Growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, makeup wasn’t just an art form to him; it was a form of self-expression and liberation. “My passion for makeup has been with me for as long as I can remember,” he reflects. Societal norms and family expectations made pursuing that passion nearly impossible. So, instead of diving headfirst into the world of blush and eyeliner, he found himself in marketing and advertising—ironically working with some of the world’s biggest beauty brands like L'Oréal, Urban Decay, and YSL Beauty.

No amount of career success could fill the void left by hiding his true passion. It wasn’t until he moved to the Netherlands that he began to reclaim his dream. Now, he’s unapologetically telling his story through every brushstroke, because to him, makeup is more than just colors and tools—“IT'S A STATEMENT."

 

 

Mo knows the struggle of being an aspiring artist all too well. “Starting a career in makeup isn’t easy, and there will be challenges,” he admits. It’s not just about talent—it’s about resilience. Setbacks are part of the journey, but giving up is not an option. “Keep standing up and pushing forward, and never give up on yourself.”

 

 

“The biggest surprise challenge for me wasn’t the technical side of makeup,” he reveals. Instead, it was the emotional and mental work of embracing his true self. Overcoming childhood traumas, trusting himself, and reclaiming his identity was far harder than perfecting his craft. “I had to embrace vulnerability and authenticity… I learned that resilience and staying true to who I am are what truly drive my career.”

 

 

Amsterdam’s creative pulse makes it a playground for artistic expression. “For me, Amsterdam is the perfect place to explore artistic expression without limits,” he says. It’s a city where individuality thrives and creativity knows no bounds. Whether it’s fashion, editorial shoots, commercials, or avant-garde projects, Amsterdam offers endless opportunities to push boundaries and develop his unapologetic style.

 

 

“My approach to editorial makeup is all about creating a sense of intrigue,” he says. It’s not just about making people look beautiful; it’s about making them look twice. Bold colors meet soft tones, sculptural elements merge with organic styles, resulting in an irresistible combination of curiosity and beauty. Mo loves to experiment and take risks, blending textures and ideas that defy convention. “The ‘edge’ you mentioned comes from this desire to explore and break norms, while still respecting the unique beauty of each individual.”

 

 

“The best lesson I’ve learned from a misstep is the importance of listening to my intuition,” he reflects. Early on, he found himself saying “yes” to every opportunity, even when they didn’t align with his vision or values. That urge to please led to projects that left him unfulfilled. Now, he’s learned to trust his instincts and embrace the power of saying “no” when a project doesn’t feel right. Authenticity, he says, is what brings the most rewarding and successful collaborations.

 

If Mo could relay a message to his younger self, it would be, “You were born to shine and be a star.” Life might throw rejection, confusion, and hardship his way, but he will find his way back home. He’d tell little Mo not to worry about fitting in or proving himself to anyone— “the world needs your authenticity, genuine love and your pure heart…reclaim your stardom and embrace who you are, it’s the key to success.”

 

 

In 2025, I’m looking forward to launching my second Brand Maison Ghazou specialized in Beauty,glam and bridal makeup, Also working on more high-fashion editorials, commercial campaigns, and avant-garde projects that challenge beauty norms. Additionally, I’ll be embracing the symbiotic relationship between creativity and technology, integrating AI tools into my process. I'm excited to push the boundaries of makeup artistry even further, blending traditional techniques with cutting- edge technology to create innovative, bold, and unapologetic looks.