Signature Salon: Faz adds to the styling market

The make-up artist opens her salon at L’atelier in the capital.

ISLAMABAD: The red carpet launch of Faz “Signature Salon” at L’atelier, Islamabad, proved to be a glittering and glamorous affair. The pleasant October evening brought models styled by Faz and the city’s fashionistas to the outdoor red carpet, with media personnel humming around the glitterati in attendance. Mrs Salman Bashir, wife of the foreign secretary, inaugurated the event as the chief guest. 

UK-based Faz, a skin specialist, micro-surgeon and professional make-up artist, has been in the game for 17 years — running her own salons for 15. Her resume is as impressive as it is star-studded.

“She’s styled and worked with names like Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Salman Khan, Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra,” says Rezz Aly Shah, a PR representative. He adds that Faz had also worked as the personal stylist and make-up artist of the late prime minister Benazir Bhutto. A multifaceted entrepreneur, Faz doesn’t stop at dermatology. She’s an established film-maker (with a degree from the London Film Academy), a counsellor, member of the chamber of commerce (UK) and an active representative of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Pakistan.

Faz’s latest venture is located on L’atelier boutique’s second floor — a strategic move expected to attract the boutique’s loyal customer base. The salon is cosy with lime green walls that add a funky touch. “Faz is very well respected in England,” comments L’atelier’s CEO Zahra Raza. “The services she’s offering are new in Pakistan, for instance permanent eyelash extensions, micro facials, mini facials, mini manicure-pedicures and nail gels.”

Raza adds that the salon launch was a mutually beneficial move. For L’atelier, it can only mean more business. “It’s a great concept for L’atelier. We want to be a lifestyle boutique and adding a salon to our repertoire is ideal for that. It’s also going to increase our footfall here at the store, which is always great.”

The Express Tribune caught up with Faz, looking chic in dark palettes, on the red carpet. “What makes Faz unique is that the services it offers are comparable to what you will find in London, where I run three salons,” she explains. Its Faz’s international experience coupled with new treatments that make her salon a strong contender in the Islamabad styling scene.  Her facials are expected to be very popular: especially the quick lift (cleanse, tone and scrub).  “We do make-up, hair, mani-pedis, express facials, semi-permanent eye lashes, ‘gel’ mani-pedis and MAC make-up,” says Faz while adding that she is looking to open a bigger space soon.

“I’ll be spending half of my time in London and the other half in Islamabad,” she adds.

We also asked some of the models what they thought of the make-up: “It’s pretty good,” says Roshani in eye-catching red, “I’ve been modelling for a while and have noticed that in Pakistan they use a lot of gooey make-up. But Faz has used sheer and light base — a lot more comfortable.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7^th, 2011.