“My first memory of beauty is watching my aunt,” says Nour Arida. “She had a seven-step skincare routine – creams, serums and textures I didn’t understand yet, but was completely mesmerised by.” At just seven, she was captivated by the ritual. “I can still smell her creams when I close my eyes.”
This early fascination has heavily influenced the Baltimore-born Lebanese beauty’s lens. As a model and activist, Arida has always championed authenticity, even confronting online trolls on occasion. Her signature look? Bare, glowing skin, brushed-up brows and a lived-in lip – a less is more philosophy that extends to her skincare brand. “Launching Sorbé was in the works for five years. But I was never fully ready, neither morally nor financially. Social media has created the false impression that brands can be launched easily by anyone, but in reality, it requires a certain level of experience and maturity that’s essential to be able to compete in a fast-paced and harsh market. I didn’t have that in my 20s. I’m grateful I waited till now.”
These days, you’ll find Arida jet-setting across cities (“I travel thrice a month on average,” she confesses), but never without her beauty essentials. From meetings in Beirut to red carpets in Paris and photoshoots in Dubai, the multi-hyphenate shares the luxe staples (and life lessons) she can’t do without.
My career calling
I am one of the first to have broken the stereotype of Arab women going over the top with their beauty looks. I showed myself as I am with barely any make-up, undone hair and even imperfect skin. I’m unapologetic, and this is the approach I’m channelling into Sorbé. I want it to become a community where all emotions are valid and accepted. We’ve seen so much inclusivity in the past years when it comes to body shape, skin colour and nationality. But what everyone forgets is women’s emotions – the ups and downs. We’ve been conditioned to paint over exhaustion and emotions.
My no-nonsense mantra
Not one to shy away from bullies, Arida recently took to Instagram to share screenshots of the negative comments she received after attending the 2025 edition of Red Sea International Film Festival.
Her approach to internet trolls? “I expose them. I read all the comments – it hurts, but I move on in an hour. When the wave of criticism and bullying surges, I make sure I respond publicly. Not to defend myself, but to out the bullies and make them understand that this isn’t okay. Kids as young as eight are on social media (to me, this isn’t okay either), so I feel it’s my duty to show others how to stand up for themselves.
My favourite Arab trait
Their generosity! I’ve travelled across the world, but there is no generosity compared to that of an Arab woman’s.
My local beauty fix
