What You Need to Know Before Buying Beauty Care Products in Lebanon

Statista reports that the beauty and personal care industry will generate around $646 billion in 2024. Call it the effect of social media influencers or a general title toward self-care in the post-pandemic world, but the global beauty industry is booming. 

New beauty care products are being produced every day. Like every other country, Lebanon is also not falling behind in this trend. From local to international brands, many options are available for beauty enthusiasts in Lebanon. 

But with so many choices, how do you decide which products are worth purchasing? Let’s discuss some factors to consider when buying beauty care products in Lebanon.

Key Considerations for Buying Beauty Care Products in Lebanon 

Let us preface this section by saying that your personal preference will definitely be the first factor influencing your purchasing decision. Maybe the toner your best friend uses did wonders for her skin, and now you want to try it out. Or your favorite influencer recommended a serum that you want to buy. 

But apart from personal choice, other factors should also come into play. Here are a few to consider when purchasing beauty care products:

Skin Type 

Just because a toner worked for your friend doesn’t necessarily mean it would work for you, too. It’s often our skin type that determines the efficacy of a product. So, you should consider your skin type when buying skincare products. 

Some factors that determine your skin type are: 

• Level of sensitivity 
• Oiliness or dryness 
• Acne-prone or not 
• Level of water in your skin

WebMD describes the following skin types: 

• Normal: Your skin type is normal if it isn’t too oily or dry and doesn’t have any major sensitivity. Normal skin usually has a balanced moisture level and is not prone to breakouts. 
• Combination: It’s a combination of oily and dry skin. Your skin may be dry in some areas, such as cheeks and jawline, but oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). People with combination skin may also have larger pores and blackheads. 
• Dry: Your skin is dry if your pores are almost invisible and you have a rough, dull complexion. Dry skin is often flaky and may even be itchy at times. With age, our skin becomes drier as its oil production decreases. 
• Oily: If you have oily skin, your face will appear shiny and feel greasy to the touch. You are likely to have enlarged pores and be prone to blackheads, acne, blemishes, and pimples. 
• Sensitive: Your skin tends to react quickly to certain products or ingredients, making it prone to redness, irritation, and inflammation. It may also feel tight and uncomfortable after cleansing. 

Before buying skincare products, check the skin type they are formulated for. You can also read online reviews about beauty care products you’re interested in. This way, you’ll be sure that you’re avoiding the major health issues in Lebanon related to skin. 

Ingredients 

Some skincare ingredients are a huge no-no. Avoid skincare products with the following ingredients since they may be potential allergens. 

• PEGs (polyethylene glycols)
• Methyl and propyl parabens
• Aluminum
• Formaldehyde
• Phthalates
• Oxybenzone

Trace amounts of these ingredients may not harm your skin, but if you have sensitive skin, it’s better to avoid them altogether. Also, be cautious of products that contain fragrances or essential oils. 

Some essential oils in beauty care products that can cause allergies include: 

• Tea tree
• Peppermint 
• Lemongrass
• Lavender 
• Jasmine 

Now, what ingredients should you look for in your skincare products? Here are some beneficial ingredients based on skin type: 

• Acne-Prone (Oily) Skin: Acne-Prone (Oily) Skin: Look for products with salicylic acid, as this ingredient can fight acne-causing germs.
• Oily Skin: Beta hydroxy acid products are ideal for people with oily skin who don’t have acne problems. 
• Dry and Sensitive Skin: If you have dry and sensitive skin, get products with Alpha hydroxy acid. Some popular AHAs are mandelic, citric, lactic, and glycolic acids. 
• Combination Skin: Hyaluronic acid is a game-changer for combination skin types, as it helps balance oil production while keeping the skin hydrated. 
• Hyperpigmentation: Use hydroquinone-containing beauty care products if your skin has too much pigmentation. The ingredient reduces melanocyte (cells producing melanin, which causes pigmentation) activity. 
• Aging Skin: Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene) are the holy grail of anti-aging ingredients. They boost collagen production and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

Cost 

Beauty care products in Lebanon can be expensive. But there’s always a dupe out there. 

If you have the funds, brands like Lancome, Dior Beauty, Tatcha, Drunk Elephant, and La Mer are worth the splurge. But if you’re on a budget, check out drugstore brands like: 

• CeraVe
• Cetaphil
• The Ordinary 
• The Inkey List
• Neutrogena 

Remember, the most expensive product isn’t always the best. Do your research and read reviews before purchasing a product, especially if it comes with a high price tag. 

You can also check out local Lebanese beauty care brands, such as: 

• Beesline 
• Zo Skin by Dr. Zein Obagi
• Cosmaline
• Dali Skin 
• Khan Al Saboun
• Lagom Organics

Beauty Trends 

Check out current beauty trends if you’re unsure where to start your beauty care journey. Some popular ones include: 

• Glass Skin: A Korean beauty trend focusing on achieving a clear, dewy complexion.
• Clean Beauty: A movement towards using natural and organic ingredients in beauty products. 
• Skinimalism: A combination of “skin” and ” minimalism, ” this trend promotes using minimal products to achieve a natural and effortless look. 

TikTok trends and beauty blogs are go-to sources for finding out the latest and most popular beauty trends. Buy beauty care products according to the trend that appeals to you. 

Final Words — Tips for Shopping Beauty Products 

Before we wrap up, here are some quick tips to keep in mind when shopping for beauty products in Lebanon: 

• Always check the ingredients list. You can download apps like Yuka or Inci Beauty to scan the barcode and get a detailed breakdown of the ingredients. 
• Check the expiration date. Make sure the product has at least a year of shelf life left. 
• Patch test. Do a patch test before using a new product, especially if you have sensitive skin. 
• Buy from reputable brands and stores. Avoid purchasing from unknown or suspicious sources. You never know if they’re selling fakes or expired products. 
• Research and read reviews. A brand might rave about its products. But it’s the users’ word that matters. Pay close attention to it. 

Now, you’re all set to head on your beauty shopping spree.