Marrakech – Nathalie Faustino shines as a model, influential beauty figure, and magazine editor in not only her origin country of Brazil but also the United Kingdom and Morocco.
In an exclusive interview with Morocco World News, Faustino spills the tea on career highs and women’s empowerment, revealing insights that redefine the beauty industry’s landscape.
Among her notable accomplishments, Faustino was a finalist in two International Beauty Blogger Awards, and has even had a memorable encounter with the late Queen Elizabeth II of England.
She also once owned a charity organization in Brazil dedicated to supporting women who were victims of domestic violence.
Through this initiative, she provided free psychological and legal assistance to any woman who sought help, extending a lifeline to those in need within her community.
These experiences not only elevated her visibility but also marked significant turning points in her professional journey.
“A very girly girl” at heart, Faustino’s beauty journey was fueled by her passion for makeup.
“I started posting selfies on social media, which attracted a lot of attention,” she reveals to MWN, highlighting how this online presence opened doors for a collaboration with a British brand.
Akin to most entrepreneurs, Faustino says she acquired her expertise by “learning everything throughout the years by trial and error.” In fact, the e-beauty influencer told MWN that she never had any professional training.
The not-so-glam side of a beauty influencer
As a beauty influencer and model, Faustino mentioned that she faces hurdles and challenges.
“I have had a lot of people who didn’t believe in my potential right at the beginning of my career. People would insult me and make really hurtful comments,” Faustino tells MWN.
Even though it made her feel devastated, she says she “used this pain to push her further into being successful.”She continues; “every time I became tired of trying to grow into this industry, I reminded myself of those insults and then I would keep going.”
Faustino views women’s empowerment as a cornerstone of her career, particularly in light of her independent journey within the beauty industry.
Reflecting on her tumultuous upbringing in a violent household with an abusive father, she acknowledges the challenges she has faced.
Born in Brazil and later migrating to England alone, she has built everything from scratch, relying solely on her determination and resilience.
“If I can fight against the odds, anyone can do it too. We need perseverance and self-love to believe 100% in our dreams,” she highlights to MWN.
The long road to self-acceptance
Faustino actively utilizes her platform to challenge conventional beauty standards and advocate for self-acceptance.
Despite appearing as the “classical blonde stereotype,” she emphasizes her deep connection to spiritual and emotional growth.
She tells MWN that openly discussing her childhood hardships and trauma serves as her method to shatter the facade of perfection often associated with beauty influencers.
Reflecting on her journey from a beauty journalist to a prominent figure in the industry, Faustino acknowledges the profound personal growth it entailed.
“I am much more confident and self-sufficient now than I was before,” Nathalie states, noting that, “it helped immensely to build a higher degree of self-esteem and to be proud of myself.” She continued that “I honestly can say there aren’t many downsides, only the fact that it sometimes affects my relationships.”
While the journey has been overwhelmingly positive, she candidly shares the challenges it posed in her personal relationships.
Despite facing disagreements with her former spouse regarding the nature of her work and public image, she remains unwavering in her passion for her dream job.
In her candid discussion with to MWN, Faustino revealed a side of herself rarely seen on social media, sharing her appreciation for quiet moments and simple pleasures.
Contrary to her glamorous online persona, she finds happiness in solitude, silence, and peace.
Rather than bustling nightclubs and pubs, she says she derives her joy from serene walks in nature, the tranquility of the countryside, and the comfort of a clean, tidy home.
Additionally, she finds solace in practicing meditation, delving into psychology literature, and savoring the simple pleasure of a well-brewed cup of coffee.
Deep ties with Moroccan culture
Although Brazilian-Italian, Nathalie’s connection with Moroccan culture runs deep, influenced by her former marriage to a Moroccan partner.
Through this relationship, she immersed herself in the rich tapestry of Moroccan traditions, cuisine, and music, gaining insight into the culture’s intricacies.
She developed a fondness for Moroccan cuisine, particularly relishing the flavors of tagine, and found joy in dancing to traditional Moroccan songs.
“I resonate with how family-oriented Moroccans are, as coming from an Italian family, we do have many similarities,” Faustino says.
Her experience has also fostered an appreciation for Moroccan football, further enriching her cultural immersion and broadening her horizons.
She shares the story behind a viral photo featuring her wearing a Moroccan football team shirt, a gesture inspired by her ex-husband’s passion for a team from Casablanca.
“We used to watch matches together and one day we had an idea of posting a picture of myself wearing the team’s shirt,” Faustino reveals.
Little did she expect the overwhelming response it garnered from her Moroccan followers.
“My page was literally flooded with thousands of Moroccans in a few minutes and it was shared by many pages in Morocco,” Faustino adds.
Faustino enthusiastically endorses Moroccan beauty rituals and ingredients, citing argan oil as an “absolute must-have in her beauty routine.”
Additionally, she extols the virtues of rose water spray, a beloved Moroccan skincare secret known for its hydrating and skin-smoothing benefits.
The discussion with Faustino revealed her journey through the realms of beauty, culture, and empowerment to be a testament to her resilience, her passion, and her authenticity.
From humble beginnings to international acclaim, she has navigated challenges with grace, leveraging her platform to challenge stereotypes, uplift women, and celebrate diverse cultures.
