When it comes to makeup, no one knows more than Sephora. We are talking here about the latest beauty trends, best products, how to apply the perfect wing liner and more. So when we reached out to Sephora’s team for consultation, we got lucky as one of their teams was visiting Jeddah for a private class. We just had to attend the masterclass!
The class was attended by Jeddah’s top beauty bloggers and editors who were all snapping and reporting on the best makeup tricks and tips. We wanted more, so we had a one-on-one chat with Julie Taing, member of the Sephora Pro team, who is based in San Diego, California.
Taing obtained a marketing degree from San Diego State University. After graduating, she decided to follow her passion for makeup artistry and auditioned for the Sephora Pro Team. She has been a Sephora Pro member since 2008 and in 2014 was promoted as the Lead Artist. Her work has been featured in top magazines such as Seventeen, InStyle and recently, H&M’s “I heart Radio Campaign.”
Taing has worked multiple seasons of New York Fashion Week with some of the most credited artists such as Kabuki, Val Garland, and Aaron De May. She has been featured in the Sephora Pro “How To” tutorials on Sephora’s YouTube channel and on Pro Picks page on Sephora.com.
“If you don’t have much time to do your makeup, spend half of it perfecting the skin and the rest on color,” says Taing.
We wanted to know more about her personal life, her beauty career and the products she recommends, especially for women living in the Middle East.
What is beauty, according to you?
To me, beauty is unique; I don’t believe in one standard of beauty. My approach to beauty is to enhance a person’s features and celebrate their own unique qualities.
How long have you been in the makeup industry? How did you begin your journey with the Sephora Pro team?
I have been in the makeup industry for 12 years now, beginning my journey working in store at Sephora. This was the foundation of my artistry career and skill set, as I got to work with women on a daily basis. In 2008, I auditioned for the Sephora Pro Team, and the rest is history.
Is this your first time in the Middle East? What are your views on the Middle East makeup scene?
This was my first time in the Middle East and it was truly incredible. I loved seeing the amount of makeup women of the Middle East wear, especially the rich black eyeliner women adorn themselves with. I learned the traditional Arabic style of liner and its cultural significance. Additionally, women shared their techniques with me on how they perfect full coverage makeup in hot and humid climate.
Given the harsh dry climate of the Middle East, what type of primer and foundation would you suggest for (a) oily skin and (b) dry skin?
For oily skin, I would suggest mattifying primers and using skincare products that specify oil control. Benefit POREfessional Primer is great for oily skin and I would add Benefit The POREfessional: Matte Rescue Invisible Finish Mattifying Gel on top with a sponge on certain areas as a touchup. Powder foundation works great for anyone who is extremely oily.
For dry skin, I would definitely suggest hydrating with a rich cream at night so that during the day you can wear something light. Made in Sephora instant moisturizer is a great moisturizer for the evening. I would suggest a hydrating primer such as Smashbox Hydrating primer and also using liquid foundations. With the heat, I would suggest using a translucent powder to set the makeup such as Laura Mercier translucent powder.
Brushes v Sponges — what are your views?
I love them both depending on the application. For me, I love using brushes because of the precision, detail and variety. I do love using a wet beauty blender for anyone with dryer and/or textured skin.
How do you take care of your makeup brushes?
I make sure to use a brush shampoo at night to give them deep conditioning. If you’re only using brushes on yourself then you can shampoo your brushes every few weeks and use a daily spray to clean in between. I love the Made in Sephora for shampoo and daily spray.
What are some of the common makeup mistakes to avoid?
Some of the common makeup mistakes to avoid is applying too much and/or applying with a heavy hand. When you’re looking to create flawless coverage for the skin, it’s key to build in layers to create durability. It will look more flawless and stay on much longer. Also, finding the right foundation is key. If you’re not sure what your right shade is, I would suggest getting a makeup service done at Sephora with a beauty consultant to get the right shade.
What is the one Sephora brush that you cannot do without? Why?
Sephora Pro Foundation brush #47 is a brush that I cannot do without because it gives me control when applying foundation. It’s a great brush to apply foundation, contour and cream blushes. Great universal brush with amazing results.
If not makeup, what would you be doing?
If not makeup, I would probably be a physical therapist with an emphasis on prehabilitation. I am heavily into fitness and yoga and love helping people so it works hand in hand.
Can you tell us more about the exciting new product that Sephora is launching in the Middle East?
Sephora Nuit Kajal will be launching exclusively in October in all regions of the Middle East. It’s an excellent, rich, intense pigment liner that can be worn alone or layered for a more dramatic look. It’s more of a dryer consistency so it’s perfect for the weather and comes in four shades: black, brown, beige and blue.
