By Jules Lavallee
Inês Abdalla is a trailblazing entrepreneur, skincare consultant, and founder of Inês Cosmetics, a premium beauty brand known for its dedication to clean, sustainable beauty. With a personal journey rooted in her own lifelong experience with sensitive skin, Inês has channeled her passion for skin health into creating products that empower women to embrace their natural beauty with confidence.
Backed by an MBA and extensive experience in entrepreneurial mentoring, Inês combines her business expertise with her deep knowledge of skincare to lead a brand that stands for more than just beauty—it represents integrity, innovation, and conscious living. Under her leadership, Inês Cosmetics has earned a reputation for delivering luxurious, cruelty-free DIY lash extensions and mineral makeup that are specially crafted for sensitive skin and eyes.
Inês is a visionary who believes that beauty should not come at the cost of one’s health or the environment. Her commitment to ethical, eco-friendly practices and a passion for empowering individuals shines through every aspect of her brand, making Inês Cosmetics a leading name in the clean beauty movement.
“My personal journey into the world of skincare began unexpectedly when I was 21 years old. After undergoing a chemical peel at a clinic, I developed heightened skin sensitivity and began battling melasma and hyperpigmentation. This experience left me with numerous unanswered questions and a deep desire to understand what was happening to my skin. Despite consulting dermatologists, I often felt their solutions didn’t fully address my concerns or empower me with the knowledge I sought.
Determined to find answers, I decided to study to become a professional skin consultant. During my studies, I made a shocking discovery: many common beauty products, including mascaras, contained harmful ingredients like formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Learning about the potential health risks associated with these chemicals was alarming to me:
• Skin and Eye Irritation: Formaldehyde can cause burns and irritation to the skin and eyes. In some cases, exposure can permanently affect vision.
• Allergic Reactions: It can lead to itchy, red rashes and may even cause blisters.
• Cancer Risk: Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including myeloid leukaemia and cancers of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx.
Realising that products meant to enhance our beauty could pose such serious health risks was a pivotal moment for me. I felt a responsibility to create safer alternatives for myself and others who might be unknowingly exposing themselves to these dangers. This revelation inspired me to establish Inês Cosmetics—a brand dedicated to providing high-quality, safe beauty products formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
With Inês Cosmetics, my goal is to merge the rich heritage of Arabian beauty with modern skincare science. I strive to offer products that not only make women feel beautiful but also protect their health by avoiding harmful chemicals. My personal experiences have shaped every aspect of the brand, from the selection of gentle, natural ingredients to the emphasis on empowering women to embrace their inner queens. Through Inês Cosmetics, I hope to make a positive impact on the beauty industry by prioritising safety, transparency, and cultural authenticity.
Inês Cosmetics is a brand that stands for more than just beauty—it represents integrity, innovation, and conscious living.
Combining my business expertise with my deep knowledge of skincare has been an enriching journey that led me to establish InêSKN Consultancy. My background in business equipped me with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the beauty industry, from strategic planning to marketing and operations. However, it was my passion for skincare and the desire to make a meaningful impact that truly propelled me forward.
At InêSKN Consultancy, I offer personalised skincare consultations, drawing upon my professional training as a skin consultant and my personal experiences with sensitive skin. My aim is to educate and empower clients by providing tailored advice and effective strategies to address their unique skincare concerns. By bridging the gap between technical skincare knowledge and practical business applications, I’ve been able to help clients achieve not only healthier skin but also greater confidence.
The consultancy also collaborates with other businesses and start-ups in the beauty and personal care sector. Through these partnerships, I focus on integrating innovative technologies and clean beauty practices into product development and brand strategies. This holistic approach ensures that we’re not just creating products, but fostering a community centred around safety, efficacy, and empowerment.
Testimonials:
1. “As someone who’s in her 50s, I am more concerned about incorporating anti-ageing products into my skincare regimen. The consultancy, led by Inês, provided me with a personalised plan that includes sun protection, retinoids, and antioxidants, all while considering my skin’s sensitivity. My skin has never looked better, and I’m so grateful for the guidance and support.” — Aasma Khan
2. “Working with Inês has been an absolute pleasure. Her deep knowledge of skincare and her business acumen shine through in everything she does. The lash extensions from Inês Cosmetics are exceptional—comfortable for my sensitive eyes and incredibly stylish. I can’t recommend her services enough.” — Layla A.
What do you offer?
At Inês Cosmetics and InêSKN, I offer clients a comprehensive approach to beauty and skincare that combines high-quality products with personalised consultancy services.
