Yasmina El-Abd isn’t your typical actress, she’s the voice of a generation. From her breakout role in Finding Ola to becoming a household name across the Arab world, she’s the definition of a rising star.
It can sometimes feel that Gen Z is often boxed into stereotypes, but Yasmina, 18, is pulling the reverse Uno card with her portrayal of Zaina in the Netflix series, a sarcastic, fiercely loyal character. She isn’t here to be typecast or play 1D roles. Instead, she’s carving out a space for complex and relatable characters.
Our Winter 2024 cover star is candid, cool, and 100% herself, it’s clear to see why she’s one of the most exciting voices in Arab entertainment right now and she is crushing it.
Dress: Elisabetta Franchi
Earrings: Karen Wazen
Makeup by Benefit Cosmetics. Exact products mentioned below*
Cosmo ME: Your character in Finding Ola resonated with so many viewers. What aspects of her personality do you connect with the most, and how did you prepare for the role?
Yasmina: Her sarcasm was one of the first things I wanted to emphasise. It wasn’t heavily written into the script, but I felt it would bring something extra to her character. Having a flexible team made it easy to add those layers.
Top: Savanna
Ring: Tiffany & Co.
Makeup by Benefit Cosmetics. Exact products mentioned below*
I also connected with her overprotectiveness toward the people she loves, even when she doesn’t handle things perfectly. In Season 2, we see a more mature Zaina—she’s less controlling and more accepting, which really strikes a chord with viewers. Her sarcasm and loyalty are definitely the parts of her personality I related to the most.
Cosmo ME: You mentioned adding sarcasm to Zaina. How did that come about, and how receptive was the team?
Yasmina: Zaina wasn’t written as the typical Gen Z influencer, which I appreciated—it felt fresh. But I wanted to make her even more relatable by giving her a distinct sense of humour. A lot of Gen Z characters in Arab media are stereotyped as being obsessed with social media, and I didn’t want her to feel one-dimensional.
The team was open to experimenting, which was amazing. I was nervous at first because it was my first major role in Arabic, and I was surrounded by seasoned professionals. But the set had such a supportive energy that it encouraged me to bring my ideas forward.
I think Finding Ola paved the way for more nuanced portrayals of Gen Z. It showed that we can address complex issues like divorce and family through our perspective. We may be young, but we understand and feel these issues deeply.
Bolero: Selezza London
Makeup by Benefit Cosmetics. Exact products mentioned below*
Cosmo ME: Acting can be emotionally demanding. How do you balance your personal life with the characters you play?
Yasmina: It can be tough, especially when you’re working on intense projects. I try to keep a clear line between my personal life and my work, but sometimes the emotions bleed over. It’s important to have strong support systems—friends, family, and even therapy if needed.
Cosmo ME: What’s the most rewarding feedback you’ve received from fans about Finding Ola?
Yasmina: Hearing people say they saw themselves in Zaina was so rewarding. Some fans told me they hadn’t seen a Gen Z character portrayed in such a realistic way before, which was exactly what I was hoping for.
Top: Savanna
Trousers: Onori
Earrings & Rings: Tiffany & Co.
Shoes: Mach & Mach
Makeup by Benefit Cosmetics. Exact products mentioned below*
Cosmo ME: Do you feel a responsibility to represent your generation in a certain way on screen?
Yasmina: Absolutely. Gen Z is so diverse, and we’re more than just the stereotypes people see. I feel it’s my responsibility to show the depth and variety of our experiences—our humour, our struggles, and the way we navigate the world.
Cosmo ME: What’s next for you after Finding Ola?
Yasmina: I’m exploring a mix of roles—some that challenge me emotionally and others that are just fun. I want to keep telling stories that feel authentic to our region while also pushing boundaries.
Cosmo ME: What advice would you give to young actors trying to break into the industry?
Yasmina: Be persistent and stay true to yourself. It’s easy to get discouraged, but if you focus on your craft and keep showing up, opportunities will come. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
Cosmo ME: The Arab entertainment industry is evolving. What changes do you hope to see in terms of storytelling, representation, and opportunities for women?