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Makeup expert Julie Taing reveals best kept beauty secrets
Makeup expert Julie Taing reveals best kept beauty secrets
Sofia Carson flaunts Lebanese labels at New York performance with Andrea Bocelli
DUBAI: Singer and actress Sofia Carson continued her love affair with powerhouse Lebanese designers at two shows in New York this week, after showing off looks by Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad at promotional events on numerous occasions this year.
Carson performed at New York’s Madison Square Garden alongside legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli this weekend in a scarlet gown from Elie Saab’s Autum/ Winter Couture 2022 line. One day later, she hit the stage for part two of the event in a black, off-the-shoulder taffeta dress from Zuhair Murad’s ready-to-wear pre-Fall 2024 collection.
“As I stepped off stage, my mom, my dream maker, held my hand and asked me what I felt. . . I said ‘I feel elated,’” Carson captioned a carousel of behind-the-scenes shots on Instagram, in which she is wearing Murad’s creation.
In October, the singer and “Purple Hearts” actress was spotted in New York in a caped Elie Saab couture look from the maison’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, while earlier that month she hit the red carpet in Rome in another gown by the designer.
Carson showed off a sea green gown from Elie Saab’s Fall/Winter 2023 couture collection at the “Andrea Bocelli 30 - The Celebration” premiere in Rome.
The A-symmetrical neckline and sweeping ballgown skirt brought a dose of glamor to the red carpet, with Carson opting for a sleek up-do and diamond-and-emerald earrings.
“Honored to have been by your side as we premiered your film,” the actress posted on Instagram alongside a photo in which she is seen posing with Bocelli.
The film chronicles Bocelli's three-day July concert event in Italy honoring his 30th anniversary in the music industry.
Rewind to May and Carson was seen in the French Riviera as she walked the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in yet another look by Saab. The star opted for an olive-toned ensemble from the designer’s Spring/ Summer 2024 couture collection.
Carson is something of a fan of Lebanon’s couturiers — in 2022 the actress attended the Global Citizen Festival in New York a coordinating look from Zuhair Murad’s Resort 2023 collection, while in late 2023, the actress cut an elegant figure in a Zuhair Murad gown at the second annual Cam for a Cause event in memory of her former co-star Cameron Boyce.
Georgina Rodriguez visits Dior exhibition in Riyadh
DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez visited an exhibition celebrating the life and work of fashion designer Christian Dior at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh this weekend.
The Riyadh-based model, who is the long-term partner of football star Cristiano Ronaldo, took to Instagram to share insights about the exhibit, which is running as part of this year’s Riyadh Season.
“Highly recommend to immerse yourself in the ‘Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams’ exhibition in Riyadh. A magical journey through the history of haute couture, showcasing the works of art by visionary designers for 75 years (sic),” Rodriguez captioned a short clip on Instagram.
“Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” is a collaboration between the French fashion house and Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.
The event, which runs until April 2, explores the legacy of Dior and his successors through a fresh narrative specially curated for the show by art historian Florence Muller and scenographer Nathalie Criniere.
Highlights include tributes to some of Dior’s classic designs, such as Miss Dior and J’adore, and an homage to the Lady Dior bag in the form of the Dior Lady Art project.
British milliner Stephen Jones, one of Dior’s master creators, was heavily involved in the creation of the exhibition.
“When we were installing the hats, some of the looks I remembered, some I didn't. But many have never been shown before, so it sometimes feels like I’m seeing them for the first time,” Jones told Arab News earlier this month.
Bella Hadid promotes Orebella for festive season
DUBAI: US Palestinian Dutch supermodel Bella Hadid took to Instagram to thank her team and customers for the success of her fragrance label Orebella's festive Alchemy Library pop-up in New York City.
“The best night at our @orebella Alchemy Library pop-up in NYC! So much love and gratitude to my team & the beautiful humans who showed up to transform @thenednomad into such a warm & intimate space to celebrate the holidays, each other and my favorite sets to date: Our holiday gift boxes,” she wrote on Instagram, along with a carousel of photos from the pop-up.
In a bid to look the part, Hadid traded in her cowboy Western aesthetic to adopt a more festive look and was photographed outside the pop-up in a red and white ensemble.
The retro look featured a two-toned red cardigan, straight leg blue jeans and a luxe white wool coat. Hadid glammed up the look with strappy red Valentino Garavani Ladycrush heels and statement gold earrings.
