RIYADH: A Saudi makeup artist with a flair for glamour hopes to use his growing social media presence to inspire men and women across 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’s giants, its online content regularly features lesser-known brands from the region.
Beauty influencer Ali Majid says she wants to “support other aspiring beauty lovers.” (Supplied)
“I have always had a passion for beauty, ever 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 glamour that was calling to me.”
When he’s not busy promoting Sephora products, Majed dedicates his time to creating his own line.
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 media coverage that began about seven or eight years ago.
• Its online content regularly features lesser-known brands from the region.
“My brand was born from my constant reflection on 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 give them the strength to pursue their dreams, I'll work on it right away.”
Majed is one of several 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.
“That was the moment makeup content hit mainstream social media, planted its feet firmly on the ground, and announced that it was here to stay. And I loved every second of it,” she said.
In 2022, Majed joined the Sephora Squad, a program for beauty content creators in the Middle East.
“I can honestly say it’s taught me a lot about my job, whether it’s the behind-the-scenes of the beauty industry or the influencer world and how to navigate that space.”
To those hoping to follow in his footsteps, Majed said the important thing is to be happy with what you do.
“Make sure it’s not just something you’re passionate about, but something that brings you joy,” she said.
“It’s one thing to be incredibly interested in a certain field, for whatever reason, but when that interest is accompanied by a sense of fulfillment and happiness, that’s what will make you unstoppable.”
Majed said he was inspired by the early Saudi men who set themselves up as ambassadors of beauty.
“I have observed and learned from Bassam Fattouh, Fady Khataya, Issam Majed, Mohammed Hindash and many others,” he said.
“These men were all pioneers in their own way, masters of their own distinctive techniques, and also inspirations to many others like them in the region.”
Nowadays, Majed is a beauty leader in his own right, with many other content creators complimenting him and citing him as an inspiration. Although his newfound fame still leaves him a little surprised.
“A fan recognized me and asked for a picture at a concert,” he said. “I was excited that someone wanted to take a selfie with me, because I didn't think that was something that could happen.”
