Raphael Stevens

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  • 213 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    If you’re a huge Emily in Paris fan this new Dubai ladies night is just for you

    Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last month, you’ll have heard about the new Netflix series Emily in Paris. The good, the bad and everything inbetween.

    While it may have divided some opinions, we must admit the show was a guilty pleasure for the EW editors to binge-watch.
    Now, amidst the excitement of the show, Dubai is getting its very own slice of the Emily in Paris pie with a new ladies’ night themed after the show.
    Say hello to ‘Emily in Dubai’ which is launching at Marina Social.
    Every Tuesday from 6pm, ladies will be able to get together for a full Emily in Paris extravagant complete with a pop-up flower shop, art installations and stylists on hands to offer some fashion advice.
    For Dhs250 ladies will be treated to a three-course menu, taking inspiration from the hit Netflix show, along with two hours of free-flowing drinks.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Netflix More

  • 138 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    Get fit in the company of the best views of Dubai

    Getting up early in the morning to work out can be difficult at the best of times, but what if we told you you could do it in the company of some of the best views of Dubai.
    A new limited-edition full-body workout class has just launched on the 54th floor terrace of the Address Sky View hotel, which is right next to Ce La Vi.

    The new class will be run by Storm Cycling and will showcase the epic Dubai skyline right at sunrise.
    Starting at 6am, the class will last for 45 minutes, but don’t worry the Storm instructors will ensure plenty of exercises will be fitted into a short space of time.

    Coinciding with the last week of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, this one-off class will take place this Friday, November 20.
    Discussing the sky-high workout class, Ivana Bruic, co-founder and lead instructor at Storm explained that the fitness group was “all about elevating people’s potential from a mind and body perspective”.
    “For the Dubai Fitness Challenge, we wanted to do something out of the ordinary, making this complimentary sunrise ride at the Address Sky View the perfect opportunity to take the STORM experience to a new dimension,” she added.
    To book, call 04 255 2221 by November 18th. The first 10 callers to phone in on will secure their spot.
    The DFC is an annual event which was launched in 2014 and is spearheaded by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
    As part of the challenge, His Highness invited as many people as possible to take part in the Dubai Ride where the entire stretch of Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai will be converted to a cycling track on Friday.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • 88 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    The Everygirl’s 2020 Budget-Friendly Holiday Gift Guide

    The magic of the holiday season has been known to transcend time and space. Feeling off in May? Watch a Christmas movie. To us, The Holiday is a classic all year round. Having a bad day? Listen to Michael Buble’s Christmas album on repeat. You can feel the joy and spirit of the holidays regardless of whether there’s snow on the ground or what your tree looks like. It’s a feeling rather than a time or season. If there was anything we needed to close out 2020, it’s the proof that even after an absolute dumpster fire of a year, the holidays are still as joyful and full as ever, and finding your loved ones the perfect gift to show that you’re caring and thinking about them right now is at the top of our to-do lists. This isn’t to say holiday shopping is going to be any easier this year. We all have indecisive dads (seriously, what the heck do you want, Dad?), picky BFFs, new mom friends, and those dreaded people who seem to already have everything. Plus, with potential shipping delays, less in-store shopping, and an amazing push to support many small and Black-owned businesses this year, the holiday shopping experience might take a little more thought than picking up a few go-to gift cards. So of course, we took extra care when creating our annual budget-friendly holiday gift guide to include only the best-of-the-best. We found the perfect gifts for every single person on your list (perhaps including yourself!) so you can rest easy and enjoy the holiday season with one less 2020 worry on your plate. Most of this list is under $100, and for every splurge, we found an inexpensive alternative or similar item. Pop on some holiday tunes, grab your favorite throw blanket, and switch on your twinkly lights—we’re holiday shopping!

