Rubina Iqbal

Professional Makeup Artist · New Jersey & New York City

Makeupby Rubina

South Asian bridal, special-event and editorial makeup for every skin tone. Nearly twenty years in beauty, from campaign sets and magazine pages to the morning of your nikah.

Bride with a pink glitter eye, pearl matha patti and jhoomar, and emerald and pearl jewelry
South Asian bridal · glitter eye, pearl jhoomar, rose lip
Glamour UKPrint editorial Natasha DenonaCampaign pro artist GlamsquadPro makeup artist

Portfolio

The work

Brides, guests and editorial shoots. Tap any photo to see it larger.

Soft glam in motion

Real clients, start to finish.

Rosy soft glam
Bronzed soft glam
Fresh, lifted soft glam

Credits & Press

Where the work has appeared

  1. Now

    Pro makeup artist

    Glamsquad

    Working artist for the on-demand beauty service, booking bridal, event and everyday glam clients across New York and New Jersey.

  2. 2018

    Natasha Denona pro artist

    Natasha Denona foundation campaign

    Two-day campaign shoot at Sandbox Studios, Brooklyn. Imagery used at Sephora, Beautylish, Selfridges and Natasha Denona online and in store.

  3. 2015

    Credited makeup artist

    Glamour UK × Anjé New York

    Fashion feature in the June 2015 issue of Glamour UK. Photo: John F. Cooper. Model: Aysha Mirza. MUA: Rubina Iqbal.

Glamour UK June 2015 cover and Anjé feature crediting Rubina Iqbal as makeup artist Model Aysha Mirza in a black fedora and leather skirt for Anjé New York
Tear sheet, Glamour UK, June 2015. Credit line reads “MUA: Rubina Iqbal.”

Services

Services & rates

Every booking starts with skin. These are starting rates per person. Your exact quote depends on your events, your party size and your location.

Coming soon

Live makeup workshops

Chai & Gloss

An intimate gathering for women: a live makeup workshop over chai, with time to ask questions, try techniques on yourself and meet women-owned vendors.

  • Learn the techniques I use on brides and on set
  • Small groups, warm chai, unhurried time
  • Invited women vendors

Be first to know

Join the list and I’ll email you when the first date is set.

Portrait of makeup artist Rubina Iqbal

About

Hi, I’m Rubina.

I’ve spent nearly twenty years in beauty as a makeup artist and skincare specialist. I founded and ran a women’s spa, worked as a pro artist on brand campaign sets, and saw my work credited in Glamour UK. Today I work with Glamsquad and take private bridal and event clients.

My heritage is Iranian, Hyderabadi and Afghan, and South Asian bridal is the work closest to my heart. I know how a matha patti should sit, how to keep a look fresh from the baraat to the last photo, and how to make deep, warm and fair skin all glow.

Nikah · Mehndi · Sangeet · Walima · Reception

Brands & Press

Work with me

I partner with beauty, skincare and modest-fashion brands that care about skin and serve women of every skin tone. My work sits where South Asian bridal tradition, faith and modern glam meet.

My credits include a Natasha Denona campaign as a brand pro artist and a credited feature in Glamour UK, and I currently work as a pro artist with Glamsquad.

Ways we can work together

  • Product reviews and tutorials on Instagram
  • Campaign, on-set and backstage makeup artistry
  • Live education and workshops, including Chai & Gloss
  • Launch events and in-store activations
  • Brand ambassador partnerships

Who I reach

  • South Asian and Muslim brides and their families
  • Women with deep, warm and olive skin
  • Modest beauty and hijabi clients
  • Women who want skin-first, glowing makeup

Sending PR? Email me for a shipping address.

FAQ

Questions brides ask

How far ahead should I book?

For bridal, 6 to 12 months ahead is best, especially for spring, summer and fall weekends. For guests and events, 4 to 8 weeks is usually enough. Last-minute dates are worth asking about.

Do you do multi-day South Asian weddings?

Yes. The Multi-Event Bridal Package covers your mehndi, nikah, sangeet, walima and reception, with a different look for each. Send me your schedule and I’ll put together a quote.

Do I need a bridal trial?

I recommend one. We try your look with your outfit colors and jewelry in mind, so there are no surprises on the day.

Do you work with all skin tones?

Yes. My portfolio covers deep, warm, olive and fair skin, and I color-match foundation to you, not to a chart.

Do you work with hijabi brides?

Yes. I’m experienced working with hijabi brides and can set jewelry and dupattas around your hijab.

Do you travel to me?

Yes. I come to your home, hotel or venue across New Jersey, New York City and the tri-state area. Travel includes 30 miles round trip, then $1 per mile.

Do you offer hair styling?

My services are makeup. I’m happy to recommend trusted hair stylists.

How do deposits work?

A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your date. The remaining balance is due on the day of your event.

How do I book?

Fill out the inquiry form below with your date, events and location. I’ll reply with availability and a quote.

Book

Tell me about your day

Bridal dates fill early, especially in wedding season. Send the details and I’ll reply with availability and a quote.

Email

hello@makeupbyrubina.com

Instagram

@rubinamakeup

Serving New Jersey, New York City and the tri-state area. Travel beyond is available on request.

I reply within two business days.