Beauty mogul Huda Kattan’s favourite things
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
From shaving her face in the quest for better product absorption to building a multi-million dollar business from just $6k seed money, Huda Kattan is one of the most successful self-made business women in beauty.
The glamorous Iraqi-American makeup artist, now based in Dubai, is beloved by beauty fans across the world (she has an audience of nearly 48m on Instagram alone), first for her launch line of fluttery false lashes worn by Kim Kardashian, then her eponymous cosmetics collection Huda Beauty. Later came her skincare range Wishful, which has just celebrated its first birthday. Along with sister Mona, the beauty empire also extends to KAYALI, a boutique selection of fragrances.
Flawless looks and a warm, could-be-your-best-mate presenting style are her hallmarks, along with products that live up to the hype, such as the improved #FauxFilter foundation which shot straight to the top of our Zoom-facing makeup kit.
While Covid may have slowed her ascent to world domination (but only slightly), there’s still plenty of projects she’s been working on behind the scenes, including big plans and launches for 2021.
Dubai seems to have escaped the heavy Covid restrictions elsewhere - have you been through lockdown? And if so, what's getting you through it?
Dubai had a lockdown and heavy restrictions quite early on in April 2020, so it was quite challenging. We were one of the first businesses to begin working from home as I wanted our team to be safe and protected. It’s been tough on everyone. Many in our team have been juggling homeschooling with work, along with living through a pandemic, so we’re working together to support wherever and however we can.
My skin has actually been pretty good during this time. I honestly put this down to our incredible Wishful Thirst Trap Juice Serum (£41). It’s so easy to use, good for all skin types and is super hydrating with three different types of hyaluronic acid to give your skin an incredible luminous glow. It also moisturises and strengthens your skin, giving it a little bounce. Who doesn’t want that?
What advice do you have for starting a business in these strange times?
Starting a business is a lot of hard work, but having passion combined with determination and self-belief is key. And patience, a lot of patience! There are some very exciting brands launching right now to much success, so don’t let the pandemic deter you from your dreams. We need bold, ambitious founders who are innovative and a force for positive change in times like these. I encourage anyone with a vision to pursue it.
What are you looking forward to in 2021?
Professionally, I am so excited to unveil the products we have been working on behind the scenes at Huda Beauty and Wishful for 2021. We work so hard listening to fan feedback; hearing what they miss, what they want, working on new innovations and bringing products to market that we feel truly proud of and know our community will love. So much work goes into every launch, so when it finally comes out, I am always genuinely bursting with excitement to see what everyone thinks.
Personally, 2021 is all about inner growth and acceptance. The pandemic has given me more time for reflection, more time to spend with family, and time for myself - something I’ve neglected in the past. I’m getting much better at saying no when it all gets too much! Taking time out for you and practicing self-love is something we all need to do more of.
What beauty product or treatment should we be adding to our routine with all this extra spare time, and why?
Anyone who knows me knows I love a mask! Taking time out and taking care of your skin is a wonderful thing to do and your skin will thank you for it. The ritual of masking instantly relaxes me and is the perfect form of self-care. You can use sheet masks, buy masks online or make your own with ingredients in your kitchen.
Which products would you run into a burning building to save?
Where do I start? Honestly, so many. My skin is the best it’s ever been so I would have to save some of my skincare products, our Get Even Rose Oil (£55), Thirst Trap Juice (£41) , and probably one of my rose quartz face rollers (£36) – I love a face tool too - but then I would need to have my lashes, so would grab our mascara Legit Lashes (£24), which is insanely good!
And then I would never leave without my tweezers, I am way too hairy not to save these! I think I may not make it out…
Which beauty product do you wish you had invented?
Tweezers – Tweezerman is my go to!
What can we look forward to from your beauty businesses in 2021?
I am so proud that we will be celebrating the one year anniversary for Wishful this February. I am humbled by the constant positive feedback and hearing how our products have helped so many peoples’ skin, like it has mine. It’s why I do what I do. I look forward to sharing more products this year that will continue to support great skin.
Huda Beauty is 10 years old - we are still listening to our community, reformulating, creating and developing products and that is SO exciting too. We have so many interesting new launches this year, so watch this space.
But honestly, most of all I want to try and make a difference in our industry, to empower people to believe in themselves and feel beautiful for who they are. For me, true beauty lies in our differences, so we need to get rid of the traditional beauty standards that almost nobody fits into.
At Huda Beauty we fiercely believe in representation. That's what I look forward in 2021, to help drive changes in our industry, to embrace everyone, to be honest about beauty and, where we have challenges to work to fix them, so we have a much more accepting and understanding society for all people to live in, together.
How are you spending Valentine’s this year?
Valentine’s will look a little different for us this year but I am looking forward to spending some time with my husband as a couple since we don’t get date nights very often these days! It gives us an excuse to dress up, take time out together and appreciate each other.
Looking for the perfect Valentine's gift? The KAYALI Darling Kit includes the KAYALI rollerball, Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in shade 'Interview' and the Topaz Obsessions eyeshadow palette. In short, everything you need to look Huda-level glam this Feb 14.
Read More
Best face serums for sensitive skin
Best Vitamin C serums and skincare products
Best retinol creams and serums: the best retinol products for mature, young and sensitive skin 2021
Best sheet masks to hydrate and nourish your face
Best gifts for her: present ideas for women that she will love
