A caring conversation with Zahra Omarji

Zahra Omarji, 26 years old, freelance makeup artist & digital content creator – Lisbon, Portugal. @zahraomarji

Could you tell us about your first beauty memory?

My first beauty memory is a funny one! 

When I was a kid I always said I wanted to be a painter like Picasso, so one day, when my older sister was away from town, I went into her bathroom where all her makeup stash was and did “paintings” on my face and on paper. I ruined her lipsticks, eyeshadows , eyeliners , everything – I don’t even think there was one item that I didn’t use. When she came back she was obviously shocked but she laughed! My older sister was always a good sister, she even did my makeup and painted my nails for special occasions when I was little. So I guess that is my earliest memory related to beauty.

Which products have revolutionized your routine? 

So many products have been game changers for me but I must say that finding the perfect sunscreen was it for me. Sunscreen is essential and I love the La Roche Posay Anthelios ultra 50+ sunscreen and obviously because I use a lot of sunscreen my face is really pale so the Löwengrip self-tan serum with hyaluronic acid has been amazing because it gives both a some color and plumpness. 

Which perfume goes with you every day?

I am such a perfume addict! 

I guess perfume for me reflects my mood and I like to match it with whatever I’m doing that day and what I am wearing, so if I’m going to run errands and have a casual day I will reach for my “Santal 33” by Le Labo, if I want something sultry and appropriate for the night time event I will reach for Penhaligons’s “Constantinople” and last but not least, if I am feeling bold I will reach for “Les Sables Roses” by Louis Vuitton.

When you’re traveling, what are your “feel good” tips? 

My “feel good” tip for a traveling situation is to literally take your own pillow if you are like me that has problems adjusting to new ones. Trust me on this one, I have had terrible trips that I woke up with a sore neck and sleep deprived because I didn’t like the hotel’s pillows. Sleeping well will always make me feel good to carry on with my day so that is my biggest tip and also bring a silk pillow case with you so you don’t have to waste time styling your hair all the time. 

Our philosophy “We are not a beauty standard, we are standards” seems to touch you, could you explain why? 

I live by this philosophy because my whole life I struggled with my body. I was always super tiny and skinny no matter how much I eat and as a kid and also as a teenager. I sometimes heard some horrible comments about my body and today I say “NO” to all of those words that wounded me and led me to take extreme actions like taking tablets to increase my appetite, to basically go against my nature and genetics. Today I love every part of me and I encourage people to listen to their heart, to look at themselves with kindness and love and this is not easy, to change our own mindset takes work, self acceptance is a challenge but it’s so worth it in the end! I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my own skin.

• 

•