lipstick

Photo: Courtesy MAC Cosmetics
Always ready to take over the internet with an exciting new drop, MAC Cosmetics is celebrating a rather special collaboration this season. The much-loved makeup brand, which has earned a cult following for its vast range of lip colors, is now celebrating a fresh new hue. The latest shade, which happens to be a limited edition number, has been created by none other than Iraqi content creator Noor Stars.

“I’ve been dying to announce what I’ve been cooking up with MAC Cosmetics for the past two years!!!!” Stars finally revealed on Instagram on August 29. The cheeky teaser showed a series of clips of the YouTuber hiding her lips from the camera, and a newer post last week revealed the shade of her personalized new lipstick for the makeup brand. Named Warm Dusty Rose, this matte hue is fresh, light, and perfect for the summer. “My shade was inspired by my daily life needs when it comes to lipstick. A shade suitable for everyone, everywhere and at all times,” Stars told Vogue Arabia.
Photo: Courtesy MAC Cosmetics
The latest drop in MAC’s range of MAC Maker colors wasn’t just selected by Stars, but was also made with her beauty priorities at the forefront. A part of a total of eight MAC Maker lippies, each limited edition lipstick is unique to its public personality, taking inspiration from the talent, along with their inputs on specific formulations that impact the color, texture and finish of the final product. The eight MAC Makers—who are leaders in a range of fields, from modeling and beauty to music, dance, comedy, and much more—have all reportedly worked closely with MAC Artists and the brand’s product development team to perfect their offering. What’s more, each limited edition lipstick will only be available in the region where its MAC Maker resides. “This partnership has been one of the most noteworthy milestones in my career,” Stars shared. “Having walked the same path a select few highly-influential individuals have walked, I am grateful for the opportunity to leave my mark.”
Photo: Courtesy MAC Cosmetics
Like all MAC favorites, the lipstick promises satisfying color payoff, and works seamlessly on all skin tones. Noor Stars’ edition comes in a summery ombré case that transforms from a cheerful pink to yellow gold, and finally, a lush leafy green. The casing also features her signature, giving it one more personal element that promises to make her whopping 13.2 million followers feel more connected to her. Add this one to your wish list for the season.
Photo: Courtesy MAC Cosmetics

After launching online earlier this year, Valentino Beauty will now be available in the Middle East for the first time, with the opening of the brand’s new beauty pop-up boutique today. Located in The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, the limited boutique boasts a state-of-the-art immersive experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the couture-styled world of Valentino Beauty. In addition to being able to explore the new collection of lips, eyes, and complexion products with hands-on tutorials, visitors can celebrate the new opening with interactive games and prizes, and supersized Valentino Beauty photo opportunities. A speciality gift-wrapping station makes it simple to pick up beauty-inspired holiday gifts, wrapped in an environmentally conscious, reusable tote bag.Appearing at today’s launch is makeup artist Raoúl Alejandre, Valentino Beauty’s first Global Makeup Artist. In an exclusive interview with Vogue Arabia ahead of the pop-up’s launch, he shares his thoughts on how the brand will fit into the Arab beauty market.

“For me, I couldn’t categorize Valentino Beauty as being for any particular kind of person, as it’s as unique as we are. It’s been evolving since the launch and represent the different kinds of beauty in the world. The products have different technical approaches to them, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a professional makeup artist or someone trying out something new.
That said, as a makeup artist myself, it’s really important to me to have products which are multi-use, as when I was starting out in the industry, I sometimes felt restricted by products when they only had one functional end or direct usage. Our brow product, for example, has three components, which makes it the only thing you need for a complete brow look. You only need to buy one thing that works for you.”
Valentino Beauty Eye2Cheek“This is my favorite, it’s inspired by the couture shows, where we did this beautiful blush draping, and be used to contour and as eyeshadow too.”

Valentino Beauty Brow Trio“This has everything you need to create a full brow look, from start to finish.”
Valentino Beauty Go Clutch“The case is stunning, and perfect for red carpet touch-ups. There’s the finishing powder which blurs, and a Valentino red lipstick.”
Read Next: Why Soft Sculpting is the New Contouring