Before YouTube, social media, and even the invention of the internet itself, Arab women were known for their beautifully-breathtaking makeup styles. So much so that over the years, outsiders were inspired from our region’s glamorous tricks, until it made it’s way to Hollywood, and from there on, to the mainstream.
Today, Arab men and women are still pioneers in the world of beauty. Placing their efforts and energy in producing looks that are invigorating as well as original, new, and yet most importantly, based in our roots.
Here is a list of the most captivating Arab makeup lines out there!
Huda Beauty
For some time now, Iraqi-American beauty guru Huda Kattan, has been considered as one of a handful of Arab makeup pioneers who shaped the region’s cosmetics scene.
After a successful run on YouTube in 2013, the beauty guru launched her own line, which included fake eyelashes, foundation, eyeshadow, and a myriad of palettes. In a matter of five years, it has become one of the fastest growing makeup brands in the world.
In 2017, she was featured on Time’s “The 25 Most Influential People on the Internet” list, while Forbes considered her to be one of the richest self-made women in the world.
Hindash
Scheduled to hit the shelves in March of this year, Hindash’s makeup line is finally coming to life. The celebrity makeup artist revealed the news on Instagram, with a promise of great things to come.
Hindash started out on YouTube with a beauty blog that has garnered more than 68 million views and 1.4 million subscribers. Additionally, he has worked with a number of A-listers such as UK model Naomi Campbell, US actress Lindsay Lohan, US model Chanel Iman, and Egyptian actress Mona Zaki.
Bassam Fattouh
Bassam Fattouh first started doing makeup on his mother, who loved the look, and encouraged him to pursue a career in cosmetics.
In a journey that has spanned for over three decades, Fattouh did it all; he has worked with names on the caliber of Haifa Wehbe, Elissa, Yara, and more.
Considered to be the real OG of the region’s makeup scene, the 43-year-old makeup artist made history in 2011, when he became the first Arab to release his own cosmetics line.
Soraya Shawky
With a knack for colors and everything that is skin care routine, Dubai-based Egyptian makeup artist Soraya Shawky, is one of the fastest growing beauty gurus in the region. She has solidified her Instagram reputation with a line of her own that has become extremely popular in no time.
The celebrity makeup artist studied fashion design in Berlin, and after graduating, she decided to return to the Middle East to share her expertise with the beauty enthusiasts of the region.
Layali Makeover
A rising star in the world of beauty, Saudi model and makeup artist Layali is taking the scene by storm with her contouring and highlights videos. The 28-year-old fashionista was first recognized as Kim Kardashian’s doppelganger, but after proving her metal in the this fierce industry, she’s become more than just that.
In 2016, Layali Makeover released her own line of fake eyelashes and ever since then, her brand continues in just getting bigger and bigger.