Save money every day this month on these top-notch beautifying treats
WELCOME BACK WELLNESS TREATS AT TALISE SPA
Newly reopened, we can’t wait to revisit the supremely serene Talise Spa at Jumeirah Al Qasr. Kicking off with a fab offer to welcome spa-goers back to the luxury beachside retreat, throughout January, book any 60-minute treatment and you’ll be able to extend your beautifying hour with ‘The Gift of Time’, a complimentary 30-minute add-on of your choice. Email [email protected] or call 04 366 6818 to book.
20 PERCENT OFF AT CHLOE’S HAIR, NAIL AND BEAUTY SALON
Offering an extensive range of beauty services for women and children (and open from 8am-8pm…SUPER handy for busy girls everywhere) this month, Chloe’s Hair, Nail and Beauty Salon on Jumeirah Beach Road are offering 20 percent off all salon treatments every Sunday and Monday. Just the thing to kick off the week looking fabulous. To book an appointment, visit chloesuae.com
DETOX DEALS AT THE H HOTEL
Mandara Spa at The H Hotel has not just one but two seriously good detox offers running throughout January. If you’ve got a day off to enjoy, treat yourself to a Spa-tox package, which comprises a 60-minute Balinese massage, an all day pool pass, a delish detox salad and a healthy drink for just AED 349. Better still, go all out and book the Ultimate Suite Spa-Cation package. Starting at AED850, the offer includes a one night stay for two people in an executive suite at The H Hotel with breakfast, access to Mandara Spa and a 120-minute massage of your choice, a free spa amenity gift, access to the hotel’s state-of-the-art gym, Peloton bike studio and outdoor swimming pool as well as an F&B credit worth AED 100 to spend at the property. Truly incredible value!
BUY TWO GET ONE FREE ON DELUXE HYDRAFACIAL AT THE CONTOUR LOUNGE
Love the Hydrafacial? Then you’re really going to love the next level version! For the month of January, The Contour Lounge is offering buy two get one free on Deluxe HydraFacial. With all the essentials of the signature HydraFacial, the 60-minute Deluxe Hydrafacial addresses specific skin concerns with the addition of LED light therapy to further reduce visible signs of ageing and even longer-lasting results. To book, call The Contour Lounge on 04 566 0109.
A COOL 10 PER CENT OFF KS ULTIMATE AT PASTELS SALON
Fed up with unmanageable hair? Head over to Pastels Salon and take advantage of their fab 10 percent January discount on KS Ultimate. Transforming even the most difficult of hair for up to four months, the formaldehyde-free, humidity-resistant treatment with advanced protein technology simultaneously repairs, strengthens, and straightens the hair from root to tip, eliminating frizz. A true nightmare hair game-changer. Prices start at AED1000, depending upon hair length. For more information, For further details, check out pastels-salon.com, or their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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The secret to a flawless face and perfect makeup application? Primer. Not only does it create a smooth base and extend the life of your makeup, but it can also help mask major skin concerns – from oiliness and fine lines to pimples and dryness. Discover the best primers for your skin type and get ready to look and feel better than ever with this powerful beauty product.
Oily Skin
Budget: L’Oréal Infallible Pore Refining Primer
This pore-refining primer contains oil-absorbing fillers to leave skin grease-free and super smooth. You can also dab it over your makeup to remove excess oils throughout the day.
Bursting with revitalising electrolytes to give skin a moisturising boost, this refreshing primer spray hydrates and softens skin all day long. It also comes in a handbag-friendly smaller size.
Blowout: Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer
Infused with not one, not two, but five types of coconut, this nutrient-rich primer hydrates skin and forms a natural, vitamin-rich barrier to protect and perfect.
Beauty Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer, Marc Jacobs
Ageing Skin
Budget: Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer
Organic rosehip oil and aloe vera mean this primer gives skin a youthful glow and helps turn back time by repairing and nourishing damaged tissue.
Give skin a brightening boost with this illuminating primer. It evens skin tone while providing a sheer, luminous glow to revive dull and dreary complexions.
This one’s infused with mineral-rich spring water, ginger extract, prickly pear flower, and sodium hyaluronate so that lacklustre and dull skin is revived in a flash.
Budget: Physicians Formula Spotlight Illuminating Primer
Free from skin-stressing fragrances and parabens, this hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested primer is enriched with antioxidants to soothe and reduce redness.
Stop spots in their tracks with this blemish buster, which harnesses the power of vitamin E and tea tree extract to prevent breakouts and treat pimples.
Working to correct complexions with each use, this powerful primer is formulated with soothing aloe vera and salicylic acid to unblock pores, ease congestion, and treat existing blemishes while preventing new pimples.
Prolonged exposure to harsh sun rays can lead to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and a decrease in the skin’s natural elasticity. Prevent these issues by choosing the right product and practising religious sun cream application stat! Don’t know where to begin? Here are our top seven sunscreen picks that will protect your skin from the scorching Dubai sun.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
This Supergoop! sunscreen is the absolute holy grail for a lot of skincare enthusiasts in the beauty realm. It’s a lightweight broad spectrum sun protection cream that leaves no white cast upon application, making it the perfect choice for when you want to go bare-faced or apply underneath makeup. If you’re sensitive to scent and particular ingredients, you might want to opt for this product as it’s scentless and created with clean chemicals.
