The UAE, particularly cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is known for its vibrant beauty industry, where makeup trends are influenced by both traditional Arabian beauty and the latest global innovations. The diverse population and climate of the UAE contribute to unique beauty preferences, with a focus on long-lasting, heat-proof products, luminous skin, bold eyes, and luxurious lips. This comprehensive guide delves into the hottest makeup trends in the UAE, the best products for your skin.
In this section, we’ll take an even closer look at the makeup scene in the UAE, dive into beauty trends that are specific to the region, and go over the products and techniques that have earned their place in the kits of women across the Emirates.
Popular Makeup Looks in the UAE
Bold Brows
Thick, well-defined eyebrows are a staple of Middle Eastern beauty. Emirati women prefer arched, bold brows that define the face and enhance its structure. Brow products that give both definition and volume, such as eyebrow gels, pencils, and pomades, are popular. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow are favorites in the region.
Radiant Skin
Glowing, radiant skin is a top priority in the UAE. Since the weather can be quite harsh, especially during the summer months, achieving a dewy, hydrated complexion is key. Women in the UAE focus on skincare-infused makeup products that provide a natural glow. The Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter and Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Foundation are popular for achieving a luminous base.
Smoky Eyes
The UAE’s smoky eye look is iconic. Dark, dramatic eye makeup is often paired with long, voluminous lashes to create a bold and sultry appearance. Shades of black, brown, and gold are frequently used, with a focus on blending for a seamless finish. The Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette and Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette are go-to choices for this look.
Statement Lips
Women in the UAE aren’t afraid to experiment with bold lip colors. Deep reds, rich burgundies, and even daring purples are popular choices, especially for evening events. Matte lipsticks are a favorite due to their long-lasting power in the heat. MAC Retro Matte Lipstick and Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick are highly recommended for a bold lip look that lasts.
Best Makeup Products for Skin in the UAE
The UAE’s climate can be hot and humid, making it crucial to choose makeup products that are not only long-lasting but also provide skin benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the best makeup products for different skin types and concerns:
Foundation
- Best for Oily Skin: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation is known for its full coverage and matte finish, making it perfect for those with oily skin living in hot climates.
- Best for Dry Skin: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation provides hydration and a radiant finish, which is ideal for dry skin.
- Best for Combination Skin: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation offers a semi-matte finish that works well for both oily and dry areas.
Concealer
- Best Overall: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer provides full coverage, brightens the under-eye area, and lasts all day.
- Best for Dry Skin: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer hydrates while covering imperfections without settling into fine lines.
Blush
- Best Cream Blush: Glossier Cloud Paint offers a natural flush and blends seamlessly into the skin, providing a dewy finish.
- Best Powder Blush: NARS Blush in Orgasm is a cult favorite that delivers a peachy-pink glow.
Highlighter
- Best Liquid Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter gives a natural, dewy glow to the skin.
- Best Powder Highlighter: Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Highlighter is loved for its intense shine and ability to suit a wide range of skin tones.
Eyeshadow
- Best Eyeshadow Palette: Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette captures the rich colors of the desert and provides a range of mattes and shimmers for both day and night looks.
Lipstick
- Best Matte Lipstick: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint offers long-lasting color in a range of bold shades.
- Best Hydrating Lipstick: Dior Addict Stellar Shine keeps lips hydrated while delivering high-shine color.
Setting Spray
- Best Overall: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is perfect for keeping makeup in place in the UAE’s hot climate.
- Best for Dry Skin: MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ hydrates and refreshes the skin while setting makeup.
Summer-Proof Makeup Tips for UAE’s Climate
Given the extreme heat and humidity in the UAE, it’s essential to summer-proof your makeup. Here are some tips to keep your makeup looking fresh all day:
- Start with a Primer: A good primer can help keep your makeup in place and prevent excess oil production. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is a great choice for a smooth canvas.
