Moonglaze: A Milestone in Saudi Beauty
Moonglaze, the groundbreaking Saudi beauty brand founded by esteemed makeup artist Yara Alnamlah, has officially launched at Sephora Middle East. This momentous occasion marks a significant achievement as Moonglaze becomes the first homegrown Saudi brand to grace the shelves of this iconic global beauty retailer.
Product Lineup Available at Sephora
The diverse collection is now accessible on Sephora’s online platform and at select Sephora locations across the Middle East. This inaugural lineup features Moonglaze’s signature products, including “sheers” highlighter sticks, “phases” blush sticks, and “tones” bronzer pods. Additionally, the brand introduces two exclusive products — “feels” lip liners and “moods” water lip tints — specially launched for its debut at Sephora.
Commercial Viability of Saudi Beauty Brands
This partnership highlights the burgeoning potential of Saudi beauty brands on a global scale. As Saudi Arabia’s beauty and personal care market continues to expand rapidly, largely driven by a young, digitally savvy consumer base and government-backed initiatives, the collaboration with Sephora Middle East signals a commitment to elevating regional talent alongside global brands.
The Philosophy Behind Moonglaze
Yara Alnamlah developed Moonglaze rooted in her extensive professional experience, working with various skin tones and textures. The brand follows a skin-first philosophy, emphasizing formulas that enhance natural beauty rather than mask it. This approach focuses on versatility and ease of use for everyday application.
A Message to the Global Beauty Industry
“Entering Sephora as the first Saudi beauty brand feels bigger than a personal achievement, it’s a signal,” Alnamlah shared with WWD. “It tells the global industry that Saudi founders are not merely consumers of beauty; we are also creators, innovators, and leaders. This moment isn’t just about being the first; it’s about inspiring others to realize their potential.”
Growth of Saudi Arabia’s Beauty Sector
The launch of Moonglaze comes at a pivotal time as Saudi Arabia’s beauty sector attracts increasing attention from international investors and retailers. The kingdom’s Cultural Development Fund has prioritized fashion and beauty, allowing local founders to flourish on social media and at regional trade events, while building direct-to-consumer businesses that resonate with the needs of Arab women.
Insights from Yara Alnamlah
Reflecting on her experience as a makeup artist, Alnamlah noted that her years of hands-on work were crucial to the brand’s development. “Working with diverse skin tones taught me what formulas need to achieve in real life, not just under perfect lighting, but on real faces in various conditions,” she explained.
Innovative Lip Products for Every Occasion
The “feels” lip liners and “moods” water lip tints were designed with balance in mind. Alnamlah aimed to create pigmented colors that work beautifully across various undertones, ensuring textures are comfortable rather than heavy. “These shades are designed to be worn alone or layered effortlessly, reflecting how people actually use makeup,” she said.
Expanding Global Presence
The partnership with Sephora further solidifies Moonglaze’s growing international presence, with the brand already featured at Selfridges. This positions Alnamlah as one of the pioneering Saudi beauty founders to make significant strides in major global retail markets.