This award-winning sunscreen is another favourite among men and women alike. Regarded as one of the most effective sun protection formulas in the market, this non-comedogenic UVA/UVB sunscreen from La Roche-Posay provides advanced protection in a weightless, matte finish. It is also packed with healthy ingredients free of parabens and fragrance, making it a great choice for every skin type.
Want to give the K-beauty trend a try? Try this broad protection sun cream from COSRX. Containing 5,500 ppm of aloe vera leaf extract, this popular Korean skincare brand provides extra hydration and a deep soothing effect for all skin types. Its light formula keeps the skin looking fresh and natural, even after constant reapplication through the day.
Another beauty pick that sits atop many beauty aficionado’s vanity is this SPF 50 sunscreen from Anessa, a brand owned by Shiseido. This Japanese skincare favourite is formulated with hyaluronic acid and green tea extract that aids in hydrating the face and body while protecting it from environmental stressors. Additionally, its strong yet lightweight formula makes it the best sun protection product for both day-to-day errands and outdoor activities.
Protect your skin from the harsh Dubai sun with this pick from Neutrogena. True to its name, it provides an invisible finish, keeping the skin shielded from the harsh heat without giving off an unwanted white tint. It’s also the best choice for when you’re heading to the beach or the pool as it claims to be water-resistant for 80 minutes. For best results, apply a generous amount on the skin at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply after every two hours.
A great mineral sunscreen that won’t break the bank is this variant from distinguished skincare brand CeraVe. On top of powerful sun protection, this drugstore favourite contains ceramides and niacinamide that work to replenish the skin barrier. It’s also free of parabens, fragrance, and oils.
Don’t have a lot of extra time in the mornings? Cut your prep time with Sisley’s tinted sun care cream. The light and silky formula helps it seep into the skin easier, giving it extra TLC without any unpleasant greasiness. It is also filled with beneficial ingredients such as the vitamin E acetate that gets rid of free radicals, edelweiss extract that strengthens the skin barrier, and sage and marjoram essential oils that soothe and stimulate the skin.
Today, July 15th, marks National Clean Beauty Day in the US, celebrating mindfully created products that feature ethically sourced ingredients and take both human and environmental health into account. But with no official definition in place, the term ‘clean beauty’ brings with it a sense of ambiguity – and a whole lot of questions. Does sacrificing synthetics impact their effectiveness? Is clean beauty as elitist as the rest of the wellness industry? And does it only cater to goop-reading, yoga-practising, ashwagandha-taking vegans?
Unanswered questions translate to myths that need to be debunked, so we turned to three different experts for their insights: Lorraine Dallmeier (CEO of organic cosmetic science school Formula Botanica), Mukta Purain (founder of clean beauty platform MissPalettable), and Deepica Mutyala (founder of clean beauty brand Live Tinted). Listen in.
Myth 1: Clean Beauty Is Preservative-Free
LD: “Well, that’s clearly not the case because a preservative is necessary to make a safe and stable product. When I first got into natural beauty, everyone was all about avoiding preservatives, claiming they’re dangerous and carcinogenic. But it has calmed down a lot, which is a good thing. We’ve played a big role in that by going out there and saying that not only can preservation protect your formulation and your customer, but it can also be done safely because there are lots of naturally derived preservatives on the market now. But it’s absolutely okay if you don’t want to work with preservatives. You just have to stick with anhydrase products, which don’t contain water – oils, butters, balms, that sort of thing. You’re limiting yourself in the formulations that you can make, and there is nothing wrong with that.”
MP: “It comes down to shelf life – if a product is free of preservatives, it means that it’s really natural and has to be used almost immediately. But in general, it’s impossible to create a preservative-free product with a shelf life of two years. There are a lot of misconceptions around preservatives – whether it’s in beauty, food, or anything else. And they get a bad rap, most of which stems from packaged food. But the difference here is that no one is going to buy a moisturiser with a three-week shelf life. The one exception is things like bar soaps and solid shampoo, which don’t need preservatives because they’re dry. But as soon as you have any form of liquid in your product, you need preservatives – otherwise it will spoil.”
DM: “Not true – a lot of people equate clean beauty with preservative-free beauty because of parabens. Historically, parabens were one of the key ingredients that clean beauty standards avoided, but it really doesn’t mean clean beauty is free of preservatives. The reality is that you need preservatives in your makeup and skincare to avoid bacterial growth and degradation over time.”
Myth 2: Clean Beauty Isn’t Fun
LD: “Our mantra is that everyone can and should formulate because it’s fun, easy, and empowering. It’s a bit like learning how to cook. One of my colleagues wanted to formulate for the first time, and I suggested he try out a lip balm kit. He’s got two kids – they’re six and eight – and they did it together. They made it and labelled it and gifted some to their grandmothers. Everyone was just blown away by these lip balms. They still use them. And they were like, ‘When can we do this again?’ Anyone can do this, and it’s so much fun, so I think clean beauty is actually a ton of fun.”
MP: “Clean beauty started off very organic, very wholesome – it was for people who had sensitive skin and wasn’t as fun at first. But things have changed. Technology has advanced, formulations have advanced. In the past, you had founders who were slightly older creating such brands, but a lot of them these days are millennials. They’re trying to create brands that are both conscious and connect with the kind of lifestyles they live so the colours are a lot more pigmented, the branding is so much more vibrant – and this is just the beginning. Take Bouclème, a hair care brand that we carry on MissPalettable. Hair care isn’t really that exciting, right? But its packaging is bright, the social media pages are full of curly hair influencers, it’s very real. At the same time, its bottles are made of sugarcane waste.”