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    Gifts for HOLIDAY CHEER

    1. A Legendary Christmas on vinyl, John Legend2. printed tea towel, Rifle Paper Co.3. plaid button-down PJ top & plaid joggers, Abercrombie 4. french tart baking kit, Cooking Gift Set Co.*5. plaid monogram mug, Pottery Barn6. longwear lip color, Fenty7. faux garland, Hearth & Hand8. merry and bright candle, Tokki9. festive throw pillow, Target10. wreath, Target11. custom pet ornament, Ape Town Animals via Etsy12. marble stocking hangers, Bed Bath & Beyond13. plaid scarf, Mark & Graham14. holiday variety 4-pack chocolate bars, Lily’s Sweets15. custom tree topper, The Letter Loft UK via Etsy

    *Save 15% on all kits at Cooking Gift Set Co. with the code everygirlcooks15

    Gifts for the MINIMALIST

    1. serum set, DIME Beauty*2. edge wine glass, Crate & Barrel3. skin-softening body glow oil, Sol de Janeiro4. cut glass ring dish, Waterford | crystal ring holder, Vera Wang by Wedgwood (budget)5. mini rattan lamp, Simply SUEL via Etsy6. tortoise comb, Violet Grey7. hand pomade, Le Labo8. custom initial necklace, Grace Personalized via Etsy9. washable silk set, Lunya | satin pajamas, Nordstrom (budget) 10. jazz club travel spray, Replica11. maple coaster set, Louise Gray12. calming candle, Follain*13. ruffled marble bowl, Terrain14. Made for Living, Amber Lewis15. handmade porcelain mug, Franca16. the always pan, Our Place 

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    Gifts for the HOMEBODY

    1. shower wine holder, SipCaddy2. meal delivery gift card, Blue Apron3. What Kind of Woman, Kate Baer4. cozy zip-up, Talbots5. candle accessory kit, Amazon6. honey hair mask, Gisou7. bed desk tray, Target8. pink disco candle, Carlyle Avenue*9. metallic nail polish, Cirque10. pom throw blanket, Pottery Barn11. cbd bath bombs, Equilibria*12. popcorn seasoning kit, Williams Sonoma13. gift card, The Everygirl Online Courses14. glass water bottle, Porter15. popcorn maker, Dash

    *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl
    *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

    Gifts for the TRAVELER

    1. The Essential Travel Set, Dermstore2. to-go hand sanitizer, Touchland3. wireless battery case, Apple | portable charging bank, Amazon (budget) 4. leopard mask, VIDA5. weekender bag, Cuyana | renew weekender, Everlane (budget) 6. headphone splitter,  Airfly7. collapsible mug, Stojo8. hard shell travel case, Calpak9. mini dry shampoo set, Living Proof 10. bluetooth remote shutter for phone, Amazon11. de-puff under eye patches, Peace Out12. jetset case, Truffle13. neck pillow & eye mask set, Calpak14. bucket list travel experience, Tinggly15. extra-long cord, Amazon16. sonic toothbrush, BURST Oral Care17. packing cube set, Beis

    Gifts for the WELLNESS GURU

    1. silk pillowcase, Moonlit Skincare2. adaptogenic elixirs, Wylde One3. running jacket, Sweaty Betty4. bum bum body scrub, Sol de Janeiro5. cbd roller ball duo, Equilibria* 6. mini air fryer, Dash7. omega-3 capsules, HUM Nutrition8. classic tumbler, Simple Modern9. mini backpack, Nike10. seamless workout set, Roam Loud11. oversized gua sha for muscles, Amazon12. the sex gel, Nécessaire13. personal vibe, Smile Makers14. level up kit, Obé Fitness*15. Cooking Solo, Klancy Miller

    *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl
    *Save 50% on your first month of Obé Fitness with the code TEG50

    Gifts for the BEAUTY EXPERT

    1. brow shaping wax & dual ended brow brush, Patrick Ta2. sheet mask boxed set, Lapcos3. best of lip & cheek set, Rare Beauty4. rapid dry hair turban, Aquis5. pink drink firming essence, Sunday Riley via Dermstore6. mini facial toning device, NuFace | microcurrent toning device, Lookfantastic (budget)7. ionic facial steamer, Aira8. glow serum, Maelove9. LED mirror with phone attachment, Nordstrom | LED makeup mirror, Target (budget)10. custom skincare system, PROVEN Skincare11. cleansing oil, One Love Organics via Follain 12. lipstick trio, Charlotte Tilbury 13. Glow, Joanna Vargas14. manuka honey body balm, Advanced Clinicals 15. masters palette, Makeup by Mario 16. holiday hair fix set, Olaplex via Dermstore

