It seems like everyday brings with it a new must-try makeup trend and as soon as you start mastering this new trend, something else pops in and it becomes old news. Celebrity makeup artists come up with the best tricks to make celebrities look like they have been photoshopped to perfection in real life. Now, these makeup artists are sharing the best tricks with the public who can try and master them to look like a million bucks.
Just when you thought you mastered your Kim Kardashian contour technique, every international fashion and style magazine declared the end of this artistic trend in favor of a subtler highlight-only technique known as strobing.
To many women, both of these makeup trends sound like they could be the same thing, but is there a difference between strobing and contouring? We spoke to one of Sephora’s makeup expert who gave us all the information needed to perfect this new trend.
What is contouring?
Contouring is a subtle way of enhancing facial features and giving shape to one’s face by using makeup. It’s nothing but adding dark shades to the outer lines of your features to minimize them, and adding light shades in order to make your best features stand out. If done correctly, contouring can make your eyes stand out, give you an arched brow, sculpt your nose and chisel your cheekbones.
What is the history of contouring?
Sculpture glamor was first noted in black-and-white movies of the 1920s and 30s starring German screen legend, Marlene Deitrich, who believed in accentuating the natural lines of her face with shading and shaping.
But it wasn’t until 1980 that one of Hollywood’s makeup maestro’s Kevyn Aucoin launched The New Nakeds (later renamed The Nakeds), a groundbreaking line that was a strong counterpoint to cosmetics available at the time. He worked to design makeup for all skin tones; the idea was to empower a woman by revealing her natural beauty and bringing out her best features, and not to cover her up with layers of product.
Who started this trend and who was it for?
Although contouring has been in practice among celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell, and even Cher and Barbara Streisand for decades now, it wasn’t a common practice.
In 2012, Kim Kardashian tweeted during and after pictures of herself as makeup artist Scott Barnes applied contouring makeup to her face, creating the razor-sharp cheekbones and sculpted nose. Contouring has been a huge trend in makeup since then.
Please explain the perfect countering steps.
The method of contouring is not the same for everybody — it varies based on the shape of the face. Some people may need to use light shades to play-up some features while others may need to use darker shades to down-play features, based on the shape of their face.
1) Begin with choosing the right shades. Use a shade that is 2-3 shades darker than your original complexion to add depth. Trace the temples, and outline the hollow part of your cheekbones (make the fish-face to find the right spot). Make sure it is almost parallel to your jawline and reaches up to the hairline. Then contour your nose — you can go narrower at the tip or you can carry it into the brow to add length or width.
2) Blend. Use a blending brush or sponge to blend in the contour color, merging it into your base foundation. This is important, as you don’t want obvious lines and creases across your face.
3) Highlight. This is an important step to bring out your features. Use a lighter foundation (lighter than your actual complexion) to highlight the area under your eyes/cheekbones. Use a small amount on the center of your forehead, bridge of your nose, and on your chin to highlight these areas. Blend well.
4) Blush. Sweep on some blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend.
How all of a sudden, countering became the ‘it’ thing to do?
Contouring was earlier used only on the runway and for special photo-shoots, but now contouring has become an everyday-trend among women world over because contouring embraces the beauty of a woman. Unlike earlier, women now have more access to beauty products, tips and tricks. If imperfections can be temporarily corrected without going under the knife, then why not do it? After stars like Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez have been swearing by this technique, women world over have learnt to contour and look beyond beautiful.
What brand and products sell the best countering palates and products?
The Sephora 101 contouring palette is stunning. Marc Jacobs Beauty’s latest launch — the Instamarc contour and highlight palette is another must have! I also love Laura Mercier’s Flawless contouring palette.
What is strobing?
Strobing is a makeup trend that relies solely on highlighting your face and allowing natural light to define your face. It focuses on light shimmery shades that will make your complexion look fresh, dewy and radiant while giving you a healthy glow.
When did this trend start?
Strobing was big in the late 90’s but has just resurfaced as one of the season’s biggest makeup techniques yet again.
Who is the person behind this trend?
As 2015 struck, designers like Rebecca Minkoff, Jason Wu, and Creatures of the Wind showcased natural dewy looks on the runway. With stars like Beyoncé, Eva Longoria, Miranda Kerr and Kendall Jenner obsessed with the new summer makeup trend, strobing has become the new obsession.
How can one strobe?
Strobing is relatively simpler as you skip one step — contouring. After your usual base foundation routine, begin with patting a small amount of highlighter where light would naturally hit your face — under the eye, on the cheekbone directly below the pupil, feathering lightly outward and upward along the cheekbone toward the top outer temple. Then apply a small amount on the brow bone, down the bridge of your nose and in the cupids bow of the lip. For extra effect, apply a small amount in the inner corner of the eyes to make them really pop. Sweep on some blush and blend well.
