Makeup by Bouba: The Artistry That Redefined Arab Beauty

When you hear "Makeup by Bouba," you don't just think of contour and color—you think of confidence, charisma, and class.

From local studios in Beirut to international fashion runways, the phrase Makeup by Bouba has come to symbolize a visual language spoken through glowing skin, sculpted brows, expressive eyes, and lips that command presence.

“I don’t just apply makeup. I translate personality into pigment.” — Bouba

In this blog, we dive into what makes Makeup by Bouba a brand, a benchmark, and a beauty revolution recognized across the Middle East and beyond.

Bouba, also known as Hamza Slim, launched his makeup career in Beirut's elite Verdun district in 2005. Armed with raw talent, vision, and an artist’s instinct, he began painting faces not for fame—but for transformation.

His rise was swift yet intentional. Early collaborations with Lebanese fashion houses, designers like Nicolas Jebran, and TV music stars created early buzz. But what solidified his name was consistency—the ability to make every woman look like the best version of herself.

From red carpets to runways, his hands began to shape Arab beauty narratives.

Makeup by Bouba quickly became the look of choice for A-list Arab celebrities. His client list includes:

Haifa Wehbe

Shatha Hassoun

Joelle Mardinian

Asala

Latifa

Diana Haddad

Ahlam

These weren’t one-off applications—they were ongoing relationships built on trust, excellence, and an understanding of how makeup must perform under pressure, lights, and cameras.

His work has been featured in:

Music videos

Fashion campaigns

Bridal catalogues

Editorial spreads

“When a face has to sell a brand, a story, or a sound—Bouba brings the balance of boldness and beauty.”

Bouba’s work is known for its harmony between statement and softness. Here are his signature makeup traits:

Every arch is structured but never harsh—framed to lift the face and open the eyes.

Bouba never hides the skin—he enhances it. His finishes are radiant, airbrushed, and light-enhancing rather than flat or cakey.

Whether it’s a smoky wing or a soft champagne shimmer, Bouba tailors eye makeup to suit the occasion, eye shape, and mood.

Bouba is renowned for lip sculpting. His layering of liner, cream lipstick, and soft gloss creates full, symmetrical, emotive lips.

His contouring is structured, yet his blending is seamless—bringing architecture to the face without visible lines.

With over 1 million followers, Bouba’s Instagram has become a virtual masterclass in makeup artistry.

What you’ll find:

Before/after reveals

Detailed reels showing application steps

Celebrity glam breakdowns

Bridal look transformations

Tips on color selection and skin preparation

His page is not just a portfolio—it's a movement of real, radiant, and culturally relevant beauty.

“Makeup shouldn’t mask the woman—it should magnify her.”

In 2015, Bouba opened Beautique by Bouba, a beauty studio located in Beirut’s Verdun district. It serves as:

A luxury beauty space

A training ground for aspiring artists

A center for private makeup consultations, bridal trials, and elite beauty experiences

With a team of highly trained professionals, Beautique is where Bouba’s artistry is brought to life every day—scaling his signature techniques across hundreds of clients per month.

No one forgets a Bouba bride.

His bridal approach includes:

Full consultations weeks in advance

Custom-tailored foundation tones and finishes

Waterproof, flash-friendly, long-wear formulations

Lip tones that match mood, skin, and ceremony style

Sculpting and definition that photograph perfectly in all lighting

Bouba blends modern softness with Arab glamour, ensuring his brides feel both elegant and authentic.

“A bride should feel familiar in the mirror, just elevated into a moment she’ll never forget.”

Bouba doesn’t keep his techniques to himself. Through workshops across:

Beirut

Dubai

Cairo

Paris

Riyadh

He teaches aspiring makeup artists:

Face mapping

Bridal design techniques

Product layering

Light vs. shadow strategy

Skin prep for different tones and textures

His sessions combine technical training with emotional empowerment, emphasizing that makeup is not just a skill—it’s a language of self-expression.

Makeup by Bouba has been seen on international runways and fashion shows for:

Dolce & Gabbana

Vivienne Westwood

Garnier Arabia

Editorial work includes:

Fashion covers

Bridal campaigns

Music video styling

Haute couture lookbooks

In these high-stakes arenas, Bouba brings art direction into every stroke—designing looks that communicate theme, drama, and desire without overshadowing the subject.

Makeup by Bouba is expanding. Future plans include:

Launching a cosmetic product line focused on Middle Eastern skin tones and textures

Creating online masterclasses accessible to a global audience

Expanding Beautique by Bouba into regional beauty hubs

Collaborating with international fashion houses as a lead Arab voice in luxury beauty

“Makeup by Bouba isn’t just a brand. It’s a beauty legacy in motion.”

Makeup by Bouba stands for timeless beauty, rooted in heritage, expressed with precision, and driven by passion.

From celebrity faces to brides, from Instagram reels to international stages—Bouba’s artistry elevates, empowers, and endures.

“When people say, ‘I want the Bouba look,’ they’re asking for more than makeup.
They’re asking to be seen, sculpted, and celebrated.”

Pin on Makeup & Beauty (pinterest.com)

https://www.tiktok.com/@boubatok

https://www.instagram.com/bouba/

(1) Bouba - YouTube

Beautique By Bouba | Facebook

https://boubaworld.com/home

https://boubaworld.com/online/courses/beauty-life-style

every color and contour is intentional.