CREDITS – All images sourced from Maria Asadi’s team and Instagram
Maria Asadi’s journey into the world of beauty is one of passion, artistry and an innate understanding of confidence. From a childhood immersed in creativity to shaping looks for celebrities and high-fashion editorials, her expertise in radiant, effortless beauty is unmistakable. Inspired by the ’90s and icons like Pat McGrath, Maria’s signature style is all about enhancing natural features with a soft, glamorous touch. In a tête-à-tête with The Peacock Magazine, Maria talks about her vision for her beauty line and her commitment to mentoring emerging artists as she continues to redefine beauty with innovation.
Q) What were your growing-up years like?
Maria Asadi (MA): I had a very creative childhood. I was always drawn to art, colours and textures. Whether it was painting, experimenting with my mother’s make-up or styling my friends for fun, I was always finding ways to express myself visually.
Q) How and when did you realise your calling to become a make-up artist? Did you always want to become one?
MA: I always loved make-up, but it wasn’t until I started doing make-up for friends and family that I realised how transformative it could be. Seeing how confident people felt after I worked on them made me fall in love with the process. That’s when I knew this was more than just a hobby; it was my passion. ’90s music videos and the ’90s are a huge inspiration for me.
Q) How did you land your first assignment?
MA: It started with word of mouth. A friend needed make-up for a small photo shoot and I offered to do it. That shoot led to another opportunity, and before I knew it, I was working with photographers and stylists regularly.
Q) When did you get your first big break?
MA: My first big break came when I worked on a campaign for a well-known fashion brand. It was the first time my work was seen on a larger scale, and soon I was working backstage at major shows for Fashion Weeks!
Q) How do you decide the look for any shoot? Do you always go by the memo, or do you choose to go by your instincts?
MA: It’s a balance of both. I always consider the creative brief, the mood board, and the vision of the team, but I also trust my instincts. Sometimes, the smallest tweak can elevate the whole look, and that’s where intuition comes in. It’s also about understanding the feeling and the message that we want to communicate through the make-up and the look. Essentially, we are storytelling.
Q) How would you describe your signature look?
MA: My signature look is radiant, effortless beauty, enhancing natural features with luminous skin, soft contours, and a touch of something unexpected, whether it’s the lips or an ethereal shimmer on the eyes. My make-up style always feels and looks luxurious and elegant; I’m all for beauty that looks and feels expensive, with a twist of soft glamour.
Q) What have been the highlights of your career until now?
MA: There have been so many! Working on editorial shoots for major fashion magazines, collaborating with top designers for runway shows and working with incredible talent and celebrities. But honestly, every time I make someone feel beautiful, it’s a highlight for me.
Q) What’s your definition of ‘Beauty’?
MA: Beauty is confidence. It’s not about perfection; it’s about feeling good in your own skin and embracing what makes you unique. It is about elevating what you already have. Beauty to me is uniqueness and individuality; it’s about making what’s already yours better. It’s also about kindness, which makes eyes dazzle, an inner dazzle. It’s about the power of knowing that you are special in every way.
Q) Who is your ultimate make-up icon and why?
MA: Pat McGrath. Her creativity, her ability to set trends and the way she pushes boundaries in the industry are oh so inspiring. Her versatility and make-up are never repetitive.
Q) Who is your style icon?
MA: I love the timeless elegance of Jennifer Lopez, how she keeps her fashion modern and timeless, how she thinks about every part of her outfit so cohesively; she has her own individuality and her own style, and she doesn’t follow trends, she sets them. She also walks with an inner confidence, and it really shows.
Q) Debunk the biggest make-up myth you’ve heard.
MA: The fact that you have to contour to define your face. Not everyone needs it! Sometimes, soft definition with blush and highlight does the job beautifully without looking too heavy.
Q) Who would you love to give a makeover to?
MA: Not a makeover, but I’d love to do Jennifer Lopez’s make-up. My make-up would look incredible on her.
Q) Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever done someone’s make-up?
MA: It has to be the back seat of a moving car before a red-carpet event. Trying to do eyeliner while the car was bouncing was a challenge! These experiences are awesome as they challenge an artist, and I love a challenge.
Q) What are the three make-up products you can’t live without?
MA: Those would be:
A hydrating skin prep (like a great primer or moisturiser)
A versatile cream blush
A high-quality mascara
Q) What is your number one skincare tip?
MA: Never skip hydration! Keeping your skin hydrated ensures a flawless make-up application. I also love rose water. I use Persian rose water a lot! It soothes the skin and calms inflammation.
Q) Which is that one make-up product or tool that is always in your kit?
MA: A beauty sponge—it blends everything seamlessly and gives the most natural finish.
Q) What’s one celebrity beauty secret we might not know about, but should?
MA: Sheet masks. They are a must-have before a red carpet. They are great when you travel and when you need instant hydration.
Q) What do you love most about what you do?
MA: I love that I get to make people feel confident and beautiful. Seeing someone light up after their make-up is done is the best part of my job. I love the relationships I build and the incredible people I get to work with.
Q) Who is your go-to make-up artist when it comes to your own make-up?
MA: I love doing my own make-up, but if I had to choose, I’d trust Hung Vanngo—his work is stunning.
Q) What skincare product still needs to be invented?
MA: I think everything has been created, and that skincare will just get better and better!
Q) What would you be if make-up never existed?
MA: I would either be a fashion stylist or a film director–anything involving creation and creativity.
Q) What are your future plans?
MA: I’d love to launch my own make-up line, focusing on high-performance, skin-loving products. I also want to conduct masterclasses globally, sharing my knowledge with the world. Then there was the Cannes Film Festival, which was super exciting. I am also working closely with Chin Oguns at The Melanin Agency. She has created an awesome agency that provides make-up and hair for the film world, specialising in diverse skin tones. There are some exciting projects that we are working on together.