DM: “A complete myth! Our Huestick and Hueglow are super fun. What is the definition of fun anyway? It’s different for everyone. You have to think about who your target consumer is and what they want. Do they want fun makeup or makeup that works overtime? Creating fun clean products if possible. It just requires a little bit more work to bring the formula to life because the laboratory you work with may not want to experiment as much, and there could be higher costs involved – but that’s the burden of the company, not the consumer. So absolutely, making fun products is possible, it might just require more patience. The industry is moving towards the clean beauty standard, and that means the innovations are coming. It is the responsibility of the brand to figure it out.”
Myth 3: Clean Beauty Isn’t Effective
LD: “What’s interesting is that we have to define what ‘effective’ means. The beauty industry has been telling us that we don’t look right, we don’t smell right, we aren’t right for a while now. It tells us to erase the sands of time and halt the aging process – something you can’t do when you use natural. And yet what’s happened as a result of the indie beauty movement taking off is that big brands have started to research all these botanical extracts, so I don’t agree that clean beauty is ineffective because a lot of the high-performance extracts that we use can be derived from plants. We can keep our skin healthy and clean and glowing with botanical ingredients, so again, it’s a myth that has been put out there, sadly.”
MP: “Before the term ‘clean beauty’ came about, it was natural and organic. And are natural and organic versions more effective than mainstream products? I’m not sure. But clean beauty is broader in the sense that it’s about formulations that do not contain harmful chemicals. There’s a spectrum – some clean beauty brands claim that there are no chemicals in their products, which is a lie because everything is a chemical. At the same time, you’ve got brands that are more balanced, every ingredient in their formulations serving a function. It all comes down to the person behind the brand. Deepica, for example, created the Huestick because South Asians have dark circles. That’s where I feel clean beauty brands are a lot more effective; there’s a passion and a reason behind them.”
DM: “Another myth. What is the definition of effective? Are we talking really long wearing power or breathability? Being a clean beauty brand is redefining the meaning of some of these words. Are we going to be able to match the performance of those liquid lipsticks with 24-hour claims right out of the box? Maybe not. It’s reasonable to think that they are formulated with ingredients that are on the clean beauty ban list. On the other hand, effectiveness might mean breathability, and one of the things we’ve learnt in this post-pandemic world is that people want wearable makeup that lets their skin breathe – that itself is considered effective.”
Myth 4: Clean Beauty Isn’t Inclusive
LD: “It’s an important point because clean beauty can be a little non-inclusive. For starters, it tends to operate in skincare. Hair care is harder since it contains a lot more water and therefore needs more stabilisation. We’re seeing some awesome indie brands that cater to curly and coily hair types, but they’re in the minority. Indie makeup is still quite rare because making cosmetics with natural pigments that aren’t derived from a lab is hard as well. And again, you have the issue with different skin tones that aren’t catered for because you have a teeny tiny budget and launch with only a few products. The other thing is clean beauty can be quite pricey because, obviously, you’re not pumping your products full of water and stabilisers, which is what the big brands are doing – and that pushes up your cost and retail price. It can lock some people out of the marketplace. There’s a lot of work to do at all levels.”
MP: “Let’s take Bouclème as an example again. It’s huge on inclusivity because its products cater to a population that was hardly considered before. Personally, I don’t agree that clean beauty isn’t inclusive because a lot of clean beauty brands were created as a result of their founders feeling excluded by mainstream brands. Michele Scott-Lynch started Bouclème because she and her children have curly hair, and she just couldn’t find products that worked. She also wanted her brand to have a conscience, so it’s paraben-free, sulfate-free, and vegan. Skincare is still most inclusive because you’re dealing with skin types, not skin tones. I mean, it’s only recently – after the likes of Fenty Beauty and Huda Beauty – that we’re starting to see some inclusivity in makeup. It’s happening because the founders of these brands are people of colour themselves, and the same thing is carrying over into clean beauty.”
DM: “False! Live Tinted’s mission is to bring clean, vegan, and cruelty-free products that work on all skin tones. We are here to dispel such myths. For some reason, there’s this mindset that if something is clean, it doesn’t show up on your skin. The reality is that you can make products that are pigmented and work on deeper skin tones, yet are clean. Take our award-winning Huestick, for example. One of the things that was very important was to make a buildable formula because different people have different layers of dark circles and dark spots that they want to cover, which is what makes our products truly inclusive. This myth mainly comes from the fact that there aren’t that many clean brands focused on the BIPOC consumer. And that’s where Live Tinted comes in. It doesn’t mean clean inclusive beauty cannot be done. It just means there is room for brands like ours to grow.”
Myth 5: Clean Beauty Requires a Lifestyle Overhaul
LD: “I disagree, clean beauty should be for anyone who wants to participate. Some can be very purist about it, but you’re going to alienate people that way. The one thing that everyone should embrace, however, is sustainable beauty. That’s a far bigger issue. Literally no one talks about consumption because the beauty industry is set up to encourage infinite economic growth with finite resources. And it doesn’t work because we only have one planet. The average woman has 16 beauty products on her bathroom shelf, so I once asked the Sustainability Director of Shiseido how the brand is encouraging people to use fewer products and she admitted to feeling stumped. I don’t think it matters if you’re clean or not, vegan or not. What matters is how sustainable our beauty habits are – that goes for the brands making them and the people buying them.”
