks with her 100,000 followers, and now you!

By Maan Jalal
 maan@khaleejtimes.com

Published: Wed 18 Jan 2017, 11:58 AM

Last updated: Sun 22 Jan 2017, 7:11 PM

We all know that makeup is a huge thing. It's a billion dollar business after all that interests many girls and women. It's no shock then that there are so many young girls out there trying to make it their business to teach you how to look good. But Shahnaz Saleem is different. Let's be clear here, Shahnaz is different - she has over 100,000 followers and that's a massive deal here in Dubai. Shahnaz personifies today's modern Dubai girl, next door. Now that's a title. From makeup selfies, Snapchat filters and a cool, casual sense of style, nothing is pretentious, everything is cool and relevant.

We spoke to the young journalism student about how she started her Insta fame, her beauty tips and all the important trends you should know about.
When did you first get passionate about makeup?
It all started when I searched for a hairstyle tutorial on YouTube and found this whole other world of girls filming themselves and teaching their audience how they do their makeup. I watched a lot of videos and I fell in love with all the makeup trends out there. Then I started practicing what I learned on myself and my skills improved day by day.

What are the makeup trends that you think are coming up?
I think that highlighters are taking over the makeup trends, adding that extra glow to a basic makeup look will make the face light up.

Thoughts on your Insta fame.
I decided to start my Instagram account after learning all the makeup tricks. I wanted to start a YouTube channel just like all the other bloggers. My plan was to gain ten thousand followers on Instagram and then start the channel to have my audience from Instagram on YouTube. The plan worked exactly how I wanted.

Were you surprised by how many followers you got?
I was really surprised because I didn't think that I was that good with makeup! When some makeup pages started sharing my pictures, a lot of people started following me and that made me continue doing what I love.

Commonly asked question?
The number one question on my Instagram is about my Snapchat account. My audience really want to see my daily life on Snapchat but unfortunately my account is private at the moment. They also ask a lot about my hair care routine and I usually tell them what kind of oil I use to keep my hair healthy and shiny.

Do you feel any pressure as an online role model for younger girls?
Of course. It's my responsibility to make sure that the content I share on my social media accounts are appropriate for young girls because a lot of them usually copy the person they love or look up to. I do not want them to copy something that is wrong or not good for them.

How would you describe your style?
My style is always casual, comfy and sporty! I like to wear baggy clothes and sneakers especially on a day to day basis when I go to university because comfort is the most important thing to me when it comes to style.

What's one item every girl should have in her closet?
A good pair of boyfriend jeans! They're very comfortable and stylish at the same time. You can style them with a casual shirt and a pair of sneakers and you're good to go! You can also wear them on a night out with a pair of heels and a nice top. They go with everything!

Why did you decide to study journalism at university?
I've always loved reading and writing and I really wanted a major that is related to the things that I love. Journalism is the only major that has a lot of writing and is fun at the same time. I want to be a news anchor after graduating because I really like the way they present and talk on TV, and I've been practicing this for two years now. It has been great so far and I'm doing a wonderful job in this major.

What's the last book you read?
I usually read books in Arabic because I take my major courses at university in Arabic. I read six books last year and my favourite book was Hepta and they made a movie for it which was amazing.
International Inspirations
Kylie Jenner is one of my favourite celebrities and I love her style, she is doing an amazing job for someone who's so young and she is a trendsetter for sure. A lot of people tell me that we look alike and I think that we have a similar taste in makeup and fashion.

Personal Role Model
My sister Shahd is my real role model, she was my number one supporter when I started on Instagram and she really helped me through it all. I love the way she deals with everything and how she managed to be a strong successful woman without depending on anyone.
Top Three Beauty Tips

1) The most important beauty tip in my opinion is to moisturise you face before applying makeup. If your face is dry, the makeup won't look natural.

2) Apply a rose-toned corrector under your eyes before applying the concealer; this technique will erase all dark circles.

3) Apply a light coat of mascara on your lashes before doing the winged liner. This helps you put the line in the right way because your outer lashes will be the guide line.
Fun Facts

Macaroons or cupcakes?
Cupcakes.

Pizza or burgers?
Burgers.

Coffee or tea?
Tea.

What's your favorite Dubai spot to hang out with your girlfriends?
Downtown is my favorite spot in Dubai because it basically has everything you need.

What hobbies do you have?
Cooking is the only hobby that I actually love! I watch a lot of cooking shows when I have the time and I usually create new recipes every time I'm in the kitchen.

What's the last thing you have to check before you leave the house?
I always make sure my hair looks good before leaving the house because I think that if my hair is nice, it will complete my whole look.

What's one thing you can't leave the house without?
I can't leave the house without a lipliner, I don't usually touch up my makeup during the day but I always re-apply my lipstick so I make sure that I have my lipliner with me all the time.