What We Are Buying Today: ‘Asteri’ - first Saudi makeup brand

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Updated 29 October 2023
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What We Are Buying Today: ‘Asteri’ - first Saudi makeup brand

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  • Founded by Saudi designer Sara Al-Rashed, the brand is cruelty free, vegan, and microplastic free. It also aims to become B Corp certified

Asteri is the first Saudi premium makeup brand in the market spotlighting authentic Arab beauty. Its mission is to break stereotypes and portray the modern vision of Arab women through a local, feminine lens.

Naturally, we had to try it out.

The brand offers an array of products that are “desert-proof,” meaning that they have been formulated specifically to last despite Saudi’s shifting weather, which can vary from extreme heat, dryness, humidity, to cold and windy.

Founded by Saudi designer Sara Al-Rashed, the brand is cruelty free, vegan, and microplastic free. It also aims to become B Corp certified.

Their Legacy Lipsticks were the first to catch our eye. The formulation is creamy and glossy, yet noticeably longer-lasting than most lipsticks across the market.

Rich in color, the refillable products are also hydrating and smooth. From soft corals to bold ruby reds, the eight available shades are also each named after a prominent woman in Al-Rashed’s life, giving a personal touch to the line.

The Legacy Lip Balm is an elevated version of an everyday essential, and contains moringa oil, argan oil, and lychee fruit extract for extreme nourishment.

The hydrating balm looks as if it contains chunky glitter but glides on clear and is the perfect product to use alongside their Universal Lip Liners or just on its own.

Their Maha Mascara is stunningly packaged and extremely buildable, leaving lashes looking long and natural. We also found that it does not smudge under the eyes throughout the day, like many non-waterproof products do.

No eye look is complete without eyeliner, and Asteri’s smudge and water-proof HERizon Eye Liner is a great grayish black felt-tip liquid liner for dramatic looks or simple cat eyes. They also offer a pencil kohl liner in a true black shade.

For the perfect base, their Aura Radiant Concealers and Foundations finish off with a skin-like texture while giving buildable coverage for blemishes, redness, dark circles, and pigmentation.

If you are shopping online, the website offers a “Find My Shade” feature which can match your current foundation or concealer from dozens of brands or help you through a quiz.

Asteri also supplies other products including lip glosses, eyebrow pencils and gels, powder bronzer and highlighters, and a two-in-one blush stick that doubles as lip color.

 

 


Celebrity-loved footwear designer Amina Muaddi opens pop-up store in Dubai

Celebrity-loved footwear designer Amina Muaddi opens pop-up store in Dubai
Updated 02 December 2023
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Celebrity-loved footwear designer Amina Muaddi opens pop-up store in Dubai

Celebrity-loved footwear designer Amina Muaddi opens pop-up store in Dubai

DUBAI: Celebrity-loved footwear designer Amina Muaddi revealed this week that she opened a new pop-up store in Dubai at Kite Beach.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI (@aminamuaddi)

The shoemaker, who is of Jordanian and Romanian descent, has collaborated with clothing retail company Ounass for a four-week pop-up.

“I wanted to create a special experience for our community, a space that feels like an oasis from an outer world,” she wrote, sharing pictures of the place. “Visit the store and shop the collection starting Dec. 1 for the next 30 days. Happy shopping!”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI (@aminamuaddi)

To celebrate the launch, Ounass hosted an exclusive A-list dinner that was attended by rapper Kanye West, his partner Bianca Censori, American singer Ty Dolla $ign and Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim.


Red Sea film fest celebrates ‘Women in Cinema’ with global stars 

Red Sea film fest celebrates ‘Women in Cinema’ with global stars 
Updated 02 December 2023
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Red Sea film fest celebrates ‘Women in Cinema’ with global stars 

Red Sea film fest celebrates ‘Women in Cinema’ with global stars 

JEDDAH: The Red Sea Film Festival and Vanity Fair Europe played host a celebration of “Women in Cinema” on Friday night, with celebrities from around in attendance at the soiree.  

