Raphael Stevens

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    in beauty and fashion

    I’m an Avid Target Shopper: Here Are The Clothing Pieces I Swear By

    If I were to ever consider my relationship with a particular store to be a love affair, it would be with Target (… duh). I swear, the serotonin boost I get from browsing the aisles—or scrolling target.com—is something unmatched by anything else. If I’m having a bad day, Target can make it better.Of course, my absolute favorite section of the store (closely rivaled by home decor) is clothing, shoes, and accessories. I pride myself on being able to find the best prices for trending fashion items, and a huge majority of my absolute favorite affordable clothing pieces are from Target. 
    Once I find something I love, I simply must have every. single. color. They’re just too good, and the price is unbeatable! I rely heavily on Target for all of my go-to basics, which you will see here. They also have tons of amazing dupes for high-ticket items, which I consider to be my specialty.
    Here are six Target clothing pieces I absolutely swear by:

    1. Quilted Jacket

    I let out an audible gasp when I first saw this jacket. I’ve been lusting after the $200 Free People quilted jacket for years now, so when I saw this very similar option for $35, I was more than excited. I immediately went to Target to buy it because I simply could not wait for it to be shipped to me. It comes in three colors: mauve (that’s the one I have), olive, and black, and all of them are equally cute. I love to style this with jeans and a mock-neck top, or with leggings and a hoodie for an athleisure look. It’s the perfect lightweight jacket for when you just need a little extra something.

    2. Plaid Pull-on Pants

    OK, listen up: if there is one thing you need from this article, it’s these pants. I (like most of the world, I’m sure) have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of pants for working from home. I want comfort and practicality, but I also want to look a little more put-together than if I were to just put on the same pair of joggers I’ve been wearing for three days in a row. Enter: the pull-on pant. When I wear them, I feel cute and chic and as though maybe, just maybe, life is a little bit normal. I only have one pair, but I need more ASAP—I have my eye on the pleated tan pair next. 

    3. Ribbed Tank

    I have a serious obsession with these tank tops. I wrote about them a few months ago, and I’m not kidding when I say they were by far my #1 most-worn item of summer. I also managed to get many of my coworkers (as well as friends and family) on the “Target tank top” train. So you’re probably like, Jess, it’s winter, why are we talking about summer tank tops? Well, that is because I have not stopped wearing them as temperatures have dropped into the 30s. My new favorite (and cold weather-approved) way to wear them is with joggers (for WFH) or jeans and a cardigan. For some reason, it makes me feel like I tried a little harder than if I were to just wear another plain sweater. If it helps you understand how much I love them, I’ll admit it: I own six of them.

    4. Ribbed Basic Tee

    Much like the ribbed tank, these basic tees have become a very important wardrobe staple of mine. I have them in black and “blush brown,” which are both awesome neutrals that go with everything. This is another perfect layering piece for winter—I like to pair one of these with a cardigan, a blazer or jacket, or even under a sweater for some extra warmth. The quality is seriously exceptional for a tee that is under $10, and I reach for them most out of all the basic tees I own (including my more expensive ones!).

    5. Long-Sleeve Ribbed Tee

    If you haven’t caught on by now, I’m a little bit obsessed with basics from Target’s brand A New Day. I really believe that the quality is unmatched for the price point. So, when I saw the winter version of my favorite ribbed summer basics, you know I had to jump on it. The material of these long-sleeve tees is so soft, comfortable, and most importantly, thick. So far I only own this one in cream, but if the tanks are an indication, I will own at least five more by the end of winter. Also, can we have a moment of appreciation for the color options?! This comes in seven colors, all of which are so cute for the winter months.