What are the best products for strobing?
Sephora’s MicroSmooth Baked Sculpting Trio and Benefit’s High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter are my personal favorites!
What is the difference between countering and strobing?
Contouring combines a mix of darker shades to chisel your features and lighter shades to highlight your features, while strobing is a technique that uses no dark shades but only highlighter to enhance your face. Contouring adds depth and makes your features appear sharper while strobing highlights your features and makes them appear bigger.
Which technique do you personally recommend for clients and buyers?
I personally love both — I’d say strobing for the summer months to give you a healthy glow and contouring at other times, especially for a nice evening out. For newbies in the world of makeup, contouring is an art that needs perfection, while strobing is easier to master.
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Move over contouring: Strobing is the new makeup fad
Move over contouring: Strobing is the new makeup fad
Top fashion trends for 2025: From power suits to parachutes and animal print everything
DUBAI: From power suits to parachutes and animal print everything, Claire Carruthers looks at what this year’s Spring/Summer collections have in store
Powder pink
Rather than the bold Barbie-inspired hot pink trend of recent years, 2025 will see a softer, playfully versatile shade with greater staying power and easier wardrobe integration. Simone Rocha quashed any antiquated gender rules with a spring/summer collection that proposed relaxed tailoring for the boys in a subtle blush, while Alaïa presented cocoon candy floss pelts, shimmering oyster mesh dresses and puffy quilt skirts in the palest pink. Loewe subverted the norm and pink’s traditionally sweet associations with larger-than-life shapes and floral print bell-shaped dresses. The collective result suggests an air of both optimism and nostalgia — fashion simply made for embracing joy.
Working overtime
If professional endeavours top your New Year resolutions lists, make sure your wardrobe complements your ambitions. Stride into boardrooms with cool self-assurance in sharp tailoring, served up best by Anthony Vaccarello’s outstanding SS25 collection for Saint Laurent (pictured): think iterations of statement suiting paired with leather bomber jackets or Wall Street trench coats — an Eighties power dressing redux complete with shirt, tie and oversized eyewear. At Bottega Veneta, silhouettes were languid and relaxed, tapping into one of the year’s most wearable micro trends: artful layering. Experiment with pants under asymmetrical wrap skirts, topped with tunic shirts or supersized suit jackets. Remember, new-look office wear aims for balance — masculine with feminine — and contrasting fabrications, always worn with confidence.
Animal instincts
While its cultural cachet may have fluctuated over time — from Hollywood starlet to gaudy, It-girl status, to sartorial sin and back again — animal print has remained a constant in fashion’s consciousness. Iconic moments made all the more memorable due to its presence include Naomi Campbell wearing head-to-toe leopard print in Guy Laroche’s autumn/winter 1991 show; Kate Moss showing the world how a leopard print coat can look great with just about anything; and Scary Spice claiming big cat prints as her girl-power signature. 2024 was a big year for leopard (the streets were flooded with the predatory motif), and for 2025, designers have added other abstract animal prints to the pack: see snake shift dresses, coats and bags at Dries Van Noten; zebra pencil skirts, loafers and mules at Jacquemus; and elevated spots on modern silks at Nanushka.
Parachute parade
From a palette inspired by light clouds set against a blue sky to swaths of dramatic drapery, fashion’s antidote to ‘hard times’ comes in the form of maximalist bubble-hem dresses and eclectic separates reminiscent of deployed parachutes. Unlike last year, which looked at the trend through an Eighties lens (puffballs galore), 2025’s offerings focus on shape and form, with outfits primed to inspire escapism and elation. Look to It brands such as Chloé, Issey Miyake (pictured), Loewe and Stella McCartney for ice-cream toned skirts and enveloping trains, flowing parka jackets, and plenty of exaggerated draping on maxi dresses.
Make mine a mocha Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025 — Mocha Mousse — is a deliciously evocative brown that blends shades of toffee, cacao and coffee. Think of it as the perfect balance between comfort and luxury. Seasonless, genderless and a breeze to mix with existing pieces of your wardrobe (pair with pale yellow, or with other earth tones including burgundy and olive green), Mocha Mousse also taps into the ‘polished minimalism’ movement that has dominated runways over the past couple of years. For SS25, the shade was used by Tod’s, Max Mara and Hermès (pictured) via tonal tailoring, suede jackets and soft leather accessories. Pantone describes it as a reflection of our connection to the natural world, “infused with an inherent sophistication and earthy refinement.”