    Gifts for the CLASSIC FEMME

    1. embroidered cocktail napkins, Biscuit Home2. face shaping brush, Fenty3. champagne coupe set, Estelle4. matte black sunglasses, Quay Australia 5. tortoiseshell case, Sonix6. classic camel sweater, Talbots7. french pin set, Kristin Ess8. terracotta platter, Monika Hibbs Home9. velvet hair bow, J.Crew10. scented candle, Jo Malone London11. wool beret, Halogen12. mini box bag, H&M13. champagne ornament, Carlyle Avenue* 14. sneakers, Superga15. HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes, Celadon Books16. leather vanity case, Neely & Chloe17. lip polish, French Girl Organics via Follain*18. fringed scarf, & Other Stories19. name necklace, mint & lily20. seagrass-wrapped pitcher, Serena & Lily

    *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20
    *Save 10% at Follain with the code EVERYGIRL

    Gifts for the TRENDSETTER

    1. stoneware incense holder, Bloomist2. frameable puzzle, Jiggy3. claw clip set, Rise Boutique Supplies via Etsy4. giant scrunchie trio, Shayne5. scented candle, Otherland6. matchbook, Carlyle Avenue*7. initial keychain, Cherrybomb by Amanda via Etsy8. mask with chain, Second Wind9. color pop coat, Talbots10. instant glow kit, Cosmedica Skincare11. roller skates, Impala12. sleep capsules, Rae Wellness13. highlighter intensifier, Rituel de Fille14. lounge set, Amazon15. sunglasses, Privé Revaux Eyewear16. slingback slipper, UGG | faux fur slippers, Amazon (budget)17. milky lip jelly, Tower 2818. camera phone case, Amazon 19. Women Design by Libby Sellers, Quarto Publishing20. birth flower ring, Bijoun Boutique via Etsy

    *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

    Gifts for MOM FRIENDS

    1. acrylic dry erase calendar, Circle and Square Decor via Etsy2. cozy socks, Barefoot Dreams3. name ring, Grace Personalized via Etsy4. matching hat set, Bitty Brah5. illuminating rose gold serum, Cosmedica Skincare6. gift card, Drybar7. body wash, Nécessaire8. “tired” mug, Little Oak Marketplace via Etsy9. tote insert, Beis10. custom disc bracelet, Baublebar11. pure & glowing set, Tatcha12. collagen & rosewater facial spray, Advanced Clinicals 13. custom embroidered sweater, Cygnet Living14. 10 oz wine tumbler, Yeti15. super eye duo, DIME Beauty*16. goodnight moon baby gift box, Baby Boxy17. La Marca Prosecco, Target18. silk eye mask, Moonlit Skincare

    *Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20

    Gifts for the FUTURE CEO

    1. monogrammed leather laptops sleeve, Mark & Graham | personalized leather laptop sleeve, Etsy (budget) 2. monogrammed leather mouse pad, Extra Studio via Etsy3. silk face mask, Moonlit Skincare4. neck massager, Amazon5. blue light glasses, WearMe Pro6. “we’re in this together” sweater, ellsworth + ivey7. Vanity Fair’s Women on Women, Radhika Jones & David Friend8. leather wireless charging tray, Courant | wireless charger, Verishop (budget) 9. the holiday cookie tin, Milk Bar10. ice roller for face & eyes, Amazon11. The Essential Photoshop Course, The Everygirl Online Courses12. sheet mask, The Aftermask13. “is it Friday yet?” mug, Talking Out Of Turn14. monogrammed phone case, The Daily Edited | monogram phone case, Casetify (budget) 15. acrylic monitor stand, Amazon

    Gifts for the DECOR-OBSESSED

    1. gold monogram mug, Williams Sonoma2. woven baskets, World Market3. pressed floral coaster set, Mica Theory via Etsy4. swiss dot toss pillow, Linen & Ivory via Etsy5. holiday noir candle, Brooklyn Candle Studio6. candlesticks, Threshold7. no-rinse hand cleanser, Carlyle Avenue* 8. taper candles, Brooke & Lou9. wall mirror, Threshold10. gold bar spoon & muddler, Crate & Barrel11. stripe throw, Lulu and Georgia12. faux floral arrangement, Perigold | faux hydrangea arrangement, Wayfair (budget)13. marble frames, Crate & Barrel 14. bust statue, CB2 | diana bust, Wayfair (budget)15. blush pillar candle, Crate & Barrel 16. custom doormat, Black Butterfly Signs via Etsy17. concrete tray, Emily’s Redesign via Etsy18. The New Southern Style, Alyssa Rosenheck | signed copy from a small business