    6. Snakeskin Boots

    Last year, I splurged on Black Friday and treated myself to a pair of Dr. Martens platform Chelsea boots. I am obsessed with them, and they were well worth the money given how often I’ve worn them. Then, when I saw these snakeskin boots on Target’s website, I knew I needed to have them as a fresh take on my beloved Docs. These provide a little extra flair that my plain black ones do not, and I have gotten endless amounts of compliments on them. And if snakeskin isn’t your vibe, they also come in black—making for the perfect Dr. Martens dupe. More

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    in beauty and fashion

    The Kitchen Tool Instagram Can’t Stop Raving About Is On Sale This Weekend

    Chances are, if you’ve scrolled Instagram within the last few months (have you done much else?), you’ve seen someone raving about a new chic pan that not only can do the job of a ton of the tools in a kitchen, but also looks beautiful enough to sit out on the stove all the time—ideal for small spaces. Our Place’s Always Pan steams, sautés, cooks grains, simmers soups and sauces, fries, and more, all on a non-stick surface that cleans easily. According to our director of brand partnerships who uses her Always Pan for just about everything, the non-stick surface is the real deal. Because it’s such an all-in-one powerhouse, it can replace your fry pan, saucier, skillet, saucepan, non-stick pan, and more. No more using three or four pans just to get dinner on the table—you can do just about everything in this one pan. 

    Say goodbye to those old, not-so-great pans you bought affordably for your first apartment. The pan even comes with a basket that serves as a colander and steamer and has a a notch on the handle that’s designed to hold your utensil, keeping your counter clean while cooking. The pan comes in six different colors, each more gorgeous than the last, and colors can sell out, so if you’ve been waiting, now’s the time.

    Though it’s too late to get the pan in time for Christmas morning (in most colors, at least), the Always Pan would make a truly great gift for anyone in your life who enjoys cooking or has to work with space or storage issues—or a treat for yourself. If you’re looking for more kitchen-related Black Friday deals, Our Place is also featuring its dinnerware collections in various sizes.
    A pretty pan that cuts the number of cookware you actually need down to a fraction of what you’d think it’d be? Sign us up. More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The Burj Khalifa will say goodbye to 2020 with a huge fireworks show

    If there’s one thing that this New Year marks for many, it’s a reset button after the challenging year that has been 2020.
    It’s been announced that the fireworks and laser show at the Burj Khalifa will take place on December 31, starting at 8.30pm, with the New Year countdown beginning at 11.58pm.

    In line with safety precautions, thermal cameras will be present, social distancing measures will also be in place for those attending in person and regular disinfection and cleaning will take place. In particular, for families attending, Burj Park will be a dedicated space for them with screens, food and beverage stands and more to see in the New Year.
    However, the whole spectacle will also be live-streamed for those staying home.

    Of course, surrounding venues with Burj Khalifa views will also be open for punters to view the fireworks.
    In a year that’s been difficult, Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, the owner of the tallest building in the world, explain that this year’s spectacle aims to send a message of “hope, happiness and positivity”.
    “We want to send a message of hope, happiness and positivity into the world because that is the spirit of Dubai that we have learned from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who continues to inspire what we do with his extraordinary leadership,” he said.
    “Here we reinvent ourselves, achieve the impossible and execute the unimaginable, and we are doing that again with Emaar NYE 2021.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

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    in beauty and fashion

    The Complete Gift Guide for Beauty Lovers

    If your family knows you love beauty products, they’ve probably tried to gift it to you in the past. And while some end up being great (my aunt, God bless her soul, got me a giant set of Estee Lauder once, and while I used very little of the makeup, the skincare ended up being quite luxe and divine as a 20-year-old), they’re often rife with products we won’t use. Oh, she likes makeup? Buy her an eyeshadow palette—and make sure it’s all very light neutral browns she can wear to work, because she certainly doesn’t have five other palettes of neutral browns at home! Skincare lover? Fridge that won’t fit anywhere in her tiny apartment bathroom it is! And of course, they’re buying you yet another hair tool that will sit in the back of your drawer for eons. Don’t get me wrong, I stand by that any gift is a great gift, especially one as thoughtful as makeup or haircare for someone you know loves those things. But we’re in the business of giving the best gifts this year to show your friends and family a little extra love this holiday season, and I’ll be damned if I don’t show you just how many amazing beauty gifts exist out there. Just because your BFF, mom, brother, aunt, cousin-twice-removed, coworker, Secret Santa, or any other loved one loves beauty doesn’t mean they’re in for a lame gift. We found all the best gift sets, new items, unique products, and splurges they’ll be beyond excited to open and will actually use for years to come. And if you’re a beauty-lover, well then your wishlist just got a lot longer.

