Mona Kattan got her start in beauty pageants where her sister Huda was her own makeup artist. Later on, she owned a chain of successful salons in her hometown of Dubai. Now, she’s taken the skin-care, makeup and fragrance worlds by storm as the global president and cofounder of Huda Beauty and Kayali. Our response? It’s Mona’s world and we’re all just living in it.
Skinterests
Kattan was 14 when she bought her first bottle of perfume, and since then, she’s amassed more than 2,000. “I can’t leave my house without spraying myself about 100 times with layers of different fragrances,” she says. And her favorite? “Probably Kayali Déjà Vu White Flower 57 ($85). It makes me think of romance.” She also can’t function without her tried-and-true skincare routine. “I remove my makeup with a wipe or Bioderma Micellar Water ($15), cleanse with Tatcha’s The Deep Cleanse ($38) and exfoliate with WISHFUL Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub ($39). Next, I apply The Rose Mist by MDNA ($90) and Shiffa Beauty’s Rose Maroc Night Elixir ($175). This combo is my favorite! I finish by applying the Shiseido Bio-Performance ($82) to my under-eyes.”
Keep It Uniform
Kattan may be known for her beauty prowess, but she’s also the queen of effortless curls. “I almost always go for soft, Hollywood curls or a windswept blowout, and my hairstylist uses the ghd Soft Curl Curling Iron ($200) to get me there.” Speaking of beauty, she likes to call her style “feminine and soft, yet glam. When I’m in the office, I’m in one of two uniforms: a matching two-piece jumpsuit, or jeans, a fitted top and a long duster overtop with the classic and simple Hermès Oran sandals ($650).”
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Family Matters
Whether she’s chatting in the lab with developers or managing marketing efforts with her coworkers/siblings, Kattan still manages to work and play hard. “My sisters have always been my best friends, and we work well together. We have different strengths and naturally fell into roles that we enjoy.”
Black Book
Makeup Artist – Chloe Widera
“In Dubai, Chloe Widera does my makeup! She’s the best at a soft- glam makeup look and always knows what really accentuates my features. She’s the sweetest ever.”
Personal Trainer – Lewis
“I work out every day with my personal trainer, Lewis! He’s super motivating and such a great coach because he knows how to push me by being positive.”
Hairstylist – Dominic Seeley
“He knows my hair so well at this point—I trust him with everything. He’s also an incredible person to have around and is like family.”
Dentist – Michael Apa, DDS
“He’s incredibly friendly and talented, and definitely the best dentist in Dubai. I’ve been going to him forever.”