- Opt for Lightweight Foundations: Heavy foundations can clog pores and melt in the heat. Choose a lightweight, breathable foundation that provides buildable coverage.
- Set with a Powder: Setting your makeup with a translucent powder like Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder helps absorb excess oil and ensures a matte finish.
- Use Waterproof Products: Waterproof eyeliners, mascaras, and brow products are essential in the UAE’s climate to avoid smudging.
- Blotting Papers: Keep blotting papers on hand to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.
Exploring Regional Makeup Trends
The UAE’s makeup trends have always balanced tradition with modernity. Below are some of the more intricate and specific trends seen in the region, often setting the standard for beauty in the Middle East.
Arabian Glam: Kohl-Rimmed Eyes
One of the most iconic aspects of traditional Arab makeup is the use of kohl to outline the eyes. This trend dates back centuries and remains a beauty staple today. Women use black or dark brown kohl to rim their eyes, making them appear larger, deeper, and more defined. Often paired with smoky eyeshadow, this look has been modernized with shimmering eyeshadow shades and dramatic winged liners to create a more contemporary feel.
Best products to achieve this look:
- Kajal Pencil by Guerlain – A luxurious, long-lasting kohl pencil for intense, dramatic definition.
- Lancôme Le Crayon Khôl – Known for its precision and smooth application.
- Huda Beauty Life Liner – A dual-ended eyeliner with a liquid and pencil formula, perfect for dramatic wings and tightlining.
Glossy Lips
Glossy lips are making a big comeback in the UAE. Women are moving away from purely matte lipsticks in favor of high-shine glosses that make the lips appear fuller and more hydrated. In the hot climate of the UAE, hydrating and long-lasting lip glosses are key, especially those that offer a high-shine finish without feeling sticky.
Best products for glossy lips:
- Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer – A high-shine, non-sticky formula that suits all skin tones.
- Dior Addict Lip Maximizer – Offers a plumping effect while giving a gorgeous gloss finish.
- Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss – This hydrating gloss adds shine and moisture, perfect for combating the dryness of the UAE’s climate.
Soft Glam: The Minimalist Look
While the UAE is known for bold and dramatic makeup looks, the minimalist or “soft glam” trend has gained popularity, especially for daytime wear. This look is characterized by neutral tones, softly blended shadows, lightly defined eyes, and a focus on glowing skin. It’s a more pared-down version of the traditional glam, offering elegance without being over-the-top.
Products to achieve the soft glam look:
- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – Lightweight, buildable coverage that gives the skin a radiant, dewy finish.
- NARS Blush in “Sex Appeal” – A soft peach blush that adds just the right amount of color for a fresh-faced look.
- Tom Ford Eye Quad in Nude Dip – A versatile eyeshadow palette with soft, neutral shades perfect for creating understated eye looks.
Baking and Contouring
While contouring has become popular worldwide thanks to beauty influencers like Kim Kardashian, in the UAE, the technique has been taken to a whole new level. Women in the region take pride in perfectly sculpted cheekbones and jawlines, often using both cream and powder products for a flawless finish. Baking, which involves applying loose powder on top of concealer to “set” it and leave a bright, highlighted effect, is also extremely popular.
Best products for contouring and baking:
- Fenty Beauty Match Stix – Cream contour sticks that blend easily and come in a wide range of shades.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit – A favorite for both powder and cream contouring.
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder – The holy grail of baking powders, offering a smooth, matte finish without flashback.
Bright Eyeliner and Lashes
Bold, colorful eyeliners are taking over the beauty scene in the UAE, especially during festival seasons like Eid and special occasions. Women are experimenting with shades beyond the traditional black and brown, opting for vibrant blues, purples, and even metallic tones. The trend extends to lashes as well, with colored mascaras and dramatic false lashes being used to create unique eye-catching looks.
Best products for bold eyeliner looks:
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil – Comes in a range of vibrant shades and offers a smooth, long-lasting finish.