    Rae Wellness
    Hydration Drops

    A little extra hydration never hurt anyone, especially in the dead of winter. Instead of another cream or lotion, these actually improve your skin from the inside, making this a no-brainer gift for the skincare-loving people in your life.

    Baby Tress at Nordstrom
    3-in-1 Edge Styler™ Tool

    Not only is this three-in-one edge styler effective, but it’s a great addition to a bigger gift, a hair product, or a stocking stuffer. Available in six pretty colors, whoever you buy this for will love it.

    Joanna Vargas
    Glow From Within

    This book single-handedly got me to finally follow a skincare routine, but even as someone who knew a lot about beauty going in, I learned so much from Joanna’s expertise. She’s been a celebrity aesthetician for years and is known for treating the skin of some seriously A-List stars like Greta Gerwig, Julianne Moore, Jake Gyllenhaal, and more. Consider this a solid gift for the beauty amateurs and seasoned professionals alike.

    LaPierre Cosmetics
    Nail Lacquer

    We’ve done it: the perfect red nail polish for the season. You’ll never wonder which color to paint your nails again.

    Super Absorbent Hair Turban

    Gift extra healthy hair this season with this microfibre hair turban. Your hair is extra gentle when it’s wet, so it’s important to use a soft, microfibre to keep the moisture in rather than your typical bath towel. Plus, the microfibre pulls out the water faster, so your hair dries in a cinch.

    Alchemy Body Shop
    Halo Whipped Body Scrub

    This salt scrub is extra nourishing and moisturizing because it contains coconut oil and shea butter. Any beauty-lover knows the importance of sloughing off the dead skin, especially in the winter, and this scrub does that without drying your skin out.

    Rosen Skincare
    Tingling Mud Mask

    Skincare can be hard to gift (everyone’s skin is SO different), but you can almost never go wrong with some sort of mask. Everyone loves to lay on the couch sipping hot cocoa and watching Christmas movies with a face mask on; it’s simply bliss. This one from Rosen is perfect for those with acne-prone and oily skin; try this one if you’re loved one has dry skin.

    Ultra Soft Microfiber Hair Drying Scrunchies

    This immediately made its way to my personal wishlist. I love my hair turban so much, but sometimes, I just want something to put my hair up into a bun while it’s wet, and this sounds like the perfect solution to that problem. If you have long or thick to coily hair, this won’t dry your strands completely, but it’s a good addition to your stash. And for my fellow thin-to-medium hair types, frizz has met its match.

    Tower 28 Beauty
    ShineOn Milky Lip Jelly Gloss

    Since this released, I’ve seen it regarded as *the* best lip gloss on the market. Lip gloss has had its resurgence in 2020, with brands launching new iterations of our once least-favorite makeup product left and right. However, these are created without all the stuff we used to hate. They’re hydrating and comfortable with just enough stickiness to last for a long time on the lips. Plus, these shades are to die for—they’re the perfect milky neutrals for any skin tone.

    Royal Tonique – Jasmine Hydrating Mist

    A gorgeous skincare mist that will look as good on your vanity as it does on your skin is a no-brainer gift for moms and BFFs everywhere. This one from Indian skincare and beauty line, Ranavat, contains antioxidants to protect skin against environmental aggressors while hydrating and plumping the skin. Pair this with the T-Bar above, and you’ve got the ideal under-$50 Secret Santa gift.

    Weezie Towels
    Monogrammed Makeup Towel

    Kiss makeup wipes and removers goodbye, and say hello to these monogrammed makeup towels instead! Sick of ruining all of your hand towels washing off the day’s makeup, dirt, and oil from your face? These towels, in a genius dark color, are soft and plush on your face and hands. They’re the perfect gift for a makeup lover—show them how much you respect both their makeup skills and their crisp, white towels with these. They’re literally begging you to stain them!