MP: “No, that’s not true. Clean beauty is becoming increasingly inclusive, but you exclude people by saying it’s only intended for vegans or vegetarians. Suddenly, you’re clean-shaming people. It comes down to a personal choice. When you take an interest in clean beauty, you’re already thinking about taking a more conscious approach. It’s because you’re taking a step back and examining your life. But it’s got nothing to do with going vegan or practising yoga or anything like that – it’s more about you internally. And such things take time. I mean, you’re not going to become this extremely conscious minimalist overnight. I feel like the first step is acknowledging it, then slowly adjusting your choices over a period of time. Even having one vegetarian meal a day is a start.”
DM: “A lot of the clean beauty conversations revolve around ingredients, but sustainability is also a major component. It’s not about solving that problem alone and on day one. However, if we collectively take small steps towards that goal, it will have a massive impact now and an even bigger one in the future. Does it mean you need to throw away all your products and only buy clean? No. What you can do as a consumer is find products that work for you and the environment – playing with new products is part of the fun anyway. Look at our Huestick Multisticks – you can create an entire look with only one product! You shouldn’t have to overhaul your lifestyle. Instead, you should feel proud and excited to make small changes that can have a big impact on you and the planet.”
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Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of premature skin ageing there is, so it’s vital to have good sunscreen products in your skincare line-up. But what if you’re trying to avoid traditional sunscreens that contain lots of nasty chemicals?
Thankfully, there are lots of new sunscreens that don’t use harsh chemicals and still offer great protection from the sun. Add that to their anti-ageing properties, loads of antioxidants, and fast-absorbing formulations as well as being organic, vegan, and reef-friendly (with recycled, reusable, or refillable packaging), and these everyday beach buddies are not only great for your skin, but also the environment. The Gaggler videographer Emma Brain tested three hot sunscreens to see which shone through as the best sun protection of the bunch.
Watch the Video: All Three Sunscreens Put to the Test
Ixora Ultimate Protection Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Need to Know:
Protects from harmful UV rays and contains concentrated amounts of Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, which is a natural SPF that’s also high in antioxidants, nourishing the skin as well as protecting it.
Ixora Ultimate Protection Sunscreen, PRP AED 199, available at ixoraworld.com
Soleil Toujours Mineral Sunscreen Glow (SPF 30)
Need to Know:
A mineral sunscreen that offers antioxidants, moisturising, nourishing, and anti-ageing properties, it offers UV protection whilst giving the skin a subtle glow. Light enough for everyday use.
Key Ingredients:
The EcoSunComplex contains red algae, vitamin C ester, vitamin E, and bisabolol. Also contains green tea leaf extract.
Soleil Toujours Mineral Sunscreen Glow Spf 30, PRP AED 176, available at mispalettable.com
SunKiss Unscented (SPF 30)
Need to Know:
Great for use on both the body and face, this mineral-based sunscreen with powerful antioxidants protects from DNA-damaging sun exposure. Good for all ages and skin types, and fragrance free.
Key Ingredients:
Shea Butter and Jojoba whipped together with Red Raspberry Seed Oil. Non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
Sunkiss Unscented Spf 30 Suncare, PRP AED 160, available at sunkissme.com
Want The Gaggler to review more products? Get in touch via our Instagram page, and let us know which products you want us to put to the test.
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Face masks have been around for thousands of years. Cleopatra was known to use Dead Sea mud, and some Egyptians even used crocodile dung masks that allegedly gave a youthful appearance (thank goodness those days are over). But do you really need to add face masks to your skincare routine?
Here’s the Lowdown
Face masks are not completely necessary and will not dramatically improve your skin overnight. However, they can be beneficial in many other ways. They don’t offer long-term benefits, but can certainly offer short-term benefits such as reducing inflammation, oiliness, breakouts, skin tightening, and hydration. I recommend incorporating them once a week to continue improving your skin health and texture. If you have an event to attend, they are great for prepping your skin for an amazing glow!
More importantly, taking time out for yourself to put on your favourite face mask improves your mood and can be great for your mental health. You are more likely to do something relaxing while putting on a face mask such as taking a bath, watching a movie, or taking a nap. Who can say no to some good old self-care?
Types of Masks
Sheet Masks
These masks are usually filled with hyaluronic acid, green tea, and aloe vera to give your skin an extra boost of hydration, calm, and soothe.
Clay Masks
Clay masks draw out impurities and usually contain kaolin, which is oil-absorbing and wound healing – great for oily/breakout-prone skin!
DIY Masks
Proceed with caution when doing DIY face masks. Avoid lemon juice and aspirin, and stick to more calming ingredients such as yoghurt and aloe vera as they are usually safe to use. Just be aware of any allergies you may have. If you like experimenting with at-home face masks, then definitely try this DIY mask!
I am a lover of multi-masking. My skin is dehydrated, oily, breakout-prone, and I have post-inflammatory skin pigmentation so I like to use two masks at once. You can even layer or sleep in some of these masks! Here are some of my favourites.
I love the consistency of this mask – it’s creamy rather than clay, so if you want something a little richer, this one is a great choice as it gives amazing results.
