Every issue we highlight 1 sensational Jeddahwy person, 1 Jeddahwy life aspect, and 1 Jeddahwy hot topic…

Inas Hammoud: Jeddah’s Beauty Expert

This month’s Sensational Jeddahwy Inas Hammoud, is an inspirational woman, creative, and high-profile makeup artist…

May is the month of Glitz & Glam with film festivals, summer wedding prep, and spring/summer events. No one has lived and experienced this more than Inas Hammoud, renowned makeup artist for celebrities, royals, brides, and all glamourous women.

Jeddahwy got to talking to Inas about her career and success:

Tell us about your fascinating career journey; what got you into it and how it developed?
It was in 2002. At first, I was interested in fashion design and artistic makeup rather than events or regular makeup. Artistic makeup, like what you do for fashion shoots and shows, is very creative and there's always a story behind it. Back then, I couldn’t get into fashion design, so I started doing makeup, which was still related to fashion.

So, I studied all types of makeup and started working in it. However, at the time in Saudi Arabia, there were no fashion shows or even many photo shoots, as there were very few magazines. I was one of the first people to start doing makeup for photo shoots, but at the same time, I was doing event and occasion makeup, and I even taught makeup at two institutes here. 

What challenges and support did you face, specific to KSA?
Firstly, when I started, it was a time before social media, and working at a salon was the only way to become known. And it was hard for people to trust you, as this trust used to come from being affiliated with famous salons. This was a real challenge. Also, people didn't appreciate what I was doing; the issue was that Saudi-style makeup at the time was very heavy and my style was a lot simpler. People used to think I was fooling them when I put on light, natural makeup. My challenge was to make them understand and accept what I did and what I saw as suitable. My challenge was to change their mentality of the concept of makeup - from heavy to a natural makeup style that enhances their beauty.

At the same time, this was my strength and unique advantage; I was the only one who believed in this. I believed that beauty was not in quantity but in quality. I believed that every woman has an inner beauty that reflects onto her outer beauty, and I helped enhance it. My name then became synonymous with natural and creative photoshoot makeup; it was all word of mouth.

What advice would you give someone starting up in this field?
First and foremost, you have to love what you do. You must really love it. And you have to be patient. You have to be passionate and patient. Dealing with women is hard. You need to understand, listen to, and inspire them. And you must be committed, loyal, and able to gain people’s trust. You have to be super committed. If you aren’t, you simply can’t continue. You must love it to the point that you don’t feel it’s work. For me, it’s not a job; it’s an ongoing commitment to a journey of personal development.

May is the month of glitz and glam, and Inas has had so much experience dealing with high-profile clients and brides:

What are the differences between creating makeup looks for celebrities, royalty, and brides compared to everyday clients?
Actually, I don't differentiate between people. I use more technical things for such makeup, one that is done to last hours and holds up well behind high-quality cameras. The difference is just more technical, like using high-definition makeup and a lot more skin-prep steps. This applies to makeup for all special occasions like red carpets, bridal events, and photoshoots. As for the look, it depends on each lady’s style and personality because I work on personalities to create makeup looks that enhance their overall beauty.

How do you balance what the client wants and what you see they need or works for them?
Well, that's where my name and reputation comes in. I have the client’s trust, but I’m also really good at convincing people so that they’re happy and I’m happy. And this skill was gained over time. To be a good makeup artist, you have to be a good people’s person. I dealt with so many personalities that now I can instantly tell what type of person you are and your style preferences. I'm a good listener too, which is very important when dealing with all sorts of people. Then, I transform what they say and want with my style and what I see is suitable for them.

What are some timeless makeup styles that always exude glitz and glam and look camera-ready?
Always, always, perfect skin will always be in style. This automatically elevates your appearance to being classic. Classic makeup looks are always the best looks. For example, like graphic eyeliners and bold lips, this will never fade. You can never go wrong with these. Most importantly, don’t just follow trends because not only are they short-lived, but also, not every trend suits every lady; you have to pick and choose what works for you while keeping in mind the timeless classic looks that never fade.

Makeup has always been used as an expression of cultural and personal identities, so Jeddahwy got Inas’s take on that:

Does Arab makeup differ from Western makeup, and how do you apply or use those differences?
Yes, there’s a difference. Arab makeup is bold, multi-colored, and with lots of definition because Arabs have strong features. They like black kohl and always use eyeliner, while Western makeup is simpler. But this is like the classic definition of the distinction between Arab and Western makeup. Nowadays, Arabs are steering more towards European makeup looks - simple, clear skin, glow, while Western makeup is changing towards being more Arab.