    Red Lipstick Trio

    It’s red lipstick season, and what better way to celebrate than this trio specifically for medium-to-dark/deep skin tones? Not every red is created equal, but this trio varies in depth and undertone to help the recipient create their perfect look over and over again.

    Out of Trouble™ 10 Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin

    This face mask is so good, it goes in and out of stock on Sephora constantly. This 10-minute mask is ideal for treating dull, stressed out skin, which everyone is bound to deal with every once in a while. Snag it while it’s available!

    Small Slipsilk™ Scrunchies

    These Slip scrunchies have made it on practically every beauty-lovers’ wishlist at one time or another because they’re a bit of a splurge but a total necessity once you try them. Snags, breakage, and kinks will be a thing of the past when you finally have these on your vanity. These are also available in a set of three for under $25, so they’re an easy add-on item to any gift. Pro tip: buy a pack and divide them up between various gifts!

    Charlotte Tilbury
    Mini Iconic Matte Revolution Lipstick Trio

    Charlotte Tilbury is a given in any beauty-lover’s collection, so if you’re really stuck on what to get someone, you cannot go wrong with this lipstick set, filled with three of Charlotte’s most iconic shades for under $30.

    Sunday Riley
    Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence

    When this launched a few months ago, stores couldn’t keep it on the shelves—but the hype is so real. This essence balances, firms, and resurfaces the skin without drying your skin out, using peptides, chlorella, kelp, fermented honey, and EGCG, an antioxidant from green tea. It’s a spray essence as well, so it’s great for keeping in your makeup bag and misting whenever you feel blah. Our team loves Sunday Riley, and this launch is no exception.

    Pamper Variety Sheet Mask Gift Set

    Y’all, this set contains 10 (!!!) different sheet masks, plus two exfoliators, for the price you sometimes cant even find for one mask. These LAPCOS masks are filled with nourishing ingredients that make your skin extra glowy every time. Im a huge fan of their hand mask as well—its essential for keeping my hands soft after tons of washing and sanitizing!

    Equilibria
    Daily Treatment Oil

    Not only does this treatment oil look super luxe, it’s filled with full-spectrum CBD, squalane oil, evening primrose oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and more nourishing oils. I use this after moisturizer in my nighttime skincare routine when my skin is broken out to calm down inflammation and redness, and it works flawlessly; but the list of uses is endless. I’ve tried a lot of facial oils on the market, and this one has quickly made it to the tippy-top of my favorites.
    Use code code theeverygirl for 20% off your first order!

    Sonic Toothbrush

    A toothbrush might not seem like your ordinary beauty-lovers’ gift, but this isn’t your ordinary toothbrush either. This sonic toothbrush is made of charcoal bristles to promote whiter teeth without all those sensitizing strips and toothpastes. Plus, its bristles are gentler than other toothbrushes (no bleeding gums!), it vibrates to tell you to move to another area of the mouth, and it automatically shuts off after two minutes. Oh, and it comes in three colors. It’s basically the smartphone of toothbrushes.

    Serums Trio

    If you want something a little more than just a serum (although we highly suggest Glow Maker on its own!), grab this set of Maelove’s three serums for calming, hydrating, and brightening.

    Polished Perfection Thermal Straightening Brush 2.0

    Blow-dry brushes aren’t a new concept, but they’re essential in the toolkit of a busy person who still wants to look put-together (i.e. pretty much everyone you know). This straightening brush makes straightening your hair a breeze and eliminates some of the breakage and damage you would get from a traditional flat iron. Plus, it’s under $100? Who couldn’t name at least five people in their life who’d love this?

    Vanity Planet
    Aira Ionic Facial Steamer

    At-home spa days have only just begun, and this facial steamer is a great addition to a skincare routine someone might not have thought of yet. Steam is a great tool to help you relax and soften the skin, making extractions, peels, and masks even more effective on the surface of your skin. Tip: add your favorite essential oil for an ultra-relaxing spa experience at home!

    Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Essentials Set

    Sets can be a tricky thing to purchase. But when you find a mind-blowing one like this, you want to shout it from the rooftops. This contains a full-size of our editor-favorite Benefiance eye cream (it’s super hydrating and plumping while preventing wrinkles), which already makes it worth the $70 price tag. So, you’re essentially getting all of these extras for free! The Benefiance eye patches are another TEG editor favorite, and the day cream and concentrate for perfect for addressing dryness this winter. This is the ideal skincare set that’s on my personal wishlist!

    Grande Cosmetics
    Goldie Luxe Lash and Brow Serum Set

    Another set that’s totally worth the money, if you’ve had your eye on GrandeLash (the eyelash serum our editors swear by for long, thick lashes), go for this set. You get your money’s worth with the full-size lash serum, making the travel-size lash and brow serums a bonus.

    Honey Infused Hair Oil

    Gisou is *the* social media brand of 2020, so you’ve probably seen its gorgeous branding all over Instagram already. This luxe hair oil is up there in price, but the 590 five-star reviews on Sephora all say it’s totally worth it. For a glamorous gift, opt for this.

    Olaplex Restore & Protect Set

    It’s no secret were huge Olaplex fans here. If you color your hair in any capacity, Olaplex is essential for keeping your hair healthy and strong. The Bond Smoother is my favorite product from the line (it’s the best leave-in treatment I’ve ever tried and lasts forever), but we also can’t forget the tried-and-true No. 3 Hair Perfector: the ultimate pre-shower treatment to lock in moisture and actually rebuild your hair from the inside out. And if you’re trying both, you might as well try the set, which includes a travel-size conditioner and both the shampoo and conditioner in mini sizes to try.

    Mini Facial Toning Device

    You’ve heard us rave about the NuFACE countless times over the last year, and there was never a better time to get it than now. Beauty gadgets don’t always feel like something you can easily purchase yourself, especially when they’re a splurge. This makes it an ideal gift that someone won’t see coming but will be thanking you for endlessly. Need one more reminder about what the NuFace is? It’s a microcurrent facial toning device that emits electricity into the face (wild, right?) to help with evening skin tone, promoting collagen production, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, and my favorite: contouring the face. This is the #1 beauty product I’ve added to my life this year, and trust me: I’ve tried A LOT.

    Beauty Sleep Pillow and Eye Mask Collection Gift Set

    In the same vein as the Slip hair ties, their pillowcase and eye mask set are a beauty-lovers’ dream. I was a naysayer for a while, but after trying the pillowcase recently, I’m officially a believer. It has noticeably impacted the health of my hair, and it’s pretty comfortable to sleep on too! If you do your hair at night, this is a must because it hold your style even while you’re tossing and turning. This is the splurge-y gift you cannot go wrong with—I don’t know a single person who wouldn’t swoon seeing this under their Christmas tree. More

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    How I’m Changing My Hair Care Routine for Winter

    The weather we’re experiencing in November 2020 can be described as nothing other than a catfish. Although it looks sunny and beautiful outside some days, it’s full of deceit, because I’m freezing my butt off even though it looks like another gorgeous fall day. Winter hit us pretty quick, with temperatures falling below the 30s right away and other days looking reminiscent of the weather we expect to experience in September.The worst part of all is that although I can’t live in the cheery holiday joy of streets lined with snow, the effects of winter are already hitting my skin and hair pretty hard. As the seasons change, we all have a pretty good handle on how our lives need to shift in order to keep up with the ways in which our bodies and mind shift for the new weather: we pile on moisturizer day and night, we wake up earlier to get a little bit more time with the sun, and we fill our days with blissful cozy blankets and scarves and slippers to feel at peace right at home. But my hairdresser would be remiss if I didn’t bring up all that I’ve done to keep my hair in tip-top shape this winter too. 
    Especially as we’ll be likely heading into more time spent at home again and fewer opportunities to see a stylist, our haircare routines will need to reflect that. I’ve focused on growing longer, stronger, healthier hair in the last year, and I won’t dare let a little cold weather come between me and a good hair day anytime soon. Here’s how I’m tackling winter’s biggest hair woes and what changes I’m making for winter. 