The model finished the look with her favorite choice of eyewear, a pair of Bayonetta glasses.
The alcohol-free scents of Orebella, which launched on May 2 this year, were Hadid’s answer to traditional perfumes.
Hadid wrote on her website: “For me, fragrance has always been at the center of my life — helping me feel in charge of who I am and my surroundings,” she said. “From my home to nostalgic memories, to my own energy and connection with others, scent has been an outlet for me. It made me feel safe in my own world.
“Through my healing journey, I found that I was extremely sensitive to the alcohol in traditional perfumes — both physically and mentally — it became something that was more overwhelming than calming to me,” she added. “That is the main reason I wanted to find an alternative, so essential oils became an artistic and experimental process for me.”
She started growing lavender on her farm, walking through the garden every morning and learning about her family’s tradition of making homemade scents. “I realized I might have a calling in this. I found healing, joy and love within nature’s scents,” she said.
“This is why I am so proud of Orebella. It was truly a dream and a passion, that through the universe and authentic dedication, was able to become this brand,” Hadid wrote.
Saudi designer Honayda Serafi shares holiday greeting card from Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa
DUBAI: Saudi designer Honayda Serafi has revealed a holiday greeting card from Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein, which features a family photo of the royal couple and their newborn daughter, Princess Iman.
“Immensely thankful for God’s many blessings. From our small family that has grown to yours, best wishes for a blessed New Year,” the card reads.
Last year, Serafi designed Saudi-born Princess Rajwa’s pre-wedding henna night gown. For the gown, Serafi took inspiration from the Al-Shaby thobe of the Najd region in Saudi Arabia, where Princess Rajwa’s family is from.
“The thobe is known for its long sleeves. They’re so long, the sleeves become the veil of the bride’s dress,” said Serafi of the ethereal white gown.
Earlier this month, the couple visited the Seeds of Hope Center in Amman, which specializes in treating speech and language disorders in children and adults.
The royal couple, who welcomed their first child this year, toured the facility, which houses Jordan’s only space designed to provide multi-sensory experiences aimed at promoting relaxation and sensory integration. The visit also included a look at the center’s gym, which is tailored to improve therapy outcomes for patients, the Jordan News Agency reported.
Aya Al-Jazi, the center’s director, briefed the couple on the facility’s services, which include evaluation and treatment of speech, language and voice disorders, as well as support for swallowing difficulties.
Shanina Shaik turns heads in Melbourne
DUBAI: Part-Arab model Shanina Shaik turned heads in sculptural bubble dress at the National Gallery of Victoria Gala this weekend in Melbourne, Australia.
The Australia-born model — who is of Saudi, Pakistani and Lithuanian descent — made headlines for her unique dress, which she showed off at the opening of the gallery’s landmark Yayoi Kusama exhibition.
The tartan gown was created by emerging Melbourne-based designer Jarrod Reid. It featured puffed sleeves, eyelets down the front, and what looked like two inflated rings on top of each other at the hem.
The model told Mercedes-Benz in a video clip that the gown was “inspired by Scottish folklore.”
Featuring 200 works and spanning the 80-year career of the iconic Japanese artist, the exhibition includes sculpture, painting, collage, fashion and films, as well as the global premiere of Kusama’s new infinity mirror room artwork titled “My Heart is Filled to the Brim with Sparkling Light.”
The exhibition also includes the Australian debut of “Dancing Pumpkin,” 2020, a five-meter-tall yellow-and-black polka-dotted sculpture.
“Do you mind if I brag?” Wayne Crothers, the NGV’s senior curator of Asian art, told The Guardian in an interview regarding the show’s scale and artworks. While there have been other shows by the artist staged with “about 20 or 30 more works,” this is the biggest ever in terms of scale, the newspaper reported.
The 95-year-old artist is one of the world's most celebrated living creatives — she has her own five-storey gallery in Tokyo and is arguably as recognizable as her work. A giant inflatable sculpture of her was recently perched on the side of Louis Vuitton’s flagship store in Paris.
Shaik told Mercedes-Benz in the sponsored video that she is looking forward to taking her son Zai Adesuyan Matthew, whom she shares with partner Matthew Adesuyan, to the show.
In May, the model took part in her first International Mother’s Day campaign with her toddler, who was born in September 2022.
“Motherhood has changed me in so many ways… it’s definitely created more patience,” Shaik joked in the video campaign that she shared with her 3.4 million followers on Instagram.
“Now that I’m a mother, I would like to say to my mother, ‘I understand.’ I understand the worry, the concern, because you just want to protect your child every day at all costs,” she added.
