Dubai has one of the most developed beauty retail markets in the region, with major international names available through Sephora, department stores, specialist retailers and online platforms. Yet some brands with strong followings in the US, UK and other markets remain difficult to access in the UAE. In some cases, the brands do not ship directly to the country; in others, there is no established retail presence, leaving shoppers to look overseas or rely on independent sellers.

Rhode

Photo: Instagram/@divatheebawse

Founded by Hailey Bieber, Rhode has built its identity around a focused range of skincare and makeup designed to simplify everyday routines. The brand is known for products including the Peptide Lip Treatment, Peptide Glazing Fluid and Barrier Restore Cream.

Rhode’s current shipping list covers the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and a selection of European countries, but the UAE is not included. The brand’s own FAQ also lists its authorised in-person retail markets, which currently include Sephora in the US, Canada and UK, as well as selected retailers in Australia and New Zealand.

Rhode does not currently ship directly to the UAE, and its listed physical retail partners do not include the UAE

Merit Beauty. Given the brand’s popularity and tightly curated product range, a UAE retail presence would make its most recognisable products considerably easier to access.

Merit

Photo: Suzanne Saroff/Merit Beauty

Merit takes a minimalist approach to makeup, focusing on products that can be used across a streamlined routine. Its range includes the Signature Lip, Flush Balm and The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick, with skincare also forming part of the brand’s offering.

The brand’s official shipping policy currently lists the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Australia, France, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Spain and Italy as its shipping markets. The UAE is not among them, and Merit does not ship to freight-forwarding addresses.

Merit products can nevertheless be found through some UAE-based third-party sellers, including listings on Noon and Dubai-based beauty retailers. Those options are different from having the brand available through an official UAE distribution channel.

Cécred

Photo: Cecred

Founded by Beyoncé, Cécred focuses on haircare, with formulations developed around hair strength, moisture and overall hair health. Its range includes the Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual, Moisturizing Shampoo and Moisture Sealing Lotion.

Cécred ships to the UAE, but it does not currently have an established retail presence in Dubai.

Naturium

Photo: Naturium

Naturium has built its reputation around ingredient-led skincare at accessible price points, with products covering concerns such as hydration, exfoliation, pigmentation and skin barrier support. Its range includes the Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum, Niacinamide Gelée Cleansing Gel and The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash.

The brand is widely available in the US, including through major retail chains, but its international distribution is more limited. UAE shoppers may encounter individual Naturium products through online sellers, although availability can vary by product and retailer.

EADEM

Photo: Amazon

EADEM approaches skincare with a focus on products designed for diverse skin tones and concerns. The brand’s range includes the Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum, Cloud Cushion Airy Brightening Moisturizer and Le Chouchou Exfoliating Pimple Patch.

EADEM does not currently ship directly to the UAE, meaning shoppers may need to seek out individual products through online channels rather than encountering the collection as part of a permanent retail assortment.

EADEM’s emphasis on pigmentation and skin tone makes it particularly relevant to shoppers looking for targeted products that work across a wide range of complexions.

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There is something satisfying about dry brushing before a shower. A few gentle passes with a body brush can sweep away surface buildup and leave the skin feeling noticeably smoother. The ritual has become a familiar part of body care, but its beauty benefits are more straightforward than some of the bigger claims surrounding it. It’s low effort, costs almost nothing, and for many people the payoff is immediate.

That said, some of the claims surrounding it go beyond the evidence. Dry brushing does offer real benefits for texture and routine, but it won’t detox your body or erase cellulite. Here’s what it can actually do, how to do it right, and when to skip it.

What Is Dry Brushing?

Photo: Seek bamboo

It’s a form of physical exfoliation done on dry skin, usually right before bathing. The practice has roots in Ayurvedic traditions, and today it’s used mostly for its exfoliating and sensory effects.

The bristles remove dead skin cells from the surface. After a few minutes, the skin can feel smoother and softer to the touch.

It Gently Exfoliates

This is the clearest benefit. As the brush moves over the skin, it sweeps away dead cells that can make areas like elbows, knees, and shins feel rough.

There’s also a practical side effect. When that top layer is gone, body lotions and oils go on more evenly. The key is pressure rather than force, so keep the brush light and gentle against the skin. Brushing too hard can leave the skin red or irritated, while lighter strokes are enough to exfoliate.

