ZahraSami Makeup Artist

After weeks of going back and forth trying to find a time that worked, Sania finally walked through my door with her mom.

Sania is currently in residency outside Virginia with an incredibly demanding schedule, so when she was home, she made time to come in for her makeup consultation.

It was her first time ever getting professionally done, so I wanted her to feel completely comfortable. Before we even talked makeup, I focused on getting to know her, her personality, preferences, what she loved, and what she didn’t want.

She knew she wanted something minimal and timeless. She showed me a photo of a model in the same outfit, and we refined every detail together. Her heirloom jewelry and classic red-pink outfit called for something elegant she could look back on and still love years from now.

We went with a copper bronze lid with a touch of sparkle, a rosy matte lip, and a blush to die for, soft, classic, and flattering on her.

Just before I was about to drape her dupatta, I noticed Sania wasn’t feeling quite herself. Weddings can be overwhelming, especially while balancing residency and everything that comes with getting married. I encouraged her to pause and rest, and thankfully she felt much better within the hour.

For me, bridal makeup is never just about makeup. It’s about paying attention, listening, and making sure my bride feels comfortable, understood, and cared for, not just beautiful.

Sania, you and your family were such a pleasure to work with. Your mom, your sisters, and you were all so warm and lovely.

Thank you for trusting me with such an important moment. I hope you enjoyed the experience as much as I enjoyed glamming you up.

Makeup, Hair & Duppata Setting: Zahra Sami

Hanan’s glamorous Walima look ✨

Charcoal silver outfit called for a soft silver smoky eye with a touch of sparkle, pink lips, and those beautifully highlighted cheeks with the prettiest pink blush. The cool toned eye makeup enhanced her features and beautifully complemented her face shape. She looked absolutely stunning!

Hanan was coming from out of state for her Walima, and her in laws had booked me for her makeup. We had spoken beforehand, so even without a trial, I already had a vision for her look.

I met her for the first time that morning at the hotel, and within minutes, I knew we were going to click. She was warm, fun-loving, and somehow full of energy at 8 a.m.

She has such beautiful features, so my job was simply to enhance what was already there. And she absolutely loved the final look.

My favorite moment? Her mother-in-law walking in and saying, “Yes, I like that makeup.”

Then, just three days ago, I got to see Hanan again, almost two months after her Walima. She even asked why I hadn’t posted her video yet!
I told her I was waiting until I met her again before posting it… although, if I’m being completely honest, I’m just very behind on posting! 😂

It was so lovely seeing that same beautiful smile and personality again.

Hanan, I hope I get to glam you again for another celebration. 🤍

No trial. No consultation. Just a few conversations and a whole lot of trust.

Makeup, Hair & Duppata setting: Zahra Sami

Glow Recipe

I knew Sara was going to be fun the moment I saw her pull up at 9 a.m. with the music blasting and a full face of makeup already on. That is Sara, someone who genuinely LOVES makeup and was more than happy to be the first one in the chair before her sister!

From the moment I started getting her ready, I connected with her energy. She’s so full of life, warm and lovable, and spending that morning with her was such a joy.

She’s been following my work on Instagram and loves my makeup, so getting the chance to glam her herself was extra special. And when she looked in the mirror and said, “You’re the best. I love my makeup!” that made my heart so happy. 🥹

It was such a pleasure and an honor to glam her for Myra’s special day. Can’t wait to glam this beautiful soul again, InshaAllah.

Makeup: Zahra Sami

Soft mauvey pink glossy lips, a touch of sparkle on the eyes, a thin winged liner to subtly elongate her eyes and accentuate her features, naturally defined lashes, and that perfect pink flush everything kept effortless and true to her features.

Finished with a traditional dupatta setting, statement haar, and earrings that brought the entire look together. Myra carried it all so gracefully and you can see it in the way she held herself, her confidence, and the way she truly felt like a bride. 🤍

Makeup, Hair & Dupatta Setting: Zahra Sami

When Myra saw herself in the mirror after her bridal makeover, she said:

“This is the best. This is your best work ever. You’ve outdone yourself.”

Every bride is my shining armor ✨ but hearing that from her meant more than she probably realized.

Between makeup moments, we talked about faith, prayers, and the small things that bring peace. She shared a prayer she turns to when she feels anxious, and I reminded her of it while she was getting ready. She smiled and said, “Thank you for reminding me. I need to recite it now.”

It’s funny how a simple message from a stranger can turn into a bride you feel so deeply connected to.

Myra, you were an absolute joy. And that smile at the end… I think you already know how much I loved creating this look for you. 🤍✨.

Makeup, Hair & Dupatta Setting: Zahra Sami