    1. Using less dry shampoo
    In my last hair appointment, my stylist practically scolded me (in the best way) for overusing dry shampoo. My scalp is already irritated and flaky in the winter, and she explained that dry shampoo is one of the biggest aggravators of an irritated scalp. Of course, we don’t have to give up our beloved hair savior entirely, but using it a little less is recommended. I won’t be going out and about as often, and it’s easy to pull my greasy hair back in a clip or under a hat on Zoom calls when I don’t feel like washing.

    2. Swapping for a silk pillowcase
    I didn’t believe these worked until I finally tried one, and I am actually noticing a difference in my hair. I am a really hard sleeper, tossing and turning practically all night, rubbing the poor crown of my head into a pillowcase for hours on end. The back of my head is super prone to breakage for this reason, and it’s taken me about the last year to finally grow that part of my hair out. I only recently added a silk pillowcase, but I’ve already noticed it’s made a huge difference. If I do my hair the night before, my style stays, and I wake up with bedhead that is ever-so-slightly less abrasive. 

    3. Increasing deep conditioning treatments
    I have fine, thin hair that typically needs cleansing way more than it needs moisture, but in the dryness of winter, I like to up my conditioning treatments to make up for any of the hydration loss I experience on my ends. Instead of only once a week, I use my deep conditioner more like two or three times (which sometimes is the same amount I wash my hair!). If I notice my hair feels a little weighed down, I’ll skip it and opt for my daily conditioner the next time, but overall, it’s made my hair extra soft and silky. 

    Elizavecca
    CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment

    This doesnt look like much, but it is the best hair mask I have ever tried in my life. I would hand over every other product in my shower if I had to choose to keep just one. It. is. life-changing.

    4. Opting for clips instead of hair ties
    My hairdresser (hi Krystal, ilysm) recently posted about the havoc putting your hair up in a bun all the time can do on your hair. I have extra fine hair too, which makes it even harder to keep my hair from breaking off all the time. Since winter started, I’ve been noticing a lot more dryness in my hair, so to prevent any damage of breakage in my hair, I’m opting for claw clips instead of hair ties to keep my hair as loose as possible and avoid pulling it back too much. And when I do use a hair tie, I’m choosing materials that are really soft on the hair like silk and microfiber. 

    Source: @olaplex

    5. Mixing a hair oil with my conditioner
    To make my daily conditioner even more effective, I’ve been adding a drop of hair oil. For starters, it makes the styling process so much easier, as my hair already has a bit of a leave-in product in it. But it also makes my daily conditioner just a bit more moisturizing and nourishing for my hair without needing to add another step into my routine. 
    It also prevents the wretched static I experience when my hair goes under a turtleneck or coat, which might even make it the #1 reason why I love this trick.

    6. Add a multivitamin
    Adding a hair vitamin into my supplement routine is much newer to my routine, but I’m excited to see how it impacts the health of my hair throughout the next few months. Simply put, when you’re healthy on the inside, your scalp and hair are healthy; we all know that. In the winter, especially around the holidays, I often get too busy or bogged down and focus on my health much less than normal, so taking a few vitamins like vitamin D, a pre and probiotic, evening primrose oil (to balance hormones—it’s been so helpful for my endometriosis!), and iron might help to preemptively make up for any times I slip up and order Postmates one too many nights in a row. Make sure to always consult your doctor before adding in any new vitamins or supplements to your healthcare regimen; you don’t want to waste your money on a supplement you might not need, hence proving the “expensive pee” notion once again. 