Benefits: Hydrates, soothes, replenishes, and detoxifies skin
Contains: Lactic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and tea tree leaf oil
Tip: This is a great multi-mask product. If you suffer from blackheads, I would recommend using this as a treatment in those areas and multi-mask with a different mask of your choice. This mask also contains lactic and mandelic acid, which are exfoliating ingredients known as AHAs, so I would avoid exfoliating beforehand as this could cause dryness/flakiness and irritation depending on your skin.
This mask is great because it’s not only a face mask, but it’s also great for us as a spot treatment. If you have a pimple, but don’t want to apply the entire mask, you can just put some on the area and leave it on. It is non-drying so, unlike some clay masks, it won’t leave your skin feeling dry afterward. Plus, it’s surprisingly hydrating.
Benefits: Balances excess oils, purifies the skin, soothes, and hydrates
Contains: Rose geranium, kaolin, rose damascena, and marshmallow
Tip: I would sleep in it when spot treating as it draws out the impurities and helps to reduce the size of the pimple and inflammation.
This is a quick and easy mask to use, and is perfect for dehydrated skin, which makes it great for travel, especially on or after a flight due to the dehydration your skin goes through while flying.
Benefits:
Replenishes hydration and prevents water loss
Provides antioxidant benefits
Calms and soothes
Contains: Aloe vera, green tea, and panthenol
Tip: Both the Medik8 and ZO sheet masks can be put in the fridge for a cooling and soothing effect. This is especially great for sunburn or post-professional laser, micro-needling, or peel treatments (make sure to check with your practitioner first, though).
The ‘clean look’ is taking the beauty world by storm, and it comes as no surprise – it’s the go-to for people who want to enhance their natural appearance. The best part? It takes almost no time to perfect. The Gaggler team has compiled this step-by-step guide to help you achieve your clean, natural makeup look.
Step 1: Start with the Skin
Clean makeup is all about the prep. Your pre-makeup application routine matters tremendously when it comes to creating the best canvas for your clean makeup look. Achieve this by building a simple skincare routine with products compatible with your skin type. First and foremost, search for the right cleanser. If you have particularly sensitive skin, opt for gentle cleansers free of potential irritants such as alcohol. For dry or combination skin, go for a hydrating cleanser that will keep you clean and fresh throughout the day.
Next, find a good moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and ready for makeup application (incidentally, we tested out three options you might like). Last but not least, do not forget to apply sunscreen! This skincare step not only protects your skin from sun damage, but also aids in improving the appearance of blemishes on the skin, giving you a flawless base for your makeup. For added plumpness and dewiness, you can add serums and active ingredients to the mix. Just make sure not to overdo it and research the proper combination that won’t cause unnecessary irritation.
Step 2: Create a Natural-Looking Base
The clean look might mean having to use fewer products than you are typically used to, but creating a natural and glowy base remains a priority in achieving this trendy aesthetic. Start by applying a luminous primer that will keep your skin looking more awake through the day. Then, apply just the right amount of concealer to areas that need a little more love – areas of hyperpigmentation and dark undereye circles. Make sure not to apply too much and take time to properly blend until you get rid of harsh lines.
The next part is using your favourite foundation. For this look, opt for a product with lighter coverage. Remember, the clean look heavily relies on looking as natural as possible, so avoid piling on too much product, starting with your base. The goal is simply to even out the tones and keep it fresh – think glass skin.
Step 3: Opt for Cream Products
There’s no rule that says you can’t make use of your powder products, but reaching for a cream or a gel-based alternative will help keep the skin looking illuminated. The simplest trick to finding the right blush shade is choosing one with the same undertone as your skin. Apply this product by lightly dotting it into the high points and the apples of your cheeks and then blending it out in an upward motion.
If you’re a first-timer in applying cream makeup, you might want to apply and spread the product on the back of your hand instead of directly applying it onto your face, so you can control the amount applied onto the skin before using a brush or a beauty sponge to blend. Top it off with a bronzer or a contour shade for that snatched, lifted look. Again, keep it minimal and blend, blend, blend.
Step 4: Plump Lips Are the Way to Go
Once you’re done with your complexion products, all that’s left is your lip makeup. For this look, apply your favourite moisturising lip balm to prime and hydrate the lips before applying other products. Choose a shade closest to the natural colour of your lips. Then, top it off with a high-shine gloss to add more glow to the overall look. If you want to keep the products to the very minimum, you can opt for a lip balm or lip oil with a slight tint to add colour to the lips with half the preparation time.
Step 5: Don’t Hesitate to Add Some Flair
If we’re talking makeup, the one rule you should know is that there really are no rules! While it’s important to keep the makeup looking as natural as possible, there’s no harm in taking it up a notch. If you want an upgraded look that reflects your style and personality, you can go for colourful eyeliner or add a quick swipe of your favourite shimmer eye shadow on the lids for extra drama.
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We all have moments when we don’t feel our best. Maybe you had a bad day at work or didn’t get the result you wanted. When these things happen, it’s easy to start focusing on our outer appearance and how it doesn’t measure up to your expectations. What if I tell you to consider this: instead of trying to change how you look on the outside, you can refocus your mindset by celebrating your inner beauty.
But how specifically can you channel your inner gorgeousness? Start by accepting compliments graciously. Instead of downplaying a compliment or shrugging it off, confidently smile and say, “Thank you!” This helps you see the positive things that others see in you and reinforces your self-worth.