    *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

    Gifts for the PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING

    1. protective keychain, Gemelli 2. self-cleaning water bottle, LARQ3. subscription, Book of the Month4. mini wireless photo printer, Canon5. desktop ring light, Brilliant Ideas6. poppy manicure tool, Olive & June7. custom illustrated portrait, The Babe Shop8. treat-tossing pet camera, Furbo | petcube camera, Amazon (budget)9. cozy throw blanket, Barefoot Dreams | snug as a bug blanket, Apricot Lane (budget)10. RHONY coloring book, Shop Hello Harlot via Etsy11. UV hand sanitizer, MediPop12. bluetooth karaoke mic, Amazon13. laptop camera cover, Lee London14. digital subscription, Obé Fitness*15. “Luke’s” mug, BethLynn Designs via Etsy

    *Save 50% on your first month of Obé Fitness with the code TEG50

    Gifts for the GUYS

    1. Hot Ones hot sauce pack, The Heatonist2. portable ping pong set, Pro Spin3. scuff slipper, UGG | lonny slipper, DFW (budget)4. workout shorts, Legends5. utility bucket & gear belt, Yeti6. stainless steel water bottle, Tree Tribe7. handmade bar soap, Dr. Squatch 8. 2-in-1 eye moisturizer, Advanced Clinicals9. kick-stand phone case, Amazon10. customizable belt gift box, Anson Belt & Buckle11. bitter sampler kit, Honest John12. waterproof sneakers, Allbirds13. wooden sunglasses, HAVERN Watches14. insulated adventure poncho, ThermaRest15. leaf leather wallet, Tree Tribe16. spikeball set, Target17. Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, Emmanuel Acho

    Gifts for COZY CHIC

    1. bibliothèque room spray, Byredo | home spray, The Laundress (budget)2. cozy knit robe, SKIMS3. Moira Rose mug, All Jolly Gifts via Etsy4. teddy pillow, Pottery Barn5. the popper popcorn bowl, CB26. refillable marble candle, Gilded Body7. coconut bath soak, Herbivore8. ultra soft throw, UGG9. fuzzy slippers, The White Company10. cocktail kit, Terrain11. Venus de Milo bottle opener, Doiy12. lip balm, Summer Fridays13. fluffy socks, UGG14. cozy knit pant, SKIMS15. knit scarf, aerie16. weighted blanket, Amazon17. hot cocoa kit, Food5218. sherpa zip-up, Abercrombie 

    Gifts for our MOMS

    1. hardcover photo book, Artifact Uprising2. bronze & glow set, Charlotte Tilbury 3. beauty butter, 54 Thrones4. Le Labo rose signature detergent, The Laundress5. monogram cards, Augusta Joy Stationery via Etsy6. v-neck sweater, Amazon7. personalized recipe platter, Our Platter via Etsy8. restorative night cream, DIME Beauty*9. artisanal olive oil, Brightland10. bath oil collection, Aromatherapy Associates 11. bracelet Apple Watch strap, Rebecca Minkoff 12. initial necklace, Monday Monarch via Etsy13. flower press kit, Jayson Home14. New World Sourdough by Bryan Ford, Quarto Publishing15. comfort of calm gift set, Equilibria*16. velvet loafer, Birdies17. décolletage mask, The Light Salon

    *Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20
    *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl

    Gifts for our DADS

    1. The National Baseball Hall of Fame Collection by James Buckley, Quarto Publishing2. under-the-desk bike, Amazon | compact strider, Amazon (budget)3. espresso machine, Nespresso | k-cafe coffee maker, Keurig (budget)4. ancestry kit, 23andMe5. personalized whiskey decanter, Swanky Badger via Etsy6. wood record frame, CB27. open ear headphones, Amazon8. quarter zip pullover, Patagonia | quarter zip fleece, Patagonia (budget)9. deep tissue muscle treatment, TheraGun | massage gun, Amazon (budget)10. protective face mask, VIDA11. bi-monthly steak box, Omaha Steaks12. TV soundbar, Bose13. spun slipper, Deer Stags14. zoom binocular, Nikon | binoculars, Gosky (budget)15. putting green, Amazon16. wifi smart plug set, Amazon17. wood smoked barbecue set, Cooking Gift Set Co.*

