When we mix Khaleeji main-character energy with the UAE-girlie luxe vibe, and a swirl of regional glow, we get Emirati beauty in its purest form. We can’t help but wonder though, have local beauty practices always been so elevated, or have they evolved across generations?
We recently sat down with beauty and lifestyle influencer, Mona Tajarbi, to learn more about how the rituals of her mother and grandmothers are infusing with beauty trends on our TikTok FYPs and defining the future of Arab glam.
Cosmo ME: How would you describe the beauty routines from your grandmothers’ generation?
Mona Tajarbi: Back in my grandmothers’ time, beauty routines were very simple and effortless. They focused on natural beauty and basic self-care rather than long routines or many products.
Their main beauty staples were a classic lipstick and an eye pencil. With just these two essentials, they created soft, elegant looks that highlighted their features. They used one lipstick for everything on the lips, a touch on the cheeks for a natural flush, and sometimes even on the eyelids for warmth.
The kohl pencil was more than just makeup to them. It was a ritual that added depth and softness to the eyes. Their makeup was quick, intuitive, and timeless.
Cosmo ME: What parts of traditional Khaleeji beauty do you feel most connected to?
Mona Tajarbi: I feel most connected to traditional practices that use natural ingredients and the rituals of my heritage. Oud and natural oils, especially olive or almond oil, are very close to me.
Oud has always symbolised presence, elegance, and hospitality, and its scent brings a sense of comfort and home. Natural oils were truly multi-purpose, whether for softening skin or nourishing hair, and these simple, pure ingredients still play a big role in my routine. I also love the tradition of kohl, which remains a classic beauty staple in our region.
Cosmo ME: Which beauty rituals or trends from past generations have remained part of Khaleeji beauty today?
Mona Tajarbi: Many aspects stayed the same, including the kohl pencil, lipstick, oud, and natural oils I mentioned above. The idea of enhancing natural beauty instead of masking it has carried into today’s trends. Soft makeup, fresh skin, and minimal steps still define the Khaleeji aesthetic for many women.
Cosmo ME: How has social media influenced beauty for young Khaleeji women?
Mona Tajarbi: Social media has given us access to skincare routines, makeup trends, tutorials, and global brands, while also giving us space to blend traditional beauty with modern styles in a fresh and authentic way. Dermatologists and experts are now more accessible and help young women learn more about skincare.
It has created higher expectations and societal pressures with filters and curated feeds, but this does also spark meaningful conversations about authenticity and confidence. It has made beauty more expressive and diverse, while teaching us to stay balanced and true to ourselves.
Cosmo ME: What are some beauty products or practices you use today that your mother’s and grandmother’s generation didn’t have?
Mona Tajarbi: So many. Advanced skincare like serums, retinol, hyaluronic acid, chemical exfoliants, and sunscreen didn’t exist in their routines. Makeup has evolved with foundations, concealers, eyeshadow palettes, brow products, and long-lasting formulas.
Beauty tools changed dramatically too. We now have beauty blenders, microcurrent devices, LED masks, and gua sha tools.
Even fragrance evolved from traditional oud and musk to niche brands and layering techniques. Nowadays, we also express ourselves through bold makeup and creative looks that didn’t fit the beauty culture of past generations.
Cosmo ME: Do you feel that beauty standards in the UAE today are becoming more inclusive?
Mona Tajarbi: Yes, absolutely. Beauty ideals used to be very traditional and specific. Today, thanks to global influence and local creators, there’s much more appreciation for diverse skin tones, features, styles, and cultural expressions.
Brands highlight more diversity, and messaging is shifting toward individuality like natural beauty, bold makeup, modest style, or modern trends all have space now.
Cosmo ME: How has your personal idea of beauty evolved over time?
Mona Tajarbi: Growing up between traditional practices and modern trends taught me to appreciate the balance between both. From my mother’s and grandmothers’ generation, I learned that beauty can be simple, natural, and effortless.
Mona Tajarbi: Growing up between traditional practices and modern trends taught me to appreciate the balance between both. From my mother’s and grandmothers’ generation, I learned that beauty can be simple, natural, and effortless.
Cosmo ME: How do you personally blend traditional Khaleeji beauty rituals with modern trends?
Mona Tajarbi: I start with natural skincare like rosewater, oils, and simple prep, just like our mothers and grandmothers did. I still use classic staples like kohl and lipstick, but I pair them with modern techniques such as soft contouring, glowing skin, and blended eye looks.
Mona Tajarbi: I start with natural skincare like rosewater, oils, and simple prep, just like our mothers and grandmothers did. I still use classic staples like kohl and lipstick, but I pair them with modern techniques such as soft contouring, glowing skin, and blended eye looks.
Cosmo ME: What do you think will shape the next generation of Emirati women in beauty?
Mona Tajarbi: Global movements focused on authenticity, innovation, and skin-first beauty as well as clean, minimal makeup that enhances rather than covers will grow even more.
K-beauty and J-beauty will continue to influence Khaleeji skincare because of their gentle, hydrating routines. Individual expression will also rise like bold colours, creative eye looks, and techniques that celebrate uniqueness. Sustainability and ethical beauty will matter more, and technology like AI-skin analysis and customisable formulas will shape how Arab women approach beauty in the future.
Cosmo ME: Is there anything you would like to add about your personal beauty philosophy?
Mona Tajarbi: Beauty has always been a journey for me. It blends the traditions I grew up with and the modern trends I love today. It is not about following rules but celebrating what makes each of us unique, confident, and connected to our roots. The most meaningful routines are the ones that feel true to who we are.