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.

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.

Important Makeup Notes Before Your Big Day!

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, with details such as hair and makeup.

 

Express your wishes, and how you see yourself on your wedding day. With an experienced team, working to create your look, translating 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 day of her wedding is thus the moment to tell all her dreams come true.

 

 

Bride by Hala Ajam

 

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

 

 

Bridal Makeup by Hala Ajam

 

SPECIFIC RULES IN BRIDAL MAKEUP

Age, season and wedding theme, not to mention personality, should all be factored in when creating a specific look. Be sure to accentuate and cover imperfections where appropriate and highlight the areas where light naturally will hit such as the cheekbones and brow bones. This will make you look better in photos.

 

 

3D Bridal Makeup by Hala Ajam

 

 

 

Hala Ajam’s Book-Face To Face

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

 

 

Candy World vs. Exotic Makeup

Candy World

Use colors that express playfulness from childhood. The image of candy is usually a very feminine and colorful one. The following photos aim at showing it is springtime and that these are the new colors to be used. Resorting to the colors of candies help achieve the image we want, making the models look like Barbie dolls, playing like little girls or going funky with the makeup.

 

 

Candy World Makeup

 

Exotic

The natural world is reflected: island, water, flowers, butterflies, and tropical colors such as fuchsia come in to play. The working team creates the whole setting for such kind of photo. All can be brought to the studio: water, plants, etc. It is fun to create a unique atmosphere as it helps in producing new combinations for the same model.

 

 

Exotic Makeup

 

 

Hala Ajam’s Book-Face To Face

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

So, which side are you with?

The Do’s and Don’ts For A Wedding Day

• Do not apply too much foundation on your wedding night, as it will not sit well on the skin’s surface when exposed to the heat caused by dancing and excitement.
• To ensure makeup longevity, be sure to have a friend readily available to give you tissue or face paper to blot away any excess of facial oil or sweat throughout the night.
• Choose the colors of your makeup that suits you and compliments your skin tone and eye color. Do not make these decisions based on the shade of your dress.

 

 

Professional Makeup by Hala Ajam

 

• In general, the simpler and smaller the wedding, the more natural the makeup should be. The same can be said for a day wedding where the bright daylight will reveal heavy makeup.
• If you and those around you are used to seeing you in the same makeup day in and day out, try something a little different. It doesn’t have to be drastic, but subtle changes can make a lot of difference.
• Do not overboard or get carried away with too many changes and experiments. At the end of the day, you still want to look like you!
• Stop using any medication or skin treatment before the wedding.
• Make sure your skin is well moisturized before the wedding.

 

 

This text was from taken from Hala Ajam’s makeup book Face to face

Looks of the Decades: 2000’s

2000’s

The growing trend during the past two decades has been to fight the natural aging process. The miracle creams of the 90’s gave way to miracle treatments of 2000. Botox injections and collagen lip implants have become quick fix beauty staples for many. Makeup trends of past decades merge, as people start to individualize their looks to suit coloring and features. So, women are either opting for a makeup that is a mixture of all the past trends, or choosing their preferable one or the one that suits the best their own style.

 

In the following photo, I chose a nude but frosty look like in a fairytale.

 

 

2000’s Look

 

 

Hala Ajam‘s Book-Face To Face

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

Hala Ajam

Subtle Glamour by Hala Ajam

SUBTLE GLAMOUR, Make up Campaign, by Lebanese Makeup Artist Hala Ajam

 

 

Acclaimed makeup artist Hala Ajam has just released her Fall 2012-2013 campaign, Subtle Glamour.

Celebrating her own artistry, Ajam uses a delicate blend of colors to create the illusion of natural dazzle. Colors morph from white to bronze to Swiss chocolate on the eyes, while a soft blush and glowing pink lipstick make for the campaign’s refined look. Ajam has been applauded in the makeup world for crafting such deceivingly simple looks, and is known for her uncanny ability to always strike a fine balance between the subtle and the glamorous.

Keeping up with our fast-paced world, Ajam also pioneered the use of social media links as the only titles in a billboard campaign. The first in the region to use nothing for introduction besides her Twitter address @HalaAjam, as well as the Instagram logo and phone contacts, Ajam immediately invites everyone to step into her world.

Ajam is well-known for being a real force in Lebanon—an in-demand makeup artist who is famed for her work with Arab celebrities such as Shereen Abd El Wahab and Nawal Al Zoghbi.

Shereen Abd El-Wahab Makeup Artist Hala Ajam

Nawal Al Zoghbi’s Makeup Artist Hala Ajam