    *Save 15% on all kits at Cooking Gift Set Co. with the code everygirlcooks15 More

  • 88 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    16 Solutions for Winter’s Biggest Skincare Problems

    So, it’s officially winter. I’m a winter-lover, dreaming of snow and hot cocoa and movie nights practically every summer night. But what I despise is how my skin reacts to my beloved cold weather. Instead of brimming with happiness and cheer like my insides, I’m struggling with dryness, flaking, irritation, redness, and more. What gives? And what’s worse: this year, I can’t even go to a Christmas market or holiday shop downtown to make up for it. I’m over you, 2020. However, if I have to make the most of it, I will, and this year, it includes finally getting a handle on every beauty issue winter brings. What better use of our time at home than finally figuring out how to manage all those horrific side effects winter curses us with? We pulled out all of our best tips, from editors to dermatologists and estheticians, to help you with every skin ailment plaguing you this season. I sadly can’t tell you how the holidays will go this year, but I can make sure you look damn good no matter what you’re doing.

    Try aloe gel
    This was a recent recommendation from my hairdresser when I complained about an itchy, dry scalp. We already know aloe vera is calming, soothing, and moisturizing when we use it on our sunburned skin in the summer. It does the same for a dry scalp! She recommended I put pure aloe gel on my scalp the nights before I know I’ll shower in the morning and sleep with it on (if you’re a night shower-er, you could also apply it and remove after an hour). I use this time to do a scalp massage with the aloe, focusing it on the parts of my scalp that get the driest. It’s made a huge difference, and a huge container of aloe gel cost me about $5.

     

    Use a BHA shampoo
    If your scalp is dry and flaky, it might be because of product buildup—especially dry shampoo. Although we swear by it for keeping our style intact and skipping washes, stylists and trichologists (they focus on your hair health—trust me: they’re good people) aren’t as big of fans because dry shampoo powder can gunk up your roots and make your scalp feel dry and flaky. To combat it, try a shampoo with a BHA like salicylic acid. This will remove all of that buildup by chemically exfoliating the scalp. Make sure you keep the product at your roots and keep away from your ends as much as possible to prevent any dryness. 

     

    Use a cleansing balm/oil
    Whether you’re double-cleansing or opting for an oil for extra moisture, it’s one of the easiest but most effective ways to combat skin dehydration, as well as the flakes and dry patches that might come along with it. Dehydration often happens if your skin is really stripped from exfoliating acids, retinol, and more, and when you use a harsher cleansing product or scrub your face, you only make it worse. Instead, focus on putting as much moisture back into your skin as possible.
    I recently got a facial, and I fully expected the esthetician to gawk at my clogged pores and give me a regimen for her oiliest of clients, but she actually explained that my skin has been looking dull and clogged because it’s so dehydrated. She recommended taking a break from exfoliators and focusing on moisturizing my skin as much as possible to get my moisture back into my skin and balance the pH levels. Her biggest tip was swapping out my BHA cleanser for something much gentler and hydrating, such as a milky cleanser or a balm or oil. I usually use a cleansing oil to take off makeup, but she recommended even using it again as my second cleanse. She swore by a hydrating cleanser to put my skin back on track—and so far, she’s right!

     

    “Sandwich” your acids with moisture
    In the same vein as above, you want to focus on keeping your skin as moisturized as possible. As most know, acids and retinol can cause a lot of dryness and strip the skin; however, there are ways to still keep them in your routine (my skin freaks when I miss any more than a few days with my tretinoin) without all the irritation. Build your skincare routine around that drying product, making sure to include moisturizing products and ingredients before and after. An easy way to do this is by using a light moisturizer, then applying an acid, and then going over top with a facial oil. You can also do this with hydrating toners, sleeping masks, and more.