Another way to increase self-confidence is by practising positive affirmations. These can be short statements like “I am beautiful” or “I am worthy”. Repeating these phrases to yourself daily can help train your brain to focus on the positive and ignore negative self-talk. Finally, don’t be afraid to show your inner beauty to the world! Do whatever makes you feel confident – the more you exude inner beauty, the more others will see it.
Inner beauty is about self-confidence and being empowered. It’s about knowing your worth and being proud of who you are! In a world where beauty is often defined by what’s on the outside, it’s refreshing to read quotes that celebrate the beauty of your inner self. Here, we’ve collected 40 of our favourite quotes to help you appreciate your unique beauty. Whether you’re dealing with insecurities or need a little boost of confidence, they will remind you that true beauty comes from within.
“Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes.” – Sophia Loren
“Adornment, what a science! Beauty, what a weapon! Modesty, what elegance!” – Coco Chanel
“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.” – Audrey Hepburn
“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” – Khalil Gibran
“To me, beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s about knowing and accepting who you are.” – Ellen DeGeneres
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
“Beauty is about enhancing what you have. Let yourself shine through.” – Janelle Monae
“No matter how plain a woman may be, if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will be beautiful.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you. The future will take care of itself.” – Paramahansa Yogananda
“A woman whose smile is open and whose expression is glad has a kind of beauty no matter what she wears.” – Anne Roiphe
“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.” – Audrey Hepburn
“What you do, the way you think makes you beautiful.” – Scott Westerfeld
“I’m convinced that inner beauty radiates from within, making someone even more attractive.” – Ellen DeGeneres
“Inner beauty should be the most important part of improving one’s self.” – Priscilla Presley
“I think the definition of beauty is somebody who’s comfortable in their own skin and celebrates that they’re unique and different.” – Drew Barrymore
“The real sin against life is to abuse and destroy beauty, even one’s own – even more, one’s own, for that has been put in our care, and we are responsible for its preservation.” – Katherine Anne Porter
“Outer beauty turns the head, but inner beauty turns the heart.” – Helen J. Russell
“Everything that is made beautiful and fair and lovely is made for the eye of one who sees.” – Rumi
“True beauty resides within a good heart, not in superficial things like hair, makeup, or clothes.” – Unknown
“Inner beauty, too, needs occasionally to be told it is beautiful.” – Robert Brault
“The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes because that is the doorway to her heart, the place in which love resides.” – Audrey Hepburn
“Beauty is not about having a pretty face. It is about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart, and most importantly a pretty soul.” – Unknown
“Beauty shouldn’t be about changing yourself to achieve an ideal or be more socially acceptable. Real beauty, the interesting, truly pleasing kind, is about honoring the beauty within you and without you. It’s about knowing that someone else’s definition of pretty has no hold over you.” – Golda Poretsky
“Beauty lies not in a flawless complexion but in the stories that are told by each transitioning line on a woman’s face.” – Alyscia Cunningham
“To me, beauty is natural beauty. If you’re naturally yourself, you’re beautiful.” – Young MA
“Natural beauty really entices men. They will tell you this time and time again, and studies consistently prove it.” – Helen Fisher
“To experience sublime natural beauty is to confront the total inadequacy of language to describe what you see. Words cannot convey the scale of a view that is so stunning it is felt.” – Eleanor Catton
“Beauty is not something you buy; instead, beauty is what lies within.” – Byron Pulsifer
“I love natural beauty, and I think it’s your best look, but I think makeup as an artist is so transformative.” – Marina and the Diamonds
“Being natural is incredibly empowering for women because it’s just who you are. You’re embracing all the beautiful things about you from your head to your toes. Because when you mask so much of your natural beauty, people don’t get to see that.” – Rozonda Thomas
“Beauty is the illumination of your soul.” – John O’Donohue
“Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates.” – Kate Angell
“A pure heart is superlatively rare and even more attractive.” – J. S. B. Morse
“Inner beauty, too, needs occasionally to be told it is beautiful.” – Robert Brault
“We see the beauty within and cannot say no.” – Dave Eggers
“True beauty is when someone radiates that they like themselves.” – Aimee Mullins
“Our hearts are drunk with a beauty our eyes could never see.” – George W. Russell
“Beauty lives with kindness.” – William Shakespeare
“Beauty is not something you buy; instead, beauty is what lies within.” – Byron Pulsifer
“Beauty is power; a smile is its sword.” – John Ray
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Looking for beauty products to add to your ever-evolving collection? Look no further. The UAE is home to several brands that offer a wide range of products to keep your hair, skin, and makeup in check this summer – and beyond. Here, we share our picks of the 10 best products by locally based brands.
KJ Serums Triology Fresh Vitamin C Serum
Kathryn Jones established her business following a longstanding career in the UK under the biopharmaceutical sector. With her thorough background and passion for skincare, she launched KJ Serums to bring effective products to the market using unique ingredients and special formulations. The Triology Day serum is packed with amazing ingredients such as pure L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, all proven to combat ageing, damage from UV rays, and hyperpigmentation.
Launched by makeup artist and award-winning beauty blogger Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty has cemented itself as one of the world’s most popular makeup brands today. Hailed as “a filter in a bottle”, the brand’s liquid foundation has become a staple in every makeup enthusiast’s kit. It offers 24-hour coverage, a luminous finish, and a fragrance-free formulation.