Inês Cosmetics provides luxury beauty products specifically formulated for sensitive skin. My offerings include:
• Luxurious Lash Extensions: Designed to accentuate the natural beauty of the eyes while being gentle on sensitive skin. These lashes are inspired by legendary Arabian queens, embodying elegance and empowerment. They allow women to frame their eyes—the windows to the soul—without the risk of irritation from harsh chemicals like formaldehyde.
• Skincare Products Quality : Crafted with natural, safe ingredients that nourish and protect the skin. Each product is formulated to enhance beauty while ensuring health and comfort, avoiding common irritants found in many cosmetics.
By choosing Inês Cosmetics, clients receive products that not only enhance their appearance but also safeguard their skin’s wellbeing. My personal experience with sensitive skin drives my commitment to transparency and quality in every product.
Through InêSKN Consultancy, I offer personalised skincare consultations and services, drawing on my expertise as a professional skin consultant. Services include:
• Personalised Skincare Plans: I assess each client’s skin type and concerns to develop customised skincare routines that address specific needs such as sensitivity, ageing, hyperpigmentation, or other issues.
• Educational Workshops: I host sessions to educate clients on skincare best practices, ingredient awareness, and how to maintain healthy skin. Empowering clients with knowledge is a key aspect of my approach.
• Product Recommendations: Based on individual assessments, I recommend products that are safe and effective, including those from Inês Cosmetics and other trusted brands suited to the client’s unique skin profile.
• Collaborations with Businesses: Through InêSKN, I collaborate with other startups and businesses in the beauty and personal care industry. My focus is on integrating innovative technologies and clean beauty practices into their offerings, promoting a wider impact on the industry.
By offering both high-quality products and expert consultancy services, I aim to provide clients with a holistic beauty experience. My goal is to empower individuals to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin by equipping them with the right tools, knowledge, and support.
Ultimately, I believe that beauty is deeply personal, and my mission is to help each client embrace their unique beauty journey with confidence and joy.
Challenges Along Your Journey
Building both InêSKN and Inês Cosmetics has been an incredibly rewarding yet challenging journey, shaped significantly by my educational and professional development. Since 2021, I have been part of a mentorship programme while working on my consultancy, which provided me with invaluable insights and guidance in the beauty industry. This mentorship helped me establish InêSKN, where I offer personalised skincare consultancy services.
In 2024, I began pursuing my MBA, which is currently enhancing my entrepreneurial skills and business acumen. Balancing the demands of an MBA programme with running two businesses has been a significant challenge, but it has also been an opportunity to apply what I’m learning in real-time to my ventures. The MBA is enabling me to iterate and pivot my businesses effectively, ensuring they remain aligned with my vision and responsive to market trends.
One of the primary challenges I’ve faced is the continuous process of adapting my businesses to meet evolving consumer needs. The beauty industry is highly dynamic, with rapidly changing preferences and technological advancements. With InêSKN, I’ve had to integrate emerging skincare technologies and trends while maintaining a focus on personalised care for sensitive skin. This required staying updated with the latest research and continuously refining my consultancy services.
Launching Inês Cosmetics in 2023 introduced additional complexities. Sourcing high-quality, natural ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin, while ensuring the products remain luxurious and effective, demanded extensive research and perseverance. My ongoing MBA studies have equipped me with strategic management skills, helping me navigate these challenges more effectively.
Balancing the dual roles of running a consultancy and a product-based business, all while pursuing an MBA, requires meticulous time management and organisational skills. There have been times when I needed to pivot my strategies based on client feedback, market trends, or new insights gained from my studies. For instance, I adapted my marketing approach to emphasise digital channels and social media engagement upon recognising the growing importance of online communities in the beauty industry.
Another significant challenge has been establishing brand recognition in a saturated market dominated by established players. To overcome this, I’ve leveraged the storytelling and branding techniques I’m honing through my MBA. Emphasising the unique blend of cultural authenticity, clean beauty, and my personal journey has helped differentiate InêSKN and Inês Cosmetics from competitors. Sharing the stories of legendary Arabian queens and highlighting our commitment to safe, effective products resonates with our target audience.
Securing funding and building partnerships for expansion has also been a complex process. Convincing investors and partners of the potential of new brands focused on sensitive skin and clean beauty requires persistence and a clear articulation of my value proposition. The entrepreneurial skills I’m developing through my MBA have been invaluable in crafting compelling business plans and pitches that highlight the growing market demand for such products and services.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of being adaptable and responsive to change. The ability to iterate and pivot has been essential in overcoming obstacles and seizing new opportunities. My mentorship experience and ongoing MBA studies not only provide me with foundational knowledge but also instil a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has reinforced my commitment to the missions of InêSKN and Inês Cosmetics. They have pushed me to be innovative, resilient, and adaptive. Overcoming these hurdles has been instrumental in shaping both brands into what they are today—a testament to the belief that beauty should empower and be accessible without compromising on health or heritage.