     

    Change up your body wash and moisturizer
    As much as I love my shea body butter, when I’m dealing with an eczema flare-up on the body, I have to forgo anything scented and focus specifically on eczema-clearing and soothing products. These are some of my favorites that were recommended by many dermatologists I’ve seen over the years: 

     

    Try niacinamide
    Niacinamide is one of the trendiest skincare ingredients right now—and it’s for good reason. Anything one ingredient can do, niacinamide can probably do better. It can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, protect and repair your moisture barrier, balance the sebum levels in your skin, and reduce texture—but it’s also a powerhouse in reducing redness and calming the skin. It’s an anti-inflammatory, so it can tackle the irritation and redness you might experience when your skin starts to get uber dry. 

     

    Color correct
    If you’re experiencing lots of redness, a quick fix is to use a green color-correcting product. This one from Dr. Jart has been all over Instagram, Tik Tok, and YouTube lately, and the results are wild. Applied to the skin, this product visibly reduces redness temporarily; however, it contains calming ingredients and SPF that make it way more than a color corrector. It turns beige as you blend it in, so some people with light skin tones can even get away with it as a foundation. If you’re looking for something a little lighter weight, this Smashbox primer is a winner.

     

    Exfoliate with an AHA
    This is probably the most effective way to keep KP at bay. Many people notice KP gets worse as the season’s change and especially during the fall and winter. AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid are great for exfoliating the skin and loosening up the dry, dead skin and clearing out the clogged hair follicles in your skin. Many people with KP swear by these products (including me!) and even say they clear up their KP flare-ups in as little as a few applications.

     

    Always blot skin dry after a shower
    To keep your skin hydrated and avoid over-exfoliation (which can cause your flare-ups to get even worse because the area gets aggravated), make sure you blot your skin dry with a towel after a bath or shower instead of wiping or scrubbing at your skin. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference over time! 

    Moisturize with oils—often
    It might not be enough to put your moisturizer on once in the morning and at night. Your skin might benefit from applying moisturizers or oils to the skin often throughout the day. Lately, I keep a moisturizing oil at my desk, so every time I notice my skin feels a little tight or I notice a dry patch, I apply a little extra (and always apply the excess to my hands!).

    Use cool water to wash
    Another recommendation after my most recent facial, as well as something I’ve heard from dermatologists time and time again, was to avoid using hot water or even warm water when washing your face. You can use warm water to first wet your face; however, try to use cool water to rinse the cleanser from your skin. Hot water can be harsh and remove oils from the skin (which is why you usually have to use warm water to remove a cleansing oil or balm), so when you’re just using a milky cleanser or something without a lot of oil, try skipping the hot water. 

    Be gentle when you wash your face
    You should also be really gentle with your skin when you’re washing. Avoid loofahs and other harsh exfoliating products for the face and body; your hands or a soft hand towel can usually clean you up just as much as you need. Also, wash your face just like they would if you were getting a facial. They don’t do circular or scrubbing motions; they’re gentle and soft, usually lightly massaging the skin as they go. This is the same approach you should take on your face every day. Being too rough with your cleanser can lead to even more moisture loss over time. 

    Add a hyaluronic acid to your morning and night routine
    Dermatologists swear by hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occuring acid within the skin, to deeply moisturize every layer of your skin. Luckily, it’s now available in tons of products at all different price points. When your skin is going through it (or always if you have dry skin), don’t forget this step. Use a hyaluronic acid at night and in the morning to keep up your moisture levels all day. Tip: always apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin. HA needs water to bond to and pull into the skin; it basically acts like a sponge when applied. 

     

    Add layers of hydration
    On top of hyaluronic acid, you’ll want to make sure you’re including multiple products in your routine that offer hydration. For really dry skin, it usually isn’t enough to apply a moisturizer and go. If you’re looking to add more to your routine, a toner or essence is a great way to add lots of layers of moisture because you can apply toner over and over again. Some estheticians apply toner between every single step in your skincare routine—even on top of all of your acids and serums. This acts as a “sandwich” as explained above for any acids, but it also locks that moisture into every single step.

     

    Use all of your moisturizing facial products on your lips
    Don’t forget to bring all of those products you use on your face onto your lips! Serums, moisturizers, facial oils, and more should be used on your lips too. 

    Invest in a lip mask
    An overnight lip mask is one of the best things you can do to up the hydration of your lips. Our editors swear by this one from Laneige. One night with this on, and your lips will feel brand spanking new. 

