Interview with Dubai Celebrity Makeup Artist ‘Serby.’
Story by Dora Rodriguez
We recently sat down with one of the UAE’s top celebrity makeup artists ‘Serby’ to get to know him better and learn about his exciting journey so far.
What is Beauty?
Beauty to me isn’t about looking perfect or changing yourself, I truly believe beauty is about celebrating your individuality and enhancing what’s already there.
What do make up artists do?
We all have our own techniques, but personally as a makeup artist, I use different makeup processes to create an assortment of looks for fashion or TV, and I also enhance a person’s appearance by bringing out colours and their already existing features and hiding or smoothing out flaws.
You have an incredible career — what have been your highlights?
Thank you! I have many great highlights, such as representing Huda Beauty at the Sephora exhibition, and talking to many international media outlets about it, because I’m a Selfridges ambassador for Huda Beauty and a member of the PR team from the makeup department. I’ve done Makeup on amazing celebrities for music videos and also for international magazine covers. Few of them being Les Twins (the twin dancers for Beyoncé, Meghan Trainor, and Missy Elliott), I’ve also done makeup at the London Fashion Week, the Arabic Fashion Week, and I’ve enhanced the beauty of well-known entrepreneurs, Middle Eastern royal ladies, well-known bloggers like Oceane and Marine Hilmer to name a few… I’ve also done the makeup of many singers like Fouad Abdul Wahed, Malak El Hussaniy, Mustafa Al Abdullah, Lux Lyall, and most recently I was the guest make-up artist on Abu Dhabi tv for a beauty competition on Instyle with Rym (twice).
Wow! Those are some amazing highlights! Where do you get your inspiration from?
I like to step outside of Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr. These are all helpful tools, but when I feel uninspired or need to challenge myself and my creative mind, I like nothing more than to get outside and look at architecture, walk around in nature, and go to the beach. I get inspired from the colours, objects, scents, etc. that I find there.
How long have you been a makeup artist and how did you get your start in the industry?
I moved to London in 2010 to study Applied Sciences, and after completing my studies I decided to follow my passion through the art of makeup. I starred as a face designer for Giorgio Armani in 2015 and then worked for brands like Prada Fashion and Huda Beauty.
That’s amazing! What has been the biggest challenge of your career?
COVID-19 was really challenging as the whole world stopped. For the first few months my creativity flew out the window, and when I’m not creative I’m not myself. However, it didn’t stop me from being positive! I still tried to remain focused and passionate about creating beauty content. I also learnt great cooking recipes.
What do you love most about make up?
What I love the most about make up is the fact that with make up one can really express him or herself without even being introduced. The first thing we notice upon meeting someone is their face and normally, even without doing it intentionally, we pass judgment on another based on the this first impression. Your face becomes your initial identity therefore I think it is extremely vital that in today’s modern and fast-paced world we establish ourselves as an individual and we are able to express that. I think with make up a person can visually express their feelings and their mood, while also showing a keyhole view of their personality. Being a male makeup artist, and coming from an ethnic background where makeup is not associated with my gender, I believe I’m a modern day representation of how far we have come as a society, and how certain stereotypes are being dissolved for the betterment and progress of society. I remember being a young boy always in search for some representation or idol I could relate to or look-up to, and couldn’t find any… I want to change that for the future generation and show them that makeup is for everyone, no matter who you are or where you’re from.
Does everyone look better with make-up?
I think everyone is beautiful the way they are, we are beautiful because we are unique individuals. People shouldn’t wear makeup to change themselves but only to enhance the natural beauty that already exists.
What three makeup item should no woman leave home without?
Mascara, lipstick and bronzer.
How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other makeup artists?
I would say my style is contemporary but I also play homage to traditional styles, as well. I’m loving how so many are experimenting with bright colours, Neon Liner, Glass Skin, Glitter Everywhere, Floating Crease and Diffused Blush. My signature makeup look for the day is very sheer, bronzer dusted with taupey-bronze eyeshadow and mascara, a dab of nude lipgloss. For the evening either one of following looks: dramatic smokey eye and nude lips, or red lips + a cat eye done-up with liquid eyeliner. I have created looks on so many faces that I believe I now know exactly what suits each lady.
What is the most important beauty advice that you can give to women?
To wear SPF as it protects the skin against UVA and UVB Rays, which can lead to premature aging.
Share something you would like the world to know about you.
I’m originally Kurdish from Iraq. I grew up in Sweden and London and I’m currently based in Dubai. I love architecture, and my favourite city is Barcelona. Love music, food and the beach. I’m unique and always authentic to myself. My favourite colours are green and blue. I’m a Pisces. Three words that my friends use to describe me is confident, creative and charismatic.
What famous artists have influenced you, and how?
So many! But the following come to mind: Mario Dedivanovic, Huda Kattan, Wayne Gross, and Pat Mcgrath. They all inspire me as individuals and their creativity is so amazing.
What advice can you give to prospective students thinking about an education and career in makeup artistry?
I would say, first of all, have a passion for makeup. By studying makeup you will learn the technical aspects of your profession, but you’ll refine your skills in your day-to-day work with many clients. Always Stay positive and patient and always be persistent. As a makeup artist you have to listen to what your clients want, and always believe in yourself.
To keep-up with Serby’s journey or to book him as a makeup artist for an event or collaboration follow his instagram @serby_mua
