13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: 25 of the latest skincare, beauty and fragrance launches
You may have noticed Dubai's beauty market buzzing with excitement last year, thanks to festivals like Beautyworld Middle East and Sephoria — these events brought together the region's most extensive showcases of beauty products, hair care innovations, fragrances, and wellness solutions, solidifying Dubai's status as a global beauty hub. It's only February 2025 and we've already witnessed the magnitude of and social effect of Huda Beauty's UBE launch event (a cross country campaign across Middle East and Asia) while Benefit Cosmetics' and Drunk Elephant have already Badgal Bounce Volumizing Mascara and Protini Polypeptide Cream.
We take you through the ultimate guide to 2024 year end and start of 2025's skincare, beauty and fragrance releases, carefully selected for those who demand the very best. These products don't just elevate your beauty game—they cater to your skin's unique needs while adding a touch of luxury to your daily routine.
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder Ube Birthday Cake
Huda Beauty's Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder in Ube Birthday Cake taps into the 2025 trend of lilac hues, now expanding into the realm of setting powders. This crease-proof formula introduces a fresh lilac shade that not only brightens the skin but also blurs imperfections with a subtle touch of cool pink. As someone with brown skin, I find it versatile enough to layer as a blush, enhancing the high points of my cheeks with its vibrant pigment.
Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask
Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask is the perfect treat for those looking to enrich their hair care routine. Developed by Dutch-Iranian beauty entrepreneur Negin Mirsalehi, this mask draws on the natural benefits of honey from her family's hives. It's a rich yet lightweight formula that enhances shine, strength, and hydration for healthier-looking hair. For best results, apply the mask after shampooing and leave it on for five to seven minutes before rinsing, allowing your hair to achieve a stunning gloss.
Charlotte Tilbury, Hollywood Contour Wand
The Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand is honestly a game changer in our makeup routine. The magic lies in its precision—just a few dabs under the cheekbones, along the jawline, and the sides of the nose, and you're looking like a sculpted star. The formula is super blendable, making it nearly foolproof, and it melts into the skin for a finish that's both natural and dramatic enough to notice. Plus, that cushion applicator? Total win for avoiding product waste and achieving the soft, shadowy contours we all crave. It's like having a pro makeup artist in your bag!
Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Bounce Volumizing Mascara
Benefit Cosmetics' BADgal Bounce Volumizing Mascara stands out as a must-have for those aiming to elevate their lash appearance. Available for Dh145, this mascara promises to transform your lashes into fuller, fluffier, and dramatically lifted assets. The magic lies in its innovative hybrid brush, featuring fibre bristles that meticulously coat each lash from root to tip with a castor oil-enriched formula. Additionally, its precise fine-tooth comb separates and defines lashes, ensuring clump-free application. For maximum volume, a simple twist of the brush during application can make all the difference.
Transformulas Marine Miracle Crème
Dubbed as 'facelift in a jar' this award-winning skincare product harnesses marine-based ingredients to deliver intense hydration and anti-aging benefits. The crème aims to rejuvenate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and promote a youthful glow, making it a luxurious addition to any skincare routine. It harnesses the power of the ocean, infused with potent ingredients like Giant Sea Kelp, Sea Salt, and Centella Asiatica, it revitalises and hydrates deeply.
The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner
This gentle, exfoliating milky toner promotes a smoother, brighter complexion while boosting hydration. Formulated with squalane and other potent ingredients, it addresses concerns like dark spots, dullness, uneven texture, and large pores. Suitable for all skin types, it leaves the skin feeling soft and revitalised.
Shu Uemura Unlimited Breathable Lasting Foundation SPF 24
After a hiatus, the esteemed Japanese brand Shu Uemura has re-entered the Middle Eastern market, offering its acclaimed skincare line that combines potent plant extracts with Japanese superfoods. This foundation offers a natural semi-matte finish with breathable, lasting coverage. Tailor-made shades cater to diverse skin tones, providing a comfortable wear that maintains skin's natural radiance. Infused with Japanese ingredients, it ensures a flawless complexion throughout the day.
