Huda Kattan Biography: Beauty Mogul & Influencer in 2025
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- August 10, 2025
Huda Kattan, an Iraqi-American makeup artist and entrepreneur, transformed her passion for beauty into the billion-dollar brand Huda Beauty. Born on October 2, 1983, in Oklahoma City, she redefined the cosmetics industry with her innovative products and social media savvy. This biography explores her early life, career highlights, struggles, controversies, personal life, social media presence, philanthropy, and lesser-known facts, showcasing her 2025 influence.
About Huda Kattan
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Huda Heidi Kattan |
| Born | October 2, 1983, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA |
| Profession | Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur, Beauty Influencer |
| Notable Work | Huda Beauty, Huda Boss, Wishful Skincare, Huda Hotline Podcast |
| Marital Status | Married to Christopher Goncalo (2009) |
| Children | One daughter: Nour Giselle Goncalo (born 2011) |
| Net Worth | $560 million (2025, estimated) |
| Education | B.A. in Finance, University of Michigan–Dearborn |
Huda Kattan’s Early Life
Multicultural Roots
Born to Iraqi immigrant parents in Oklahoma City, Huda Kattan grew up with three siblings. Her family moved to Tennessee and Massachusetts, exposing her to diverse cultures that shaped her inclusive beauty vision.
Finance to Makeup
Huda studied finance at the University of Michigan–Dearborn but felt unfulfilled. After losing her finance job in 2008, she pursued her passion for makeup, training at Joe Blasco Makeup School in Los Angeles.
Struggles and Down Phases
Early Career Setbacks
After moving to Dubai in 2006, Huda Kattan struggled to establish herself as a makeup artist. Limited opportunities in a new market tested her resilience, but her persistence laid the groundwork for future success.
Product Controversies
In 2019, Huda Beauty’s Neon Obsessions Palette faced backlash for using non-FDA-approved colorants, leading to a $1.93 million lawsuit settlement in 2022. Huda addressed the issue transparently, rebuilding trust.
Huda Kattan’s Career Highlights
Launching Huda Beauty
In 2010, Huda started her Huda Beauty blog, sharing makeup tutorials that went viral. In 2013, with a $6,000 loan from her sister Alya, she launched Huda Beauty’s false eyelashes, endorsed by Kim Kardashian, which sold out at Sephora.
Building a Billion-Dollar Brand
Huda Beauty expanded into foundations, eyeshadow palettes, and skincare with Wishful. By 2025, the brand, valued at $1.2 billion, thrives globally. Huda reclaimed full ownership in 2025 after buying back TSG Consumer’s stake.
2025 Achievements
In 2025, Huda Kattan launched the Ube Ubsession collection and her podcast, Huda Hotline, fostering raw conversations about beauty and self-discovery. Her return as CEO in 2024 marked a bold rebranding.
Personal Life
Huda married her high school sweetheart, Christopher Goncalo, in 2009. They welcomed their daughter, Nour Giselle, in 2011. Huda, a Muslim, balances her career with family life in Dubai, where she resides with her husband and daughter.
Controversies
Anti-Israel Video Backlash
In July 2025, Huda Kattan posted a TikTok video accusing Israel of causing major global conflicts, including World Wars I and II and the September 11 attacks. The video was removed, and Sephora launched an investigation into their partnership, sparking boycott calls.
Faux Filter Criticism
In 2017, Huda Beauty’s #FauxFilter foundation was accused of mimicking Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r. Huda clarified the products’ unique finishes, but the debate highlighted competitive tensions in the industry.
Social Media Presence
Huda Kattan boasts 57 million Instagram followers (@huda), sharing tutorials and product launches, with posts like her 2025 Ube Ubsession reveal earning millions of likes. Her TikTok (10.7 million followers) and YouTube (4.1 million subscribers) amplify her influence.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Finance Dropout: Left a finance career to pursue makeup artistry.
- Kim K Connection: Kim Kardashian’s endorsement skyrocketed her lash sales.
- Self-Taught Blogger: Built her blog without formal digital training.
- Vegan Products: Champions cruelty-free and vegan-friendly cosmetics.
- Podcast Host: Launched Huda Hotline in 2025 for authentic talks.
- Cultural Roots: Draws inspiration from her Iraqi heritage.
- Sephora Pioneer: First influencer-led brand at Sephora Dubai.
- Skincare Struggles: Created Wishful to address her own skin issues.
Philanthropy
Huda supports social causes through Huda Beauty, donating $1 million to Gaza humanitarian organizations in 2023 and $500,000 to the NAACP in 2020. She also backs women-led startups via HB Angels and promotes mental health awareness through her platforms.
Current Status and Influence
In 2025, Huda Kattan leads Huda Beauty as sole owner and CEO, driving innovation with collections like Ube Ubsession. Her podcast and transparent social media presence inspire authenticity, solidifying her as a beauty industry trailblazer.
Conclusion
This Huda Kattan biography traces her rise from a struggling makeup artist to a global beauty mogul. Overcoming career setbacks and controversies, Huda Kattan built Huda Beauty into a billion-dollar empire. Her philanthropy and commitment to inclusivity inspire millions. In 2025, Huda’s bold leadership and authentic voice continue to shape the beauty landscape.
