A fierce powerhouse, a true trailblazer and a woman of many talents, Mthayel Al Ali is ~reigning~ over the world. She sat down with Milli Midwood, Editor-in-Chief of Cosmo ME at our Cosmotel dreamhouse (her words, not ours) to talk all things SS21 beauty and fashion trends.

Turns out, SS21 is actually Mthayel’s ~fave~ season so far. Why, you ask? Well, it’s the one that she feels aligns most with her style.

“It’s going to be my best year,” she says laughing! Oversized clothing items seem to be one of the biggest trends this upcoming season and she’s here for it. And on that note, she even has a little life hack for you. Shop from the men’s section in order to find pieces that have a good fit yet are oversized.

And maybe it’s your lucky day because it’s a two-for-one as our EIC Milli threw in a lil lifehack of her own! Always pay at the counters in the men’s section. They have shorter queues! Ugh, now I’m forever going to be thinking about all that time I wasted waiting in line.

Mthayel is also loving the puffy sleeves trend right now! She’s always loved them so she’s stoked they’re making a comeback. And honestly, so are we. Ain’t nothing that radiates boss girl energy like some puffy statement sleeves.

Also, if you’re looking to invest in just one piece for SS21, Mthayel recommends the Dior Bobby bag. It’s the one bag she feels she can currently wear on *anything*.  Brb, heading to Dior to invest in one before everyone else does.

But SS21 isn’t only going to be about familiar trends for Mthayel, she’s actually interested in experimenting with something she’s never worn before: white boots. While she doesn’t own a pair just yet and won’t be wearing it any time soon until the heat dies down, she’s excited to cop a pair and stunt in them. And we can’t wait to see the pics on her ‘gram after.

It’s no secret that Mthayel is a style icon and we asked her all about her signature style. “I would describe my style as a bridge of sorts. I keep following the international trends but I also like to keep it very modest and cultural,” she said. “For example, I’ll mix an abaya with a Dior bag or a pair of sneakers.”

And it’s how she’s always done fashion, by breaking the rules. Mthayel told us she never wants her outfit to be ‘expected’. There will always be a piece that pops out and break the pattern.

Looking back on this ~weird~ year, Mthayel comfortingly looks back on it with gratitude and joy. As the face of multiple world-renowned brands such as YSL, Armani Beauty, Dior and Charlotte Tilbury – she is the epitome of grace and beauty.

And on that note, naturally, we *had* to ask about the secret behind her oh so radiant skin. And turns out, she’s all about skincare. “When I first joined the beauty industry, I thought it was about what makeup you wore,” she said. “I now realize it’s all about the skincare.” Her skincare regimen includes products from Ole Henriksen, Charlotte Tilbury and specifically Clarins‘ toner! *adds everything to cart*

Lastly, her makeup was gawjus so we did y’all a solid and got the deets. And guess which makeup brand she swears by? Well, I’ll tell ya, Charlotte Tilbury! Her entire look was mainly courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury products and she added a pop of colour near her eyes courtesy of good ol’ Huda Beauty.

As one of the 11 influencers worldwide working with Cartier on a campaign for their iconic bag, this partnership is a microcosm for Mthayel’s values and purpose: to take the Arab face and persona international. 

As we talked about social media and all that it does, Mthayel said something that really struck a chord with us. She talked about how important it is to have a purpose. In anything you do, really. But more importantly, to acknowledge and realize that your purpose will change as you grow. We, as humans, are constantly evolving and it only makes sense that our wants and needs and goals in life will too.

“My purpose today may not be what my purpose was when I started,” she said. But if you’re wondering what’s her current purpose in life? It’s giving an Arabic face to the world. She remains attached to her roots, but wants to take it international. Mthayel’s goal is to serve her purpose and enjoy at the same time. And that’s one goal we can get behind.

Mthayel is also in love with our pink Cosmotel, dubbing it every little girl’s dream dollhouse come to life. And we kinda super agree. Her fave part was our beauty closet and if you’re looking to check it out, head on down to City Centre Mirdif before April 11 to enjoy all things beauty, fun and Cosmo.