We asked the founders of the make up app BEYOU what inspired them to build it and how they are expanding their community of makeup artists and clients who love this instant beauty service in their own home.
The two founders are CG= Charlotte Green NA= Nawal Alkhedairy
What beauty apps had you used before you started building your own and why?
CG:We were living and working for several years in Dubai – a forward-thinking, fast-paced, tech-embracing, social media-loving, anything and everything on-demand kind of city where there are plenty of beauty apps. We tried several of them out.
So it came as a bit of a shock when we moved back to the UK – we missed our slick beauty apps for having a bespoke look for when we were heading to meetings, a night out with the girls, or had a hot date!
NA:Back then in 2017, beauty apps were still in their relative infancy here in the UK. We felt there was a huge gap in the market for what we had experienced overseas and that’s why we left our roles [Charlotte in law and Nawal in events for a luxury brand] and launched Beyou in London in Jan 2018. We wanted a product like ours but it didn’t exist here, so we created it!
What are your favourite treatments to have to unwind and relax?
NA: Of course, we both love having our makeup done; we find it so therapeutic and relaxing. Besides that, I love facials and Charlotte is currently, being pregnant, loving pregnancy massages!
Beauty products that you have to travel with?
NA: We’re both obsessed with Exuviance skincare products. For us, skincare and prepping the skin before any makeup is applied is super important. Cleanse, tone and moisturise – a good skincare routine is a must!
CG: As we both travel a lot, myself having moved countries several times and Nawal travelling internationally for work, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is amazing to keep our skin hydrated, aid in the production of collagen, whilst also having an SPF 15 – all essential things when traveling!
NA: There’s also another thing that I love… it looks crazy, but it works like magic. When I’m on a long haul flight, I always use a Joanna Vargas face mask! One of those that you peel off and put on.
What hurdles did you have to get through at the beginning?
NA: Sacrificing time was a big one – we put our hearts, bodies and souls in bringing to life the concept which meant extremely long hours in the conceptualization and launch process. Of course, with Charlotte having a family and new born, and with me working, this was definitely a hurdle.
CG: Also the branding. We’re both perfectionists and know what we like and dislike. For us this was probably the most crucial part of Beyou as we wanted to ensure that it reflected Beyou in the way that we envisioned it. Also the app testing – this was such a learning curve for us, understanding the process of how apps work and the technology behind them wasn’t something that we have done before or had experience in.
What do you look for in a make-up artist?
CG:We recruit all our makeup artists either through professional recommendations or by scouting directly from retail venues. We have a strict vetting process for all new MUAs and insist on seeing their portfolios.
How can make-up artists get in touch with you to join and what can make them stand out for you on Instagram?
NA:We love to hear from makeup artists from across the country. We’re constantly on the look-out for great talent. It always helps if MUAs on Instagram show their full range of skills, update regularly, and have personal testimonials from existing clients.
What has been your happiest moment since starting Beyou?
CG: Seeing the actual concept come to life from start to finish; it’s such a great feeling still seeing the Beyou app live in App Store.
NA: Also getting client feedback. We are part of so many people’s lives now, whether it’s for their Big Day, prom, graduation or getting them ready for a date, the feedback that we get is one of our biggest motivators. Charlotte and I are so heavily involved in client facing and communication as we don’t want to lose the human touch and high quality of service even though it’s a digital service that we essentially provide.
What’s next for you both and the app?
CG:We’re capitalising on our nationwide success across Britain by launching in Ibiza on 10 May. We’re very excited! The White Island has long been synonymous with some of the world’s most glamorous parties, exclusive editorial shoots and high-end, high-octane, celebrity-filled events. It, therefore, seems the natural next step for us to offer our portable, on-demand, glam-on-the-go services there.
NA:Famously free-spirited Ibiza attracts all kinds of different people from all over the world, of different ages, tastes, looks, skin types and hair – and, of course, with different budgets.
We’re confident that amongst our carefully selected, world-class glam squad located in Ibiza there will be the perfect makeup artist for every client, every occasion and every budget.
CG: And we also have ambitious strategic growth plans to push into other key destinations throughout Europe later this year. This is just the start!
Beyou – the nationwide app that allows you to book make-up artists and hair stylists direct to your door whenever you want, wherever you are, and at a price you choose. More details on how to get the app go to their site here