Feature Story

New Jersey Makeup Artist Ruhksar Khan

Hi everyone! I had the pleasure of interviewing an up and coming makeup artist by the name of Ruhksar Khan. We actually went to school together and it’s great to see her pursuing a true passion of hers. I couldn’t keep all of the information to myself, so below is my interview with Ruhksar 🙂

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• When did you discover your   true love for all things makeup and beauty?

 I discovered my love for makeup about 3 years ago. I have a cousin who lives in London and is a makeup artist herself. She does makeup for every occasion and after realizing how remarkable her work is I began to get more and more interested. I would watch YouTube videos, practice on my sister, cousins, friends and develop my own makeup collection. Makeup is a way to feel beautiful. It does not cover imperfections, it only enhances your natural true beauty if done the right way. I realized how amazing it feels to make another girl or woman feel beautiful and confident in her own skin with just a lipstick and makeup brush. 

• Tell us about yourself, a   short bio stating where you’re from + attach photos of work.

My name is Ruhksar Khan. I am a 20 year old college student at Kean University majoring in medical technology. I do have a job, as well as a passion for makeup. Makeup is not my career but will always be something I love to do and have a devoted passion for. I am from Pakistan but was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Sayreville, NJ. I am a independent, focused, motivated and determined girl who only strives for success. 

• Would you like to be a professional   makeup artist, and if so, are you certified or have you taken any makeup   courses?

I am not a professional makeup artist but I am a freelance makeup artist. I work for myself and book my jobs myself. I do plan to get certified when I have enough time. In the mean time I only take makeup classes at Sephora. I have plans of furthering my skills and taking more classes at different makeup schools and academy’s. In addition I am in the process of opening up my own hair and makeup business with my sister. It is called First Glance Hair & Makeup, I plan to start this business by the end of this year. 

• What sets you apart from  other makeup artists?

What sets me apart is my love and devotion towards makeup and making sure the client feels beautiful. Some makeup artists have the ability to work for makeup companies such as MAC and Sephora and gain clients or free makeup through that means. I take the time to make my own flyers and business cards to put my name out there. I do not receive free makeup for my clients. I buy what I buy with my own money because I want to make sure my clients receive the best. 

• A day in the life of an aspiring   makeup artist on the go, tell us about this.

 The life of a makeup artist when I go in these freelance jobs is hectic yet fun. The day before the job I make sure my makeup kit is well put together and I wash all my makeup brushes to ensure the client only receives the best. I am very strict about time. Being late to anything is not professional, therefore I make sure to set an alarm. When I get to the location I make sure the client tells me what time they need to be ready by, however these details are discussed prior to the booking. After small talk I then get started on doing what I love to do and making my beautiful clients only more beautiful then they already are.

• How would you describe your style of beauty, and who are your biggest makeup inspirations? Why?

My style in general is simple, sleek and sophisticated with bold statements. That is exactly how I portray my work through makeup as well. I always believe in the saying “A little goes a long way”. Makeup is the same way, I like to keep it simple and clean with a little dramatic touch. At the moment, as I mentioned earlier my only makeup inspiration is my cousin. Her work is flawless, stunning and she has built an incredible business while going to school. She is exactly what and where I want to be in 5 years. A doctor fulfilling her passion as a makeup artist. 

• Favorite brands to use and what are your favourite stores to shop at for the perfect products?

 My favorite high end brands to use as an artist would have to be MAC, Nars, Ysl, Lancôme, MakeupForever, Bobbie Brown, Urban Decay, Tarte, Lorac and Smashbox. My favorite low end/drugstore brands are Nyx, Maybelline, Milani, Revlon, Wet n’ Wild, Lo’real, Rimmel and E.L.F. There are many stores I like to shop at however, specfically for makeup I mostly shop at MAC Cosmetics, Sephora, Ulta and online website as well such Sleek Makeup, Hautlook (which as amazing deals), Sugarpill Cosmetics and Bennye Makeup. I love all these companies because of the products. They are very well formulated and work amazing on all skin toes and types. They never cease to disappointment me. In addition, I feel a clients should be treated as your own. You would not want cheap makeup on your face so why put that on someone else? Only use the best to achieve the best results. 

• What do you think about beauty gurus on Youtube? Favorite gurus?

 I love beauty gurus on YouTube. They are demonstrating their talent and helping many young girls and woman achieve fabulous easy looks. They are inspiring an only pursue many others to feel beautiful as well. My favorites would have to be Nicole Guerriero, Carli Bybel, Makeup by Tiffany D, Dulce Candy, Maya Mia 007 and The Beauty Box 1211. Like how I’m in the process of starting a business I am in the process of starting my own YouTube channel. I love the ability to communicate with people around the world through beauty.

• Are your family and friends supportive in your quest to be a makeup artist?

My family and friends are extremely supportive. I would not be where I am at if it was not for them. They are my motivation for everything, especially my parents.

•  I notice that you always  make a point to show that you are against all things that are unnatural,  but do you realize that makeup itself is not natural? I view makeup as an enhancement, if you don’t have full eyebrows then you pencil them in or if you want longer lashes then you use falsies.. but I see that   you are extremely against that. Why do you feel so strongly about this and what will you tell a client that asks you to use false lashes on  her or fill in her brows?

Makeup is not natural. However, makeup can be done in a way to make it look natural for an every day wear. There are some people who prefer a full face and others who want an everyday look. I agree, makeup is and should only be used to enhance beauty, but it should be done in a way to enhance your natural features as well. Makeup is not a mask to hide behind. It is a way to feel beautiful without feeling like you are covering imperfections. I do not feel strongly against the use of eyelashes and filling in eyebrows. I have done that for clients and I stand by what they want by giving them a glamorous look. However, I do feel strongly when the use of those products is abused. Meaning people wear falsies everyday, full coverage foundation everyday, full eyebrows everyday etc. I feel like your face needs to breathe. Your skin needs a break. Instead of wearing falsies, use mascara, instead of wearing foundation use a tinted moisturizer and instead of filling in your eyebrows completely just use a little bit of eyeshadow to fill them in and call it an easy day. I myself wear falsies but only for special occasions.  

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your story Ruhksar, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of you soon!

Photos of her work are below for your viewing pleasure!