The beauty industry is experiencing a transformative shift towards inclusivity, a change that's especially significant for those of us from the Middle East or regions that differ from Western beauty ideals. This evolution redefines traditional beauty standards, celebrating a broader spectrum of beauty and helping us feel more connected to our natural looks.
Leading this movement are innovative Middle Eastern beauty brands and influential voices. These trendsetters are challenging long-held stereotypes and advocating for greater representation, fundamentally reshaping the region's beauty landscape.
What we see is what we get. The products and marketing campaigns we encounter have a profound impact. When a brand caters to a wide range of skin tones, ethnicities, genders and ages, it acknowledges and celebrates the diverse beauty that exists worldwide. This ensures everyone feels represented and valued.
Historically, beauty standards in the Middle East have been narrow, emphasising fair skin, specific facial features and particular body types. Ancient Arabic poetry, like the verses of Al-Mutanabbi, and Persian Safavid art, with their idealised traits such as straight noses and slender figures, exemplify these deep-rooted ideals. Contemporary media further intensified these standards, leaving many feeling unrepresented and undesirable. However, recent years have seen a remarkable shift. Today, inclusivity and diversity are essential for feeling a sense of belonging and self-worth. In the Middle East, embracing diverse beauty not only validates individuals but also promotes unity. Brands and influencers championing diversity are breaking down stereotypes, inspiring confidence, and encouraging a broader acceptance of beauty.
3 Ground-Breaking Brands To Shop
Founded by Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty is a pioneering force in the beauty industry that is known for its innovation and bold approach. Launched in 2013, the brand quickly gained acclaim for its extensive range of foundation shades that cater to all skin tones. Huda Beauty has set a high standard for inclusivity, as exemplified by its “Empowered Women” campaign. This initiative highlights models from diverse backgrounds and celebrates varied beauty standards, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to representation and self-expression. By blending traditional beauty practices with modern needs, Huda Beauty continues to lead the way in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
Asteri Beauty is making waves in the beauty industry with its commitment to inclusivity and high-quality products. Founded to address the diverse needs of beauty enthusiasts, Asteri Beauty offers an extensive range of products designed to complement all skin tones and types. Their dedication to inclusivity is evident in their diverse model selection and thoughtful product formulations. Asteri Beauty's Instagram reflects their ethos, showcasing product highlights, beauty tips, and celebrating the unique beauty of their customers. The brand’s focus on embracing individuality and providing tailored beauty solutions makes it a standout in today’s market.
Founded by Negin Mirsalehi, Gisou is a luxurious skincare and haircare brand that blends the founder's Dutch-Iranian heritage with a deep appreciation for natural ingredients. Drawing inspiration from her family’s beekeeping tradition in the Netherlands, Gisou’s products are enriched with honey, which is renowned for its nourishing properties. The brand stands out for its commitment to inclusivity, offering a diverse range of hair care solutions tailored to various hair types and textures. Gisou's Instagram showcases the brand’s dedication to quality and inclusivity through product highlights, hair care tips and customer stories.
3 Influential Voices in Inclusivity To Know
Dalal AlDoub
Dalal AlDoub is a prominent beauty influencer from Kuwait and is known for her engaging makeup tutorials and fashion insights. She actively promotes diversity and inclusivity in beauty through her social media platforms. Dalal often features women of various skin tones and backgrounds in her content, advocating for a more inclusive and representative beauty industry. Her commitment is evident in her frequent collaboration with diverse models and her efforts to highlight different beauty standards, making a positive impact on how beauty is perceived and celebrated. For the most accurate examples, reviewing her recent social media posts and collaborations would provide specific instances of her work.
Nadine Nassib Njeim
Nadine Nassib Njeim, a Lebanese actress and former Miss Lebanon, leverages her significant platform to challenge and expand conventional beauty standards in the Middle East. Known for her advocacy, Nadine promotes a more inclusive definition of beauty, urging women to embrace their natural looks and diverse backgrounds. She actively engages in conversations about beauty norms through her social media channels and public appearances, encouraging a shift towards greater representation and self-acceptance. Nadine's influence is evident in her support for natural beauty and her efforts to highlight and celebrate the rich diversity of the region's women.
Haneen Odeh
Haneen Odeh is a prominent beauty influencer who proudly celebrates her Palestinian heritage. Through her engaging content, Haneen showcases the rich cultural beauty of Palestine, blending traditional elements with modern makeup techniques. Her tutorials not only highlight the unique aspects of Palestinian culture but also advocate for greater inclusivity in the beauty industry. By integrating traditional Palestinian motifs and techniques into her looks, Haneen promotes cultural pride and pushes for a more representative and diverse beauty standard. Her Instagram feed is a vibrant cultural appreciation and beauty innovation.