Building both InêSKN and Inês Cosmetics has been an incredibly rewarding yet challenging journey, shaped significantly by my educational and professional development. Since 2021, I have been part of a mentorship programme while working on my consultancy, which provided me with invaluable insights and guidance in the beauty industry. This mentorship helped me establish InêSKN, where I offer personalised skincare consultancy services.
In 2024, I began pursuing my MBA, which is currently enhancing my entrepreneurial skills and business acumen. Balancing the demands of an MBA programme with running two businesses has been a significant challenge, but it has also been an opportunity to apply what I’m learning in real-time to my ventures. The MBA is enabling me to iterate and pivot my businesses effectively, ensuring they remain aligned with my vision and responsive to market trends.
One of the primary challenges I’ve faced is the continuous process of adapting my businesses to meet evolving consumer needs. The beauty industry is highly dynamic, with rapidly changing preferences and technological advancements. With InêSKN, I’ve had to integrate emerging skincare technologies and trends while maintaining a focus on personalised care for sensitive skin. This required staying updated with the latest research and continuously refining my consultancy services.
Launching Inês Cosmetics in 2023 introduced additional complexities. Sourcing high-quality, natural ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin, while ensuring the products remain luxurious and effective, demanded extensive research and perseverance. My ongoing MBA studies have equipped me with strategic management skills, helping me navigate these challenges more effectively.
Balancing the dual roles of running a consultancy and a product-based business, all while pursuing an MBA, requires meticulous time management and organisational skills. There have been times when I needed to pivot my strategies based on client feedback, market trends, or new insights gained from my studies. For instance, I adapted my marketing approach to emphasise digital channels and social media engagement upon recognising the growing importance of online communities in the beauty industry.
Another significant challenge has been establishing brand recognition in a saturated market dominated by established players. To overcome this, I’ve leveraged the storytelling and branding techniques I’m honing through my MBA. Emphasising the unique blend of cultural authenticity, clean beauty, and my personal journey has helped differentiate InêSKN and Inês Cosmetics from competitors. Sharing the stories of legendary Arabian queens and highlighting our commitment to safe, effective products resonates with our target audience.
Securing funding and building partnerships for expansion has also been a complex process. Convincing investors and partners of the potential of new brands focused on sensitive skin and clean beauty requires persistence and a clear articulation of my value proposition. The entrepreneurial skills I’m developing through my MBA have been invaluable in crafting compelling business plans and pitches that highlight the growing market demand for such products and services.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of being adaptable and responsive to change. The ability to iterate and pivot has been essential in overcoming obstacles and seizing new opportunities. My mentorship experience and ongoing MBA studies not only provide me with foundational knowledge but also instil a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has reinforced my commitment to the missions of InêSKN and Inês Cosmetics. They have pushed me to be innovative, resilient, and adaptive. Overcoming these hurdles has been instrumental in shaping both brands into what they are today—a testament to the belief that beauty should empower and be accessible without compromising on health or heritage.
The Queens Collections
At Inês Cosmetics, our collections are deeply inspired by four legendary queens who epitomise strength, beauty, and leadership. These queens hold great importance to our brand, as they embody the qualities we aim to inspire in every woman who uses our products.
1. Lalla Bouya Collection
Inspired by Lalla Bouya, a fearless Berber queen who led her people in a successful rebellion against Roman rule in North Africa. She symbolises resilience and the fight for freedom. The Lalla Bouya Collection features products designed to empower women to embrace their inner strength and stand tall in the face of challenges.
• Signature Products: This collection includes durable and comfortable lash extensions that enhance natural beauty while being gentle on sensitive eyes. The designs are bold yet elegant, reflecting Lalla Bouya’s courageous spirit.
2. Lamès Collection
Named after Lamès, a queen of ancient Yemen from the Sabaa dynasty, renowned for uniting the kingdom and playing a pivotal role in its prosperity. She symbolises wisdom and power. The Lamès Collection focuses on promoting confidence and inner strength.
• Signature Products: This collection features rich eye palettes with unifying colours that suit a variety of skin tones. The products are formulated to enhance external beauty while nurturing the skin, aligning with Lamès’s legacy of wisdom and care.
3. Nefertari Collection
Inspired by Nefertari, the beloved wife of Ramses II of Egypt, known for her grace, intelligence, and significant political influence. Her beauty was immortalised in grand monuments, reflecting timeless elegance. The Nefertari Collection aims to bring out the inherent grace in every woman.