- Huda Beauty Lashes – Known for their dramatic, fluttery styles that instantly amp up any eye look.
- Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil – A richly pigmented, long-wearing eyeliner available in bold colors.
Makeup for Special Occasions in the UAE
In the UAE, makeup for special events and celebrations is particularly significant. Weddings, for instance, are grand affairs, and bridal makeup is expected to be nothing short of flawless. Special occasions often call for heavily embellished looks that include everything from dramatic eye makeup to radiant skin and bold lips.
Bridal Makeup
UAE brides often opt for high-glam looks with a focus on flawless skin, intricate eye makeup, and bold lips. Bridal makeup artists in the region are renowned for their ability to create stunning, long-lasting looks that remain flawless throughout the celebration.
Key bridal makeup products:
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation – Offers full coverage and a natural matte finish that lasts all day.
- Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Palette – Perfect for creating a bridal look with soft, romantic tones or a bolder, sultry eye.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer – Essential for sculpting perfectly defined bridal brows.
Eid Makeup
Eid is one of the most celebrated events in the UAE, and makeup for this occasion often includes shimmering eyeshadows, glowing skin, and bright, festive lip colors. Women typically opt for colorful and statement-making looks to complement their festive outfits.
Key products for Eid makeup:
- Pat McGrath Labs Mothership Eyeshadow Palette – Luxurious, high-pigment shades perfect for creating stunning Eid eye looks.
- YSL Rouge Volupté Shine – A highly pigmented lipstick with a glossy finish, ideal for creating bold lips that stand out.
- Chanel Le Volume Mascara – Provides intense volume and length for dramatic, party-ready lashes.
Skincare and Makeup Fusion
Given the UAE’s harsh climate, skincare and makeup products that offer hydration, sun protection, and skin-nourishing ingredients are highly favored. This has led to a rise in hybrid products that provide both skincare benefits and makeup coverage.
BB Creams and CC Creams
BB creams and CC creams have become increasingly popular in the UAE, offering lightweight coverage with added skincare benefits like hydration, SPF protection, and anti-aging properties.
Top BB and CC creams:
- It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream – Combines full coverage with SPF 50 protection, making it ideal for daily wear in the UAE.
- Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 – A multitasking BB cream that provides hydration, coverage, and sun protection in one.
Tinted Moisturizers
Tinted moisturizers offer a more natural alternative to foundation, providing a subtle wash of color while moisturizing the skin. This is perfect for women in the UAE who want a more natural, everyday look while still protecting their skin from the elements.
Best tinted moisturizers:
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector – Provides lightweight, buildable coverage with a dewy finish.
- NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – A hydrating, radiant formula with broad-spectrum SPF.
Beauty Influencers and Local Brands in the UAE
The rise of social media has had a significant impact on the beauty industry in the UAE. Beauty influencers, particularly those based in Dubai, have played a huge role in shaping beauty trends and promoting products. Huda Kattan, the founder of Huda Beauty, is perhaps the most well-known example of a UAE-based beauty entrepreneur who has made waves on a global scale.
Top UAE beauty influencers:
- Huda Kattan – Founder of Huda Beauty and one of the most influential figures in the beauty industry globally.
- Najla Gun – A makeup artist and beauty influencer based in Dubai known for her flawless and unique makeup looks.
- Dalal AlDoub – A Kuwaiti beauty blogger and influencer who frequently collaborates with beauty brands.
Popular local beauty brands:
- Huda Beauty – One of the UAE’s most successful beauty brands, offering everything from eyeshadow palettes to liquid lipsticks.
- Kayali – A perfume brand created by Huda Kattan’s sister, Mona Kattan, offering luxurious, high-quality fragrances inspired by Middle Eastern scents.
- Shiffa Beauty – A Dubai-based skincare brand known for its luxurious and effective products that incorporate holistic principles.
