Summer 2025 beauty trends: UAE residents and top makeup artists reveal how to glow through the heat

Dubai: When the UAE summer hits, beauty routines get a serious glow-up. With soaring temperatures, high humidity, and endless sunshine, heavy makeup just won’t cut it. Instead, this season is all about lightweight layers, dewy finishes, and smart, sweat-proof techniques that let your skin breathe while still looking flawless.

To find out what’s hot—and what to avoid—we spoke to UAE-based beauty lovers and expert makeup artists who are navigating the heat with style. From glossy lips and BB creams to SPF-packed primers and K-beauty-inspired glow, here’s how real women (and pros) are keeping their glam cool in summer 2025.

‘No-makeup’ makeup

When your name is Sunshine Wolfs, you’re practically destined to master the art of radiant beauty — and this Dubai-based Filipina homemaker lives up to it with her go-to summer look that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze in August.

“The ‘no-makeup’ makeup look is my summer staple,” Sunshine says.
“It keeps things light, breathable, and still gives me that fresh, dewy finish I love.”

With Dubai’s heat and humidity in full swing, Sunshine swears by sunblock as her first beauty step — not just for protection, but also for that extra dose of hydration.

From there, it’s all about keeping it simple, yet strategic:

“It lets my skin breathe,” she explains, “which is everything in Dubai’s heat.”

Summer beauty secrets

When it comes to beauty in the Dubai heat, Karen Sinclair, a Filipina expatriate and HR professional in aviation, knows exactly how to navigate the scorching summer months without breaking a sweat. With years of experience living in the city’s intense heat and humidity, Karen has perfected a routine that keeps her looking radiant all day long.

“Summer means light, breathable makeup. I love using tinted moisturizers, BB creams, and just a bit of concealer,” Karen shares. “This not only prevents clogged pores but keeps my skin fresh and glowing throughout the day.”

Natural beauty takes the spotlight

Karen isn’t the only one embracing natural beauty this season. In 2025, makeup trends are shifting toward a fresh-faced, effortless look. Think glowing skin, brushed-up brows, and soft, neutral tones that enhance your features without overpowering them. This is the year for the “no-makeup” makeup look to take center stage, allowing your natural beauty to shine through.

“I love how this summer's trends are all about glowing, healthy skin. It’s fresh and simple — perfect for the Dubai summer,” says Karen.

In a city like Dubai, light makeup isn’t just a trend — it’s a survival strategy. With the temperatures rising, Karen opts for breathable products that won’t melt or feel heavy on her skin. The benefits? Less risk of your makeup sliding off or caking up during the hottest months, plus it lets your skin breathe.

“Light makeup feels so much more comfortable in the heat. It gives my skin the chance to breathe and keeps things natural, which is key in Dubai’s summer,” she explains.

Go-to summer products for a glowing look

When it comes to achieving that effortlessly radiant summer glow, Karen keeps it simple yet effective. Her go-to products include:

“These products give me that effortless, radiant vibe. It’s perfect for a busy summer day in Dubai,” she says.

Glow on the go in summer

Dubai’s summer heat is no match for Jamie Jimena, a 36-year-old executive secretary who’s mastered the art of glowing—not melting.

“Do I change my routine for summer? 100%! The heat’s intense, so I go for lighter, skin-loving makeup that stays put,” she says.

For Jamie, summer beauty is all about breathability, long wear, and a natural glow that doesn’t melt by midday. And this year’s trends? Right up her alley.

“It’s all about skin-first beauty with a pop of playfulness,” she says.
“Think luminous primers, skin tints, creamy blush, glossy lips, and a soft shimmer on the eyes—it’s less about coverage and more about letting your skin shine through.”

Her summer staples:

“Summer makeup should feel light, look fresh, and let your skin breathe,” Jamie says.
“You want to glow—not sweat your glam off!”

Whether you’re headed to brunch, the beach, or just running errands in 40+°C heat, Jamie’s glow-up game is one to copy. Lighten up, shine on, and own your summer look—Dubai style.

Top tips from the pros

Gulf News caught up with two of Dubai's hottest makeup artists, Pedro ‘Peter’ Gole from Make Up For Ever at Sephora and Mau Piodena, founder of Mau Piodena Hair and Makeup, to get the scoop on the must-know trends and techniques for Summer 2025. From flawless, heat-proof glam to fresh, glowing looks that can handle Dubai’s scorching heat, these experts spill all the tips to keep your summer beauty on point and effortlessly stunning.