    7. Exfoliating my scalp once a week
    While moisturizing your scalp and hair is definitely part of getting rid of flakes and itchiness, doing a good scalp exfoliation once a week is going to help the issue ten-fold. My hairdresser actually recommends I don’t exfoliate my scalp too often because I’m prone to irritation, but in the winter, it’s OK to increase a little bit to make up for the various issues my hair is dealing with at once (my scalp isn’t a lovely place this time of year TBH). I use both a scalp scrubber (one of the best inventions on Earth) and a physical exfoliant like a scalp scrub. I’ll do a little massage while I work this into my scalp, and it’s honestly self-care to the max. Tip: when I don’t have an exfoliator on hand or want to customize the granules in my scrub, I mix a little bit of baking soda (as much as I want—some days I want to feel my scalp tingle, and others I only want a light wisp of a scrub) with my shampoo. 

     
    8. Adding a dandruff shampoo once a week 
    My hair gets both flaky from dryness and causes some dandruff here and there in the wintertime. When my scalp is dry, it’s mostly just dry patches flaking off, and I’ll combat that with a scalp oil and a massage. However, when my scalp is suffering with dandruff, my scalp is inflamed, oily, and red. When this happens, the only way to find relief is sucking it up and opting for a dandruff shampoo once or twice a week. I always make sure I give myself a little massage with it too to really get it in there and remove any flakes while treating the scalp. 

    Source: @tyra_brielle for @revolvebeauty

    9. Swapping my shampoo for something gentle
    Just in the same way you probably swapped for an oil or milky facial cleanser for the winter, you’ll want to do the same for your hair. Say goodbye to those drying volume shampoos and clarifying shampoos for a little bit just to add some extra moisture into your hair if you’re dealing with dryness. 
    And when I feel like there’s a lot of buildup on my scalp, instead of reaching for a really harsh, drying shampoo, I opt for the oil-cleansing method instead. It keeps the moisture on my scalp balanced while cleaning my scalp and hair thoroughly.

    10. Doing an oil or aloe massage before every shampoo 
    This is perhaps overkill, and there will be days that I don’t have time, but if I can, I’ve been using aloe gel to massage into my scalp every night before I know I’ll be washing my hair the next day and sleeping in it. This has made a huge difference in my hair, especially because the aloe is so calming on the scalp. If your scalp is really dry, you could also use an oil to add some extra moisture, and since you’ll leave it on overnight, it will really absorb.

    11. Use extra leave-in products to combat frizz
    If you deal with tons of frizz in the winter (one of the most common winter hair problems), a really easy way to reduce it is using even more leave-in products, especially leave-in conditioner. Don’t overload your hair with product, but use just enough to keep your style intact and add enough grit to your hair to keep it from puffing up. A good leave-in conditioner should keep your hair smooth and shiny all day.

    Source: @t3micro

    12. Reduce my blow-drying time
    My hair is already taking a beating from the weather, I might as well do it some good by limiting my heat-styling. Blow drying can absolutely kill the hair if you do it too much, but I also hate leaving the house with wet hair—see Grandma, I listened all those years! I’m getting the best of both worlds by using products to reduce the time I have to spend blow drying, like mists and creams that help your hair dry on its own. I also use a microfiber hair towel as soon as I get out of the shower which rings out a lot of the excess water and helps my hair to start drying as much as possible before I put heat on it. Less time with the blow dryer = less damage = happy hair.  More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr 2021 have been predicted by a UAE expert

    It seems like just a minute ago we were confirming the dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr 2020, but as this year draws to a close we’re getting ready to mark the ninth month of the Islamic calendar again in 2021.

    A UAE-based expert astronomer has now predicted the dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr 2021, believing the first day of Ramadan will fall in mid-April.
    Per Gulf News, Ebrahim Al Jarwan, a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences and the head of Sharjah Planetarium, predicted the “new crescent moon for Ramadan will form on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 6.31 am”.
    “We will be able to see the crescent moon the next day, although with some difficulty, on the evening of April 13, which signifies the start of Ramadan,” he told the news outlet.
    Of course, these are just predicted dates right now and we won’t know the official dates until they are determined by UAE authorities closer to the time.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Photo by Mohamad from Pexels More

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    The Highest Flyer – Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum

    November’s – ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’ – Download Now
    Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum is has risen to great heights in the aviation industry. We ask what it takes to lead and inspire the new generation of incredible women.
    “The only way out it’s through, and that’s how you build resilience.”
    What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine?
    I am a very active person by nature and while I would not claim to be part of the 5am club, I do wake up early and I like to have time to gather my thoughts for the day ahead, as work can be very demanding. If I can, I try to spend some time with the horses, riding before work or doing a quick workout, all with a generous amount of coffee.
    You have achieved so much- what re you most proud of?

