Add Your Own Design to Your Old Handbag

London is well known for its creative designers and inventive street walk. I was walking along with a group of friends, something caught my eyes and made me turn back and look again at the trendy window display, I see a sign of the store written on it Year Zero London. As I look closer, I see Hermes handbag with a twist and yet sophisticated that made me tell my friends that I need to go inside and see what they have. I see two artists who are sales people, with a very stylish hair and many earrings. Their looks resemble the store theme and products they have.

Year Zero London-Hala Ajam

I take a closer look at the Hermes handbag and I see colors all over the bag with urbane images.  I asked the sales man how much is the handbag, he says it’s for 10,000 pound then I asked him is that the real Hermes handbag or is it fake. He looked at me and said it is real for sure. Then he added, bring your own handbag then sit with the artist and tell him what you want to do with your handbag. Within two weeks or more, you can have your own special unique piece.

I found that a very interesting story to write about and share it with you all so I asked the sales man if I can take a photo of the window display and he asked the woman but she said no in French explaining that she doesn’t want anybody to take photos of the store then I asked her gently and explained to her that I will write a blog about it and then she said yes and the guy gave me the business card. It was nice of her to allow me to share this with you.  Take a glance at these handbags that are artistically made.

Hermes With Funky Design

LV With Cartoon Design

Skulls Design

After I left the store, I started thinking which handbag I can bring with me next time I go back to her and make my own artistic LV!

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Val Garland MAC cosmetics MasterClass In London

London is the place where all artists meet and inspire one another. In a special Master makeup event presented by Val Garland, a group of makeup artists who are united in their passion for makeup made a huge impact on exchanging ideas and opinions in the art of makeup. Val Garland is well known for the creative sculpture art in each photo she presents. The photo itself is a piece of art.

The room was amazing and very inspiring. I met many makeup artists from all over the world, 2 from Milano, 2 from Sweden, 1 from Denmark and many more.

However, we were like 20 people, we left the hotel to the cocktail reception; it was freezing when we arrived and there was like 100 makeup artists waiting in line to get inside. We mingled at the reception with various nationalities and different background until it was a time to take a seat and let the show begin.

5 Models sat on chairs

Fashion Inspired By Lebanon

History repeats itself; fashion itself brings what’s good in the past and upgrade it to what’s good in the present. Lebanon has always been an inspiring land to people around the world. When they visit Lebanon, they can’t help but feeling all enthusiastic and eager to enjoy every minute of their stay here. That’s why Lebanese designers across the region had been the ultra- inspiration to the world of designs. People come here to learn about designs and meet experts before they take their independent step to make their own designs.

This season, fashion conscious individuals can adapt the look with gracious circle of Arabic letter designs whether dresses or t-shirts or bags or accessories. Anything that makes them think of the old times sake.

Lebanon is the country of flashback from the past. Lebanon is proud of its history and will always be one of the most captivating countries in the world.

Take a sneak peek at some of the selected Lebanese designs.

Inspired by Letters

Without doubt, the inspiration comes at a different categories, the symbolic, the singers flashbacks, causes prints, the scripted prints and the funny comments prints.

Menhbek ya Beirut

Inspired by street art

Inspired by traffic in Lebanon

Lebanese Kiss & Hug

Stores In Lebanon

Inspired by events in Lebanon

Causes Tshirts to spread awareness

Accessories inspired by Arabic letters

Lebanon has the heritage as old as the earliest evidence of the mankind. Lebanon has an Arab culture colored by western influences. The only land where they bring what’s good in the East and what’s good in the West. Crossing the bridge between the East and West makes it a unique culture and sophisticated origin. Maybe this is one of the reasons why all Lebanese are proud to be part of this great force and most importantly, proud to be Lebanese.

 

You can contact Hala Ajam Via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.

You can also check Hala Ajam’s Blog.

Hala Ajam Bridal Revival

What could make mothers more exhilarating than to see their lovely daughters making their step down the aisle. The bride to be is about to get ready and our mission is to make her dream come true.

The wedding day is usually a culmination of dreams and visions collected over the years. In some cases, these images are simple and the transformation requires nothing more than a beautiful wedding dress. In other cases, they are more elaborate details such as hair and makeup.

Hala Ajam‘s Bridal Ad

Express your wishes, and how you see yourself on your wedding day. With an experienced team, working to create your look, translated your dream into reality can be made easy and far less stressful. I believe that a woman knows herself and knows what she wants.

The makeup artist should realize your dreams. Yet, you must be willing to listen to her advice to avoid drawing attendtion to less attractive features of your face on your wedding day. For example, if you have close-set eyes and want a smoky look, this will in fact make your eyes appear even closer and in some case, almost cross-eyed. The makeup artist is always able to find a solution to give you the look you want. Your aim is to look beauitful on your very special day, and the makeup artist is there to make sure you will.

Take a glance at some of  Hala Ajam previous work that made a huge success.

