From ‘borrowing’ your mom’s eyeshadow palette to saving up your salary to buy the latest trending product on TikTok, the quest for new, quality makeup brands is never-ending.

Mai El Mokadem

Jun 15, 2024

SceneStyled Picks: Our Favourite Makeup Brands from the MENA Region

Immersed in the world of YouTube tutorials and teenage fashion magazines, a generation blossomed under the tutelage of beauty gurus and makeup artists. Mastering the art of the winged eyeliner and crafting the perfect lip combo became a cherished ritual, often fueled by a spirit of playful experimentation.

From Cleopatra's kohl to the shimmering pigments used in ancient rituals, the Middle East understands the power of makeup. For millennia, the region has been a hub for beauty innovation, and in the modern age, this rich history and desire for beauty meets technology, creating a makeup revolution. Vibrant hues evoking desert sunsets, innovative formulations enriched with nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, and sumptuous textures that celebrate individuality - our list features a meticulously curated selection of standout offerings from regional makeup brands.

By Mina Al Sheikhly

Mina Al Sheikhly, the face behind MBC Iraq's Beit Beauty TV show, knows the power of a perfect gaze. Her eponymous brand is all about brows and lashes, designed to help you achieve that effortless eye drama. For the truly dramatic, she also has coloured mascaras, from green and blue, to brown and burgundy.

Our Favourite Product? The Curved Mascara.

Bassam Fattouh Cosmetics

Lebanese makeup artist Bassam Fattouh was initially renowned for his mastery in bridal makeup. However, responding to overwhelming demand, he ventured into creating his own brand. Today, his brand offers a comprehensive range suitable for bridal beauty as well as everyday looks.

Our Favourite Product? The Bridelight Highlighter.

Huda Beauty

As one of the pioneering beauty influencers to emerge from the Middle East, Huda Kattan ascended to global prominence, particularly with her brand Huda Beauty, which brought her expertise to the forefront of the beauty industry. From celebrity makeup artists to everyday enthusiasts, their extensive product line caters to a diverse range of preferences, spanning from natural, everyday looks to full-on glamour.

Our Favourite Product? The Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder.

Loca Beauty

This Saudi Arabian beauty label offers innovative and inclusive cosmetics. Focused on quality and self-expression, Luca aims to redefine beauty standards with diverse products for all skin tones and types, featuring blushes, highlighters, eye shadow palettes, lip and nail products.

Our Favourite Product? Cherry On Lip Balm.

SimiHaze

SimiHaze specialises in bold colours housed in charming, retro-style packaging – and makes them accessible to everyone. The formulas themselves are a win-win: buildable for effortless transition from day to night looks, all while infused with skincare benefits. Look good, feel good, do good for your skin – it's a beauty trifecta in a single line.

Our Favourite Product? Skin Suede Melting Bronze Balm.

Hindash Cosmetics

Hindash. The mere mention of his name brings to mind the eyeliner tutorials that captivated the internet in 2015. However, Hindash's impact extends far beyond viral fame. In recent years, he has transformed his artistry into a comprehensive cosmetics line. The journey commenced with a bold eyeliner, reminiscent of his early days, and has since expanded to include versatile multipurpose palettes and vibrant liquid pigments.

Our Favourite Product? The Beautospy Gradient Palette.

Izil Beauty

Drawing inspiration from Morocco's breathtaking geographical diversity, Izil Beauty pays homage to ancient beauty rituals. Spanning from the verdant north to the arid south, Moroccan women have perfected their beauty regimens by harnessing the finest ingredients their land offers. Now, Izil is poised to unveil the secrets of Moroccan beauty to the world.

Our Favourite Product? Aker Fassi Lip & Cheek Tint.

CTZN Cosmetics

The Khan sisters, with South Asian heritage and based in Dubai, established CTZN, a beauty brand designed for universal appeal, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity for South Asian and Middle Eastern individuals. Frustrated by the beauty industry's lack of representation, they aspire to empower all consumers with a diverse range of thoughtfully inclusive products, irrespective of gender, age, ethnicity, or skin type.

Our Favourite Product? The Eye Elements.

Asteri

Dedicated to sustainability, Saudi Asteri offers vegan, cruelty-free, and microplastic-free formulas. Their products are crafted to withstand desert conditions, providing protection against environmental damage while prioritising high-performance quality and rich pigmentation.

Our Favourite Product? 45 Degree Blush.

The Dubai Dolls

Originating from Dubai, this beauty brand has all your beauty needs covered. Their meticulously crafted lashes, highlighters, lip shines, and fragrances have captured social media attention, not only for their quality but also for the bold confidence they instil.

Our Favourite Product? Dubai Nights Lashes.

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