Rea Moammar Rana is one of the most promising new makeup artists on the circuit. Just 22, she has made a niche for herself in the flourishing beauty industry by dint of immense talent and sheer hard work. Starting out as a beauty blogger, she soon swept up hordes of makeup enthusiasts with her detailed online tutorials, and then went on to expand her repertoire with hands-on makeup workshops and classes.
She launched her studio in 2019, and now divides her chock-a-block schedule between bridal and party makeup appointments, and her in-demand workshops in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.
Rea has a burgeoning fan following on Instagram – 158k and counting – but fame is a peripheral thing for her and she doesn’t let it go to her head. She keeps it real, she keeps it honest, and she is far too immersed in her own work to bother about any sort of negativity.
Who is Rea Moammar Rana?
REA MOAMMAR RANA: A beauty blogger turned full time makeup artist.
Tell us about your education. Where did you attend school and college?
RM: I went to National Grammar School and I did my O and A-Levels privately. I further plan to take many more makeup courses and go to a makeup college abroad.
Tell us about your childhood. What was it like growing up as renowned actor Moammar Rana’s daughter?
RM: As a child I remember going to a lot of his film sets; the outdoor ones used to be my favourite. For me, he’s my father who gave me a super fun childhood, I don’t think I could ask for anything more. Even in my adult years, his moral support has been immense throughout my career. And even though I started my career at a very young age, he has always been encouraging.
When and how did you foray into the makeup industry? Was it something you always aspired to do?
RM: During my newfound love of makeup, a relative suggested I start a blog. So I did and I literally had one palette, one brush set and some other things. To my surprise I got a very good response from everyone and my audience grew quite well. Slowly and gradually things started to pick up for me and I took every opportunity I got to keep working hard.
To be honest, I had no idea I would be a makeup artist one day. It’s not something I always aspired to be. Growing up I was more into sports and my mind was stuck on being a tennis player but you never know where life takes you. And I mean that in a good way.
What makeup philosophy do you subscribe to?
RM: Less is more.
Are you inspired by anyone? In the field of makeup and/or life in general?
RM: In the industry I am really fond of Makeup by Mario. His journey is truly inspiring.
Describe the signature Rea Moammar makeup look.
RM: Mascara, concealer, cream blush for a flushed look and a nude pencil on the waterline paired with a classic nude lip.
You launched your studio recently. Tell us a bit about it.
RM: Yes, I actually launched back in October 2019 and everything was going very well but then Corona happened. I reopened in November 2020 and Alhamdullilah by now it has gotten back to its pace. I am based in Lahore, and do bridal and party make-ups.
What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced working in the industry?
RM: Fortunately I have not faced any challenges till now. I think that’s because I like to just concentrate on my work and what I’m doing. That’s the only challenge for me.
Tell us about your daily routine. What is an average day like for you?
RM: These days it’s wedding season so I mostly have appointments starting from 9am. I get free by 3pm, sometimes 5pm if I’ve got more clients. I take a power nap, work out and then watch a little Netflix and sleep. On off days I create content for my blog.
Your makeup classes have garnered a huge fan base here in Lahore, and you have also conducted workshops in Karachi and Islamabad. What has the experience been like?
RM: Yes, Alhamdullilah my workshops have been a huge hit in Lahore, Islamabad as well as Karachi. As of right now, I just miss doing them. It’s been a year to my last makeup workshop in Karachi and I’m just waiting for things to settle down a bit so I can start giving my classes again. I give two day makeup workshops and one day classes as well which include a live demo of different makeup looks and techniques followed by a practice session for all attendees.
What is your health regime – how do you stay fit?
RM: Since childhood I have been very active in sports and that has helped me stay fit till now. I still work out regularly and keep a good check on my diet. Tennis was also a daily thing before Corona.
Your top five must-have beauty products…
RM: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, Fenty Beauty Cream Blush, Mary Loumaniser by The Balm, Natural Rosewood Lipstick by Flormar, and Mac Studio Fix Powder.
Your top five beauty tips?
RM: 1) Don’t get your eyebrows shaped too thin.
2) Apply liquid highlighter underneath powder in order to get that blinding effect.
3) Stop believing in fair skin and start believing in healthy skin.
4) Use SPF everyday. Even indoors.
5) Moisturise.
What is your personal style statement? Any wardrobe staples?
RM: If it were up to me I’d stay in my pyjamas all day. I’m not much of a style statement girl. I like what’s comfortable.
How do you deal with stress and negativity?
RM: As I stated earlier, I am too invested in myself and what step to take next in my career to bother with much else. I keep my mind busy so I don’t have to deal with any negativity because it’ll always be there. Better to invest your brain somewhere else rather than taking all the unnecessary stress.
What has been your most rewarding moment in life so far?
RM: When I finally saved up enough to launch my own studio – and when I did it! I had been wanting to do it for so long. That feeling of achievement.
And finally, are you satisfied with your life? Where do you see yourself in five years?
RM: Yes, for now I would say I am finally content in my life. I would like to do a lot more in order to be satisfied, but I don’t think I’ll ever be fully “satisfied”. Maybe that’s good…there’s still a lot more to do and achieve.
INTERVIEW: SARA AMIR TURAB
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF REA MOAMMAR RANA