Specially formulated with UAE residents in mind, Shirley Conlon Organics produces luxury skincare products that perfectly adapt to heat and humidity. The brand’s signature Rose Hip Oil is a weightless blend of botanicals and antioxidants that promotes anti-ageing, reduces the appearance of scars, and repairs the skin from sun damage, effectively giving the skin a healthy natural glow.
Aiming to inspire makeup junkies with her unique approach to beauty, founder Nina Ubhi started her brand with the mission to create products that enhance natural features. Part of The Classic Collection, the false lashes in Poppy give the eyes a soft and natural look without weighing the lids down.
Professional makeup artist and founder Natasha Zaki launched Glossy Makeup in response to the market’s lack of beautiful, yet affordable beauty products. The Ombre Brush Collection is specifically designed to aid its users in creating a flawless makeup look. It’s also completely vegan and shed-free!
Rooted in founder Mouna Abassy’s Moroccan heritage, IZIL aims to showcase the beauty rituals perfected by Moroccan women for centuries through its bespoke products. The Nutritive Oil is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish dry and dull hair, keeping it soft and shiny throughout the day.
Founded by sisters Huda and Mona Kattan, Kayali fragrances are inspired by the rich culture and sophistication of the Middle East. The Citrus | 08 puts a twist on your typical fragrance, combining Italian bergamot, pink grapefruit, rose centifolia, musk, and oakmoss for its key notes. It’s the perfect scent for those who want to emulate casual elegance and youthful freshness.
Shiffa started when Dr. Lamees created the brand’s famous Pregnancy Body Oil out of personal necessity. Today, the brand takes pride in being the only luxury organic skincare brand established by a doctor expert in healing science. The Sweetness Body Polish gently exfoliates the skin, effectively giving it a soft and refined texture. On top of that, the luxurious oils infused in this body polish hydrate and nourish the skin for a healthy, youthful glow.
Brand founder and managing director Aly Rahimtoola launched the brand in hopes of providing the market with beauty products that make the skin look good and feel good. Formulated with 95% natural ingredients, the Himalayan Micellar Water provides the skin a thorough cleanse without stripping it of its natural oils and hydration. If you have sensitive skin, you might just want to check out this award-winning product.
Priya Judge and Gayatri Sagar have always been committed to providing “cruelty-free beauty with a purpose”. They firmly believe in using ingredients that promote natural beauty, and it is highly evident through their product releases. The Boss Babe Face Mist is a versatile addition to any skincare routine as it can even out skin texture and reduce skin irritation without the use of fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
If you’re like me, you may care deeply about what goes into and onto your body – especially if you think sustainability is important and want to improve your carbon footprint. If so, the idea of switching to clean beauty might seem like a no-brainer. However, it pays to do a little research before parting with your hard-earned cash.
The clean beauty movement has been gathering momentum for a while now, but there has been a lot of controversy regarding whether or not these beauty products are safe. Brands are switching from ‘toxic’ ingredients to more eco- and health-friendly options, and many of us have already begun the process of finding ‘cleaner’ products for our bodies and homes. But with its ever-growing popularity comes ever-growing criticism, so here, I’m going to delve into all things clean beauty. Read on and be more confident in your choices, make smarter purchases, and ultimately live a healthier lifestyle – with or without clean beauty.
So, What Is Clean Beauty?
Each brand has its own definition of what clean beauty means for them as there is no one agreed-upon definition. For example, here are two brands’ visions of what clean beauty is.
Clean Beauty Box says: “Clean Beauty is defined by products that are mindfully created and produced without any proven or suspected toxic ingredients. Clean Beauty products include ingredients ethically sourced and are made with the health of our bodies and the environment in mind.”
Goop claims: “Clean, for us, means that a product that is made without a long (and ever-evolving) list of ingredients linked to harmful health effects, which can range from hormone disruption and cancer to plain old skin irritation. To name a few of the offenders we avoid: parabens, phthalates, PEGs, ethanolamines, chemical sunscreens, synthetic fragrance, BHT, and BHA.”
The consensus is that clean beauty refers to products that are non-toxic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Contrary to what you might think, it does not necessarily mean the product has to be natural, organic, or green. The idea is that your product is rid of ingredients that are allegedly harmful to your health.
Clean and Dirty ingredients
If a product contains what clean beauty brands consider to be ‘toxic’ or harmful to human health, it’s classed as dirty, and each brand has a different dirty list. One example of a ‘dirty list’ includes:
Parabens
SLES, SLS, ALS
Petrolatum
Phenoxyethanol
Siloxanes
Synthetic Fragrance
Triclosan
Formaldehyde
Phthalates
According to Michelle Wong (a cosmetic chemist, beauty scientist, and ingredient myth debunker), there is no such thing as a clean or dirty ingredient – what truly matters is exposure. Exposure depends on how much of an ingredient you have in the product, how much you use, and how you use the product. She explains quite simply that “clean beauty is basically telling you to never drink water in case you drown”.
A lot of clean beauty brands may disagree with Michelle Wong. Brands like Goop or Clean Beauty Box have a great concept, much like other clean beauty brands. However, their marketing could scaremonger consumers and leave many of them worried about whether a product is ‘clean’ or not. A silver lining of this, though, is that consumers are now looking at ingredients and understanding how to be more eco-friendly.