Bridal Makeup shoot

Bridal Makeup shoot

Bridal Makeup shoot

Norma Naoum

Now that we came to an end, do you see yourself in any of these selected makeup styles? If yes, then you are ready to walk down the aisle and enjoy the best day of your life. All what is left to do is to make sure that the wedding decoration and serving styles meet your interest. We are all here to make your dream come true.

 

 

Hala Ajam’s Book-Face To Face

This text was taken from Hala Ajam’s Book Face-to-Face

 

You can contact Hala Ajam Via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.

You can also check Hala Ajam’s Blog.

A Flick of a Brush

During an editorial fashion shoot, everyone involved has a specific job to do. The stylist will determine the theme of the shoot and overall look; the photographer is responsible for capturing what the stylist envisions; and the hair stylist and makeup artist will collaborate to create the perfect look reflective of the fashion and theme of the shoot. This process is repeated again and again to create a sequence of differently themed shoots.

70’s Look by Hala Ajam

The stylist may opt for a flowery, 70’s flare for one shoot, then go to the extreme of glitter and glamour for the next! The objective is one: to shed light on a new product or a specific trendy color in makeup, which doesn’t necessarily mean that women must wear the same makeup we express. Creating a variety of looks to compliment the array of clothes and themes can indeed be a challenge. I fond it helpful to have a certain look in mind, which I can build from.

Black and White Editorial Shoot by Hala Ajam

After working for several years with the same team at Laha magazine, I have built a relationship built on trust and understanding with the stylist, Caroline Cassia. She translates the idea she has for a photo shoot into reality through bringing together all the right elements, and she totally trust me to change the models’ look from a shoot to another. The result has always been great pictures that people see every week in the same magazine for the past five years.

Editorial Shoot by Hala Ajam

Hala Ajam‘s Book-Face To Face

This text was taken from Hala Ajam‘s Book Face-t-Face

Hala Ajam

Hala Ajam  learned from the Makeup Academy in Hollywood; where she studied special effects make-up for photography, TV and movies, she worked with Glamour Shots, a top fashion photography studio in Los Angeles California, and then moved to Lebanon to work with esteemed establishments including Future Television and Laha, a weekly magazine in the Middle East.

Ajam has worked with international and local celebrities such as Queen Rania, Claudia Schiffer, Haifa Wehbe, Nawal El-Zoghbi, and Shereen Abdul Wahhab & Many more.

You can contact Hala Ajam Via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.

You can also check Hala Ajam’s Blog.

You can always visit Hala Ajam’s website: http://www.halaajam.com/ or call at 00961 3 679 636.

Best BB Creams Of 2012 By Lebanese Makeup artist Hala Ajam

The BB Creams have made quite some noise lately. Let’s go back to where it all started:

BB creams (short for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm”) have been doing pretty good in the Korean and Japanese markets since the eighties. Soon enough, Garnier,Smashbox and Maybelline formulated their own BB creams to correct uneven skin tone, minimize oiliness, reduce wrinkles and offer extra sun protection. Asian skin care has always sparked the interest of cosmetic companies worldwide.

Garnier BB Cream

Maybelline BB Cream

Smashbox BB Cream

Hala Ajam

Hala Ajam  learned from the Makeup Academy in Hollywood; where she studied special effects make-up for photography, TV and movies, she worked with Glamour Shots, a top fashion photography studio in Los Angeles California, and then moved to Lebanon to work with esteemed establishments including Future Television and Laha, a weekly magazine in the Middle East.

Ajam has worked with international and local celebrities such as Queen Rania, Claudia Schiffer, Haifa Wehbe, Nawal El-Zoghbi, and Shereen Abdul Wahhab & Many more.

You can contact Hala Ajam Via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.

You can also check Hala Ajam’s Blog.

You can always visit Hala Ajam’s website: http://www.halaajam.com/ or call at 00961 3 679 636.

Working With Top Models!

It might be intimidating to know that the models you are working with have already worked with some of the greatest most respected names in the professional makeup industry. In fact, there are so many various images of them open for comparison. But to me, the opportunity of interpreting their beauty in a more exquisite and unique way is always a welcome challenge.

 

 

Claudia Schiffer by Hala Ajam

 

I have been extremely lucky in my career to have had the opportunity to work with world-renowned names such as Claudia Schiffer, Esther Canadas and Nadja Auermann. It has given me not only recognition, but also more importantly, the chance to excel in the world of makeup and further develop my talents.

 

 

Esther Cañadas by Hala Ajam

 

Being a naturally sociable person, I was highly pleased, when these international supermodels visited Lebanon, to answer all their questions about my country. Meeting them in Lebanon was indeed an interesting and great experience for me, not to mention that taking care of their makeup was also a big pleasure.

