For Celine Bernaerts, a Dolce&Gabbana Beauty makeup artist, a serious fall in Paris led to an unexpected twist in her career, propelling her to social media stardom.
Speaking with Cosmo ME, she shares her journey and advice for young women looking to express themselves through beauty.
Cosmo: Your makeup looks are all about pushing boundaries and being fearless. What drives your creativity, and how can young women in the Arab world find the courage to express themselves through beauty?
Celine: “Since I have a background in editorial makeup, I think I approach it as an art form more than just a way to look or feel beautiful. Growing up, I envied the natural beauty of people who didn’t look like me—dark hair, dark eyes. The key is self-acceptance. No one can be a better version of you than you! Once you embrace that, you’ll have the confidence to express yourself however you want.”
Cosmo: You’ve made the leap from the makeup industry to social media stardom. What’s been the biggest game-changer for you, and how do you think social media is transforming the way young women approach beauty today?
Celine: “I literally fell into the world of social media after slipping in Paris and breaking my wrist in three places. With nowhere else to focus my beauty obsession, I turned to social media. That fall was my game-changer. When it comes to social media, it’s important to stay accountable and honest about what you’re promoting. Encourage, educate, and empower—especially when your audience is impressionable.”
Cosmo: A lot of your tutorials emphasize makeup as a form of self-expression, not just about fitting into beauty standards. What advice do you have for young Arab women who want to experiment with their look while staying true to their cultural roots?
Celine: “Arab women have a rich history, and there are countless ways to explore that. But remember, makeup is just a pigment; it’s your hand that makes it yours. You can be playful, tailoring your look to the occasion. Sometimes it’s more demure, sometimes it’s more daring. Either way, it’s about having fun!”
Cosmo: With so much pressure to follow trends and brand deals, how do you stay real and creative? What tips can you share with young women trying to find their own style in a world full of influencers?
Celine: “Makeup is supposed to be fun! I love doing pre-shower makeup—where there’s no pressure to be anything. Influencers aren’t different from anyone else, except for having more eyes on them. They have the same struggles, insecurities, and imperfections as anyone, often with a filter on top!”
Cosmo: You’ve built a global fanbase, including many from the Middle East. What message would you give to young Arab women about confidence, beauty, and breaking free from stereotypes?
Celine: “Thank you to everyone who has supported me—it’s an honor! My message is that as you get older, the things that seemed important when you were younger begin to fade. Each year you grow into yourself more. With age comes acceptance, with acceptance comes confidence, and with confidence comes freedom to explore without fear.”
Celine’s journey from a makeup artist to a social media star proves that beauty is about more than just fitting in—it’s about embracing who you are and owning your uniqueness.