My Take on Clean Beauty
Overall, clean beauty has a great concept and is paving the way for a more eco-friendly future for beauty. At the same time, there is little scientific evidence to support their ‘non-toxic’ claims, and thus I can’t say that I am truly on board with the movement.
My question to the clean beauty industry is, if such ingredients are considered ‘toxic’, then how are they legal? It’s not new for companies to start looking at what they are putting into their products, so why would such reputable companies – some with 30+ years of research and thousands of clinical trials – not consider the risk of the ingredients they use? Other things to keep in mind include that no toxicology reports have been done to support the evidence that clean beauty brands claim. Additionally, ‘clean beauty’ is not a regulated term and, as explained before, it has inconsistencies in its meaning.
It’s true that people want cleaner formulas and that there is a huge demand for them. So, if that is what you want from your product or if you already use clean beauty brands that you love, then continue to use what works for you! Just remember that nothing is guaranteed to be risk-free, so don’t be fearful of using your favourite products because they aren’t considered ‘clean’. The entire product doesn’t need to be labelled clean or dirty.
I do champion brands that help to fight climate change and, if clean beauty brands can commit, that’s great! However, beauty may not necessarily be the path you need to take to be greener. You can always go back to the basics and consume less, use refillable products, and buy brands that create change to contribute to a sustainable future.
What should you know before searching for the right product?
1. Educate yourself
Research product ingredients and consider science-backed evidence on whether that ingredient is good or not. If like me, you’re an ingredient buff, this website is your best friend! You can research any ingredient and it gives you an easy-to-read explanation. You can even type in your product and an ingredient, and it will tell you if your product contains ingredients you don’t want in there.
2. Everything is a chemical
All matter is chemical, so don’t fear the word!
3. Don’t be guilt-tripped
Don’t buy into clean beauty purely out of guilt as it is eco-friendly. Instead, look at what steps you can take to be more sustainable and choose products based on your needs – whether it’s a clean beauty brand or not.
My Beauty Brand Recommendation:
I use products that work for me and I don’t fear that my products aren’t ‘clean’ as I have done my research and trust the brands I use. However, if I had to choose a clean beauty brand, I would choose Versed.
Some of its pros include:
Simple packaging
Refill pouches
Budget-friendly
Biodegradable formulas
Plus, I love how its website offers a skincare quiz where, instead of searching blindly, you can be guided to the right products for you. Below, I recommend two other brands if you want to make a change and become more eco-friendly. And if you want even more suggestions, visit earth.org, which has published a list of the best sustainable beauty brands in the industry.
Lush
What I love about Lush is its fun, quirky packaging and vision to leave the world a lusher place. Some of the other pros include:
Fighting animal testing
Charitable donations and encouraging customers to support donations through sales of certain products
50% of products have zero packaging, this is what Lush considers to be ‘naked’
BYBI
I like that BYBI is very similar to Lush, is pro-planet, and wants to make a change as its ingredients don’t come at a cost to our planet. Other pros:
It considers the harvesting process, source location, transport, and packaging
It uses upcycled ingredients in over 50% of the products
The packaging comes with a free returns labels so you can return it to be sterilised and reused
It transports everything using electric vehicles
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Getting the best from your curls can be really difficult – from deciding whether or not to brush them to selecting the best products and figuring out to how to style them. It can get exhausting pretty quickly. If you’re like me and love your hair curly, but need a few tips on how to make them look better, read on!
1. Silk Is a Great Place To Start
Use a silk or satin pillowcase while you sleep, so if you toss and turn around, it won’t put stress on the hair cuticles. It’s also very good for your skin, so that’s an added bonus. While you sleep, you can also loosely put your hair in a silk scrunchie on top of your head as this will help prevent your hair from getting frizzy and protect the shape of your curls.
2. Get the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
Curly hairy has a tendency to be dry, so don’t overwash your hair as it washes out the natural oils that your curls need. Also, make sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo to protect your hair – and never think that you don’t need conditioner. Curls need moisture, so deep-condition your hair at least once a week. If you want to try something more natural, coconut oil can work really well as, unlike other oils, it penetrates deep into the hair shaft rather than sitting on the surface.
3. To Brush or Not To Brush
If you have both curly and frizzy hair, use leave-in products meant for curly hair, such as a curl-activating cream (or simply apply some argan oil). Only comb with a wide-tooth comb before you shower and run your hands through it when it’s wet. Be careful at this stage as hair is more prone to breakage when wet.
4. Start Twisting
When your hair is towel-dried after washing, apply a curl leave-in conditioner to each section and start twisting your hair in sections away from the face. Remember, don’t touch your hair and leave it to dry naturally. You can also use a diffuser to speed up the process. I recommend drying three-fourths of the hair on a cool setting, leaving the rest to dry naturally to avoid frizz.
5. Reactivate Your Curls After Washing
If you want to reactivate your curls on day two, I suggest using a water sprayer to gently spray the hair and scrunch your curls up again. As you already have curling product in your hair, the water should work well. I also recommend the Kérastase Curl Manifesto to boost your curls.
6. Get a Curl-Friendly Haircut
I’ve got curly hair, and it’s amazing how my hair can react to different haircuts – whether my hair is textured or not, long layers or shorter layers, long or short. It’s important to find a hairstylist who loves curly hair and understands how curls can react to find a look that complements you.
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