Time to get familiar with these brands!
One scroll trough Instagram is all it will take for you to realise how important makeup and skin-care is to Arab women. However, Middle Eastern consumers today are not just buying, they are innovating and creating – changing the beauty game one day at a time. From Huda Kattan’s namesake brand revolutionising the makeup industry, to Joelle Mardinian who now owns beauty saloons all over the Middle East, we have watched women from the region leave their mark on the industry.
Here are five Arab owned beauty brands to add to your collection:
Shiffa
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This skincare brand was founded by Emirati Doctor Lamees Hamdan, who has been creating natural and organic products based on the principles of dermatology since 2004. Her first product came about back when she was pregnant and was looking for a natural solution to prevent stretch marks. She was able to able to test the oil on herself and develop it so that it could really nourish pregnant women’s fragile & sensitive skin by providing it with the maximum hydration and conditioning to firm.
Now, many years later, her skincare brand Shiffa, which means ‘healing’ in Arabic has won several awards and is sold all around the world.
Izil
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This Moroccan skincare line was founded by Mouna Abbassy back in 2013, after moving to Dubai. She wanted products that were simple and natural, and felt like she couldn’t find that where she lived. Her beauty brand, Izil, which means “pure” in the Berber Amazign language, is inspired by traditional Moroccan recipes. Her hair, face and skin products are free of parabens, synthetic colors, and preservatives, and uses natural ingredients like argan and prickly pear seed oils, ghassoul clay, and roses. Izil started off from Mouna’s home, but is now available globally and can be found in spas and stores across the region.
Glossy Make-up
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You can find the lashes and makeup brushes in Harrods’ Urban Retreat beauty spa, so you know that it has gotten the stamp of approval from beauty specialist. The brand was founded by English-Egyptian makeup artist Natasha Zaki, who has previously worked with legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath. The Dubai-based beauty line is best known for its 3D silk lashes, which you can wear up to 20 times (if you take good care of them), which is a refreshing change from equally pricey but throwaway options.
K7L
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This cruelty-free cosmetics company was launched by Areej Sultan Al Essa, who seeks to be more inclusive to Arab women. The makeup line offers all kinds of beauty products, from nail polishes, cream eyeshadows, lightweight eyelashes, and long lasting lipsticks that last up to 24 hours! Another great aspect of this brand, is that the foundations, which are avaialable in 15 shades are made to suit Middle Eastern tones, so you wouldn’t have to struggle to find that perfect match.
The Camel Soap Factory
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Forget your gels and oils – you want one of these handcrafted soaps in your shower caddy. Made in Dubai (in a warehouse in Al Quoz), these cleansing bars are loaded with olive oil, essential oils and the aforementioned camel milk (which is super gentle, nourishing and packed with vitamins B and C). Their wide range includes options for babies and specifically for washing your face, so these also make for great gifts.
Get shopping!
Images: Getty Images, Instagram
