Beauty Pop DXB: Our guide to the talks and tutorials not to miss

We round up the skin, hair and make-up pros you can interact with in Dubai this week

Hairstylist Jen Atkin will conduct a masterclass at Beauty Pop DXB. Beauty Pop DXB

The key to a successful, or indeed useful, beauty event of any description lies in the variety on offer. This could be in terms of the brands that display their wares; the experts on hand to talk you through what might work for your skin and hair type, and make-up requirements; and the talks and tutorials you can attend to get first-hand information and experience from those in the know. The first edition of Beauty Pop DXB will offer all of the above when it launches on Thursday at the Dubai Design District.

Organised by Dubai-based beauty boutique Belle Femme, the three-day event will be hosted by former Azzedine Alaïa employee Fajer Fahad, with dance act Les Twins performing on opening night. The retail arena will showcase products from the Toni Malt Academy, The Modist, Charlotte Tilbury, Pinky Goat, Shiffa Beauty, Balmain Hair Couture, Caudalie, Dyson, L'Occitane, Lancome, Ouai, Naked Tan, Urban Decay and YSL, while the masterclasses and panel discussions offer a chance to meet, interact with and learn from some of the biggest names in the industry.

MEET THE EXPERTS

Attend a talk by skincare expert Nurse Jamie

From Jessica Alba and Kirsten Dunst to the Kardashian clan, California-based skincare expert Nurse Jamie is the go-to for the who's who of Hollywood. She is best known for her beauty tools, notably the Uplift Facial Massaging Roller, a wand-like gadget that holds 24 massaging stones on its surface, which are meant to mirror the pressing and rolling techniques used in a full-blown ­facial. Nurse Jamie also came up with an age-defying memory-foam pillow that cradles the face and neck to help minimise fine lines and creases. In addition to product categories (cleansers, moisturises, lip care et al), her eponymous brand also segregates its comprehensive skincare range by concern: age spots, enlarged pores, redness, dark circles and so on. At Beauty Pop DXB, Nurse Jamie will be part of a panel discussion that looks at how beauty has evolved in the Middle East.

Make-up tutorials by Bassam Fattouh and Mary Phillips

Lebanese make-up artist Bassam Fattouh first made his name on the international circuit when Dior approached him to launch an eyeshadow line exclusive to the Middle East, which resulted in his trademark oriental smoky-eye look. Since then, Fattouh has worked with the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Chrissy Teigen, and he will share some of his tips and tricks at Beauty Pop DXB on Thursday. Lopez's other go-to make-up artist, Mary Phillips, will be on a day later, to share her signature glowing eyes and no-cake make-up styles. Cosmetic aside, Phillips is known for her endorsement of good skin from within, and is a vocal proponent of water, sleep and vitamins. "A good tinted moisturiser is a must. And Creme de La Mer is my number-one essential, because without good skin and good prep, you can't have beautiful make-up," she says.

Hairstyles of the season with Jen Atkin and Justine Marjan

Two Mane Addicts classes on Saturday will see hairstylist to the Hadid sisters Jen Atkin and Olivia Culpo's go-to Justine Marjan sharing how to put together their recommended hairdos for the season and region. Marjan provides a sneak peek: "If you have a heart-shaped face, try a long fringe that grazes the eyes or rounds at the eyebrows, to draw attention to the lips. For a square face, a side-swept bang will soften the features, while those with a round face should try a collarbone-grazing cut to lengthen the face." Bangs are a top hair trend for the summer, according to celebrity hair colourist Tracey Cunningham, who will be part of one of the panel discussions. She also lists top knots, box braids and rose-gold hair colour as this season's must-tries. Atkin, meanwhile, is a big believer in using top-quality products to make the most of your haircut and style, and lists as her current favourites Ouai's dry texture foam, the Dyson supersonic dryer and Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch-up Stick. She also recommends investing in a silk pillowcase (her favourite is from the brand Slip), to avoid bed head and reduce split-end-causing friction.

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Panel discussions

Joining Cunningham and Nurse Jamie on the panel discussions and meet-and-greet opportunities at Beauty Pop will be beauty mogul Huda Kattan and her sister Mona; bloggers Camila Coelho and Marianna Hewitt; Crystal Koro, founder of Los Angeles-based Crystal Clean Skin & Beauty; and YouTube celebrity and make-up artist Desi Perkins. The panellists will address topics such as how beauty has influenced social media and how to become a beauty blogger on YouTube, in addition to focusing on regional trends. Meet-and-greet slots also include interactions with regional influencers, including Kuwaiti presenter Noha Nabil, make-up artist Fouz Al Fahad, fashion designer Shahd Al Jumaily, Dubai-based content creator Dana Hourani, and interior designer Mina Al Sheikhly.

Price points

Single-day general admission to Beauty Pop DXB costs Dh158 and includes access to the retail arena of the event. The regular hair package costs Dh420 and includes the hair masterclass as well as panel talks. The VIP hair package costs Dh820, and includes a meet-and-greet after the Mane Addicts masterclass and a tote bag with beauty samples. The regular make-up package costs Dh1,120 and includes access to the make-up masterclass as well as panel talks. The VIP make-up package costs Dh2,100 and includes a meet-and-greet and a tote bag with beauty products. Tickets are available from dubai.platinumlist.net.