Balance your checks
Threatening to replace animal as the reigning print of 2025 is plaid, which may be synonymous with fall, but its presence in the spring collections takes on a contemporary charm. Acne (pictured) did it best via soft check blazers, bow-detail skirts paired with button-up shirts in contrasting colors and spliced maxi dresses overlayed with sheer white chiffon. Elsewhere, designers including Dior coupled checks with a throwback Nineties palette and styling — a nod to a rebellious Nirvana-inspired spirit, perhaps — or embraced a classic, sophisticated tweed (Chanel). Looking for something to pair with slouchy denim? Take your cue from Bottega Veneta and add an over-oversized check shirt.
Luck be a lady
The jacket silhouette and twee signatures that Chanel (pictured) has held strong for decades serve as a foundation for this year’s ladylike look. Faux-fur coats and polka dot twinsets (Valentino), retro chunky stripes (Max Mara) and pussy bow blouses (Louis Vuitton) signal a return to refinement — just add a modern pillbox hat (Chloé, Marni and Loro Piana), a top-handle bag, a feather or lace collar, gloves and peep-toe heels (although not all at once). While SS25’s ladylike look may nod to a 1950’s tradwife uniform, this is clothing designed through a thoroughly modern gaze — a nuanced interpretation with an intangible coolness.
Elevated athleisure
Luxury fashion and sportswear brands began collaborating in the Eighties and ever since have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship, thriving through traded creativity and profitability. Almost every season, designers offer a new spin on athleisure and SS25 is no exception. Anoraks, parkas and hoodies were everywhere on the runways, often paired with a cocktail dress (Prada, Rabanne), or something equally elevated. The high-low contrast will be key this year. At Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri wanted to emphasize intention and function when it comes to dressing, and reinvented various pieces from the house’s archive in a way that allows the wearer to move freely. Think of a luxury take on leotards, tracksuits and relaxed tailoring.
Georgina Rodriguez promotes collaboration with Saudi perfume label Laverne
DUBAI: Argentinian model and reality TV star Georgina Rodriguez took to Instagram to announce that her debut fragrance collaboration with Saudi perfume label Laverne is back in stock.
“SENSE my new perfume with Laverne is back in stock,” she posted, alongside a photo of herself – dressed in an eye-catching red dress while holding the fragrance bottle.
On the official website, the label describes Sense as the result of a collaboration between Dalia Eisem and Rodriguez that lasted more than a year and included the creation of more than 740 samples.
“Finally, Georgina chose the perfect combination that embodies all her feelings in a perfume bottle,” it said, noting that the fragrance included notes of blackcurrant, mandarin, jasmine, cashmere and orange blossom.
In March 2023, Rodriguez – the longtime partner of legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo – collaborated with Laverne to become the face of their new fragrance, Blue Laverne.
Saudi star Model Roz makes guest appearance on Netflix’s ‘Dubai Bling’
DUBAI: Los Angeles-based Saudi influencer Model Roz made a surprise appearance in season three of Netflix’s gossip-filled drama show “Dubai Bling,” which premiered on Jan. 8.
The model, who boasts 15.2 million Instagram followers, shared a short clip of her cameo on social media.
In the video, Mahira Abdel Aziz, the Emirati Egyptian newcomer to the show, introduced Roz to the cast, saying” “Ladies and gentlemen, all the way from LA... Roz. We are happy to have her here in Dubai.” Roz responded by bowing gracefully and thanking the cast for their warm welcome.
“Welcome to Dubai,” added Zeina Khoury, a real estate agent and founder of the fashion brand I Am The Company.
“It’s my first time in Dubai, so all of you need to show me around,” Roz replied with a smile.
The scene then shifted to Roz sitting with Loujain Adada as they got their makeup touched up.
Roz seized the moment to ask, “What happened the other day in the fitting? I heard your voices and sensed some stress.”
Adada brushed off the question, saying: “Stress? Nothing happened. I don’t think it concerns you in any way, so don’t worry.”
Roz responded quickly, “Yes, I stay away from these things.”
“I’m telling you now, don’t be a gossip. I really hate that kind of stuff,” Adada cautioned.
Roz clarified: “It’s not my thing. I just wanted to make sure everything is okay.”
The program has been praised by critics for its ability to attract a multicultural audience due to its diverse cast, as well as merging English and Arabic dialogue, often in the same sentence.
