How Does a 17-year-old Get Ready For Her First BAFTAs?

Prepping for the BAFTAS was crazy.

There was so much to do but it was so exciting. I had an amazing team and being glammed up ready to enjoy the night was fun but also felt very odd. My make-up inspiration was a simple glowy supermodel – when someone looks at me I want them to think I have great skin!

I think beauty is the essence of a being, with so many elements within that.

Being beautiful is feeling beautiful - whatever it may be for each individual. If you feel good then you look good so beauty really is from within.

Right now I feel like a badass superwoman.

I literally lived out my fantasy with the incredible McQueen and Lancôme team for the Baftas. I feel most powerful when I have a vision or a look in my head – whether it’s pyjamas or a gown – and it comes to life. I’ve expressed myself through clothes since I was young so if the fit is popping, so am I!

We identify ourselves through others.

In a world of technology and social media, where we digest and receive what’s put out in front of us, representation and seeing people that look like us is so important.

My Mother taught me the most about beauty rituals.

She would always mix traditional Somali herbs and tree blends on her face. I’d always look at her in such confusion but I was so intrigued as she would explain what each one does and the benefits. As I grew up I began copying her and using these natural blends because they really are the best.

There is no stronger bond than between women.

Female relationships are everything to me. When we unite and support each other we can get achieve anything. The love and loyalty my friends bring me is indescribable.

I like to keep my makeup minimal but cute.

I use some tinted moisturiser and concealer under my eyes to wake me up. Some liquid blush, tinted lip balm, a slick of mascara and that’s it!

I listen to 2Pac when I’m getting ready. His music always keeps me present, grounded and weirdly grateful. But as a complete contrast, I’ll switch to Nicki Minaj because she makes me feel like a boss.

Make up artist Adriana Bartosova tells The Stack that Ali's look was all about fresh, healthy-looking skin, with a real attention and focus on the eyes. Exclusively using Lancôme, we share the edit below.

Lancôme Hydra Zen Glow Moisturiser

This fluid moisturiser has a serum-like texture ideal for dehydrated skin that needs a moisture boost without being heavy.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Foundation

It's their best-selling base for good reason. Available in a plethora of shades, it has a flexible full-coverage finish that works for a photo-ready event or can be blended with an oil for a dewy glow.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Camo Concealer, £24

Almost impossible to finish due to it's intense pigment, use a minimal amount of this to instantly brighten up undereyes or conceal something you're just not feeling 100% about.

Lancôme Hypnôse Palette in Terre de Sienne

Palettes now come with an intidimating number of colours but this 5-hue edit makes for easy application without overthinking the process.

Lancôme Grandiôse Liner

If you struggle with winged-liner, this bendable applicator does the hard work for you.

Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara

If you have trouble with mascara smudging or flaking, this might be your new favourite. With serious staying power, silicone brushes aren't always for everyone but I'd urge you to give this one a try for enviable length and definition.

Lead image: Hana Knizova