beauty interview
Some conversations are best had over eyeliner and lipstick talk, and this one is no exception. Sitting down with Angie Marshall, Pakistan’s renowned makeup artist, felt like stepping into a world where mascara wands hold stories and brushes carry wisdom. With over three decades of experience across bridal, editorial, and international pageants, Angie has seen beauty trends come and go while keeping her own artistry fresh and relevant. What follows is a peek into her journey and the passion that still keeps her brushes moving. Read on…
What does minimal makeup say that full glam can’t?
Minimal makeup signals effortlessness, confidence, and comfort in your own skin. It feels fresh, youthful, and modern, like saying, “I woke up like this,” but refined. Heavy makeup is about drama and statement. Minimal makeup lets individuality and personality take centre stage.
For editorials, do you start with a concept or the model’s face?
Always with the concept, mood boards, styling, the photographer’s vision. But once the model sits down, I adjust to her features. A liner shape might shift for her eyes, or a lip colour might change for her undertone. The story directs the look but the model brings it alive.
Editorial vs bridal, how does your makeup approach change?
Editorial looks are for the camera. I can be creative with colours, textures, and shapes and I don’t worry about longevity since it only needs to last through the shoot. Bridal makeup is a different game. It must hold for hours, look flawless in person and in photos and survive emotions, dancing, and different lighting. That’s why I focus on skin prep, long-wear products, layering, and careful setting.
Has editorial ever influenced your bridal work?
Absolutely. Editorial ideas often soften into bridal trends. Think glowing skin with lighter foundation, diffused liner, glossy lids, or fluffy brows. Brides love modern updates when they still feel wearable.
Backstage vs bridal, biggest difference?
Speed and adaptability. Backstage I might have minutes to create a high-definition look under poor lighting, with chaos all around. Bridal in a salon is slower, with careful layering and setting. Backstage is problem-solving on the go; bridal is about durability and experience.
In Pakistan, women equate ‘good makeup’ with layers. How do you convince them less is better?
Education and trust. I explain that minimal makeup isn’t no makeup, it’s about placement and technique so skin looks radiant instead of masked. Before-and-after demos help, as do half-face applications. With models, I point out that lighter layers photograph better under studio lights. I also listen to what makes them feel beautiful and meet them halfway.
Does simple makeup take more skill than glam?
Definitely. With minimal makeup, there’s nowhere to hide. Every brushstroke must be precise, skin has to be prepped perfectly and restraint is key. Heavy glam lets you correct and sculpt more easily. Minimal is about a trained eye and a very light hand.
What’s one prep step you never skip?
Hydration. Always. Even if I have one minute, I massage in moisturiser or serum. Hydrated skin makes foundation sit beautifully and creates that natural glow editors love.
Most underrated product in your kit?
Cream blush. It gives instant life to the face, works on everyone and looks fresh on both brides and models. It deserves more love.
What’s the hardest client situation you’ve faced?
Expectations not beauty. Some bring edited photos that don’t match their features or reality. The challenge is managing that gracefully, educating, suggesting alternatives and earning trust. Communication is as vital as the makeup itself.
One makeup trend you’d happily retire?
Thick, mask-like foundation. It erases natural skin texture and looks dated in photos. Skin should still look alive and breathable.
Social media filters have raised standards unrealistically. How do you tackle that?
By being transparent. Filters create an illusion of poreless skin that doesn’t exist. I think artists should share real-skin content and encourage trials so clients can see how makeup looks in person and natural light. Normalising pores, texture and individuality is key.
After decades in the game, what keeps your passion alive?
Beauty is always evolving. A new face, a new trend, a new story that excites me. Sure, I get tired but rarely burnt out. Seeing a bride glow or my work in print reminds me why I started. I also recharge by learning new techniques and products. Growth keeps me inspired.
If you launched a makeup line tomorrow, what gap would you fill?
Climate-smart, skin-first products. Lightweight, breathable bases for our heat and humidity, inclusive shades and multi-use products that simplify routines. Formulas that perform but also care for skin.
Balancing salon business with artistry, tricky?
Yes. The business side is about structure; the art side needs freedom. Sometimes one drains the other. I separate time for each and remind myself the business supports the art. When operations run smoothly, I get to focus on creativity.
If not a makeup artist, what would you be?
Still something creative and people-driven, fashion styling, photography, maybe teaching. I love storytelling, whether through makeup, clothes, or visuals.
Most rewarding compliment?
A bride once teared up and said, “I still look like myself, only more beautiful.” That’s my goal, enhancing natural beauty, not masking it.
Finally, how do you define beauty?
Beauty is when someone feels at ease in their own skin and their personality shines through. Makeup can highlight that but it can’t create it.
CREDITS l Text: Wallia Khairi l Hair & Makeup: Angie’s Salon l Designer: 4th Dimension Clothing l Photography & Styling: Rohail l Featuring: Rahat Ghani & Aneesha Altaf l Coordination: Umer Mushtaq