• Signature Products: This collection includes luxurious lash extensions with subtle gold accents, skincare serums that nourish and rejuvenate the skin, and highlighters that add a radiant glow. Each product embodies the elegance and sophistication associated with Nefertari.
4. Queen Elissar (Dido) Collection
Named after Queen Elissar, the founder of Carthage, who used her cunning and resourcefulness to establish one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. She symbolises ambition and determination. The Queen Elissar Collection encourages women to pursue excellence and innovation.
• Signature Products: This collection offers bold lip colours, innovative beauty solutions, and products that inspire creativity. The designs are modern yet infused with historical significance, reflecting Elissar’s ambitious spirit.
Importance of the Queens
The four queens are integral to our brand identity because they represent the values we strive to embody and promote:
• Empowerment: Each queen’s story is a testament to strength, courage, and leadership. By drawing inspiration from them, I aim to empower women to embrace these qualities in their own lives.
• Cultural Heritage: Incorporating elements from Arabian and North African history allows me to celebrate and honour our rich cultural heritage. It creates a connection between the past and present, offering a sense of identity and pride.
• Authenticity: The queens’ legacies provide authentic narratives that resonate with our customers. This authenticity differentiates Inês Cosmetics in the beauty industry, where stories and symbolism add depth to the beauty experience.
• Inspiration: By sharing the stories of these remarkable women, I hope to inspire customers to recognise their own potential and beauty. The collections are not just about cosmetics; they’re about embracing one’s inner queen and living with confidence and purpose.
Each product in our collections is carefully crafted to reflect the essence of these queens, using high-quality, natural ingredients suitable for sensitive skin. I believe that beauty products should do more than enhance appearance; they should tell a story, inspire, and empower.
Through the Inês Cosmetics collections, I’m creating a community of women who feel connected to these timeless stories and to each other. It’s about more than makeup—it’s about fostering a sense of unity, strength, and self-expression.
By aligning each collection with a queen who embodies qualities that resonate with modern women, I aim to provide products that are not only luxurious and safe but also meaningful. This approach sets Inês Cosmetics apart, offering a unique blend of beauty, heritage, and empowerment that celebrates every woman’s inner queen.
Holiday Collections
I’m excited to share our new holiday collection at Inês Cosmetics, specially curated to add a touch of glamour and elegance to the festive season. The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and self-expression, and our new products are designed to help you shine your brightest.
Holiday Radiance Collection
1. Nefertari Gold Lash Extensions
Inspired by the timeless elegance of Queen Nefertari, these luxurious lash extensions feature subtle gold accents woven into the lashes. They are perfect for adding a hint of sparkle to your look, capturing the festive spirit while remaining sophisticated and suitable for sensitive eyes. The lashes are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to apply, ensuring you can enjoy the festivities without any discomfort.
2. Lamès Jewel-Toned Eye Palette
The Lamès Eye Palette offers a selection of rich, jewel-toned shades that reflect the prosperity and wisdom of Queen Lamès. With deep emeralds, royal purples, and shimmering golds, this palette allows you to create versatile looks—from subtle daytime elegance to bold evening glamour. The eyeshadows are highly pigmented, long-lasting, and formulated with gentle ingredients ideal for sensitive skin.
3. Queen Elissar Velvet Lip Collection
Embrace the ambition and determination of Queen Elissar with our new set of velvety matte lipsticks. The collection features three bold shades:
• Regal Red: A classic, empowering red that exudes confidence.
• Noble Nude: A versatile nude that complements any look.
• Majestic Mauve: A deep mauve for a sophisticated touch.
These lipsticks are enriched with natural moisturisers to keep your lips hydrated throughout the winter season.
4. Lalla Bouya Illuminating Highlighter
Add a radiant glow to your holiday look with the Lalla Bouya Highlighter, inspired by the fearless spirit of Lalla Bouya. This highlighter provides a luminous finish that enhances your natural features. Its silky texture blends seamlessly into the skin, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
5. Festive Gift Sets
To make gift-giving effortless, we’ve curated special Holiday Gift Sets that combine our most loved products:
• Embrace Your Inner Queen Set: Includes the Nefertari Gold Lash Extensions and Lamès Jewel-Toned Eye Palette.
• Radiant Beauty Set: Features the Lalla Bouya Highlighter and Queen Elissar Velvet Lip Collection.
• Complete Holiday Collection: A luxurious set containing all the new holiday products, beautifully packaged and ready for gifting.
Special Holiday Services at InêSKN