Yasmina: There’s been great progress, and women now have more opportunities. Hend Sabry, for example, was not just the lead in Finding Ola but also its executive producer, which is inspiring. We’re pushing to have a seat at the table and to tell our own stories—whether through writing, directing, or producing. It’s crucial for us to control our narratives and take advantage of international platforms like Hollywood to amplify Arab voices.
Cosmo ME: Social media is a powerful tool for Gen Z. How do you balance being a good role model while using it?
Yasmina: Social media has its pros and cons. It’s key to use it healthily and find the right balance. It’s how we market ourselves today, but it’s also a lot of work—shooting, editing, and engaging with followers is exhausting. I respect influencers, but the goal is to find what resonates with your audience while staying true to yourself and being creative, even in a saturated space.
Top: Savanna
Earrings: Tiffany & Co.
Makeup by Benefit Cosmetics. Exact products mentioned below*
Cosmo ME: Who were your role models growing up, and how have they shaped your approach to your career?
Yasmina: My mum is a huge role model. She got a second degree while raising three kids, and that dedication shaped my work ethic. In the industry, Zendaya has been a major influence for me since Shake It Up. Recently, I’ve looked up to Hend Sabry and Mona Zaki for their leadership in the Arab entertainment space.
Cosmo ME: As a young Arab woman, how do you think beauty standards in the region are changing?
Yasmina: Beauty in the region is evolving with a mix of traditional and modern styles. The image of the Middle Eastern woman isn’t just limited to what’s stereotypically expected, such as Aladdin or Arabian Nights, there’s a huge diversity in expression, and it’s important to stay authentic to what feels right for us.
Cosmo ME: Have you picked up any makeup tricks on set?
Yasmina: Yes, I’ve learned a lot about skin prep and what works for my face shape, especially my downturned eyes. I used to do my makeup wrong, but now I know how to highlight my natural features better.
Cosmo ME: What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Yasmina: I’m excited for Mawdoo3 3a2ely season 3, releasing soon. I’m also working on a Ramadan show called Lam Shamsia and an episode of Sa3to w Tare5o, which is a powerful, emotional story. I’m looking forward to a great 2025 with more exciting opportunities ahead!
*Used throughout: The POREfessional Matte Primer & The POREfessional Power Powder, both Benefit Cosmetics.
Picture 1: Eyes: BADgal Bounce Mascara, Lips: Plushtint Moisturizing Matte Lip Tint in French Toast, Brows: Mighty Fine Brow Pen, all Benefit Cosmetics.
Picture 2: Eyes: BADgal Bounce Mascara, Brows: Mighty Fine Brow Pen; 24-Hour Brow Setter, Lips: Splashtint Moisturizing Lip Tint in Fresh Squeezed and Tutti Frutti, all Benefit Cosmetics.
Picture 3: Eyes & Brows: BADgalBANG! Volumizing Mascara in Power Blue, Cheeks: Hoola Matte Bronzer; Cookie Golden Pearl Highlighter, Lips: Splashtint Moisturizing Dewy Lip Tint in Summer Fling, all Benefit Cosmetics.
Picture 4: Eyes: BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara in Power Blue, Brows: Mighty Fine Brow Pen, Lips: Plushtint Moisturizing Matte Lip Tint in Pillow Play, Cheeks: Butterfly Golden Orange Blush, all Benefit Cosmetics.
Picture 5: Eyes: BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara in Power Blue, Brows: Mighty Fine Brow Pen, Lips: Plushtint Moisturizing Matte Lip Tint in Pillow Play, Cheeks: Butterfly Golden Orange Blush, all Benefit Cosmetics.
Photographer: Robert Larsen with MMG Artists
Stylist: Imogene Legrand @imogenelegrand
Make Up: Ania Poniatowska with MMG Artists
Hair Stylist: Jean Luc Amarin
Senior Producer: Steff Hawker
Styling Assistant: Daisy Jacob
Talent PR: Marwa El Sawy at Carrots Company