A revolving, jumbo-sized lipstick display; a one-stop, drop-in nail booth; live demos from established makeup artists eager to answer all of your burning beauty questions; and a plethora of new, cult-favorite palettes, lipsticks, mascaras and every other makeup and skincare tools that you could possibly imagine—the Sephora Middle East beauty extravaganza was literally every beauty maven’s paradise.
On Tuesday, breakfast bistro Frioul in Dubai was transformed into a beauty haven for the beauty fanatic (including yours truly), to play host to Sephora Middle East’s multibrand spring event. The beauty giant showcased up-and-coming cosmetic and skincare products from 10 major brands set to hit its black and white shelves within the next couple of months; and now, I can give you the insider scoop on what to expect come spring.
Next month, Sephora is rolling out its newest Made in Sephora beauty tools. Inspired by the K-beauty foundation compacts that took the world by storm last year, Sephora is launching its own version of the cushion compact. The Wonderful Cushion Compact (US $31; AEDSAR 115) is an ultra-liquid formula that aims to provide a smooth complexion with a natural, jolt of radiance. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a long-lasting concealer that requires minimal touch-ups, Sephora’s High-Coverage Concealer (US $22; AED/SAR 79) is a featherweight formula that won’t need any reapplication for up to ten hours. Swipe the concealer underneath your eyes to blur dark circles or over blemishes to conceal any imperfections.
It doesn’t stop there. Also in March, Sephora is introducing two unique contour brushes—the Pro Contour Blender Brush (US $38; AED/SAR 139) and the Pro Contour Kabuki Brush (US 46; AED/SAR 169)—which aim to revolutionize the way you sculpt your face.
Also launching is French beauty house Caudalie’s latest Resveratrol Lift Skincare Range, encompassing a Firming Serum, Eye Lifting Balm, Face Lifting Moisturizer, and Night Infusion Cream, all packed with hyaluronic acid to combat the signs of aging.
Clinique’s new Pep-Start Eye Cream (US $42; AED/SAR 154) combines 7 different peptides to refresh and open up tired eyes. It will be exclusive to Sephora Middle East for a year starting in March.
As sheet masks continue to gain momentum in the beauty sphere, StarSkin is launching its VIP The Gold Mask (US $20; SAR 74) and The Diamond Mask (US $20; SAR 74) in March. Hailing all the way from Korea, Dr. Jart+ is making its Sephora Middle East debut in April with the launch of its new Dr. Jart+ SheetMasks (prices vary per product) that promise to take on dry, sensitive skin, congested pores, dull skin, and aging.
Available exclusively at Sephora Middle East stores on April 1st, Marc Jacobs Beauty is launching the Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara (US $39; AED/SAR 145). This product is campaign star Winona Ryder’s personal favorite and it’s easy to see why. Equivalent to false lashes via a black tube, all it really takes is one swipe from this mascara to get your lashes to a desired length and volume.
Following suite is Kat Von D that will release its latest iteration of the cult-favorite Lolita Everlasting Liquid Lipstick. Just like the original, the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita 2 (US $27; AED/SAR 100) is a scene-stealer. The matte, long-wear lipstick comes in a terracotta nude hue that looks gorgeous on everyone. Pair with the supercharged Metal Crush Eyeshadows (US $27; AED/SAR 100)—which come in 8 intense shades of electrifying hues—for an attention-grabbing look.
You might remember the nail polish in a can that previously made waves for its ability to give you an instant 5-second mani, and now, I can report that the Nails Inc. Paint Can (US $14; AED/SAR 51) will make its Middle Eastern debut exclusively at Sephora stores in April.
Those who simply cannot wait until March can get their hands on the new Too Faced range, which launched earlier this month. Our personal favorite is the Hangover Replenishing Face Primer (US $41; AED/SAR 149)—which is infused with coconut water and can be worn alone to rejuvenate a dull complexion, or underneath foundation, highlighter, and bronzer to create the perfect canvas for makeup application. If you have a sweet tooth, you will covet The Melted Chocolate Liquefied Lipsticks (US $29; AED/SAR 106), which received a delectable makeover in six cocoa-infused (and scented) shades. For those still searching for Mr. Right, you don’t need to look any further than the adorable Too Faced Mr. Right Powder Brush (US $42; AED/SAR 155). Equipped with a bowtie, Mr. Right can be used wet or dry for foundation, blush, bronzer and powder application.
