Indeed, numerous new cosmetics labels have launched in the UAE over the past few years, spanning everything from global beauty empires to boutique vegan collections.
Offering premium quality products that are ethical, kind on your skin and ideally suited to the Middle East’s sun-kissed climate, here are some of the best homegrown beauty brands that deserve a place in your makeup bag.
AVVAI
GLOSSIC
Glossy Makeup
Launched in Dubai by English-Egyptian makeup artist Natasha Zaki, Glossy Makeup is best known for its cruelty-free eyelashes and vegan makeup brushes. As a busy professional who splits her time between London and the UAE, all the lashes are named after Zaki’s favourite places, including London boroughs Chelsea and Hyde Park, and Gulf hotspots Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi. The eco-friendly magnetic lashes require no messy glue or fuss, and they can be reused up to 60 times. Easy for even eyelash beginners to apply in seconds, the looks range from natural and subtle, to ultra glamorous. For an extra radiant glow, the illuminating face drops are the perfect finishing touch for a special occasion.
@glossymakeup
Hindash
Hindash, the renowned Jordanian makeup artist, launched his makeup line in Dubai 2022 in. The enticing collection now spans ultra-precise bold eyeliners, subtle lip tints, luxurious shimmering highlighters, vibrant makeup palettes and much more. Renowned for his transformative makeup tutorial videos, his strong social media presence continues to rise. With over 1.5 million followers on Instagram and over 1.7 million followers on YouTube, he looks set to achieve world domination very soon. @hindash
Huda Beauty
Few UAE labels are as globally adored as Huda Beauty. Launched by makeup blogger Huda Kattan in 2013 with a small range of fake eyelashes, it is now one of the world’s fastest-growing beauty brands. With 54 million Instagram followers and counting, Huda Beauty stocks more than 100 different products, including vegan-friendly luminous matte foundations, matte lipsticks, lip glosses, eyeshadow palettes, powders and more. Born in America to Iraqi parents and now proudly based in Dubai, Kattan is not just a mega influencer, but one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. Named as number 15 on the Forbes Top Creators list 2023 and number 66 in Forbes list of America’s top self-made women, the passionate humanitarian recently donated US$1 million to relief efforts in Gaza.
@hudabeauty
Skin Story
Founded by UAE-based sisters Nidhi and Rashi Sethi, Skin Story was born out of the pair’s struggle to find chemical-free makeup brands that suited their Arab skin. Focused on making clean beauty accessible to all skin tones, each cruelty-free product contains no artificial dyes or colors. Available in a select, yet diverse range of shades, Skin Story’s versatile Multisticks are designed to be used on the face, lips and eyes. Made with an ultra-nourishing avocado oil, japonica seed oil and marula oil, the easy-to-blend sticks are complemented by a range of equally excellent mascaras, eyeliners and brow serums. As an added bonus, every product is sold in sustainable packaging, and free delivery is available across the UAE. @skinstoryme
Youmi Beauty
The brainchild of Lebanese mega-influencer Youmna Khoury, Youmi Beauty was founded in Lebanon in 2017 as a fake eyelash specialist, relaunching in Dubai in 2019. Now one of the fastest-growing beauty empires in the region, her products are so popular that the majority are consistently sold out. All specially designed to suit and flatter Arab women, the exceptionally popular colored contact lenses are all hand painted and suitable for even the most sensitive of eyes. Always expanding, innovating and releasing new products every few months, Youmi Beauty now also offers clip-in hair extensions, hair products, perfumes and more. A driven entrepreneur who was raised in an orphanage, around 25 percent of profits from Youmi Beauty go straight to the Youmi Beauty Charity Foundation, Khoury’s self-founded charity that works to help children and families in Lebanon and Syria.
@youmibeauty
