The three-day global beauty exhibition and festival, Beautyworld Middle East 2025, ended on a high on October 29, 2025 with workshops including international makeup master Nikki Wolff’s masterclass, wrapping up the inaugural Makeup Studio.
The celebrity makeup artist and Internet favourite, who has over 2 million Instagram followers, is known and loved for her signature makeup style of dewy skin with a natural glowy finish and power brows that frame the faces of Hollywood’s promising faces, the likes of Simone Ashley and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
In this exclusive interview, Emirates Woman talks all things beauty with Nikki Wolff.
Celebrity makeup artist Nikki Wolff
What is your very first memory of make-up?
It’s funny, my first memory of makeup still feels like the glamorous of all. I remember watching my mum get ready, completely mesmerised by the ritual of it. The smells, the sound of the compact snapping shut, the way her face seemed to come alive as she did her makeup. I didn’t understand what she was doing at the time, just that it felt like magic. A small moment of transformation that seemed to shift her energy. I think that’s when I realised makeup wasn’t just about appearance; it was about how it makes you feel.
In terms of your starry clientele, who do you work with regularly? And who would be your dream client?
I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible women, from actors and models to musicians and icons who’ve trusted me for years. Each brings something unique, and that’s what I love most; no two faces or energies are ever the same. My dream client is actually Beyoncé – I’ve been such a huge fan of hers since back in the Destiny’s Child days, and I’ve not had the pleasure of doing her makeup yet!
How would you define your signature look?
Fresh, glowing skin is always the foundation. I love makeup that enhances rather than hides; luminous, dimensional skin paired with sultry, defined eyes. Sculpted and very much ‘made-up’ but never heavy.
How do you balance creativity and perfectionism?
It’s taken time. Early in my career, I was obsessed with getting everything right, but perfectionism can steal the joy out of creating. I’ve learned to trust my instincts more and to let the work breathe. The magic usually happens in the imperfect moments: a smudge, a texture, a spontaneous choice that feels alive. That’s what makes beauty exciting.
“Middle Eastern beauty is already so striking. It’s all about celebrating the natural contrast and structure.”
What are your non-negotiables when it comes to makeup?
Skin always comes first. No amount of foundation can replace the look of healthy, well-prepped skin. I also can’t do makeup without a good light source and clean brushes. Beyond that, it’s about intention. Every product and every stroke has to have a purpose. I never want to add makeup for the sake of it.
How can Middle Eastern women make their features pop with makeup?
Middle Eastern beauty is already so striking. It’s all about celebrating the natural contrast and structure. Play with depth and light. A softly smoked lash line, clean brows, and luminous skin always look beautiful. I also love enhancing the warmth in the complexion with bronzy tones that catch the light.
What is your personal beauty philosophy?
Beauty should feel like self-care. For me, makeup is about expression and confidence, not covering up. I like there to be a purpose to everything I do – for example, I wouldn’t add contour to an already defined jawline, or brow pencil to very defined brows. Makeup should feel like it’s being worn, like it’s wearing you. I love makeup’s ability to balance asymmetry; small details can really be quite transformative. I think the most beautiful faces are the ones that reflect how you feel rather than trying to imitate someone else’s version of beauty.
Which time period was your favourite for its beauty?
The nineties will always have my heart. There was such a sense of individuality and rawness, especially in fashion and beauty. It wasn’t about filters or symmetry. The supermodels all looked completely different, and that made the era feel real, powerful, and timeless.
What have been the challenges that are particular to the beauty industry that you’ve had to overcome to get where you are?
It’s a fast-moving industry, and that can be both exciting and exhausting. There’s constant pressure to evolve, stay relevant, and keep creating, but my greatest struggle is balancing mum-life with my passion for my work. Both are huge loves in my life, but don’t go hand-in-hand. I have to make sacrifices for both regularly.
What would be your advice for aspiring make-up artists?
Be patient. Focus on mastering your craft rather than chasing numbers or trends. Watch people, study faces, and practise every chance you get. The more you understand light, texture, and emotion, the better your work becomes. And stay kind. The industry is built on relationships, and people never forget how you made them feel.
Your latest beauty obsession?
Monochromatic, 90s-inspired looks.
Your best make-up trick you’ve picked up over the years?
Follow the angle of your lower lash line for a liner flick tailored to your eye shape.
Your beauty indulgences?
Candles, scented shower gels and body lotions. I’m fragrance-obsessed and extremely picky!
Perfect skin is the starting point for all of your beauty looks. What’s your secret?
Not over-layering. I use product really purposefully. That way, it can really do its job while also looking fresh.
What is one makeup product a woman should carry in her bag?
A lip liner that matches your natural lip tone. You can use it for definition, colour, or even as a blush in a pinch.
The next big thing in beauty?
Drama! We will always love that ‘clean girl’ aesthetic, but I love that makeup is back!
Images: Supplied