Bollywood star Katrina Kaif joined Hollywood actresses Sofia Vergara, Sharon Stone, Diane Kruger, Michelle Rodriguez and Zoe Saldana at the evening event while British supermodel Naomi Campbell also made an appearance.  

Michelle Rodriguez at the Women In Cinema Gala during the Red Sea International Film Festival. (Getty Images)

From the Arab world, it was a glittering invitation list with Yasmine Sabri, Egyptian icon Yousra, Amina Khalil, Nadine Nassib Njeim, Andria Tayeh, Aseel Omran and Sarah Taibah attending, among many more regional stars.  

“In collaboration with Vanity Fair Europe, and on the sidelines of the third edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, we were pleased to host ‘Women in Cinema’ celebrating women’s cinematic contributions — where we honored Egyptian cinema icon Nabila Ebeid, acknowledging her rich cinematic career,” the festival posted on Instagram.  

Nabila Ebeid and Mohammed Al-Turki at the Women In Cinema Gala during the Red Sea International Film Festival. (Getty Images) 

Born on Jan. 21, 1945, Ebeid has been dubbed “Egypt’s first star.” Ebeid is known as both an actress, with film and stage titles under her belt, and a producer.  

The Red Sea International Film Festival runs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9 and boasts 11 categories of films: Special Screenings; Red Sea: Competition; Red Sea: Shorts Competition; Festival Favorites; Arab Spectacular; International Spectacular; New Saudi/ New Cinema: Shorts; Red Sea: New Vision; Red Sea: Families and Children; Red Sea: Series and Red Sea: Treasures.   

Mohammed Al-Turki and Naomi Campbell at the Women In Cinema Gala during the Red Sea International Film Festival. (Getty Images)

This year’s celebrity-studded festival jury is presided over by director Baz Luhrmann, joined by Swedish-American actor Joel Kinnaman (“Suicide Squad”); Freida Pinto (“Slumdog Millionaire”); Egyptian actor Amina Khalil (“Grand Hotel”) and Spain’s Paz Vega (“Sex and Lucía,” “The OA”).  

Sharon Stone and Shivani Pandya attend the Women In Cinema Gala during the Red Sea International Film Festival. (Getty Images)

The festival kicked off with a gala screening of Dubai-based Iraqi director Yasir Al-Yasiri’s “HWJN,” which is based on a YA novel by Saudi writer Ibraheem Abbas. Set in modern-day Jeddah, “HWJN” follows the story of a kind-hearted jinn — an invisible entity in Islamic tradition — as he discovers the truth about his royal lineage. 

Lebanese actress Njeim spoke to Arab News on the opening red carpet, saying: “The festival marks a turning point for every ambitious Saudi filmmaker, providing excellent support for young talents to showcase their work at international festivals.” 


Naomi Campbell, Georgina Rodriguez spotted in Abu Dhabi

Naomi Campbell, Georgina Rodriguez spotted in Abu Dhabi
Updated 28 November 2023
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Naomi Campbell, Georgina Rodriguez spotted in Abu Dhabi

Naomi Campbell, Georgina Rodriguez spotted in Abu Dhabi

DUBAI: A long list of celebrities, including Naomi Campbell, Georgina Rodriguez, Priyanka Chopra, Irina Shayk, Chris and Liam Hemsworth, were spotted in the UAE this week attending the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The A-list stars attended the final day of the Formula One race, which saw Max Verstappen take pole position for the season-ending event at the Yas Marina circuit.

Argentine model Rodriguez, who is Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner, attended the race with her son Mateo. She wore a strapless denim dress and a pale blue sweater draped around her shoulders.

“What a lovely day,” she captioned her picture with Mateo at the event.

Meanwhile, Campbell donned an oversized white printed dress, cinched at the waist with a corset-style belt.

Bollywood actress Chopra opted for a black and pink dress with matching tights and black sunglasses.


