Dubai Design Week is an excellent occasion to exercise creative freedom when it comes to your makeup. If you need inspiration, look no further than the three transformations dreamed up by the Emirati photographer and self-taught makeup artist, Saeed Khalifa, in the gallery above. “Neon makeup is fun, beautiful, and brave,” says Khalifa, who painted generous coats of yellow, blue, and pink pigment from the Make Up For Ever Flash Color Palette Multi-Use Cream Color Palette (US $99; AED/SAR 364) across the model’s eyelids, temples, and under-eyes to create the first bright look.
Those who are feeling rebellious can look at Khalifa’s second look for inspiration, where he gave his model mismatched eyeshadow—lavender for one eye and hot pink for the other. “The trick to making neon makeup work in real life, is to play it down by focusing on one body part,” says Khalifa. He suggests putting the focus on either a bold lip or a daring eye. The same balancing act should be applied to your wardrobe. Opt for a neutral color palette in this season’s grays and taupes, and add a pop of color to your navy abaya with a swipe of eccentric fuchsia lipstick or vivid green eyeshadow. Bright, statement makeup calls for confidence—or in the makeup artist’s words, “Don’t be afraid to try it out.”
Photos and makeup by Saeed Khalifa. Talent: Andjela Bosheka.
