Dubai is globally recognized as a haven for luxury, fashion, and artistry—and makeup is no exception. The city’s makeup artists are among the most talented in the world, mastering global trends while incorporating Middle Eastern glam. One of the most captivating aspects of their work is how they reinterpret celebrity makeup looks with their unique signature. Whether it’s the fierce contouring of Kim Kardashian or the ethereal glow of Zendaya, Dubai’s makeup artists know exactly how to channel star power into a personalized beauty experience.
In this article, we explore the top 5 celebrity-inspired makeup looks crafted by Dubai’s leading makeup artists. We’ll dive into the signature elements of each look, which artists in the city are known for them, and how you can achieve similar results.
Sculpted cheekbones
Dramatic contour and highlight
Nude lips with overlining
Smoky neutral eye
Flawless matte base
Kim Kardashian is arguably the queen of contour—and who better to reinterpret her look than Dubai-based beauty mogul Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty? Known for her expertise in high-glam, photo-ready makeup, Huda has elevated Kim’s signature look into a staple in the Middle Eastern beauty world.
Why It’s Popular in Dubai:
Contouring aligns beautifully with Gulf beauty preferences. The strong definition and polished finish suit Dubai’s high-fashion culture, where every brunch, gala, or photoshoot is a chance to make a statement.
How to Recreate the Look:
Use a cream contour stick to carve out cheekbones, jawline, and nose.
Apply a full-coverage matte foundation (e.g., Huda Beauty #FauxFilter).
Blend a smoky taupe-brown eye and lash out with voluminous falsies.
Finish with a nude liquid lipstick and a precise overline for fuller lips.
Where to Get It:
Book a session with Huda Beauty-trained artists at salons like The Dollhouse Dubai or Glamour Beauty Lounge, where artists are trained in high-definition glam suitable for events and bridal looks.
Bold lips in red, burgundy, or metallic tones
Glowy skin with a glass-like finish
Dramatic eyeliner or creative eyeshadow
Defined brows with soft arches
High cheekbone blush
Lebanese makeup artist Bouba (now operating in Dubai regularly) is known for turning every client into a runway diva. His take on Rihanna’s daring and diverse makeup looks is both artistic and fashion-forward. Whether it’s for a red carpet or high-profile event, Bouba’s clients always appear radiant and fearless.
Why It’s Popular in Dubai:
Dubai’s elite clients love expressing personality through makeup, and Rihanna’s fearless aesthetic gives them permission to be bold, especially at fashion weeks and elite nightlife events.
How to Recreate the Look:
Focus on radiant skin using liquid highlighters and hydrating primers.
Choose a bold lipstick shade that flatters your undertone.
Blend colorful shadows or graphic liner depending on your desired effect.
Highlight cheeks, nose bridge, and Cupid’s bow to emulate the Fenty glow.
Where to Get It:
Check out Maison de Joelle or Bouba’s Masterclass Events in Dubai for red-carpet-inspired applications. His signature style includes luminous finishes and detailed skin prep.
Soft glam eyes with a touch of shimmer
Dewy skin with natural texture
Rosy-nude lips
Feathered brows
Minimalist contour
Salama Khalfan, a rising Emirati makeup artist, has been celebrated for bringing soft glam into the spotlight, much like Zendaya. Her clean, skin-first approach offers a refreshing take on glamour, where the makeup enhances rather than transforms. Zendaya’s style perfectly matches Salama’s philosophy of effortless beauty.
Why It’s Popular in Dubai:
While Dubai is known for heavy glam, there’s a growing trend toward natural, clean looks—especially among the younger crowd and influencers promoting skin health and conscious beauty.
How to Recreate the Look:
Use skin tint or light foundation (e.g., Dior Backstage Face & Body).
Keep eyes neutral with a champagne shimmer on the lid and soft brown crease.
Brush brows up using brow gel for a feathered finish.
Use cream blush and subtle highlighter to keep the skin dewy.
Apply a rosy lip tint and dab with your finger for a diffused effect.
Where to Get It:
Book a minimalist glam session with Salama Khalfan or head to N.Bar Beauty Salon for soft editorial-style makeup inspired by the world’s most graceful celebs.
Lifted eye shape using fox-eye liner technique
Matte skin with light contour
Neutral or mauve lips
Defined nose and highlighter on the inner eye corner
Fluffy brows
Celebrity makeup artist Toni Malt, known for transforming runway models and celebrities in Dubai, has mastered the sultry Bella Hadid “fox eye” look. This technique involves elongating the eye using clever liner tricks and lifting concealer techniques.
Why It’s Popular in Dubai:
This lifted, sultry eye look is ideal for photoshoots, influencer reels, and high-fashion events. It gives an instant “snatched” effect and pairs well with Dubai’s love for editorial beauty.
How to Recreate the Look:
Use concealer to lift the outer corners of the eyes and mouth.
Apply a sharp wing liner that extends toward the temple.
Focus eyeshadow on the outer third to elongate the shape.
Keep lips understated with a matte mauve.
Add faux freckles or highlight for editorial flair.
Where to Get It:
Visit Toni Malt Academy or Kozma & Kozma Salon for this editorial-inspired, lifted aesthetic. Toni’s team is trained in magazine-ready looks that suit the bold Dubai woman.
Bronzed skin with radiant warmth
Golden-brown eye shadow
Fluffy lashes
Glossy lips in peach or caramel tones
Softly contoured cheeks with sun-kissed blush
Dubai-born artist Hindash has become an international name with his buttery blend of color and emphasis on glowing, bronzed beauty. His interpretation of Jennifer Lopez’s iconic sun goddess glam is admired across the Gulf, mixing warmth, glow, and glam in perfect harmony.
Why It’s Popular in Dubai:
The bronzed beauty trend works year-round in Dubai’s sunny climate. It complements tan skin tones and enhances natural warmth, making it a go-to for beach parties, weddings, and high-end fashion shoots.
How to Recreate the Look:
Use a warm bronzer in the crease of the eyes and to contour the face.
Mix liquid highlighter into foundation for a lit-from-within effect.
Apply a golden shimmer on the eyelids and inner corners.
Use caramel-toned lip gloss to finish the look.
Lock in with a setting spray that adds radiance.
Where to Get It:
Seek out Hindash Studio or book a makeup session with his trained artists. Alternatively, use the Hindash Beautopsy Palette to replicate the bronzed goddess glow at home.
Dubai’s makeup artists have elevated celebrity-inspired looks by merging Western trends with regional elegance. From high-drama contouring to understated sophistication, these artists don’t just replicate Hollywood glam—they reinvent it. Whether you’re attending a wedding, launching a brand, or filming content for social media, there’s a look—and an artist—for every occasion.
Ready to try your favorite celebrity-inspired look?
Make your next appointment with one of Dubai’s top beauty experts and turn every sidewalk into your personal red carpet.