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Small Batch
Phthalate Free
Organic
Paraben Free
Clean Ingredients
California Made
Vegan
Cruelty Free
No Synthetic Fragrances
Non Comedogenic
Woman Owned
No Synthetic Dyes

BEAUTY INSIDER: ZARA KAPLAN

In our latest Beauty Insider Interview, we have the absolute pleasure of interviewing Moroccan-English Makeup Artist, Zara Kaplan. Having graced the faces of those like Chelsea Frei, Steph Shep, Krys Marshall, Raveena Aurora, and Alessia Cara as well as being called upon to do makeup for brands like Kosas, Louis Vuitton, Iris & Romeo, Roen Beauty, Jenni Kayne and so many more!

Zara Kaplan Celebrity Makeup Artist

What is your go-to for preparing skin for makeup?

I keep it pretty simple when it comes to skin prep. I’ve been through many phases over the years - when I was starting out, I used to PILE on all the things. I then learnt that the best approach for holding under makeup is to keep it simple. At the moment my favorite skin prep products are:

  • FaceGym ‘lift wear’ moisturizer - it’s light weight and holds makeup really well.
  • Omayma Bedouin oil (the best oil in the game)
  • Retrouvé serum, moisturizer and eye cream for when I’m doing red carpet/private client makeup and want to bring out the fancy stuff.

I always make sure to give everyone in my chair a facial massage. I own all the different tools however I have to say, I find using my hands the most effective way when working with a client!

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty to me is just owning who you are! Be yourself.

How does being Moroccan affect how you view beauty? Any skin rituals you’ve tried or incorporated?

I grew up going to family events where we have to wear traditional Moroccan clothing/apply henna on our hand etc. and I feel really blessed and proud to be part of such a colorful and vibrant culture. It definitely effected/influenced how I view beauty - having been exposed to an array of rituals, styles and traditions from such a young age!

Who are your beauty icons?

I think I’ll keep this question targeted towards a few makeup artists who I admire as they are the beauty influence behind so many of our favorite faces. I have hundreds of favorites which I can’t list, but off the top of my head here are a few artists who create gorgeous, breathable makeup looks which naturally enhance their client's beauty:

  • Katie Jane Hughes
  • Naoko Scintu
  • Nikki DeRoest
  • Jo Baker
  • Pati Dubroff
  • Emily Cheng

How do you love to use The Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil?

Once I’ve moisturized my clients face, I massage a few drops of the Bedouin Elixir into my clients' skin. It creates the most gorgeous hydrating base for makeup, instantly wakes up the skin. It’s so luxurious and every person in my chair asks about it because it smells DIVINE. It really feels like a spa treatment for them.

What are some of your hero skin ingredients?

A few ingredients that have totally saved my skin are: Niacinamide, Succinic acid, AHA + BHA.

 

What are your current beauty routines and go to products?

I use the Naturium fermented rice enzyme cleanser in the shower, and then once I’m out of the shower my skin care step by step at the moment is:

  • Face Gym skin changer toner
  • Naturium Niacinamide serum
  • Noto deep serum
  • Noto Moisture Riser cream/Naturium Dew Glow Moisturizer SPF 50
  • Eye cream from Sephora
  • The Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil

 

What makes someone beautiful?

I find that beauty shines most through someone’s personality - if you’re kind, then I think that is true beauty.

What beauty advice (if any!) would you give your younger self?

I started working in a luxury skincare/makeup store called SpaceNK when I was 19, so I really learnt so much about how to take care of my skin, and became obsessed with cleansing and removing my makeup properly. However, all that might be irrelevant because I’m very ashamed to say I wasn’t wearing face sunscreen in the day time up until quite recently so I’d definitely have a word with young Zara about that one.

What is your absolute favorite skin spa facial or treatment?

I’m embarrassed to admit I never go to the spa or get facials!!! Highly frowned upon and I must start at some point soon but I’m an at home facial gal for now - I love the ritual of doing a face mask on a Sunday (my AHA 30% + BHA 2% peeling solution from ‘The Ordinary’) followed by some facial steaming and my skin care routine. Nothing like setting yourself up to glow for the week ahead!!

You’re going on vacation, what beauty essentials do you bring with you?

I’m going to keep this about makeup rather than skincare. My essentials are: Brow gel, Dior Lip Glow, Eyelash curler, The Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil, Tom ford Shade and illuminate duo (I use this as a cream bronzer and highlight - perfection!!!), Kosas Concealer.

Omayma Skin Stainless Steel Guasha Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil

Are there any beauty trends you’d like to see come back?

Well, I’m actually really happy because I definitely notice us returning to a natural glam era. We’ve been through some very heavy makeup trends over the years and I think through TikTok, we’re learning to embrace trends that really naturally enhance your features rather than mask them.

Any that you’d like to see go?

Thin brows - WHY?!?!

What is your beauty philosophy?

I just believe in enhancing someone’s natural beauty. I’m all for people doing whatever makes them feel good - if that’s putting a lot of makeup on, go for it! However, for me personally, I think learning to be comfortable in our own skin is key.

 

Thank you Zara! Follow Zara's incredible beauty adventures here on instagram.

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