Logina Salah is a trailblazing Egyptian model, makeup artist, and social influencer who has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and self-acceptance. Born on April 21, 1990, in Alexandria, Egypt, Salah has become a powerful advocate for individuals with vitiligo, a condition that causes loss of skin pigment.
Trained as a professional makeup artist in New York, Salah was adept at disguising her vitiligo until she embraced it on social media. This bold step transformed her into an inspiration for her followers, changing their perspectives on life and beauty. She now uses her platform to inspire skin positivity and create a secure space for people with skin conditions, challenging conventional beauty standards. Salah also aspires to own her line of makeup and become a beauty educator.
At the Miss Universe 2024, Egypt’s Logina Salah made history. Not because she won the crown but because she won the hearts of everyone present. Her presence in the competition challenged traditional beauty standards and sparked a global conversation about embracing diversity and rejecting discrimination. Salah didn’t just make history; she won the hearts of many, breaking the stereotype of conventional perfection associated with beauty pageants.
Vitiligo is a skin condition where pale to white patches appear on the skin’s surface due to the loss of pigment-producing cells. In a further historic move, Salah became the first Egyptian contestant to reach the top 30 in the pageant’s 73-year history, marking a significant milestone for her country. By doing so, she redefined traditional beauty standards and fostered a conversation about inclusivity, demonstrating that true beauty goes beyond physical appearance.
Beyond her achievements in the beauty pageant world, Salah is a dedicated mother to her 10-year-old daughter and a licensed makeup artist from the Beverly Hills International Beauty School in New York. She regularly shares makeup tutorials and creative looks on her social media platforms, where she has garnered over 1.8 million followers.
As a powerful voice for women, Salah recently launched her platform, the Beyond The Surface Movement. This initiative aims to raise awareness about social issues and inspire young women and girls to embrace their unique beauty. Through her work, Logina Salah encourages others to look beyond physical appearances and recognize the inherent value in every individual.
Can you share a bit about your early life and upbringing in Alexandria, Egypt?
I was born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, a city that holds a deep historical and cultural significance. Growing up there, I was surrounded by a rich blend of ancient history, beautiful Mediterranean views, and a diverse, vibrant community. Alexandria is known for its intellectual legacy, and that environment had a big influence on me.
From an early age, I was curious and eager to learn, and my parents encouraged this. I was fortunate to attend a school that valued creativity and critical thinking, which helped shape my approach to problem-solving. In Alexandria, you also get a unique sense of resilience, as the city has faced many challenges over the years, yet its people remain proud and hopeful. This spirit has inspired me to always stay grounded and adaptable in the face of adversity.
How did your childhood experiences shape your views on beauty and self-acceptance?
I was exposed to a variety of perspectives, both from my family and from the diverse people in my community. Alexandria, with its historical connections to different civilizations, taught me that beauty is not one-dimensional—it is shaped by context, individual expression, and cultural influences.
There were moments, especially in my formative years, when I struggled with society’s narrow definitions of beauty, particularly as I saw idealized standards reflected in media and around me. However, my parents and role models encouraged me to embrace my uniqueness. They taught me that true beauty comes from within, and that self-acceptance is key to cultivating confidence and resilience. Over time, I came to understand that beauty isn’t just about appearance, but also about how we carry ourselves, our kindness, and how we treat others. These childhood lessons deeply influenced how I approach my own sense of self-worth and beauty today. I learned that it’s important to honor our individuality and to be kind to ourselves, no matter what external pressures or standards might suggest.
What inspired you to compete in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant?
I was inspired to compete in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant because I see it as a powerful platform to challenge traditional beauty standards and inspire others, especially young women, to embrace their unique qualities. Growing up in Alexandria, I’ve always been proud of my heritage and the values of resilience and empowerment that it instilled in me. This pageant offers an opportunity to represent Egypt on a global stage while advocating for causes like education, mental health, and self-acceptance.
How did it feel to be the first Egyptian contestant to make it to the top 30 in the pageant’s history?
I was an incredibly proud and humbling moment to be the first Egyptian contestant to make it to the top 30 in the pageant’s history. It felt like a significant milestone, not just for me, but for Egypt as well. I was honored to represent my country on such a prestigious stage and to show the world the strength, beauty, and talent that Egyptian women possess. It reinforced my belief that with determination and the right mindset, we can break barriers and create new opportunities for future generations.
What message did you want to convey through your participation in the Miss Universe pageant?
Through my participation in Miss Universe, I wanted to convey the message that true beauty goes beyond appearance—it’s about confidence, resilience, and embracing one’s individuality. I aimed to inspire others, especially young women, to believe in themselves, pursue their passions, and challenge societal norms. I also wanted to highlight the importance of cultural diversity, self-acceptance, and using one’s platform to advocate for meaningful causes.
What are your thoughts on the current state of diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry?
I believe the beauty industry has made significant strides toward greater diversity and inclusion, but there’s still work to be done. We’ve seen more representation of different skin tones, body types, and cultural backgrounds, which is a positive step forward. However, true inclusivity means embracing all forms of beauty, not just what’s currently trending. The industry should continue to push for more diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring that everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to define beauty on their own terms.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could give advice to my younger self, I would tell her to embrace her uniqueness and trust her journey. There will be moments of doubt, but those challenges are opportunities for growth. I’d remind her that self-acceptance and staying true to her values are the keys to happiness and success. Lastly, I’d encourage her to never fear failure, because every setback is a lesson that brings her closer to her goals.
What key lessons from your journey would you like to share with young women and girls facing similar challenges?
One key lesson I’d like to share is the importance of self-belief. There will always be obstacles and moments of doubt, but trusting in your abilities and staying true to your values is essential. I would also encourage young women to embrace their individuality and never compare themselves to others—true strength lies in being authentic. Finally, don’t be afraid to fail; every setback is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to your goals. Keep pushing forward, and remember that resilience is what truly defines success.
What other projects or initiatives are you currently working on or planning for the future that you’re excited about?
I am gladly working on my own brand that has a story behind it. And the main reason why I chose this concept is to help mothers and people towards a healthier life. I can’t announce the whole concept now, but I am sure it will inspire and help others.
