Zoom on: Aya Barqawi

Aya Barqawi, 24 years old, content creator, stylist and photograph – Amman, Jordanie. @ayabarqawi

What are your essentials when it comes to your daily make-up routine?
I always start with well moisturized, hydrated skin, and proceed with my routine which consists of bronzer, a bit of undereye concealer, filling in my brows, and either a nude or a bold lip if I’m feeling daring that day. It’s fresh, glowy and literally takes me 5 minutes to do.

What is your favorite make-up brand?
I have favorites from so many different brands, but I think I own quite a few products from Becca Cosmetics, because my main focus when it comes to my makeup is skin, and their highlighters and blushes happen to be my favorites.

Have you ever experienced a beauty fail?
Unfortunately, yes! as mentioned, I’m into skincare and I always love trying out new skin products, which was always cool until I jumped on the charcoal mask bandwagon after seeing everyone use it and rave about it. Needless to say, it wasn’t the right fit for my skin, it broke me out, and dried out my skin. So my advice is to always research products before trying them out, no matter how many times they pop up on your explore page.

Now let’s talk about your skincare, what is your night routine? 
My night time routine is a little pamper session for me, its my favorite thing to do! I always start by wetting my face and washing it with my face brush and my favorite Dermalogica cleanser. I then proceed to tone my face with the Eucerin oil control toner because I have sensitive, combination, acne-prone skin and this is the only toner that doesn’t dry me out. The last and final step is to moisturize. I start off by using my face oil, massaging it into my face and then finishing off with a lightweight moisturizer.

Do you have a beauty secret to share with us?
Of course I do! and this is one that I swear by! Are you ready for it? …. my homemade face oil!! I’ve basically spent so much time researching and reading about different natural oils and seeing which ones suit my skin type best. I then bought the organic oils that fit me best and mixed them together in a little dropper bottle, Et Voila! I’ve started using the oil daily before I go to bed and have been using it for over a year now, and my skin has never been better! It’s hands-down better than any store bought face oil I’ve ever tried, high-end and drugstore.