H&M Beauty Satin Icon Lipstick
H&M Beauty has expanded its makeup line with the Satin Icon Lipstick, offering an intensely pigmented, soft satin finish. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this vegan-friendly lipstick provides hydration and comfort, making it suitable for all-day wear. Available in a wide range of shades, it complements various skin tones and styles.
Priced at Dh50, available at H&M stores across the Middle East
Tarte Creaseless Setting & Brightening Powder
This setting powder is a game-changer for those seeking a natural, luminous finish that lasts up to 16 hours. Designed to combat sweat and shine, it ensures you stay flawless throughout the day. The mess-free sifter and precision puff make application easy, even in those hard-to-reach areas, while its variety of shades caters to every skin tone. This formula guarantees you're always selfie-ready.
Priced at Dh165, available on
Hermès Trait d'Hermès Precision Eyeliner
Hermès introduces the Trait d'Hermès Precision Eyeliner, a refillable liquid eyeliner designed to deliver precise, long-lasting lines. It's fine tip allows for versatile application, from delicate definitions to bold, dramatic looks. Encased in an elegant design, it reflects Hermès ' commitment to luxury and sustainability.
Priced at Dh350, available at Hermès boutiques and select high-end retailers in the Middle East
La Prairie Skin Caviar The Mist
La Prairie Skin Caviar The Mist revitalises and smooths the skin with its potent Caviar Hydro Essence and Micronutrients. Encased in a striking cobalt blue bottle, it delivers a fine, even mist that hydrates and balances, leaving skin refreshed and radiant without excess shine. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day, it ensures a luminous glow with every spritz.
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara
The Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara promises a dramatic transformation, delivering 9x more volume and a 2x curl effect in just one stroke. Its unique Lash Vinyl-Black Wrap Technology adds depth and intensity, while the Ultra-Curved Lash Styler Brush expertly lifts and curls each lash, eliminating the need for a lash curler. Perfect for those who desire a bold, defined look without the hassle, this innovative mascara offers an impressive high-impact finish that's both striking and effortless.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation is a standout for its velvet-matte finish that masters the delicate balance of coverage and the natural look. Its innovative formula uses Precision Blur Technology to smooth over pores and fine lines, offering up to 12 hours of flawless wear. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it not only covers but cares, hydrating the skin for a plump, fresh appearance. Ideal for all skin types, this foundation is a go-to for anyone seeking a complexion that looks impeccably smooth and undeniably radiant. Perfect for daily wear, it keeps you looking polished and perfect.
INITIO Parfums Privés Hair Mist
INITIO Parfums Privés unveils a new collection of hair fragrances that combine luxury scents with nourishing care. The lineup features Oud for Greatness, Musk Therapy, and Atomic Rose, each offering long-lasting, non-greasy shine. Encased in chic bottles, these mists envelop the hair in captivating fragrances while adding body and protection.
MAC Cosmetics Hyper Real Skin Canvas Balm
This revolutionary balm acts as a primer and skincare hybrid, designed to create the perfect base for makeup while hydrating and smoothing the skin. It's perfect for those seeking a flawless, radiant complexion.
Dior Baby Bonne Étoile Scented Water
Dior has introduced a delightful new addition to its fragrance collection with the Baby Bonne Étoile Scented Water. Designed specifically for the little ones, this gentle, alcohol-free fragrance features delicate notes of white peach, tender orange blossom, and cotton flower. It's a perfect gift for parents who want to add a touch of elegance to their child's routine without overpowering their natural scent. Available in a charming star-shaped bottle, this fragrance is both a visual and sensory treat.
Armani Sì Passione Eau De Parfum Intense
Sì Passione Eau de Parfum Intense is a vibrant new chapter in the Sì fragrance story. Encased in a striking refillable flacon of fiery red, this bold scent reiterates the keynote signature of Sì: blackcurrant nectar combined with a sparkling, joyful pear. At its heart, a sensual rose and jasmine absolute reflect the strength of femininity, contrasted by the maturity of cedarwood. The colour red is emblematic of Sì Passione's attitude and essence, representing a woman's passion and sense of purpose.
