Nouf Saeed

The talented Nouf Saeed, an Emirati from Dubai, specializes in special effects makeup. Yep, the makeup effects used in creative photography and horror movies! Not only is she young, only 18 by the way, she is also ahead of her game and a pioneer Emirati in this field. We sat down to chat about makeup and breaking into the industry.

When and how did this obsession begin?

It started at the end of 11^th grade by doing theatrical and creative makeup on my face every day. I used to stay in my room for hours and then show my ‘work’ to my family. They’d first compliment it and then call me crazy, but that was something positive for me. When my brother noticed that I showed genuine interest, he recommended that I watch a TV show called ‘Face Off’ which is a special effects makeup competition/reality show. The realism and transformation achieved just using makeup is what made me jump right in to it.

How did your family and friends react?

They were all very supportive because it was something different and playful. They loved all the looks I created but weren’t too convinced about choosing it as a career path since there’s always the risk of failure or no demand. Eventually they loosened up.

How do you learn different techniques, given that there is no special effect makeup school in the country?

Ironically, when I first started doing theatrical makeup, I was blindly using special effects techniques. When I did my research, I discovered quarter of what I’m supposed to know I was already implementing. The second quarter, which is the basic theories or knowledge, was surprisingly from school and the rest was from doing a lot of research, reading, and practicing. It’s important to know that this type of makeup has no rules and that you can use and do anything as long as you don’t hurt or burn yourself.

Where do you get your supplies?

A lot of the stuff is random makeup from any brand, some are from professional art suppliers, and some are from professional makeup companies that specialize in special effects makeup both locally and internationally. I always try to use substitutes that are more accessible if possible. I also like to use products that can be mixed to get the product I want instead of buying the actual thing. It makes me feel more in control.

How long does a ‘burn victim’ look take you to create?

Simple burns and scars take an hour or two. Dramatic and complex ones have to be pre-made a couple days before application day.

How much do you charge your clients?

It depends. There’s the studio rate and the set rate. The studio rate is for the pre-production of work that needs to be done and it’s fixed at 150 AED per hour. The set rate depends on the type of work, but for extended time work, it’s 100 AED per hour and that’s because some of the makeup takes about 5 to 7 hours to apply.

Any exciting news on the horizon?

I’m currently working on a forensic art collection that I’m hoping to exhibit soon, and I have a series of fantasy photoshoots that will follow after so I’m very excited about that. I’m also working with an imaginative young writer to produce a theatrical play with amazing character design.

By Manar Al Hinai