Behind the Brand: Celebrity Makeup Artist Omayma Ramzy Shares Her Secret to Glowing Skin with Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil Launch

Celebrity Makeup Artist Omayma Ramzy

Award-winning makeup artist Omayma Ramzy is known for creating fresh, dewy faces as seen on celebrity clients, media campaigns, and magazines including British Vogue and Flaunt. When we asked Ramzy to share her beauty secrets, her top tip was “Skin first, always.” 

During her youth, Ramzy spent time in Morocco and North Africa, connecting with her Egyptian heritage and learning the skincare rituals of the Saharan people. As a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles, she uses this knowledge to protect her clients’ skin from the effects of the city’s harsh, dry weather.

After working as a makeup artist and beauty expert for over a decade, Ramzy has launched Omayma Skin with The Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil. We chatted with Ramzy to learn more about the launch and to get her skincare tips.

Omayma Skin Bedouin Facial Oil

Can you share a little about your background and your journey to launching the brand?

I’ve been working as a makeup artist and beauty expert for over a decade, and have always been so passionate about great skincare. I think that the confidence that great skin gives is actually much greater than great makeup. Having a brand of my own had been a dream for a long time, and at a certain point it all started to come naturally and just sort of “click” as the natural next step for me. 

I’ve been passionate about facial oils for years, and growing up I’d get unusual oils from Egypt and Morocco and savor their every last drop. When I moved to Los Angeles, it was facial oils that saved my skin, and in turn gives my signature “glossy skin” look that as a makeup artist I’m known for. I’d make little oil blends over years and found myself constantly going back to my roots and heritage and what I learned about oils there.  

How did you decide what to launch as your signature product and what do customers love most about it?

I’ve been most passionate about facial oils for so long and it’s where I wanted to start for my brand. I truly love how in a harsh climate my skin was able to be saved with my facial oil blend! I worked so hard (about 15 samples before we got it *exactly* how I wanted it) to get the consistency so lightweight and fast absorbing. But above that, the real magic is in its aroma -- it’s the perfect herbal-floral balance and instantly calms the senses. 

Is there anything you want people to know about the ingredients you feature and how they are sourced?

I absolutely believe in transparency in ingredients and I just love sharing skin knowledge with people! I have an ingredient glossary on our site that explains the purpose and value of each and every one of the ingredients we use. Creating the formula was really a magical experience, and I love using ingredients from North Africa, like Argan, Prickly Pear, Rose, Jasmine, Neroli and Moroccan Tansy. We are proudly over 98% organic and use all fair trade & ethically sourced ingredients. 

Each botanical ingredient tells a magical eco-story to me. For example the Argan tree, native to Morocco, prevents the Sahara from spreading further by drawing up water, whilst additionally providing its rich Argan Nut, which feeds local Bedouin Farmer’s goats, and then in turn gives its own oils from its seeds, used not only cosmetically but in salads and cooking too.

Where can people get your facial oil?

I’m so proud that I’m stocked in a few amazing boutiques in Los Angeles now! If you are in Beverly Hills, the prestigious STRIIIKE Beverly Hills Beauty hold our Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil in their luxury beauty edit. Additionally, on Abbot Kinney in Venice Los Angeles we are held in in the most incredible Strange Invisible Perfumes Beauty Store. Additionally, we are online on our very own website, omaymaskin.com or on instagram at @omayma.skin.

What are your top skincare tips that you can share?

I’m a skin minimalist through and through! I say SPF always, but then think anti-oxidants in the AM and actives in the PM. The Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil is packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins A, C & E. It’s absolutely perfect in the winter/drier months and works hard to protect your skin from oxidative stress, pollutants and free radicals that cause collagen damage!  

Any tips for prepping the skin for makeup?

I absolutely love creating a dewy & fresh skin look. I love using a lightweight moisturizer mixed in with The Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil to give a glow-from-within look. It’s super lightweight and fast absorbing and so perfect for using under makeup in the areas you’d like to glow. Additionally, I love mixing a little into a foundation to make a tinted moisturizer for a lighter skin look.

Anything we should watch out for next?

Yes! I have a few top secret products in development now! I’m hoping to have them launch the first half of next year so watch this space! 

[Images courtesy of Omayma Ramzy]

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy