RIYADH: A Saudi makeup artist with a flair for glamor hopes to use his growing social media presence to inspire men and women in the region.
Ali Majed has nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok and has been an ambassador for French beauty retailer Sephora since 2022.
Despite its ties to one of the industry giants, its online content regularly features lesser-known brands from across the region.
Beauty influencer Ali Majid says she wants to “support other aspiring beauty enthusiasts”. (Provided)
“I've always had a passion for beauty since I can remember,” Majed told Arab News.
“Even when I didn't fully realize it, because I was so young, I knew there was something in this world of creativity and glamor that was calling me.”
When not promoting Sephora products, Majed spends her time working on her own range.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Ali Majed has nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok and has been an ambassador for French beauty retailer Sephora since 2022.
• Majed's interest was piqued 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 contemplation of how I could support other aspiring beauty enthusiasts, not just in the region, but globally.
“If there's anything I can do to make someone feel less alone and empower them to follow their dreams, I'll work on it right away.”
Majed is one of the Saudi men making waves in the beauty industry. He said his interest was piqued by the boom in social media coverage that began about seven or eight years ago.
“This was when makeup content made its way onto mainstream social media, planting its feet firmly 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 Middle Eastern beauty content creators.
“It's safe to say (it) taught me a lot about my craft, whether it's behind the scenes of the beauty industry or the influencer world, and how to navigate that space as well.”
For those hoping to follow in his footsteps, Majed said it's all about being happy in what you do.
“Make sure this is something you're not only passionate about, but something that sparks joy in you,” he said.
“It's one thing to be incredibly interested in a certain field for whatever reason, but when that interest is complemented by a sense of fulfillment and happiness, it will make you unstoppable.”
Majed said he was inspired by the first Saudi men who came forward as ambassadors of beauty.
“I observed and learned from Bassam Fattouh, Fady Khataya, Issam Majed, Mohammed Hindash and many others,” he said.
“These men were each pioneers in their own way, masters of their distinctive techniques, and also an inspiration to 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 an inspiration. Although his new fame leaves him a little surprised.
“A fan recognized me and asked for a picture at a concert,” he said. “I was delighted that someone wanted to take a selfie with me because I didn't realize anything could happen.”
