Saba Shafi

Who is Saba Shafi?

Saba Shafi, a name synonymous with elegance, innovation, and empowerment, has redefined beauty standards in Kashmir. Born in Srinagar and originally hailing from Seelu village in Sopore, indian administered Kashmir Saba has emerged as the first professional makeup artist from the region, earning nationwide recognition and becoming a symbol of women’s empowerment in a conservative cultural landscape.

Early Life & Education

Saba studied at the prestigious Presentation Convent School before moving to Delhi, where she pursued a degree in English Literature from Zakir Husain College, followed by an MBA in Business Management. However, her true calling emerged during a personal trip to London in 2012, where she enrolled in a short makeup course purely out of interest. That casual decision marked the beginning of her remarkable transformation into Kashmir’s leading beauty entrepreneur.

Career Breakthrough

Her breakthrough came organically. After returning from the UK, she did bridal makeup for a friend’s wedding in Kashmir — the results were so striking that her work quickly went viral through word of mouth and social media. That moment ignited her career and the birth of a brand that would go on to inspire thousands of women.

Saba’s style blends traditional Kashmiri aesthetics with modern makeup techniques, offering a distinctive identity to her bridal and fashion clients. Her Instagram handle, @makeupbysaba, has amassed over 149,000 followers, making her one of the most influential makeup professionals in Northern India.

Cultural Impact & Recognition

Saba’s journey is about more than beauty. In a society where makeup artistry was once viewed as taboo or frivolous, she broke barriers, normalized the profession, and encouraged young women to pursue creative careers. She has been featured in multiple national and regional publications, and her work has gained praise not just for its finesse, but for how it champions Kashmiri culture, femininity, and entrepreneurship.

Signature Style

• Infusion of Kashmiri cultural elements (e.g., traditional attire, jewelry, colors)

• Clean, elegant bridal makeup

• Mastery in modern contouring and highlighting

• Attention to detail, enhancing natural beauty over artificial glam

Empowering a New Generation

Today, Saba mentors aspiring makeup artists, runs bridal bookings year-round, and continues to shape the evolving beauty industry of Kashmir. Her story is not only about personal success but about paving the way for hundreds of women to dream beyond the expected.