November was truly the month for beauty. Between SEPHORiA, holiday drops, and well-loved international brands finally making their debut in Dubai, there was plenty to swatch, sample, and brush on. If the swirl of events missed you, here’s our much-needed beauty recap on the best product drops this past month.
Asteri Beauty
Saudi-based brand Asteri Beauty has been loved for their desert-proof philosophy—tailoring beauty to fit the needs of the women of the region. Now focusing beyond beauty, they’ve taken their desert-proof formulas for skincare. Right in time for the dry winter months and desert escapes, the debut line features essentials rooted in deep moisturisation: the Dew Good Restorative Serum, the Fourtress Moisture Barrier Cream, and the Rainmaker Overnight Miracle Mask. Suitable for all skin types, each formulation includes prickly pear, pomegranate date seed oil, and hyaluronic acid to nourish and hydrate, protecting the skin from extreme heat and humidity.
Dior Beauty | Rouge Dior Sequin Liquid Duo – Limited Edition
Chances are you’ve probably already seen swatches of this lipstick all over social media. Part of Dior’s limited-edition holiday collection, this dual-ended liquid lipstick is particularly fun for the season because of the glittery process. On one end, we have a straightforward gloss and on the other, we have a liquid lipstick that dries down to a matte finish and transforms into a glittery finish after pressing the lips together. Together with the gloss, expect a radiant shine that suits festive dinners, gatherings, and everything else in between.
E.L.F. Cosmetics
Not a new launch, but definitely a celebrated welcome! The US-based brand known for its budget-friendly, high-performing products has finally landed in the region through Sephora Middle East. Bringing their much-loved skincare-makeup hybrids, cruelty-free, and 100% vegan formulations to the region, expect the usual beauty essentials list to get a massive upgrade.
Fenty Hair | The Mista Hair and Body Mist
For those who love to partake in fragrance layering, don’t skip out on hair mists that add to your scent trail. The latest by Fenty Hair is warm and spicy with hints of cirtrus-y top notes that freshen the senses. Opening with lemon and yuzu, the scent moves to heart notes of while lily of the valley, freesia, and coconut before drying down to a creamy base of musk, vanilla, sandalwood and vetiver, keeping things indulgent without disrupting any hairstyle.
Nafas
Founded by Iraqi-American content creator Noor Stars, Nafas is a UAE-based fragrance line inspired by Middle Eastern perfumery. The debut line features three Extrait de Parfums: a creamy soft Vanilla, a feminine floral Jasmine, and an intense yet sophisticated Oud inspired by the corridors of Dubai Mall. With 25% pure perfume oil, expect a long-lasting fragrance that ultimately becomes a skinscent.
Refy
Another celebrated welcome, UK-based brand Refy has been a cult favourite among many, especially fans of the “Clean Beauty” aesthetic. Founded by influencer Jess Hunt and beauty entrepreneur Jenna Meek, Refy optimises beauty with multi-purpose products. One of our favourites is their Face Sculpt – Lift & Hydrate—a gel-cream moisturiser with a built-in roller. Blending two skincare steps into one, the cream nourishes the skin with glycerin and provitamin B5, whereas the in-built metal roller cools and depuffs the face, instantly lifting the skin.
ReVive | Rescue Lip Mask / Overnight Treatment
With the air getting cooler, and thus drier, the latest lip treatment by ReVive gives lips a much-needed “night spa”. Formulated with peptides, ceramind, lactic acid, fruit enzymes, shea butter, castor and coconut oils, this creamy formula restores and repairs even the most chapped lips.
Tom Ford | Oud Voyager
While there isn’t a shortage of oud perfumes in the region, we’re still excited for the latest ones to drop in the market. The latest by Tom Ford is a classic rose-oud combo that’s both fresh and spicy. The main accord oud is paired with red peony and geranium, giving off a sweet opening that dries down to a warm spicy base.
Zo Skin Health | Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate
Founded by dermatologist Dr Zein Obagi, Zo Skin Health is all about high-performing formulations backed by science. Their latest serum takes cutting-edge peptide technologies to dramatically improve the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reducing redness, and restoring the skin barrier.
