Interview: Beauty Blogger & Makeup Artist Maryam of ! Maryam Maquillage !

Hello Beauties!

Many of you may not know this, but FabEllis originally began as a beauty blog.  Throughout the year, it has expanded to cover fashion and natural hair updates as well and even though it has expanded, I still have a special place in my heart for all things beauty and makeup related.  In fact, when it comes to beauty and makeup, one of my favorite bloggers always comes to mind.

My friend Maryam of ! Maryam Maquillage ! is an uberly talented makeup artist and beyond that one of the nicest bloggers I have ever encountered.  Since I am such a huge fan of her's, I wanted my readers to get to know her and find out more about her, her blog and makeup tips.  I recently interviewed Maryam.

Check out our interview:

FabEllis:  I have been a fan of yours for awhile and I would love for my readers to get to know a little bit about you.  Please share with us a little bit about yourself such as where you are from and how you got into blogging.

Maryam: Why Thank You Miss Fabellis, I happen to be a big fan of yours and am so thrilled to be featured on your awesome blog! 

Let’s see, a little about me: I was born in Russia and came to New York with my parents when I was 10 years old. I’m proud to consider myself a New Yorker, though I’m not a native one. I come from a family of artists, so my makeup obsession was a natural development starting from my early teenage years. In school, I was the go-to makeup girl for picture day and I eventually became a sort of “beauty expert” among my friends, family, and coworkers. One day, I posted a makeup photo of myself on Facebook, and after receiving nearly 100 comments and questions about my techniques and products, I asked my friends if they thought I should start a blog. Their response was positive, and the rest was history.

FabEllis:  Your blog initially began as a blog surrounding beauty and makeup.  I have seen you evolving throughout the past few months.  In a nutshell, who do you feel your blog will appeal to?  What are the main topics you cover?

Maryam:  My blog is still very much revolved around beauty. My core posts are makeup and nail art related, but every now and then, I like to throw in a couple of reviews, favorites, style/fashion and personal posts. I’m excited to collaborate with a few jewelry designers for upcoming makeup/nails posts, as well as diversify some of my content into style and fashion. My blog is written to appeal to anyone who enjoys the topic of beauty -- from makeup artistry to skin care to style – I try to cover it all! The makeup looks I create range from simple to dramatic, and are inspired by different cultures, time periods, trends and even celebrities. Most of my ready-to-wear makeup posts include step-by-step tutorials, while my conceptual looks are just meant to ignite a spark in someone who may be looking for inspiration.

FabEllis:  Your main topic on the blog surrounds beauty and makeup so let’s talk a little bit about your beauty routine.  What is your skincare routine for day and night?

Maryam:  I’ve recently discovered an amazing moisturizer that I swear by – day and night! This “magical erasing” gel cream by South Korean brand Amore Pacific (its real name: Amore Pacific Moisture-Bound Hydra-Gel) has transformed my skin and I can’t stop talking about it. It’s been my number one product for the past two months or so and I’ve been recommending it left and right!

My routine for night is to remove my makeup with a gentle cleanser (I like Neutrogena Naturals facial cleanser + makeup remover for the face and Neutrogena eye makeup remover lotion for the eyes). Next, I apply my beloved Amore Pacific hydra-gel all over my face, avoiding the eye area. This moisturizer takes care of the dark spots, acne spots, discoloration and dryness, while balancing the skin, leaving it velvety smooth. On my eyes, I use Basq cucumber tea eye gel to combat dark circles and puffiness.

In the morning, I use none other than a spritz of hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball to remove any excess oils from my t-zone and follow with a moisturizer. I alternate between the Amore Pacific hydra-gel (it is pricy) and my Avene Hydrant moisturizer.

FabEllis:  What are your daily makeup essentials?

Maryam:  If I’m wearing makeup, I try to keep it as “pro” as I can, even for basic, everyday wear. I never skip my primer (Laura Mercier mineral primer), which I apply under my Bare Minerals matte foundation. I also swear by Benefit Erase Paste, its peachy undertones and creamy consistency make it a great concealer for the under eye area. As far as eye makeup, I like to keep it simple with either a sleek cat eye using Clinique cream liner or a soft smokey look using Urban Decay Naked Palette. I always moisturize my lips using Aquaphor, and apply one of NYX’s neutral lip glosses over their lip liners.

FabEllis:  Share with us one of your simple, everyday looks. 

Maryam:  Modern Day Pin-Up  (Click for a more information.)

FabEllis:  Share with us one of your most dramatic makeup looks.  

Maryam:  Arabian Nights, Arabian Days (Click for more information.)

[Note:  Maryam also does nail art!  Check out her Mixed Patterns nail art!]

Want to stay connected with Maryam?  Find her on the following:

Blog: http://www.maryammaquillage.com/

Facebook: Maryam Maquillage

Twitter: MamaDramaNYC

Instagram: MaryamNYC

A huge thanks again to Maryam for allowing me to interview her!  I hope you all enjoyed learning a little more about this fabulous artist.

Thanks for reading, God bless & stay fabellis!