The talented young makeup artist Nour Khalil has been making her mark in the field of beauty in Los Angeles, California for the past few years. Her success led to the founding of her own namesake makeup studio in 2021, and she recently made waves glamouring up iconic movie star, Nelly Karim at eniGma’s 9th Celebration of Arab Glamour & Success in Beverly Hills. eniGma’s Farida Elserty chatted with the young makeup artist about her impressive path to success. Here are some excerpts of the interview.
Why did you decide to strike out on your own as a makeup artist?
I have always had a passion for beauty, arts, and creativity. I also loved the idea of empowering women through makeup. I started out by teaching myself different makeup methods, and began to be asked by friends to do their makeup for events. When I did that, I kept getting booked for more events. After a while, I decided to take a certification course from Tom Ford Beauty, and since then have been doing makeup in California and Egypt. 
What is the favourite makeup look you have done?
My favourite makeup look is the one I like to call the “Dewy Glam” look. I love this makeup look because it almost seems as if the model has come out of the shower. It feels effortless, sexy, and suspicious. Also, I love eyebrow laminations, and I mimic this with makeup.
What keeps you creatively inspired?
I am both a pharmacist by profession as well as a makeup artist. So, I can get caught up in my two opposite passions sometimes. However, to answer your question, I feed my creative side by watching different beauty influencers and makeup artists. For instance, most people watch Netflix at night before they sleep, but I choose to watch makeup tutorials instead. I love to be on top of new trends, and that truly keeps me inspired.
Who is your inspiration in the makeup industry?
Huda Kattan for sure! This outstanding Iraqi Arab woman who quit her day job to pursue her passion is a true inspiration in so many ways. She inspires me so much that I am currently thinking of putting my pharmacy degree aside to be a full-time makeup artist for Tom Ford Beauty. Huda Kattan owns her cosmetics line, inspires women globally, and engages with her audience on social media. That is what I aspire to achieve.
How do you stay abreast of the latest beauty trends?
I stay abreast of the latest beauty trends by following the latest beauty hacks on social media and watching my favourite beauty influencers and makeup artists. Besides, I work for Tom Ford cosmetics, so I am genuinely within the industry and get insight into the newest makeup editions.
What is your favourite makeup trend of all the time?
My favourite makeup trend is the brow lamination trend using brow freeze because it adds so much beauty to any look.
According to you, what makes a great makeup artist?
Patience. Listening skills. Time management. Empathy. The ability to accept constructive criticism. Flexibility.
What is the best part of being a makeup artist?
Seeing the looks on my client’s faces after I finish their makeup and being able to meet all the creative people I have met until today!
Since Valentine’s Day is almost here, can you give us some tips for a killer makeup look?
I would recommend a makeup look that consists of a minimalist glow base with a good amount of blush, a thick black liner and minimal eyeshadow, topped off with a bold red lip!
Tell us about your experience with eniGma’s 9th Celebration of Arab Glamour & Success in Beverly Hills?
First, I would like to thank eniGma magazine for the opportunity it gave me. Second, it was a lovely experience meeting Yasmine Shihata, the Founder and CEO of eniGma Magazine, the awe-inspiring institution. Also, I am super proud to have glammed up two influential women in the Middle East, Yasmine Shihata and Nelly Karim, in Beverly Hills. I truly appreciated the idea behind the event and how it celebrates Arab success globally.