They say a girl can never have too many lipsticks and in Qatar, the data proves exactly that. The Doha Festival City 2025 Consumer Survey reveals that shoppers spend between QAR 500 and QAR 2,500 monthly on beauty – signalling the strength and growth of the Qatar’s beauty industry.
The Qatar Retail Trends Report 2025 reveals how shifting consumer values, cultural confidence, and global influence are reshaping shopping and the category that is taking over is – beauty.
The report draws on proprietary data from Ipsos and the Doha Festival City 2025 Consumer Survey, alongside industry insights, expert voices, and regional market analytics, and it maps the shifts shaping how people shop, express themselves, and build community across Qatar’s retail environment. For many shoppers, especially women, beauty has become a destination category, sitting alongside streetwear and jewellery as one of the most exciting ways to spend.
Gen Z Qatari women emerge as the most beauty-engaged demographic. Data from Qatar’s Retail Trends Report 2025 shows makeup leads their beauty spend at over 40 per cent, followed by fragrance at around 25 per cent and skincare at just over 20 per cent.
According to McKinsey’s State of Beauty 2025 report, global beauty executives view the Middle East as one of the industry’s most promising growth markets for beauty, alongside India. The report explains that success in the region depends on brands understanding local consumer preferences and adapting to them – a dynamic that is working well for global brands in Qatar’s beauty landscape.
What’s driving that commitment isn’t just product. Stores such as Hermès Beauty, Gold Apple, Sephora and Creed are pulling consumers in through storytelling, immersive activations and community moments that turn beauty retail into something to experience, not just browse. Ipsos data shows such events rank among the most influential features shaping mall perception reinforcing that, in today’s retail environment, beauty sells best when it feels personal, cultural and shared.
This shift is further backed by strong market performance. Beauty grew by 12 per cent in 2024, with skincare expanding at a faster 17 per cent. Fragrance continues to dominate, accounting for nearly half of the category’s value – a reflection of both cultural tradition and evolving global tastes.
The change is most visible is in how consumers are choosing their beauty products.
In terms of upcoming beauty trends, Sara Al Rashid, founder of Asteri, points to the rise of skin-first makeup; and highlights the move towards what she describes as “intentional beauty.” She explains that consumers are increasingly ingredient-conscious, sustainability-aware and emotionally invested in brand values, seeking transparency and alignment beyond surface-level appeal.
In the report, Al Rashid comments, “Skin-first makeup is leading the way. Consumers want lightweight, breathable textures that nourish the skin while offering performance. We’re focusing on complexion enhancers, tinted bases, hydrating concealers, and setting formulas that protect and perfect.”
As a result, consumers are increasingly reaching for and stocking their shelves with K-Beauty and Japanese beauty products. The rising influence of these brands is due to demand for performance-led and clinically inspired formulations.
Demand for these formulations appeals to consumers seeking efficacy alongside aesthetics.
At the same time, established global players such as MAC Cosmetics, Sephora and KIKO MILANO continue to hold their ground, highlighting a market that values both innovation and familiarity.
These trends are not limited to Qatar. Across the wider MENA region, beauty is undergoing a broader transformation.
Previous Campaign Middle East coverage has explored how evolving consumer mindsets are reshaping product strategies and category definitions. Speaking at Beautyworld 2025, Ravi Ramchandni, Show Manager at Beautyworld Middle East, revealed how beauty is about wellbeing, authenticity, and innovation – not just appearance. He said, “That evolution is being driven by demand for products that support skin health, sustainability, inclusivity and, increasingly, the merging of beauty and wellness categories.”
For the full Qatar Retail Trends Report 2025, read here.
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