It Can Make Skin Look Smoother

Photo: Getty images

By removing buildup on the surface, dry brushing gives skin a temporarily more refined look. The effect is cosmetic and temporary

For softer, smoother skin, follow dry brushing with a moisturizer. After your shower, apply it while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture. That combination can help keep skin feeling soft for longer.

It Turns Body Care Into a Ritual

Part of the appeal has nothing to do with skin cells. Taking two to three minutes to brush the body before a shower slows the routine down. The repetitive motion can feel calming when you keep the pressure light.

It May Temporarily Minimize the Appearance of Cellulite

Photo: Shutter stock

Cellulite is common. It happens when fat pushes against the connective tissue under the skin. Dry brushing is often marketed as a fix, but there’s no solid evidence it changes cellulite long term.

What can happen is temporary. Massage and mechanical stimulation can shift fluid and plump the skin slightly, which may make dimpling less visible for a short time. That’s likely where the reputation comes from. Any improvement should be viewed as temporary, not a treatment for cellulite.

 It Makes You Pay Attention to Your Skin

One of the more useful effects simply becoming more aware of your skin. When you’re brushing, you notice dry patches, rough spots, and areas that need more care. It turns body care into a more intentional routine: brush gently, shower, then moisturize.

Dry brushing is a useful addition to a body-care routine, but only if expectations stay realistic. It exfoliates well, can make skin feel smoother, and it adds a small, grounding ritual to the day.

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Blush can change the overall appearance of a makeup look, adding colour, warmth and dimension to the cheeks. The right formula also affects the finish, wear and application technique.

Here are four types of blush and how to apply them.

Pressed Powder Blush

Photo: Temptalia

What it is:

Pressed powder blush remains one of the most versatile formulas. Available in matte, satin, luminous and shimmer finishes, it can create a sheer wash or a more defined cheek. It can be applied to bare skin or over foundation once the base has set.

What finish it gives:

Depending on the formula, pressed powder blush can give anything from a soft matte finish to a luminous or shimmery effect, with the intensity controlled through layering.

Who it is best for:

It is particularly useful for those who want control over the intensity of their blush, as well as beginners who prefer a formula that can be built gradually. It can also be used over cream or liquid blush to set the colour and extend wear.

How to apply it:

Start with a small amount and add more as needed. Use a fluffy brush to distribute the colour evenly.

Cream Blush

Photo: Instagram- @beautybaesics_

What it is:

Cream blush is a soft, blendable formula that can be applied with the fingers, a sponge or a brush. Depending on the formula, it can be sheer and dewy or more satin and pigmented.

What finish it gives:

Cream blush is known for a natural-looking finish, with formulas that can leave the skin looking fresh and dewy or softly satin . It tends to melt into the skin rather than creating the more defined finish associated with powder.

Who it is best for:

It is often a good choice for mature skin because it can sit comfortably without emphasizing texture.

How to apply it:

Apply a small amount to the cheeks using your fingers, a damp sponge or a dense brush, then blend into the skin. For a particularly natural effect, cream blush can also be applied before foundation so the colour appears more subtly through the base.

Liquid Blush

Photo: Facebook- @Flormar

What it is:

Liquid blush offers concentrated colour in a lightweight formula, meaning only a few dots may be needed to create the desired intensity.

What finish it gives:

It typically creates a radiant, fresh finish and can give the cheeks a luminous flush.

Who it is best for:

It suits those looking for buildable colour and a glowing finish, but it requires more control during application because the formula can set quickly.

How to apply it:

Apply a small amount to well-moisturized skin, then blend immediately with your fingers, a sponge or a brush. Work on one cheek at a time rather than applying the product to both cheeks before blending, as waiting too long can leave the colour looking patchy.

Cheek Tints And Stains

Photo: Superdrug

What it is:

Cheek tints and stains are designed to give the cheeks sheer, long-lasting colour.

What finish it gives:

They create a natural, just-pinched flush while allowing some of the skin’s natural texture and freckles to remain visible.

Who it is best for:

They are particularly suited to those who prioritise long wear and a lightweight finish, including for hot or humid conditions. Their staying power also makes them useful when you want colour that requires minimal touch-ups.

How to apply it:

Because they set quickly, apply and blend one cheek at a time to prevent uneven patches. Start with a small amount and build the colour gradually, since adding another layer is easier than correcting excess pigment.

The best choice ultimately depends on the finish, wear and level of control you want. Powder offers versatility, cream a skin-like finish, liquid a radiant effect and stains longer-lasting colour.

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