Huda Kattan

Huda Kattan is an Iraqi-American makeup artist, beauty blogger, and entrepreneur who rose to international prominence as the founder and chief executive officer of cosmetics powerhouse Huda Beauty. Born in the United States and based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Kattan transitioned from a corporate career in finance to become one of the global beauty industry's most recognizable figureheads and digital content creators.

Early Life and Background

Born on October 2, 1983, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Kattan was raised in a family of Iraqi heritage alongside three siblings. She spent much of her youth in Tennessee and later attended the University of Michigan–Dearborn, graduating with a degree in finance. Despite starting a corporate role in financial consulting, her passion for beauty prompted her to pivot careers. She relocated to Los Angeles to study professional makeup artistry, gaining technical training before moving to Dubai in the late 2000s, where she initially worked as a makeup artist for major international brands.

Blogging and Brand Success

In 2010, Kattan launched her WordPress blog, titled Huda Beauty, offering beauty tutorials, product reviews, and makeup advice. Her accessible content rapidly cultivated a large Middle Eastern and global following. Recognizing a market gap for high-quality false eyelashes, she partnered with her sisters, Mona and Alya, to launch her eponymous cosmetics brand in 2013. The initial line of false eyelashes debuted at Sephora in Dubai and became an instant commercial success, famously endorsed by high-profile public figures. The brand subsequently expanded into a comprehensive cosmetics line featuring liquid lipsticks, eye palettes, foundations, and skincare.

Digital Reach and Ventures

Kattan built an immense digital presence across social media, utilizing platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to share raw makeup techniques, brand announcements, and industry commentary. Under her leadership, the Huda Beauty group expanded its portfolio by launching Wishful, a skincare line focusing on gentle, effective formulas, and Kayali, a fragrance house established alongside her sister Mona. In addition to managing product design and marketing campaigns, Kattan launched a podcast, Huda Hotline, where she discusses entrepreneurship, personal growth, and industry insights.

Personal Life

Kattan met her husband, business executive Christopher Goncalo, while attending university in Michigan. The couple married in 2009 and later relocated to Dubai, where Goncalo joined the executive operations of Huda Beauty. Together, they have one daughter, Nour Giselle. Kattan continues to reside in Dubai, balancing her corporate responsibilities with her online content creation.