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I like to call Karim Sattar a beauty and makeup genius every woman would like to be around to get her self-confidence massaged. His charming and funny personality paired with his expertise in all things beauty make him one of a kind.

Karim Sattar has been Dr. Hauschka's international brand ambassador and makeup artist since 2012, but his experience in the beauty industry encompasses more than 20 years. He has finished his apprenticeship as makeup artist in Germany, followed by professional training courses in various countries and cities, such as London, New York City and Athens. With international publications in Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, Cosmopolitan or Glamour, it is easy to say that Karim Sattar's vibrant personality and know-how has made women smile and shine all around the globe. Amongst these women were celebrities such as the Princess of Monaco, Jane Fonda, Paris Hilton, and Anastasia, just to name a few.

Since working for Dr. Hauschka, Karim Sattar stands for natural cosmetics, organic makeup and beauty products that are synthetic-free. In our interview, Karim told me about his neat hands, beauty in an intercultural context, his fascination about Africa, and of course... his natural beauty secrets!

Interview: Karim Sattar

Karim Sattar, please start by tagging yourself with three words.

Visual, enthusiastic, active.

At ABURY everything is handmade and we believe that “hands tell stories“. What do your hands tell about you?

My hands are the extension of my creativity. They play a fundamental role in the creative process. Through them, I can reveal and enhance the natural beauty of each woman. They are often in the focus, by being photographed a lot and therefore I need to take great care of them. So, Dr.Hauschka's hydrating hand cream is perfect to ensure this extra care.

What is the last thing you created with your hands?

I love painting and use Annie Sloan non-toxic colour for indoor painting. I have created a piece of furniture with seven different colours and techniques. The result: a shabby, used finish.

If you could choose, what would you like to be able to do with your hands?

Jewellery art! Detailed jewellery work has always fascinated me.

“One of a Mind” underlines our strong belief in equality and the value of sharing. How does intercultural exchange benefit our global society in your eyes?

Intercultural exchange can benefit our global society in different ways. For example Dr. Hauschka: As far as possible, we obtain all of our raw materials from biodynamic or controlled organic cultivation. We aim for good quality and therefore we have solid partnerships with many suppliers, including a shea butter project in Burkina Faso, castor oil producers in India and rose gardens in Ethiopia, Turkey and Afghanistan. It goes without saying that we are committed to fair trade conditions characterised by mutual trust and independent development opportunities. We therefore have a solid and long-term working relationship with many organic farming partners.

Karim Sattar as part of a beauty workshop in South Africa

Speaking of cultural exchange… You have travelled through more than 40 countries as the international makeup artist for Dr. Hauschka. Which country is your “beauty heaven” and why?

Every country I have visited is so unique that I find it challenging to point out my favourite. Personally, I like warmer countries more. The women there have a braver approach to make-up and are more into new looks.

Some of Karim Sattar's work as makeup artist

Beauty has different definitions and perceptions depending where you go. Between which countries or areas do you see the strongest contrasts?

Like mentioned above I think there is a difference between sunny and less sunny countries. The Europeans like a more natural and minimalist makeup. In Arabian countries the women love colours and are a little bit braver. The US women have a more trendy and glossy way to paint their faces.

How do you define beauty yourself?

Beauty is a mindset and it can be reflected in a beautiful smile or a simple move.

What role does natural beauty play in making the world more sustainable (ethically and environmentally)?

All formulations of Dr. Hauschka Make-up contain carefully balanced compositions of nurturing plant extracts, waxes, and oils, as well as mineral pigments. We know where the ingredients come from.

All Dr. Hauschka products are certified with the international quality seal for natural and organic cosmetics, NATRUE. They are all free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives.

You have travelled in various countries in Africa - could you explain where your fascination for Africa is coming from?

My husband is from South Africa and I have a godchild there. These are my personal reasons for my special connection.

I have also travelled a lot through African countries, for example, Kenya. They are all very different. But some things they have all in common is joy, colours, dancing etc. The people there make something out of nothing like art out of the garbage. I find it so fascinating!

Is there any African beauty secret or ritual everyone should know about?

African beauty culture and the focus on beauty varies on the continent more than in any other place in the world. Starting with tribal face paint, tattoos or makeover out of natural sources like Seagull dump. This has fascinated me my whole life. For me, the beauty of nature in these countries comes from the variety of skin tones.

What is your number one beauty advice to all women out there?

Keep on smiling as this is your best makeup in the world!

© All photos via Karim Sattar