A Chit Chat With The Makeup Artist Bassam Fattouh
World-renowned celebrity makeup artist Bassam Fattouh is trusted by iconic stars, high-profile women, and royalty across Lebanon, the Middle East, and beyond. With a career spanning decades, he has become a global icon, celebrated not only for his artistry but for his profound impact on the beauty industry.
From a young age, Bassam showed a natural flair for beauty, sketching over magazine models and reimagining their makeup looks with bold creativity. Determined to follow his passion, he pursued his studies at the prestigious Carita Beauty Institute in Paris, where his journey toward becoming a pioneer in the industry truly began.
In 1997, Bassam opened his first beauty institute in Beirut, marking a new era in the regional makeup scene. He became the first artist to launch a major advertising campaign in the Middle East and broke away from traditional palettes by embracing daring, vibrant colors, choices that set him apart and propelled his rise to fame.
In 2010, Bassam Fattouh made history as the first Middle Eastern makeup artist to launch his own cosmetics line. Drawing on years of expertise, he developed a signature range that continues to grow, reflecting his commitment to innovation, artistry, and empowering women through beauty.
Today, his influence is greater than ever, with his work gracing countless magazine covers, red carpets, and high-profile events, solidifying his status as a true visionary. We had the chance to ask the talented Bassam Fattouh a few questions to get his perspective on the latest trends and what it takes to succeed in the ever-evolving world of beauty.
Continue reading below to stay updated on the latest makeup tips and trends.
Tell us more about your recent bridal makeup kit. What inspired the specific product selection, and how is it tailored for brides vs everyday users?
The bridal makeup kit “The Bridelight” collection was designed to represent timeless elegance and radiant simplicity. The kit includes essentials for achieving a soft, natural glow, perfect for brides who want to feel like the best version of themselves.
The selection was inspired by my belief: makeup should reflect the bride’s personality, not mask it. While tailored for wedding-day perfection, the kit also appeals to everyday users who love soft glam and luminous skin.
What bridal makeup trends are dominating 2025? Are brides still leaning toward the soft glam look, or are you seeing a shift in color palettes or techniques?
Soft glam remains a favorite, but 2025 is seeing a shift toward “skinimalism”: fresh, hydrated skin with minimal foundation and a radiant glow.
Brides are embracing:
- Peach and bronze tones for warmth
- Shimmering highlighters for ethereal luminosity
- Statement eyes or lips paired with natural looks to highlight this balance between subtle elegance and modern flair.
Your makeup look for Zein Qutami’s wedding was praised for its golden elegance and subtle glam. What was your vision for her bridal makeup, and how did you tailor it to complement each of her looks throughout the wedding weekend?
For Zein Qutami’s wedding, I created a golden, elegant look to match her Elie Saab gowns. I used warm bronze and soft pink shades to make her glow while keeping it subtle. Each makeup look was designed to fit the style of her dresses: from classic to modern.
Zein had multiple stunning appearances across her wedding celebrations — how did you approach creating distinct makeup looks for each event while maintaining her signature elegance?
Zein’s wedding crossed multiple events, and I approached each with a unique aesthetic:
- First look: Bronzed glow with soft pinks to match her regal gown.
- Second look: Peach tones and shimmer for a summery, embroidered dress.
- Third look: Warm brown tones for a disco-inspired silver gown.
Despite the variety, I maintained her signature elegance through cohesive skin prep, soft contours, and radiant finishes.
If you had to choose one hero product from your collection that brides or beauty lovers must own, what would it be and why?
My top pick is the “I DO” lipstick from “The Bridelight” collection, a universally flattering pink-nude shade. Another standout is the “Backlighting All Over Glow”, which delivers that signature bridal luminosity.