What We Are Buying Today: ‘Almugasap’ - Saudi traditional customes

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Updated 26 November 2023
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What We Are Buying Today: ‘Almugasap’ - Saudi traditional customes

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  • Hariry told Arab News: “I have always been motivated to showcase our traditional clothing to the new generation. By adding a modern twist to certain pieces, we aim to encourage them to wear and proudly exhibit our cultural heritage to the world”

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, Almugasap stands as a symbol of tradition and innovation, showcasing the beauty and richness of traditional Saudi culture.

Founded in 2021 by Arief Al-Sherif and Sari Salem Hariry, the brand has quickly become a driving force in reviving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity, particularly in thobes, cloaks, and long female gowns that showcase a blend of tradition and modernity.

Specializing in outfits with a traditional flair, each piece is meticulously handcrafted with attention to detail, reflecting a commitment to preserving heritage while embracing the possibilities of the future.

The founders, driven by a deep-rooted love for designing traditional Saudi outfits since their youth, embarked on a journey to create a brand that celebrated the beauty of tradition with a contemporary twist.

Hariry told Arab News: “I have always been motivated to showcase our traditional clothing to the new generation. By adding a modern twist to certain pieces, we aim to encourage them to wear and proudly exhibit our cultural heritage to the world.”

Initially focused on men’s clothing, Almugasap expanded its repertoire with the addition of a women’s line when Reem Esailan joined the team. It captured the essence of Saudi femininity, blending traditional elements with modern silhouettes to create elegant and sophisticated outfits.

The brand also creates accessories, including bags made from bisht material.

Another standout piece is the agal, a traditional headpiece symbolizing Saudi heritage.

Almugasap has also contributed to the actors’ wardrobe in popular series such as “Sefer Berlik.” And the brand has played a vital role in outfitting various plays in Taif, Al-Balad in Jeddah during Ramadan, and AlUla, solidifying its presence in the theater industry.

Recently, it partnered with the Ministry of Culture for the exhibition “Common Ground,” showcasing men’s and women’s outfits celebrating the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia.

Almugasap creations also impressed audiences and the media at the prestigious Red Sea Film Festival.

For updates and more information, visit Instagram at @almugasap.

 


Jessica Chastain shines at Marrakech International Film Festival

Jessica Chastain shines at Marrakech International Film Festival
Updated 26 November 2023
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Jessica Chastain shines at Marrakech International Film Festival

Jessica Chastain shines at Marrakech International Film Festival

DUBAI: US actress and producer Jessica Chastain turned heads at the 20th Marrakech International Film Festival in Morocco this week. 

The star, who is the president of the jury, attended the event wearing a shimmering silver tasseled jump suit from Armani Prive’s fall 2021 couture collection. 

Chastain was joined on stage by jury members — Iranian actress Zar Amir, French actress and comedian Camille Cottin, Australian actor and director Joel Edgerton, British director Joanna Hogg, US director Dee Rees, Swedish filmmaker Tarik Saleh and Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgard.

 

 

During her speech on the festival’s opening night, Chastain said: “In the weeks leading up to the festival, we were not sure that we would even be able to be here,” referring to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.  

“The world we share is shattered and devoured,” she said. “Throughout history, art has been used as an accessible tool for communication, raising awareness about social issues and affecting positive change.”

Surrounded by red carpet crowds and flashing camera lights, others agreed.

 

 

“We know what’s happening and don’t forget it,” said Melita Toscan du Plantier, director of the Marrakech International Film Festival. “But heart is important. Heart is a weapon against obscurity and against conflict. We’re here to talk about heart, show movies and talk about directors from this region.”

Organizers said that they looked forward to showcasing cinema from Morocco, the Middle East and Africa. Throughout the week, they plan to honor Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaidi, and workshop films from throughout the region in a developmental program presided over by director Martin Scorsese.

The festival opened on Friday with Richard Linklater’s action-comedy “Hit Man.” 

 

 

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen was honored with a career achievement award for his films including “Another Round,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Casino Royale,” in which he played a Bond villain.

The festival is expected to feature more than 70 additional films, including Michel Franco’s “Memory,” starring Chastain, and Matteo Garrone’s Italian immigration drama “Io Capitano.”

The festival is scheduled to run through to Dec. 2.