Career Diaries: The Founders of CTZN Cosmetics Talk About the Importance of Being Seen in the Beauty Industry

What are your daily makeup routines?

Aleena: Foundation, concealer, lots of layered mascara, contoured cheekbones and a nude lip — currently my nude combo is Lipstroke Chaar with Nudiversal 11: Istanbul. I finish every look with a dab of Globalm Clear on my cheekbones; I’m obsessed with a dewy glow! 

Aleezeh: I usually like a more minimal look for my everyday. I like to start with a light moisturizer and then use a BB cream as my base. I add concealer and then contour my cheeks with some bronzer for definition. I finish off my look with mascara and our Lipstroke Chaar with Nudiversal Shade 15: London, which is my perfect nude.

Naseeha: After cleansing my skin, I moisturize it and add BB cream, fill in my brows, add a neutral shadow over my lids, mascara, bronzer and, of course, a cat eye. I finish the look off with Lipstroke Cinco and Nudiversal 8: Dubrovnik on my lips.

What do you hope to see in the future for the beauty industry?

Aleena: Authenticity. Not a “token” brown girl in your campaign, but get to know that girl, inquire what her needs are as a beauty consumer, ask her and her friends what they would like to see, and then get her opinion on your next campaign before launch to see if it resonates. 

What do you want the world to know about representation in beauty?

Aleezeh: It is not about the number of shades you have, it is the research that results in having the right shades. For example, having the largest number of foundation shades in your collection would mean nothing if someone still could not find one that aligns with their correct undertone. 

What’s next for the brand?

Naseeha: We are working on a one-shade-fits-all product. We are currently testing it far and wide to ensure it will suit everyone who wears it. If we pull it off, it’s going to be incredible!

Makeup is …?

Aleezeh: A tool to embrace self expression. 

Naseeha: Art and can be used in any way or form. 

Aleena: Supposed to be fun!