 

 

Nadja Auermann by Hala Ajam

 

 

Hala Ajam‘s Book-Face To Face

This text was taken from Hala Ajam‘s Book Face-to-Face

An Ode to Delicateness

I was stunned by Elie Saab’s Spring/Summer 2013 show for the Paris Couture Fashion Week.

Naming his collection An Ode to Delicateness, Saab could not be more spot on. As always he fails to disappoint his eager audience.

A brilliant collection, I thought Elie Saab outdid himself yet again with a collection that is almost painfully delicate, and endlessly feminine. We’ll go over some of the most striking highlights of the show.

The always-glamorous burlesque performer Dita Von Teese was one of the most noticeable attendees of the show. In a glittery coat over a knee-length dress, Von Teese impressed in classic black.

The show kicked off with angelic white. The first shade of Saab’s choice. This piece is is a long-sleeve block-white with subtle embellishments on the chest.

Saab experimented with cuts, although always keeping it delicate. I am in love with the the embellished top on this piece.

Classic was in, and the sequins here are just a preview of what is to come in this collection in terms of glamour and shine.

Then came the pastel blues of the collection. With an almost aquatic theme, the gowns were embroidered so delicately in coralesque patterns with shimmering blue crystal.

I love the sleeves on this piece; romantic, dreamy, nostalgic almost.

Again with the daring cuts, I love the embroidered neckline and we can see how Saab kept it consistent with the aquatic embroidery on the most delicate of fabrics.

A more floral theme was also observed on some of the gowns in the show. Using 3D flowers on top of sheer fabric made the gowns look ethereal and floaty.

I loved the clustered crystals on the neck and sleeves of this piece. Glamour at its most refined.

The most striking part of the show was when the dusty lavender gowns went in. In my opinion, they were the most delicate of all pieces and truly encapsulated what the theme of the show was about. They looked almost too delicate for words.

The way these dresses moved was unbelievable. Very fairy-like and dreamy.

A touch of peachy gold warmed up the collection.

What I found refreshing was that, towards the end of the show, Saab starts giving the collection an edge. Out with the pale pastels and in with the more striking colors, just to avoid making the collection too sweet. In came the ladies in red.

With baroque black detailing over soft florals, Saab kept showing the darker, edgier side of the collection. I love the clash in this piece.

Of course, in came the ladies in all black, but the pieces did not lack the subtlety, craft, and delicateness of previous designs. All what changes was the color.

The sheer fabrics made the black gowns look like ethereal smoke on the runway.

And of course, last came the highlight of the show: the bride. With the most delicate of lace and striking baroque patterns, this bridal dress incorporates simplicity and complication at once. The fabrics give it that clean, luxurious look and the detailing is extremely poetic.

Defining luxury, An Ode to Delicateness  was an ethereal collection that does not disappoint Saab’s clientele. Always proving to be the master of his own craft, Elie Saab shines again in Paris Fashion Week.

Hala Ajam and Elie Saab at Dubai Fashion Week.

Hala Ajam is a Lebanese makeup artist who has worked with international and local celebrities such as Queen Rania, Claudia Schiffer, Haifa Wehbe, Nawal El-Zoghbi, and Shereen Abdul Wahhab. 

Inspiration Through Nature

Working on a photo shoot is the moment when art and imagination meet. All people involved are given complete freedom to openly express their creativity. It is an opportunity to break away from the confinements we are usually conscious of, and discover how far our talents can take us.

 

 

 

Artistic Makeup by Hala Ajam

 

Often, what is most fascinating to watch is the transformation of the ordinary object into extraordinary; turning a wheat blade into an eyelash, using the sequin of an old dress on the eyebrows, or a flower petal in place of eye shadow. The possibilities are endless, as is our imagination.

 

 

Artistic Makeup by Hala Ajam

 

The art of creating, challenging the laws of nature, and breaking down visual barriers is not just for those who use paints and brushes. A makeup artist, like a painter, uses their imagination to create unforgettable images.

 

 

Artistic Makeup by Hala Ajam

 

Such creativity is expressed during photo shoots, when there is no choice but to resort to all resources, both real and imaginary. Subsequently, we learn how to create in the most inventive ways.

 

 

Hala Ajam’s Book Face To Face

 

 

 

Make Your Own Natural Look

Let’s get the natural look; a very natural style for a winter holiday evening with family. The motto is: be glamourous but do not overdo it! Enhance your eyes with a natural smokey effect in warm earth tones. Start with beige all over the eyelid, then work the curve of lid with caramel brown. Don’t forget the lower lash line! Then, with a dark brown eye kohl, line the upper and lower lash lines. Warning: do not connect the lines! Over it, apply some dark brown eye shadow and blend well. Don’t forget to also blend the dark brown to the crease half-way, trace a black eyeliner to the upper lash line as you like (All, half, or nothing).

Christmas Makeup

Apply black mascara and fill your eyebrows with a color that matches your hair’s. Then, use a raisin colored blusher: it will contour your face and bring light to its center.