#INTERVIEW The Art of the Effortless Glow: In Conversation with Nawar Raichura

The landscape of beauty is shifting. Gone are the days of heavy masks and rigid contouring; instead, now is the time for an effortless luminosity and that glow up from within. To navigate this evolution, we chatted to celebrity makeup artist Nawar Raichura. Known for her ability to create timeless, polished looks that radiate health, Nawar bridges the gap between high-fashion editorial trends and the practical demands of this region’s climatic uniqueness. Here, she breaks down the "Soft Glam" phenomenon and why less is officially more.

Delna Mistry Anand: We see a massive shift in the beauty landscape. In your opinion, which trends are defining the current 'zeitgeist' and why are they resonating?

Nawar Raichura: Current makeup trends are all about “skin first,” focusing on healthy, glowing skin rather than heavy coverage. People want makeup that enhances what they already have, which is why soft glam has overtaken full glam. Everything is blended, diffused and effortless, creating a modern and timeless finish.

At the same time, eyes are becoming a key area for creativity. With simpler skin, statement eyes feel fresh, think smudged kohl, softly defined liners, and subtle pops of colour that allow self-expression without looking overpowering. Cream products are dominating, as they move naturally with the skin and give a lived-in, healthy finish.

Lips have shifted back to hydration, with glosses and lip oils preferred over heavy mattes. Blush is now used more as a sculpting tool, blended into the temples to lift the face naturally.

These trends are sticking because they’re flattering in real life, translate beautifully on camera, feel comfortable to wear. They enhance beauty without looking overdone, which is exactly what modern clients are looking for.

Achieving a look that is both polished and age-defying is an art. What are your 'golden rules' for a finish that feels fresh, relevant, and youthful?

A youthful, polished makeup look starts with hydrated, well-prepped skin it instantly looks fresher and smoother. Opt for lightweight bases like tints or sheer foundations, and spot-conceal only where needed to keep the skin natural. Cream blush, bronzer, and highlighter give a soft, healthy glow. Apply blush slightly higher and use bronzer for warmth, not heavy contouring.

Eyes should feel defined but effortless: neutral shadows, subtle shimmer, tightlined lashes, and mascara on top opens the eyes without heaviness. Groom brows softly with light strokes and gel for a natural frame.

Lips stay fresh with tinted balms, sheer lipstick, or gloss. Finish with a light setting spray to melt everything into the skin.

Less is more soft textures, careful blending, and enhancing features over over-defining keeps makeup modern, radiant, and timeless.

Trends can be tricky to translate into real life. What are the most frequent make up mistakes that you encounter, and how can we avoid them?

When it comes to trending makeup looks, I see a few common mistakes. One is overdoing trends, jumping straight into bold eyeliner, metallics, or neon without adapting them to your face shape, skin tone, or lifestyle. Start subtle and build intensity gradually.

Another is neglecting skin prep; hydrated, primed skin is the best canvas for any look. Many also layer too many products, which can feel heavy or cakey. Stick to lightweight, buildable formulas and blend strategically.

Balance is key if you’re highlighting the eyes, keep lips soft, and vice versa. Using the wrong tools or techniques can also ruin a look, so choose brushes and methods suited to the trend. Copying influencer looks without adapting to yourself is another trap always tweak colours and shapes to suit you. 

Finally, forget longevity, and your trend won’t last; primers, setting sprays, and strategic powdering make all the difference.

The GCC woman is globally minded yet faces a unique climate. How do you tailor international trends to remain flawless against the heat and humidity of the region?

Adapting global beauty trends for women in the GCC requires balancing style with practicality. The region’s hot, dry climate demands lightweight, long-lasting products that can withstand heat and humidity, so heavy foundations and thick creams are replaced with tinted moisturizers, skin tints, and oil-free formulas that keep skin radiant without feeling heavy. Sun protection is essential, so incorporating SPF into daily routines is a must.

Makeup trends like soft glam, dewy finishes, and statement eyes are adapted using smudge-proof, waterproof, and sweat-resistant products, ensuring looks stay flawless throughout the day. Setting spray is absolutely essential to lock everything in place and maintain a fresh, polished appearance.

Lifestyle factors, such as long workdays, social events, and frequent travel, favor multitasking products lip and cheek tints or versatile palettes that save time without compromising style. Skincare remains a priority, keeping skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing.

Looking ahead, what is the 'Next Big Thing' in beauty, and how can our readers get a head start on this aesthetic today?

The next season’s defining makeup trend is all about effortless luminosity with a pop of creative colour. Think skin that glows naturally hydrated, dewy, and almost “lit from within” paired with a bold, playful accent on the eyes or lips. This isn’t about heavy contouring or full glam; it’s about enhancing your features while keeping everything soft and modern.

To start incorporating this trend now, begin with skin prep: invest in a hydrating moisturizer, a luminous primer, and a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturiser to create a natural base. Swap heavy powders for cream-based blushes and highlighters to maintain that fresh, dewy finish. For the fun accent, try a statement eyeliner in unexpected shades or a vibrant lip tint to experiment without overcommitting. Small touches like these allow you to embrace the trend gradually, making your look contemporary, wearable, and perfectly suited for daily life in any climate.