     

    Find a mask-friendly lip balm
    My lips have been getting so dry from being under my mask all the time, but most of my squeezy-tube and tub lip balms are too sticky and get stuck to the inside. So, I put myself on the hunt for the best mask-friendly balms I could bring in my bag to reapply under my mask any time I was out and about (of course, making sure there was no one around when I did so).

      More

  • 125 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    Why Imposter Syndrome Can Make You Your Own Worst Enemy

    I speak fast when I’m nervous. Scratch that: I always speak fast, but when I’m nervous my speed kicks into high gear to the point where it can be difficult to understand me. The first time I had to give an important presentation in the workplace, I was understandably nervous. As part of my training, I knew my colleagues were planning to give me feedback post-presentation, which made me even more nervous. Once the presentation was over, I received overwhelmingly positive feedback. The only negative feedback? I spoke too fast. Sigh.It was at that moment that I realized that being nervous about doing a good job led to my nerves getting in my way. From there on out, I realized that a lack of confidence and those creeping feelings of imposter syndrome did nothing but hurt me. Now, even if I am nervous about a job interview or an important meeting, I push those nerves to the side. I know that if I give into them, they’re just going to get in my way, which in turn gives me one less thing to worry about.
    Being excited about an opportunity, feeling nervous, and lacking confidence can all lead to falling head first into an imposter syndrome black hole. Here’s why you can’t give into those feelings.

    Imposter syndrome isn’t productive
    There’s a dangerous perception spreading around the inspirational spaces of the internet that you have to shut imposter syndrome out completely, and that you can never let those feelings of doubt or insecurity even cross your mind. That’s a really unfair standard to set, and one that can make you feel even worse when you are struggling with imposter syndrome. It’s OK to have feelings associated with imposter syndrome, as long as you can set them aside before they begin to harm you.
    For example, if you’re scrolling through LinkedIn and see your dream job pop up, it’s totally understandable to worry you aren’t qualified based on the job description, but it’s not OK to choose to not apply because you don’t feel like you deserve your dream job. You can feel insecure when pitching a potential client, as long as you don’t lower your prices drastically just because they have a different idea of what your time is worth.
    Imposter syndrome is so unproductive, so acknowledge your feelings, remind yourself of where these feelings stem from and why you’re ready to move past them, and then go ahead and check imposter syndrome off your to-do list.

    Source: Gabriele Gzimailaite

    Skip the self-fulfilling prophecy
    Similar to how I learned that my fears about doing a bad job while public speaking make me actually do a bad job while public speaking, there are countless ways that imposter syndrome can lead to the exact results you were afraid of. If we tell ourselves we aren’t worthy of an exciting new opportunity, don’t put ourselves out there at networking events, or are afraid to start that business because we’ll never sell a single product, then what will happen? We won’t gain the new opportunity we wanted so badly; we won’t make any valuable new connections; we won’t ever start that business. If you succumb to imposter syndrome, you end up with the same results that imposter syndrome makes you feel will come to fruition. So what’s the point in giving in instead of taking that shot?

    Source: Andrew Neel

    You owe yourself more
    Nowadays, I don’t have to do much public speaking. As a freelance writer, I tend to stick to the written word, but there are countless other ways imposter syndrome creeps into my daily life. Is it a waste of time to pitch that really cool publication? Does anyone want me to share my work on my Instagram Stories? Can I really ask for that rate? I can’t get an answer to these questions unless I move forward. I won’t know if a publication will reject me until I pitch them. I won’t know if I can raise my rates until I try. I won’t get feedback on my work until I put it out into the world. One day I realized I owed it to myself to try. Do I get rejected? All the time. But rejection gets way easier to deal with once you’ve faced it a few times. Not to mention, by putting myself out there more and more, I don’t have all of my eggs in one basket, and don’t find myself as disappointed if something doesn’t work out.
    We all owe it to ourselves to try. This sounds cheesy, but do you really think at the end of anyone’s life that they wished they didn’t put themselves out there as much? Probably not. You without a doubt owe it to yourself to stop letting imposter syndrome be your own worst enemy. I know that is so much easier said than done, but try to remember that next time imposter syndrome is about to take hold. You’re a total badass and you’ve got this, no matter what that voice in the back of your head says. More

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    The UAE pioneer award will be dedicated to COVID-19 frontliners

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has revealed the 2020 UAE Pioneer Award will be dedicated to those who have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    It was announced via the Dubai Media Office Twitter page that the award – the UAE Pioneers Award – will honour “exceptional individuals, institutions, and initiatives that contributed to making the UAE a role model” throughout the pandemic.

