6 Arab-Owned Beauty Brands Celebrating Diversity

by Dara Morgan

6 Arab-Owned Beauty Brands Celebrating Diversity

29 Nov 2024

We may not love every detail about 2024, but one thing worth celebrating is individuality. The days of one-size-fits-all beauty are almost gone, and Middle Eastern beauty brands are keeping on track, by proving that skincare and makeup can be as diverse and dynamic as the people who wear them. Check out our favourites and remember: it is Black Friday, so there is no better excuse for a self-love shopping spree.

Huda Beauty

Founded by the queen of contour herself, Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty is not just a makeup line; it is a movement. Launching in 2013, Huda took her artistry (and a hefty dose of sass) to the masses, offering over 140 products ranging from her famous Samantha lashes to her viral FAUX FILTER foundation line.

Oh, and let us not forget Kayali, the brand’s fragrance line co-created by Mona Kattan. With perfumes like "Sweet Diamond" and "Vanilla Royale," it feels like you are wearing a story rather than just a scent. The best part? Huda Beauty is not just selling products — it is selling empowerment, one fierce winged eyeliner at a time.

Basma Beauty

Basma Hameed knows what it means to turn pain into power. After experiencing third-degree burns, she did not just find her footing in the beauty world; she revolutionised it. Enter Basma Beauty: a line designed for real skin, real people, and real stories.

With buttery textures and nourishing ingredients (apricot butter, anyone?), this brand gives "your skin but better" a whole new meaning. Basma’s formulas adapt to your unique skin journey, whether you want a natural glow or a bold statement. Because at Basma Beauty, the motto is clear: makeup should work for you, not the other way around.

Instagram: @basmabeautyofficial

CTZN Cosmetics

When the Khan sisters realised they were nowhere to be found in beauty campaigns, they decided to change the game. CTZN Cosmetics is not just a brand — it is a rebellion against stiff and outdated beauty standards.

The brand screams inclusivity, offering products that transcend age, gender, ethnicity, and anything else that might divide us. From buttery lipsticks to skin-matching essentials, CTZN wants you to feel seen, celebrated, and oh-so-chic. Because, as they say, the world is not one-size-fits-all, and neither is beauty.

Instagram: @ctzncosmetics

Peacefull

Salama Mohamed’s journey to self-love led to a revolutionary skincare line. Living with vitiligo, Salama realised there was a gap in the market for products that truly cater to all skin types and tones. Meet Peacefull, a brand that fuses Korean science with regional insight to create formulas tailored to the Middle East’s climate (because who needs products that melt before you do?).

With a philosophy of precision and inclusivity, Peacefull offers a full skincare routine designed for every gender and every journey. Each product is rigorously tested to ensure it delivers nourishment, healing, and that elusive feeling of being at home in your own skin. Bonus points for making “active ingredients” sound as friendly as a cup of karak tea.

Instagram: @peacefull

Asteri

Asteri is not just a brand, but a movement. This Saudi-born powerhouse draws on the Middle East’s deep-rooted beauty traditions while using cutting-edge formulas to create products that are as resilient as the women who inspired them.

Enter A-Beauty, a makeup philosophy that blends skincare benefits with high-performance colour. Asteri’s products are tested in Saudi’s extreme weather — because if they can handle the desert, they can handle your busiest day. Think humidity-proof, vegan, and cruelty-free makeup that is as kind to the planet as it is to your skin.

The cherry on top? Sustainable packaging featuring recycled materials and refillable options. With Asteri, you can shine brightly without leaving a heavy footprint.

Instagram: @asteribeautysa

Bassam Fattouh

Lebanese makeup artist Bassam Fattouh is a legend, known for perfecting bridal looks for some of the Middle East’s biggest names. In 2010, he turned his expertise into Bassam Fattouh Cosmetics, a line of luxurious, meticulously developed products.

From his iconic creamy lipsticks to high-pigment shadows, every item is designed with quality and glamour in mind. Whether you are walking down the aisle or just to the corner shop, Bassam Fattouh has your back (and your face).

Instagram: @bassamfattouh

by Dara Morgan