Mariam Nihal
Saudi Gazette
Saudi cosmetics market is the largest in the Middle East. According to a new report that has just surfaced, Saudi women, unsurprisingly, splurge approximately SR14,256 yearly on makeup, forecasting that the country's $16 billion strong market is set for an 11 per cent growth rate. Studies suggest sales of skincare products alone, are expected to reach $502.9 million in 2015 in Saudi Arabia.
Growth of the beauty-conscious has risen, the demand and supply dynamics followed and now even a 10-year-old knows what contouring is. Many beauty products owe it to their marketing, some to the rise of beauty bloggers in the Middle East, considering this is now also a profession and those companies who have succesffuly convinced women they need rather than desire various beauty products.
Many techniques, including highlighting, contouring, baking and others come with a different set of products- meaning you must have them all.
Sephora, the beauty haven for most women in the Middle East is home to the biggest beauty products including make up, skincare products and fragrances.
If you have been with your friends or wife to Sephora, you know time no longer has any significance. They can get lost in it for hours and Sephora has thus established itself as the candy store equivalent for women. To help you enhance your search to create that perfect look, we bring you the hotsellers and 10 beauty secrets from the house of Sephora itself. More to follow in the next segment, stay tuned.
1. Kat Von D
This is probably sold out everywhere. The contour kit by celebrity make up artist 'Kat Von D' was an instant rage. It features three shades for contouring and three shades for highlighting. Formerly used by make up artists, contouring is now a household phenomenon. Thanks to beauty blogs and Youtube tutorials online, you can easily create a glam look within minutes. The smudge-proof finish flatters every skin tone and face shape. Refer to the illustrations on the face card attached to see how KVD uses shadow and highlight to create different dimensions.
2. Huda Beauty Lashes
Celebrities use it, the girl next door wants it, it's the rage and rightly so. Huda Beauty is a household name. The owner and model on the packaging is Middle East's top beauty blogger and an even smarter entrepreneur. Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty, along with her sisters, Alya and Mona Kattan launched the Huda Beauty Lash Collection just two years ago. You can now buy them online on sephora.com.
3. Shourouk For Sephora
Lets start with the packaging. And lets be honest, purchase of the eyeshadow palette based on solely that, can be justified. Jewelry designer Shourouk Rhaiem teamed up with Sephora for a range of beautiful spring colors that deposit the right amount of shimmer on your eyelids. This one is a collector's item. If you find it, keep it.
4. Urban Decay - The Naked Smoky
We know the relationship Urban Decay and their palette have with women. It's sensual, long lasting and currently sells to most women in the region. The bestseller packs in a dozen neutral and sultry colors.
5. Beauty Blender
You know this. The neon pink sponge is sold exclusively at Sephora and is used by all your favorite beauty bloggers. The non-disposable sponge applicator provides the best coverage and helps cover up pores and lines.
6. Sephora Bronzer And Mascara
The homegrown range is not to be ignored. Try their beautiful sun kissed bronzer powders and luscious lashes from the gold bottle. Try the brilliant multi-effect bronzing trio for a sultry look. Stack on some mascara instead of fake lashes for a night out to complete the look.
7. Formula X
For those striking nail colors that complement your manicure. Solid and flawless, the colors are long lasting and edgy. The sheer strength range comes with keratin, nutrient-rich strengthener and natural hydrators.
8. Quick Fix
A few hacks that may save the day: the dry shampoo is an essential for any trip; Tangle Teezer - the detangling brush and Clinique's chubby stick that works like a balm for dry lips and instantly makes them more desirable. Grab these upon check out and thank us later.
9. Smashbox Primer
The photo finish foundation primer is a silicone-based serum that smoothens out your skin instantly. Long lasting, but mostly for dry skin types, the colorless primer acts as a canvas for foundation application.
10. Marc Jacobs Lipsticks
Experiment with new lip colors this season- choose from the soft textures and a selective range of soft hues.
Shop online at www.sephora.com