The Beauty Question

Global Shelf

Beauty intelligence, fragrance, retail and rituals from around the world.

Global Shelf stories

11 stories

Global ShelfBeauty packaging was showing off 3,400 years agoYasmin Al Noor · 3 min read

An Egyptian cosmetic container and an Art Deco vanity case make a persuasive argument for taking the outside seriously. They also show where the comparison should stop.

Global ShelfWhy Korean skin culture still sets the tempoMina Rhee · 4 min read

The influence is no longer about ten-step routines. It is about texture, restraint and believable radiance

Global GlamourThe fragrance wardrobe has replaced the signature scentYasmin Al Noor · 3 min read

Scent is becoming situational, layered and far more personal

Beauty WatchDubai beauty is influencing more than just glamourYasmin Al Noor · 4 min read

The city’s beauty language is polished, international and unapologetically visible — but the real influence is more subtle than sparkle

Global ShelfDubai gloss is not subtle, and that is the pointYasmin Al Noor · 3 min read

Luxury beauty in Dubai understands theatre better than most markets

Global GlamourEvening makeup needs a little weight againYasmin Al Noor · 3 min read

There is nothing wrong with looking as though you made an effort

Retail WatchLuxury beauty gifting lives or dies by the boxYasmin Al Noor · 3 min read

A good formula in a mean little box is still a mean little box

Fragrance DeskOud, vanilla and soft powerYasmin Al Noor · 3 min read

The warm scent story keeps expanding because it makes people feel dressed

Global GlamourSummer gloss without punishmentYasmin Al Noor · 2 min read

Heat is no excuse for lip products that behave like syrup

Travel BeautyHotel bathroom beauty is a retail category nowYasmin Al Noor · 3 min read

The tiny products are doing enormous brand work

Retail WatchThe luxury counter still mattersYasmin Al Noor · 3 min read

Online beauty is efficient. It is not always seductive