Season three of “Dubai Bling” features a mix of returning cast members, new faces and notable departures. Familiar faces such as Adada, Khoury, Mona Kattan, Ebraheem Al-Samadi, Safa and Fahad Siddiqui, Farhana Bodi, Marwan Al-Awadhi (DJ Bliss), and Danya Mohammed return to share their glamorous lives.
Joining the cast are media personality Abdel Aziz and Iraqi singer and actress Jwana Karim.
Saudi TV presenter Lojain Omran, along with radio host Kris Fade and his wife Brianna Fade, have exited the show.
Roz shot to fame in 2019 when she modelled for a Victoria’s Secret’s Pink campaign.
The model’s Instagram feed is littered with photographs of her various advertising campaigns, as well as visits to many a product launch party — from NYX Cosmetics events to TikTok gatherings.
Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi dresses stars at the Golden Globes
DUBAI: Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi dressed three stars at Sunday night’s Golden Globes in Hollywood, with Mindy Kaling, Kristen Bell and Ari Graynor showing off looks by the Paris-based designer.
Kaling showed off a gold column gown from Ashi Studio, hailing from the label’s Spring/Summer 2024 couture collection.
The first designer from the Gulf to take part in Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, Ashi also dressed Graynor in a risque look complete with cutouts across the bodice. The all-black gown was plucked from his label’s Fall/Winter 2023 couture collection.
For her part, nominee Bell shimmered in a gold, beaded Ashi Studio gown that boasted a peplum and rounded neckline.
With some of Hollywood's most fashion-forward stars up for awards this year, it's going to be an eventful season. The Golden Globes gets it all started, with stars — and their stylists — marking their territory at one of Hollywood's splashiest events, the Associated Press reported.
“Wicked” star Ariana Grande showed off a pale yellow Givenchy haute couture look. The gown was in crafted in silk with a hand-beaded bodice — a vintage 1966 gown from what the designer calls the Audrey Hepburn era of Givenchy.
Cate Blanchett looked like an awards statue come to life in a glistening gold gown with a ruched top by Louis Vuitton — one that she also wore at the Cannes Film Festival. New gold stones were added to the gown, designed by Nicholas Ghesquière, to freshen the look.
Where Blanchett glistened in gold, Nicole Kidman sparkled in silver, in a daring, one-shoulder backless Balenciaga gown. The “Babygirl” star polished off the look with a chic, voluminous half-ponytail.
Globes host Nikki Glaser zeroed right in on Timothee Chalamet, one of the hottest stars in Hollywood, in her monologue, telling him: “You have the most gorgeous eyelashes on your upper lip.” As for the clothes on his body, Chalamet went more traditional than other recent trips to the carpet, wearing a sleek Tom Ford black suit with embellished jacket, a white shirt and a blue scarf tossed around his neck (or was it a tie?).
Always a winner on the red carpet, actress Zendaya provided yet another high fashion moment at the Golden Globes in a custom Louis Vuitton ballgown paired with Bulgari jewelry.
Georgina Rodriguez steals the spotlight at Dubai event
DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez made a head-turning appearance this week at the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards 2024, held as part of the Dubai International Sports Conference 2024.
She attended the event alongside her longtime partner, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was honored with two awards: Best Middle East Player 2024 and All-Time Top Goal Scorer.
Rodriguez turned heads in a fitted black dress featuring a sweetheart neckline and lace-detailed sleeves. She completed her look with black pointed-toe heels and carried a matching black purse.
The couple was joined by Ronaldo’s eldest son, Cristiano Jr., making it a family affair at one of the year’s most celebrated sports events.
Upon accepting the award, Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr FC, expressed his gratitude on stage, saying: “For me, it is a big pleasure to win this trophy. It is very different than the other ones. It is a pleasure to be in this gala. (There are) a lot of champions here, young generations and old generations.”
He continued: “I have to say thank you to my own family, my kids. They are all here in Dubai. My oldest son is there. My wife is here. She’s my lovely support all the time to carry on to play. In one month I’m gonna be 40 years old but I’m not finished yet. I will continue because I want to win titles, I want to be a champion.”
After the event, Ronaldo shared pictures with his 646 million Instagram followers, captioning the post: “A great way to end the year. Thank you to my teammates, staff, to everyone who has supported me along the way, and especially to my family. There is still more to come.”
The couple were later spotted at Nobu Dubai in Atlantis the Palm, where there was also Brazilian football player Neymar and former Italian footballer Alessandro Del Piero.
Rodriguez and Ronaldo traveled to Dubai following their family vacation in Lapland, Finland, where they celebrated the festive season.
The couple shared glimpses of their activities on Instagram, including an in-house dinner with their children, sledding adventures, ice baths and more, giving fans a peek into their holiday moments.