Ditch the layers—let your skin breathe

For Dubai-based makeup artist and beauty consultant Peter, summer 2025 is all about stripping back the layers and dialing up the glow. With 12 years in the UAE beauty scene and currently working with Make Up For Ever at Sephora Middle East for six years, Peter knows exactly how to help clients beat the heat without sacrificing style.

“Full-coverage foundations? We’re leaving those for winter,” he laughs.
“This season, it’s all about playful, soft looks that let your natural skin breathe.”

As temperatures rise, Peter’s clients are opting for BB creams, skin tints, and creamy multi-use blushes that work across cheeks, lips, and even eyelids. His personal favorite comeback? The lip tint — effortless, youthful, and totally summer-proof. “It’s that juicy, lived-in look everyone’s after,” he says.

Tips for heat-proof makeup

Staying flawless in the UAE heat starts with smart prep:

Summer glam must-have: Gloss + liner combo

Peter’s signature summer glam? A soft, contoured lip created with dark liner and a swipe of gloss. His current go-to is the Super Boost Lip Gloss by Make Up For Ever, infused with hyaluronic acid and a trio of nourishing oils for a plump, long-lasting shine.

K-Beauty meets the Middle East

Peter says global trends like K-beauty and clean beauty are leaving a mark on local makeup styles. “We’re seeing more clients going for that glassy skin, minimal-makeup look. It’s about enhancing—not hiding—your natural features.”

But his best advice? “Don’t just follow trends blindly. Do your research, test what works for your skin, and if possible—try before you buy. That’s the beauty of walking into a beauty shop.”

In short? Lighten up, gloss up, and let your natural beauty do the talking this summer.

Pro tip: Start with an SPF primer, finish with a matte setting spray, and always carry blotting sheets.

Beat the heat and look fabulous

Mau Piodena, a Filipino hair and makeup artist, has been transforming faces in Dubai for the past 10 years. From corporate life to full-time beauty, Mau’s expertise is rooted in 15 years of experience across the Philippines and Dubai. As summer approaches, he’s ready to share his top beauty tips to beat the heat and look fabulous all season long.

“For me, it’s always about the warm, earthy tones that are so perfect for summer. And nothing beats that flawless, dewy skin that just brightens up the face,” Mau explains.

The summer trends to watch

In 2025, Mau says blurred, clean skin will be at the forefront of summer makeup. Gone are the days of heavy glittery lids and shimmer — this year, the focus shifts to matte monochrome eyes, and skin that looks fresh, hydrated, and natural.

“For the eyes, it’s all about matte, soft tones. No more shiny, glittery lids; it’s all about that understated elegance.”

Heat-proof makeup

With Dubai’s soaring temperatures and humidity, Mau emphasizes that skin prep is the key to long-lasting makeup. He swears by mattefying primers to create a smooth, blurring effect, and suggests sealing everything in with a setting spray like Patrick Star’s to ensure your look stays intact from dawn till dusk.

“If you’re not hydrated, your makeup won’t hold up. Hydrate your skin, use the right primers, and finish with a setting spray to lock it all in,” Mau advises.

For Mau, primers and setting sprays are the true essentials of summer makeup. Pair those with SPF-infused moisturizers and a long-wearing foundation, like Estée Lauder Double Wear, to ensure you look fresh no matter how hot it gets.

“In this kind of weather, the foundation needs to stay put. I use Estee Lauder’s Double Wear to keep everything in place all day long,” he shares.

When it comes to global beauty trends, Mau acknowledges the growing influence of K-beauty’s dewy, glass-like skin. However, in Dubai’s hot and humid climate, he suggests a more balanced approach.

“If you’re indoors, go for the K-beauty glow, but for the UAE heat, I recommend matte in certain areas and a glowy finish where it counts — like the high points of the face,” he explains.

As for Arab beauty, Mau notes a shift toward softer, more subtle makeup. While defined eyes remain a staple in the region, even brides are opting for more Western-inspired, minimalistic looks.

In short? This summer, it’s all about embracing natural beauty, staying cool under the heat, and glowing—without the shine. Mau’s simple, effective approach ensures you’ll stay fresh, flawless, and fabulous all season long.

Summer beauty in the UAE is all about glow that lasts, skin that breathes, and glam that doesn’t melt.