We talk to professional makeup artist Asal Rastgou about her personal and professional journey in the fashion industry.
“Asal Rastgou has a unique approach to beauty, which combines art and fashion. It has led her to build a professional portfolio ranging from editorial and runway to high-fashion campaigns”.
Asal Rastgou is a professional fashion makeup artist known for her bold creativity and refined technique. Her unique approach to beauty, which fuses art and fashion, has enabled her to build a professional portfolio that spans editorial, runway, and high-fashion campaigns. Her work, whether it’s clean and minimalist or avant-garde and expressive, captures the essence of each project, leaving the audience intrigued and inspired.
Fashion Week
She has been invited to work at prestigious events such as Paris Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, where she has collaborated closely with top designers, stylists, and international models. Asal’s calm energy, attention to detail, and ability to translate a creative vision into flawless makeup looks have earned her recognition within the fashion industry.
Beyond runway shows, Asal draws inspiration from contemporary art, global trends, and diverse cultures. Her makeup artistry is not just about surface beauty; it’s about storytelling, evoking emotions, and celebrating individuality. With each project, she brings passion, professionalism, and a unique artistic voice that sets her apart, engaging and connecting with her audience.
Fashion Event
I met Asal at a fashion show in London for the iconic designer Pierre Garoudi. The show was an event that showcased the latest couture designs, which flirt with bold colours and daring designs, for which Pierre Garoudi is renowned. It was an excellent stage to showcase just how vital makeup was in bringing his visions to life.
Asal Rastgou – Career
What inspired you to pursue a career in the makeup industry, and how did you get started?
I never saw the makeup sector as just a profession—it has always felt more like a way to gain a deep understanding of people. With my academic background in psychology, I realised early on that how you treat someone is just as important—if not more—than the techniques you use. This understanding of human emotions and behaviour has greatly influenced my approach to makeup artistry, allowing me to create looks that not only enhance physical beauty but also reflect the inner emotions and personality of the individual.
Connection
That insight drew me into the world of makeup, where emotions, connection, and change all come together in a truly unique way. Looking back, I wouldn’t alter a thing. I would choose this path again without hesitation. This career gives me the chance to express love, art, and excitement every single day. It’s not just about beauty—it’s about energy, empathy, and creativity all blending together. That’s what keeps me inspired.
Lessons Learned
Can you share a memorable experience from your early days as a makeup artist that shaped your career?
One of the most important lessons I learned in my first year as a makeup artist was letting go of perfectionism. I used to be so focused on making every single detail flawless, but I realised that true beauty comes from emotion and intuition. When I started listening to my feelings instead of overanalysing, my work became more alive, and my clients noticed the difference too. That shift shaped my entire approach. I began focusing more on the client’s experience and energy, rather than chasing technical perfection. It made my work more personal, more human, and ultimately more powerful. That early experience still guides me today.
Asal Rastgou – Change
How do you stay current with the latest trends and techniques in the ever-evolving world of fashion and beauty?
In makeup artistry, learning is a continuous process. This industry is constantly evolving, with new trends, products, and techniques emerging regularly. To keep up, I dedicate time to studying global trends, following industry leaders, and experimenting with fresh looks. Social media plays a huge role in staying inspired and connected to what’s new and relevant. However, beyond simply following trends, it’s essential to evolve as an artist continually. Each face teaches you something new. The more open you are to growth, the stronger and more versatile you become. That hunger for knowledge and creativity is what helps a makeup artist stand out.
Fashion Podcast
Challenges
What has been your most challenging project to date, and how did you overcome the obstacles you faced?
One of my biggest challenges was learning how to adapt to different personalities and expectations, especially under pressure. As someone with a background in psychology, I quickly realised that emotional intelligence is crucial in this field. It’s not just about creating a look—it’s about reading the room, building trust, and adjusting your energy accordingly. I overcame this challenge by practising deep listening and observing each client’s mood and comfort level. With time, I developed the ability to balance creativity with sensitivity. That has become one of my strengths, especially in high-stress situations, such as fashion shows or tight-schedule campaigns.
Asal Rastgou – Collaboration
How do you approach collaborating with designers and stylists to create a cohesive vision for a fashion show or campaign?
Collaboration is one of the most exciting parts of this job. When working with designers and stylists, I always start by listening to their vision and understanding the theme, mood, and overall aesthetic. Then I use my creativity to translate that vision into a makeup look that enhances the entire concept without overpowering it.
Many of my collaborations happen through social media and connections with photographers and event planners. I’ve learned that good communication and a positive attitude are essential.
“If you don’t bring the right energy to the team, no amount of talent can make up for it. Kindness and professionalism always open doors”.
–Asal Rastgou
Creative Process
Can you describe your creative process when developing a makeup look for a specific project or theme?
My creative process begins with listening to the client, understanding the theme, and trusting my instincts. I like to ask questions about the feeling they want to convey. Then I start building the look in my mind, thinking about colour palettes, textures, and structure. It’s a blend of artistic vision and emotional connection. After that, I experiment and refine. The best looks come from being present in the moment, not overthinking, but flowing with what feels right. I always aim to make the person feel seen and empowered through the makeup I create.
Makeup Industry
How have you seen the makeup industry change over the years, and what impact do you think these changes have had on artists and their work?
The makeup industry has become more inclusive, more experimental, and more fast-paced. Social media has completely transformed how we learn, share, and grow. It’s easier than ever to be discovered—but also more competitive. You must continually stay relevant and push yourself creatively. For artists, this means being flexible and authentic. You can’t rely solely on trends—you must find your voice and continue to improve. I see this as an opportunity, not a burden.
“If you truly love what you do, there’s always space for you to shine”.
– Asal Rastgou
Balance
How do you balance artistic expression with client expectations in your makeup designs?
Balancing your creativity with client expectations is an art in itself. I always start by understanding the client’s personality and what makes them feel confident. From there, I bring in my own artistic vision in a way that complements their desires, rather than overrides them. That’s where psychology helps again—it’s about empathy and communication.
“The best makeup artists are those who can make their clients feel seen and understood, while still delivering something unique and inspiring”.
-Asal Rastgou
Advice
What advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists looking to make their mark in the fashion industry?
My advice is simple but essential: never stop learning. This industry moves fast, and if you’re not evolving, you’ll fall behind. Take every opportunity to grow—whether it’s a masterclass, a new technique, or simply observing other artists at work. Also, don’t enter this business unless you truly love it. Passion is the only thing that keeps you going during the tough times. If you’re in it for the right reasons—for the art, the excitement, the human connection—you’ll find your place.
Asal Rastgou – Future
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future, and how do you envision your career evolving in the coming years?
I see myself reaching much higher levels in this industry. My dream is to one day have my own makeup brand—something that reflects my values, my creativity, and my journey. I believe that with hard work, discipline, and genuine love for what I do, it’s completely possible. Every day, I’m building toward that future. I want to continue growing, connecting with more artists, and being part of even bigger fashion and beauty events. The beauty of this career is that there’s always a new level to reach—and I’m excited for what’s next.
Website homepage photography by – Carina Wang © / @carinawang1030
Contact the Magazine.
Join us on Spotify.
Latest posts:
- Fashionista – Pierre Garroudi
- Three – A Magic Number
- Fashion’s Secret Weapon – Asal Rastgou
- Rebecca Hanser – Directing Dreams
- Haute Couture – A Creative Playground
