In the world of beauty and fashion, it is not surprising to find that diversity can sometimes be lacking within an environment that is competitive, cutthroat, and challenging. Add to that the divisive political climate we live in today, it is no wonder that finding names that have sprung out from the region and are doing well on an international stage is still a rarity. So, when Muslim-women-owned brands manage to overcome obstacles to make a name for themselves, it is definitely worth highlighting. Here are three beauty brands leading the way in the industry today:
1. Huda Beauty
In a recent Forbes’ list of “America’s Richest Self-Made Women,” Huda Kattan, who founded cosmetics brand Huda Beauty in 2013, ranked number 37, joining the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Sheryl Sandberg, and Kylie Jenner. This successful 34-year-old businesswoman is the American-born daughter of Iraqi immigrants, a beauty-blogger-turned-entrepreneur whose brand today boasts more than 140 products, including liquid lipsticks, lip liners, eyeshadows, foundations, highlighters, and more.
2. Glossy Make Up
This popular make up and beauty accessories brand is the creation of Natasha Zaki, an international make-up artist, beauty expert, and influential beauty blogger. As the former assistant to Pat McGrath (who is arguably the most influential make-up artist in the world), this English-Egyptian makeup artist currently based in Dubai spent her professional career doing make up for luxury design houses such as Dior, Galliano, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada. Her brand Glossy Make Up is only a couple of years old, but its range of brushes, blending sponges, and false eyelashes are loved by many.
3. K7L
A play on the Arabic word “kohl,” a traditional black eyeliner, K7L was founded by Kuwaiti native Areej Sultan Al Essa, who launched her completely cruelty-free makeup line with the Arab woman in mind. The comprehensive range of over 500 make-up and beauty products is the result of a decade of thorough market research. What a lot of fans of K7L love about the brand is that many of its products have been created to suit the region’s climate. For example, it offers anti-humidity formulas, including anti-oxidants for skin protection and the rich colors favored by women from the region.
