RIYADH: A Saudi makeup artist with a gift for glamor hopes to use her growing social media presence to inspire men and women across the region.
Ali Majed has nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok and has been an ambassador for French cosmetics retailer Sephora since 2022.
Despite its association with one of the giants of the industry, its online content regularly features lesser-known brands from across the region.
Beauty influencer Ali Majeed says she wants to “support other beauty lovers”. (included)
“For as long as I can remember, I have always admired beauty,” Majed told Arab News.
“Even though I wasn't fully aware of it because I was so young, I knew there was something in this world of creativity and glamor that was calling to me.”
When he's not promoting Sephora products, Majed spends his time working on his own range.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Ali Majed has nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok and has been an ambassador for French cosmetics retailer Sephora since 2022.
• Majed's interest was sparked by the boom in social media coverage that began about seven or eight years ago.
• Its online content regularly features lesser-known brands from across the region.
“My brand came about as a result of my constant thinking about how I can support other beauty lovers not only in the region, but around the world.
“If there is anything I can do to make someone feel less alone and give them the opportunity to pursue their dreams, I will immediately work on it.”
Majed is one of a number of Saudi men making waves in the beauty industry. He said his interest was sparked by the boom in social media coverage that began about seven or eight years ago.
“It was a time when makeup content broke into mainstream social media, firmly planted in the ground, announcing that it was here to stay. And I enjoyed every second of it,” he said.
In 2022, Majed joined Sephora Squad, a program for beauty content creators in the Middle East.
“It's safe to say that (it) taught me a huge amount about my work, whether it's behind the scenes in the beauty industry or the world of influencers, and how to navigate that space.”
For those hoping to follow in his footsteps, Majed said the most important thing is to be happy in what you do.
“Make sure it's something you're not only passionate about, but something that brings you joy,” he said.
“It's one thing to be incredibly interested in a certain area for whatever reason, but when that interest is accompanied by a sense of satisfaction and happiness, that's what will make you irresistible.”
Majed said he was inspired by the first Saudi men to stand out as beauty ambassadors.
“I watched and learned from Bassam Fatuh, Fadi Hatay, Issam Majed, Mohammed Hindash and many others,” he said.
“These men were pioneers in their own way, masters of their signature technique, and a source of inspiration for many others like them in the region.”
These days, Majed is a beauty leader in his own right, with many other content creators complimenting him and citing him as a source of inspiration. Although his newfound fame still leaves him a little surprised.
“One fan recognized me and asked to take a picture at the concert,” he said. “I was thrilled that someone wanted to take a selfie with me because I didn't realize that could happen.”