    And the nomination process couldn’t be easier – it’s all done through social media. Using the hashtag #UAE_Pioneers on Twitter, those who intend to nominate someone need to explain who or what the person, institution or initiative is, as well as the reason why they should receive the prestigious award.

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum called on members of the society to nominate exceptional individuals and projects that catalysed UAE’s success in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The nomination campaign will be on the hashtag #UAE_Pioneers.
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 14, 2020

    Upon the announced of the new award, His Highness said the country has showcased a “shining model” of collaboration throughout the difficult times during the pandemic.
    “The United Arab Emirates represents a shining model of collaborative effort, as healthcare personnel, civil security officers, teachers, and humanitarian workers worked tirelessly to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of society during hard times,” he said in a statement.
    The UAE Pioneer Award was launched by Sheikh Mohammed back in 2014 via the use of the hashtag and “prompted Emiratis to nominate fellow countrymen and women who they believed were pioneers in their respective fields”.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Sara Shakeel Instagram More

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    Harry, Meghan’s first Netflix project ‘to show their first year post-royal life’

    A couple of months ago the Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed a multi-year deal with Netflix to produce documentaries, feature films, scripted shows and docu-series.
    While not too much has been revealed up until now, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first project for the streaming giant will reportedly be about them.

    According to UK tabloid The Mail on Sunday, the Sussexes are set to share their side of the story, detailing their year of having stepped down from public royal life.
    It’s been reported the couple have their own video footage to share from when they left their home in the UK – Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Estate.

    However, while it will be somewhat a behind-the-scenes, the project will very much focus on the couple’s charity work.
    “There will be a fly-on-the-wall series but obviously it won’t be warts and all, or about their personal life,” a source told The Sun.
    “They are very keen to highlight their worthy charity work and cameras will film them going from one good cause to another. For example, when they drop food off at food banks – a camera will be there to capture it.”
    While the couple have relocated to California, they have ensured to keep up their charity work, helping give food to those who are struggling in the pandemic, discussing mental health issues and advocating for education for young girls, as they did in a recent discussion with Malala Yousafzai.
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Sussex Royal Instagram More

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    5 countries UAE residents can travel to with no need to quarantine

    If you’re looking into escaping Dubai for an end-of-year getaway or perhaps in a couple of weeks time when the UAE will be having a five-day-long weekend, then these destinations may just fit the bill.
    Even better, there’s no need to quarantine when you get there as the UAE is on the no quarantine list.
    United Kingdom

    With many British expats living the UAE, it was welcomed news to know the UAE is no longer on the quarantine list, making it a lot easier to go and visit family and friends. While there is currently no quarantine time, the UK is currently in a second lockdown, so it may be wise to hold off on travelling just yet, but this is set to be lifted on December 2 in time for the Christmas season.
    Switzerland

    If you truly fancy a white Christmas or just a true winter in general, then you’ll be please to know those residing in the UAE no longer have to quarantine when travelling to Switzerland. However, note that the European/Schengen states (to which Switzerland belongs) still have entry regulations in place for certain nationalities/residents. It’s, therefore, necessary to check the requirements before making a booking.
    The Maldives

    With flydubai having relaunched their flights to the Maldives, now is the perfect time to make a visit to the luxurious paradise. With a negative COVID-19 PCR test required and the country’s ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ – which has been endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – you can be rest assured health and safety are being followed to the highest standards.
    The Seychelles

    Basque in the crystal clear waters of the Seychelles, a country which reopened its borders to UAE residents on August 31. All you need to travel there is a negative PCR test and to undergo a second test on your fifth night of your holiday.
    Egypt

    With similar rules in place to the UAE – face masks being worn in public at all times and social distancing measures – Egypt is currently allowing residents from the country to travel there without the need to quarantine. You need to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result which has been issued within 72 hours of departure and it must be shown in paper format. Valid COVID-19 insurance is also mandatory, and incoming passengers will need to undergo another health screening upon arrival into the country.
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Anantara Seychelles, Images: Instagram/Supplied More