Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharmeen Jariullah.
Sharmeen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I don’t believe in settling or giving up on something you love. This ambitious attitude has pushed me in my journey as a makeup artist, but also as a person. I always strive to aim higher in whatever I do, whether it is diversifying my skills as an artist or working on my goal of obtaining a master’s degree. I believe my journey as a makeup artist started young, as I was fascinated with creating and adding my own aesthetic to everything. Sketching and painting were not only “fun” but are where I first learned about techniques such as shading to create depth and layering colors for effect. Over time, I challenged myself to work with new mediums, for example, I learned to make alterations and sew my own clothing when I couldn’t find what I wanted in a store. I am intrigued by the colors and textures of formulas and have always looked at makeup as an art form, that is powerful and transformative. However, being involved in makeup from such a young age, I became interested in the politics of it as well.
As I honed my skills, I learned about the many different forms of makeup application and believe that if one is applying makeup for beauty purposes (as opposed to special fx or theatrical) it should always enhance and not mask their own features and beauty. I find that is an important aspect of my “artist voice and vision”. I listen to my clients’ needs and try to make them feel their best, whether it is my first or fifteenth time working with them. Establishing a career as a makeup artist is not easy and takes a lot of continuous work, including taking classes and working on my skills… a lot! Makeup, like other art forms and skills, requires constant practice, improvement and learning about the products, tools, and techniques. I learned about the differences in applications and what is required for editorial images as opposed to bridal and learned about the retail side of the fashion and beauty industries. My partner and I moved from my hometown of Chicago to Dallas a couple of years ago and I’m so grateful that Dallas is such a budding city for the beauty industry and business. I have met some of the most amazing clients and been able to grow my skills as an artist on a multitude of platforms, some of which include but are not limited to: event glam looks, bridal, maternity portraits, editorial including runway and television features. Additionally, I was able to find the graduate program at Texas Woman’s University in Multicultural Women’s and Gender studies, a field that I am really passionate about while continuing my work as an artist. I am so excited to continue on my journey as a makeup artist and an advocate and see what else is in store for me!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being a makeup artist is extremely rewarding but it has its challenges along the way. After I moved to Dallas, it took some time to establish a steady clientele, which is something that requires patience. The growth of the beauty industry is a blessing but can also present challenges for makeup artists establishing their name in the industry. Newer artists will often charge lower rates presenting a different kind of competition for clients. However, working on the retail end of the business has helped me master the business side of the industry as well. I also learned a lot from other artists because as competitive as the industry is, I have found some of my best friends and mentors through my work. I believe in working with, not against other women. I would tell young women who are starting on this journey to ask themselves why they want to be in this industry and write out how they plan on achieving that. Do you want to be a beauty influencer or a makeup artist? Do you primarily want to do bridal makeup? Whatever your goal is, focus on that and hone those skills. Do your research on techniques, tools, and products. Remember even the “best” artists have room to grow and improve their skills. Practice, practice, practice, before you start charging clients. This will protect you and the client. Do what you love and what makes you happy and hopefully you will make some friends along the way!
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I have worked to set myself apart as a makeup artist and to develop my skills in a variety of makeup techniques. As an artist, I like to work on different mediums, which has influenced my work as a makeup artist. I pride myself in being able to achieve the look that my client desires-wether they just want makeup to look and feel glamorous for a night out, need makeup for work where they are going to be filmed, want makeup which makes them look like the best version of themselves for their wedding day or want to be completely transformed for a stage play or Halloween look. In addition to being a skilled artist, I think my ability to look and relate to my clients (no matter how different we are) is a unique skill, which perhaps my undergraduate psychology degree has helped develop. I realize that for most clients, whether they are models or tv presenters who get their makeup done regularly for work or are someone who gets their makeup done for fun or occasionally, they trust me to make them look their best. I take that responsibility seriously and always make sure my work is as close to perfect as possible. As a makeup artist, I have my own vision, which I achieve based on the needs of the client and do not replicate the work of other artists. It is important to note that replicating is different from being inspired. I love being inspired by other artists but my ability to cater to the needs of each individual client and look sets me apart. I believe and base my work on the idea that a makeup artist should be able to work with a diverse range of clients, understanding their own unique needs and not replicate the same look on everyone. Even after almost ten years in this industry, I still have lots of goals to achieve. I give everything 110% and I would like to continue working with a diverse range of clients and mediums, including more editorial and published work.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Where do I start?! My work in Women’s and Gender Studies has taught me so much about societal inequity and the barriers which women and historically oppressed peoples are still working to overcome. However, for the sake of this, I will keep this answer brief. I believe that overall patriarchal structures in society present barriers for women in leadership. Women are scrutinized and face harassment far more than men. Additionally, women and particularly women of color, usually have to work much harder to achieve the same levels of success as men in any industry. In the beauty industry, women are able to challenge these roles for a number of reasons, one of which, is the prevalence of female-owned and created beauty brands. However, on a large-scale corporate level, women face much of the same structural biases as other industries. Even though the number of women working in the beauty industry may be more prevalent than in many other industries, the number of women in positions of leadership are far fewer than the number of men. Greater structural change is needed in order to balance some of these inequities.
Contact Info:
- Email: royalebeautysj@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sharmeenmua
- Facebook: @sharmeenmua
- Twitter: @neemrahs21
- Other: artistrybysharmeen.tumblr.com
Image Credit:
Photographers: Moet Takeuchi, Two Shutters Photography
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