When I first started, it was labeled as Khaleeji and Lebanese style; Khaleeji was the heavy and bold makeup, while Lebanese was the more natural and simple style. Even this has changed now - Lebanese are doing heavy makeup, and Khaleejis are doing simple and natural. Of course, not all Lebanese and Khaleejis, but generally speaking.

What role does makeup play in expressing identity and cultural pride for women?
Firstly, it boosts self-confidence and self-esteem. It’s a form of pride for some women. But it’s about the interests of each woman; for some, it doesn’t mean anything at all, for some, makeup is their artistic expression, and for others, it’s about their dress style. But it definitely plays a role. That’s why inner and outer beauty are linked.

How does makeup help translate inner beauty outwards?
A woman’s beauty is about her overall look, hair, makeup, skin, jewelry, dress, and all of these stem from her personality. I’m always curious to know what style she’s aiming for and what her personality is like because then makeup is the tool that will bring it all together and enhance all those other aspects. It isn’t just about applying matching colors that match the dress; it’s so much more than that. It’s a creative tool that can be used to express individuality and mood.

Makeup is also a tool that brings out happiness. There’s nothing like that moment when a client looks in the mirror, smiles, and radiates happiness. I love that! I love helping people bring out the special in them. And making people happy makes me happy.

And finally, Jeddahwy asked about the issue that plagues every Sensational Jeddahwy person:

What are your most important tips for work-life balance?
I organize my life according to my work. I have to sleep well, eat well, and ensure my body is comfortable because if I have to stand for 8 or 9 hours, then I need to be strong. Time management is essential, and you achieve that by setting priorities and being committed to them. And to have a balanced mind and body, you must take regular breaks, exercise, and practice self-care.

Find and follow Inas Hammoud on Instagram and Facebook, or email her at [email protected]. For appointments, call her on +966 535778668.

Pausa

For the month of Glitz & Glam, we chose the fun-filled and sensory play Pausa for May’s Jeddahwy Life review…

The new kid’s place Pausa in Haifa Mall offers a variety of well-thought-out entertainment for children. With its various sections consisting of arts and crafts, toy-making, bracelet making, kspa, face painting, cake decorating, and entertainers, children can spend hours of fun here with or without their parents. All these activities come at a reasonable entrance price and they are also offering summer camp packages that start at SR 150 per day or SR 550 per week. They have birthday packages that include taking care of everything including the birthday cake, entertainment, and even giveaways. The packages start at SR 2,500 for 15 kids with additional kids at SR 100/kid.

Find them on Instagram or contact them through their website.

Behind the Glitz and Glam

It’s easy to judge a book by its cover, but it’s also always wrong, writes Reham Kreidieh…

We’ve all put on a brave face and hid away our deepest sorrows at times for different reasons. And, we’ve all been judged for behaviors that we show that aren’t really who we are or are just partially us. For example, I was judged severely when I didn’t spend my days and nights sobbing over my father’s passing but instead chose to numb the pain by hanging out with friends; it was my way of coping with the loss, in doses and not all in one go. I’ve also fallen into the trap of judging others for something or the other until I was shaken awake by the deeper reasoning behind their actions. This made me realize over and over again that behind the glitz and glam, there’s always an untold story.

One of the most significant rude awakenings recently was Mathew Perry’s book on his struggles with depression and substance abuse. His co-stars all reiterated that they didn’t know it was that deep and that bad; they were only made aware later in their filming of Friends. Perry hid his childhood trauma of negligent and broken-up parents and put on the mask of beloved comedian actor. And he is one of many, many people acting on the stage of life that we never know what’s really going on with them until it’s too late.

In a world filled with distractions and commodities, it’s easier to hide behind screens, products, and actions that promise to give you a sense of achievement or identity. But, to truly find peace, you’ve got to strip away the bling that populates your life and get to your core - heal it, treat it, and let it shine. Also, give that courtesy to others and look behind their masks before writing them off as something or the other.

It’s all well and good when we intentionally glam up ourselves for an occasion or a time, but not if this is getting in the way of who we truly are. If having a million friends, outings, or outfits isn’t giving you the pleasure you seek, cut down and simplify your life to the core - quality over quantity wins every time. This applies to everything in life, from people to products. Pick and choose what truly gives you value, not just a short-lived fix.

At the end of the day, your outer glitz and glam will sparkle brighter when your inner beauty radiates outwards.