How to Maintain Healthy Skin While Wearing Makeup
Since the UAE’s climate can be harsh on the skin, it’s important to maintain a good skincare routine to keep the skin healthy while regularly wearing makeup. Here are some tips to ensure your skin stays glowing and healthy:
- Double cleansing: Use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and a gentle foaming cleanser to cleanse the skin deeply.
- Hydration: Keep your skin hydrated with lightweight moisturizers and hydrating serums, especially during the summer months.
- Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores, especially if you wear makeup daily.
- SPF: Sunscreen is a must in the UAE, even under makeup. Many makeup products now include SPF, but it’s still important to use a dedicated sunscreen as the base layer.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the most popular makeup trends in the UAE?
In the UAE, bold brows, luminous skin, smoky eyes, and statement lips are the most popular trends. The makeup looks are often glamorous and focused on enhancing natural beauty while making a statement.
2. What makeup products are best suited for the UAE’s hot climate?
Long-lasting, waterproof products are essential for the UAE’s climate. Choose lightweight, breathable foundations, waterproof mascaras, and setting sprays to ensure your makeup stays in place.
3. How can I achieve a radiant skin look without looking oily?
Use a hydrating primer and foundation with a dewy finish, but set the T-zone with a translucent powder to prevent excess shine.
4. What foundation is best for oily skin in hot weather?
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation is ideal for oily skin, as it provides full coverage and a matte finish that lasts all day.
5. How can I prevent my makeup from melting in the heat?
Start with a mattifying primer, use waterproof products, and finish with a setting spray to lock everything in place.
6. Are there any makeup products that offer SPF protection?
Yes, many foundations, powders, and primers come with built-in SPF. The It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream offers SPF 50 protection.
7. How can I make my bold eyeshadow last longer in the heat?
Use an eyeshadow primer before applying your eyeshadow to ensure it stays vibrant and crease-free all day.
8. What is the best lipstick for a long-lasting bold lip?
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint is known for its long-lasting, bold pigmentation that stays put throughout the day.
9. How can I achieve the perfect smoky eye?
Blend dark eyeshadows like blacks and browns with lighter transition shades and always use a primer for longevity.
10. What is the best highlighter for achieving a radiant glow?
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector provides a dewy, radiant glow without looking too harsh.
11. What’s the difference between dewy and oily skin?
Dewy skin looks hydrated and fresh, whereas oily skin appears greasy and shiny, often due to excess oil production.
12. How can I keep my makeup looking natural while still long-lasting?
Choose lightweight products and set them with a translucent powder and setting spray to maintain a natural finish without compromising durability.
13. Can I wear makeup to the beach in the UAE?
Yes, but opt for waterproof and SPF-infused products to protect your skin and ensure your makeup stays put.
14. What’s the best setting spray for hot climates?
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is highly recommended for its ability to lock in makeup for up to 16 hours.
15. Are there any local beauty brands in the UAE?
Yes, Huda Beauty is one of the most prominent UAE-based brands, known globally for its high-quality products.
Conclusion
The UAE’s makeup trends reflect a rich fusion of cultural tradition and modern beauty standards. Whether you’re looking for bold, dramatic eyes or radiant, glowing skin, the region offers a plethora of options for makeup enthusiasts. From the best heat-proof foundations to striking lip colors, UAE women are leading the way in embracing makeup as a form of self-expression. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these trends and tips will help you achieve the perfect makeup look for any occasion.
This comprehensive exploration of UAE makeup trends, products, and techniques showcases the vibrant beauty culture in the region. From traditional kohl-rimmed eyes to modern-day minimalism, the UAE has carved out a unique space in the global beauty scene. Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast looking for the latest trends or someone in need of expert product recommendations, this guide has you covered.
This blog post aims to provide a complete guide to makeup trends in the UAE, helping readers stay on top of the latest looks while offering product recommendations suited for the climate. Let your makeup game shine as bright as the Arabian sun!