Drunk Elephant's Protini Polypeptide Cream
Drunk Elephant's Protini Polypeptide Cream is like a smoothie for your skin, packed with a punch of protein goodness. Imagine giving your face a daily boost that improves tone, texture, and firmness—all while being lightweight and non-greasy. This cream blends peptides, growth factors, and amino acids that mimic the nutrients found in youthful skin, which means it's all about bringing that bounce and plumpness back to your complexion. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or somewhere in between, Protini slides right into your routine, making your skin feel pampered and looking dewy-fresh. It's the perfect pick-me-up for a tired face!
Priced at Dh290, available at
Valentino Brown Fondant Waterproof 24-Hour Wear Colour Eyeliner
Valentino Beauty has just launched Colorgraph, a game-changing gel eyeliner that's already turning heads. Available in a range of vibrant, mood-lifting shades, this 2-in-1 eyeliner features a precision pencil tip and a professional brush for seamless application. With its creamy, ultra-pigmented formula, Colorgraph promises 24-hour wear that's smudge, sweat, and transfer-resistant – perfect for all-day bold looks.
Priced at Dh140, available at
YSL Beauty Couture Mini Clutch EyeShadow
YSL Beauty's latest launch, the Couture Mini Clutch, redefines bold glamour with its new tone-on-tone colour series. Featuring four sultry shadow palettes, each offering rich, smokey shades and chrome finishes, this collection is designed for every skin tone. Perfect for the afterhours, these luxurious palettes capture the essence of night-time hedonism, making them the ultimate accessory for stepping into the world of Night Luxe, where day and night seamlessly blur.
Priced at Dh140, available at
Pat McGrath Velvet Under Eye Blurring Powder
Created for use on its own or paired with Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer, this weightless powder provides the ultimate finishing touch to any eye look. Its delicate, silky texture sweeps on effortlessly to blur fine lines and imperfections. Light-reflecting properties deliver a luminous, lifted effect with an incandescent soft-focus finish. The new Baby Pink shade naturally brightens under eyes by neutralising dark shadows.
CHANEL Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum Lèvres
CHANEL introduces HYDRA BEAUTY Micro Sérum Lèvres, a revolutionary lip serum powered by MicroFluidic Technology. Infused with White Camellia Extract and hyaluronic acid, this dual-phase formula hydrates, plumps, and soothes lips instantly. Lightweight and water-fresh, it creates a protective layer for up to 24 hours of hydration.
L'Atelier Parfum OPUS 1 collection, Eau de Parfum
L'Atelier Parfum is a French haute perfumery brand that creates responsible fragrances which are natural, clean, and completely vegan. Now available in the UAE, they recently launched a new collection of fragrances called the OPUS 1 collection. The cappuccino was the starting point of this creation, and melds coffee accords with delicate florals and exotic sandalwood delivering a powdery finish for a rich and magnetic result.
Prada Beauty Paradoxe Virtual Flower, Eau de Parfum
Prada Beauty launches the Paradoxe Virtual Flower, a fragrance that redefines sensory boundaries with its fresh floral signature. This airy scent captures jasmine in its natural state, layered with zesty Vert de Bergamot, lively Neroli, and grounded by Serenolid Musk and Ambrette. It creates a clean, comforting, second-skin experience that lingers beautifully.
Amouage The Gift of Kings, Eau de Parfum
Amouage introduces The Gift of Kings Sets – five extraordinary gift sets that blend modern innovation with traditional artistry. Available in iconic Eau de Parfum fragrances like Honour Woman, Reflection Man, and the newly-released Guidance and Guidance 46, each set includes a 100ml Eau de Parfum and two complementary bath and body products or travel sprays. Housed in a beautiful coffret, adorned with abstract elements of the sun by Belgian artist Louise Mertens, these sets symbolise love, respect, and celebration.