We are often inundated with all things beauty, and it can be overwhelming at times. This month, we spoke with Eve El Gemayel, Managing Partner at House of Beauty, to gain a deeper understanding of this exciting universe.
“We should all use our own judgment and do some research before buying or trying anything.”
– Eve El Gemayel, Managing Partner at House of Beauty
OHLALA – How did beauty enter your world?
Eve El Gemayel – Beauty has always felt like a natural part of who I am. From a young age, I was drawn to beauty products, self-expression and how the image can empower people. I began my career at Jashanmal, where I handled high-end beauty products like Christian Dior make-up and Bassam Fattouh before moving to L’Oréal. Even though I pursued a business degree with a marketing major at the Canadian University, my heart has always been in the beauty industry. Each step in my career has deepened my connection to this world. In recent years, I’ve been honoured to serve as a stage speaker and jury panellist at Beautyworld UAE and KSA, helping to recognise and elevate top brands. For me, beauty is more than a career – it’s my true calling.
OHLALA – You opened the House of Beauty. Can you tell us more about this venture?
Eve – House of Beauty started with a simple dream: to create a place where both our clients and team feel truly valued. My partner and I wanted to bring the best professional beauty products to Bahrain at fair prices. I brought in all the expertise I gained from working with many companies in the past and implemented it in a more flexible and better way. I still remember walking into our office when it was just empty desks and big dreams. We built everything little by little, facing ups and downs along the way. It’s been quite a journey, but one full of passion and learning. Today, we’re proud to support salons and professionals with trusted, innovative brands – and we’re just getting started.
OHLALA – You work mostly with nail and hair care products. Is there a reason why these specific beauty areas?
Eve – Indeed, hair care remains my true passion, as it’s where I started my career. I began with L’Oréal as a Kérastase Hair Educator, which gave me a deep understanding of the hair care industry. Over the years, I was trusted with more responsibility and eventually led the department as head for several years. This experience allowed me to gain valuable insights into the industry’s complexities and possibilities. While hair is my foundation, I continue to learn about other beauty areas, such as nail care, where I see similar opportunities for quality and transformation.
OHLALA – The beauty sector has been growing exponentially in recent years. Why do you think this is happening?
Eve – The beauty sector’s exponential growth is driven by several key factors. One major reason is the rise of e-commerce, which makes beauty products easily accessible worldwide and allows brands to quickly reach and engage trend-following consumers. Social media and influencers constantly promote new beauty trends, encouraging people to try the latest products and cosmetics. Additionally, growing awareness about personal care and wellness fuels the demand for cutting-edge and effective products. Consumers also value clean beauty and sustainable options, which pushes brands to innovate. Together, these factors create a rapidly growing and dynamic market that continues to expand at a rapid pace.
OHLALA – With the world saturated with numerous beauty brands, what’s your tip for those choosing?
Eve – Nowadays, people are heavily pursued by influencers, but it’s important to remember that their job is to advertise products. We should all use our own judgment and do some research before buying or trying anything. Not everything advertised is necessarily good, and while attractive packaging can catch our eye, it doesn’t always reflect the true quality of the product. Additionally, many people are price-sensitive, which is understandable. However, when choosing a brand for your salon or spa, you should also consider other important factors, such as the quality of service you receive, delivery times, the accessibility of your sales contact and the company’s flexibility to meet your needs.
OHLALA – Personally, what are your favourite beauty products? Do you follow a strict beauty routine?
Eve – When it comes to hair, I follow a very strict protocol, and the most important product for me is my heat protector – specifically, I use BRAE. Using it consistently has allowed me to maintain long, healthy hair. For my face, I enjoy trying many different products, but I’m not as strict with my facial routine as I am with my hair care. I also keep an open mind when it comes to nail products and nail health, as the market is constantly changing. However, one thing I never change is my Seche top coat – it dries within three minutes and, since I’m always on the go, having a fastdrying nail polish that keeps my nails looking perfect is a priority. I even keep a bottle in my bag in case the salon uses a different brand.
OHLALA – How do you see the beauty market in Bahrain?
Eve – The beauty market in Bahrain is growing fast, with many new salons opening. However, it seems the supply sometimes exceeds actual demand. I advise anyone considering opening a salon to study the market and the area thoroughly and to ensure they have the right, qualified team on board. It’s also essential for salon owners to consult with a professional in the industry before making any decision. At House of Beauty, we are available to offer this kind of service. While demand is high, I strongly believe in prioritising quality over quantity to build a lasting business.