Proof That Mawra Hocane Is Poised to Become an International Beauty Icon

By Emily Orofino

Updated on 12/11/2016 at 4:00 PM

Babita Persaud
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If you're on the pulse of the Pakistani film industry, you're definitely familiar with Mawra Hocane. The Karachi native is known for her intensive work in serials such as Yahan Pyar Nahi Hai and the upcoming Sammi, as well as films like Sanam Teri Kasam.

Thanks to makeup artist Karuna Chani, POPSUGAR got the opportunity to connect with Mawra as she visited New York for a very special reason: Pakistan's first-ever film festival, which was hosted by the United Nations. "It is incredible how our cinema is making its presence felt on an international level through prestigious platforms given to us by the UN," she said. "This is only the beginning and there is much more to come."

That statement applies to Mawra's career, too. She uses her celebrity to spotlight social justice issues — and not just in her spare time. In fact, her new serial, which is set to debut in 2017, revolves around a heartbreaking theme: child marriage. "I believe in using my voice," she told POPSUGAR, "so I am very excited about Sammi, which speaks up against child marriages. Through TV, we are trying to raise awareness."

With talent, passion, and looks like hers, she is poised to become an international star. She has 1.4 million followers on Instagram, many of who comment "beauty queen" or "gorgeous" and declare her an "iconic beauty."

They're not wrong! Just one look at her inspires beauty envy, so we of course asked her all about her hair, skin, and makeup secrets. Mawra is actually a spokesperson for Sunsilk in Pakistan and swears by its shampoos and conditioners but also credits her thick, lustrous hair to regular oil treatments. She added, "I also love unwinding by getting scalp massages from my mother!"

One of the two beauty products she's obsessed with can actually be found stateside: the classic Maybelline Great Lash mascara ($6), which Mawra says she can't live without. The other, a "no makeup" makeup palette, comes courtesy of Pakistani brand Nabila. Because they each contain lip and cheek colors, powder, and concealers, "the kits are great for on-the-go touch-ups."

Keep reading! We worked with Mawra and Karuna to get a behind-the-scenes look at Mawra's style for the inaugural dinner of the Pakistan Film Festival. You'll be positively mesmerized by the beautiful photos.

Karuna specializes in airbrush makeup and used Kett Cosmetics Hydro Foundation ($30) to perfect Mawra's radiant complexion. Here you can see Karuna applying Mawra's all-time favorite mascara, Maybelline Great Lash ($6).

The key component of this look was definitely the eye makeup. Karuna used Make Up For Ever Star Powder in #922 ($20) to illuminate the inner corners of Mawra's eyes while picking up on the golden glints in her outfit.

For a simple but durable lip, Karuna lined and filled Mawra's pout with Kevyn Aucoin Flesh Tone Lip Liner in Blossom ($25).

Mawra left the conceptualization of the look to Karuna and the star's stylist, Ania Fawad. "The idea was to keep it very young and traditional with an edgy twist, and I think they both did a fantastic job," the actress said.

She wore a red angarkha and churidar, the former of which Mawra called "quintessentially Pakistani." However, the ensemble came from Muse (which is known for fusing traditional and more modern designs). "By changing the length and tweaking the designs, they made it edgy and contemporary," she gushed.

Karuna shared that her inspiration behind the makeup was Mawra's signature style: natural, youthful, fresh, and dewy.

"I loved how unbelievably fresh and vibrant Mawra looked," Karuna said. "It may be hard to believe, but it is much more difficult to execute a natural look than a dramatic, full face of makeup. This makeup look perfectly encompasses Mawra's youthful and vibrant personality."

Karuna Chani, Mawra Hocane, and Ania Fawad

Karuna Chani, Mawra Hocane, and Ania Fawad