    I’m most proud of becoming the first Emirati woman to join the Dubai Police as a helicopter Pilot. Serving my country by doing what I love doing most is simply the best feeling, and I am deeply grateful for it.
    Describe the feeling of piloting your own aircraft in three words?
    Freedom, adrenaline and peace of mind.

    What has been the biggest hurdle you have come up against and how do you approach overcoming such challenges?
    The biggest hurdle for me has been starting to pursue my dream at such a young age. It meant being surrounded constantly by people with more experience and more confidence than me and always being under constant pressure to not only measure up to them but also exceed and be the best I could be, consistently. I tackled it then the way I approach everything: Head on and with full force. The only way out it’s through, and that’s how you build resilience.
    Do you have any mentors or guides and how does this help navigate the right path?
    When you are a pioneer in something, you are literally carving the path for someone else so I could not have had better inspiration and mentorship than following the guidance that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has provided for all of us Emiratis. He is constantly carving new paths for us. I am also deeply grateful to the support that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has given me, opening doors and endorsing my choices to be a pilot under his blessing. They provided me with all the confidence I needed to succeed.
    We believe when women support other women, magic happens. Have you been on the receiving end of such support and how do you hope to further share this?
    I don’t need to look far away to tell you this: my mother and my grandmother have been the most supportive women around me from the start. I was lucky because my strongest role models come from my family. I remember on my very first flight when my mom was one of the passengers cheering me together with her friends while my grandmother was supporting from her heart from home. I can only hope to be as good as them with my own children one day, but until then I give back through my commitment to Shehana, the organization I established to open the doors of aviation to women from any background and profession. I hope to ignite for them the same passion that has led me to my achievements and to create a fairer participation of women to an industry that has so much to offer.

    Which Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration?
    @hhshkmohd and @faz3
    Do you have any evening rituals that help you maintain a sense of balance?
    There is nothing I love more after a stressful, busy workday, then to ground myself (literally) by reconnecting with nature. I try to spend as much time as possible with my horses, riding at sunset or just relaxing in their presence. They are such majestic, sensitive creatures and are able to infuse a sense of calm just by proximity. Otherwise I prefer to out at sea, as water is just as peaceful and calming. Nothing brings more balance than the natural elements and I love spending as much time as possible in nature.
    What advice would you give to your younger self?
    “Keep doing what you are doing little girl, and one day you will be flying up in the sky.”
    If you had not followed a career in aviation, which other role would you choose career-wise?
    Aviation has been a true calling for me, so I have not entertained any other possibility yet.
    Who have been the most powerful female role models in your life and why do you admire them?
    Aside from my mother and grandmother, whose unconditional love has being a guiding compass and support in my journey, I am incredibly grateful for women such as Sheikha Fatma Bint Moubarak and Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed for giving me the opportunity to share my story and my achievements on the stage of the Dubai Women’s Forum this past February. I had not appreciated the power of storytelling until I saw the reaction of the public when I walked on the stage in my uniform full of pride for my country.
    This is ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’. Which piece of jewellery that you own is most special to you and why?
    It is actually not just one but a series of pendants that over the years my grandmother has designed and created especially for me. They are constant reminders of the generational love that links us together.
    [embedded content]
    Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Ziga MihelcicHair: Ania Poniatowska at MMG ArtistsProduction: Kelli MaddockFashion Assistant: Sarah JosephVideographer: Steve Erana
    All jewellery by Boucheron.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Emirates Woman More