Raphael Stevens

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  • 113 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    LPM Dubai launches a new menu just for children

    It’s been a year of milestones for LPM Restaurant & Bar in Dubai, including their 10 year anniversary, a new menu launch and the launch of their delivery service.
    While starting delivery was never in the plan, as Chef Patron Raphael Duntoye recently told Emirates Woman, the popular Dubai restaurant has now taken it one step further.

    Partnering with Deliveroo, LPM Dubai has launched its first-ever fine dining menu specifically for children.
    Discussing the exciting launch, the restaurant’s general manager Alexandra Audon Filali explained they have chosen dishes that are “healthy but also tasty, so that the children could discover food that is full of flavour, with different layers and texture”.

    The menu includes Mediterranean vegetables marinated in olive oil with feta, salt cod croquettes with oven-roasted pepper relish, salad of green lentils, roast baby chicken marinated in lemon, gnocchi with cherry tomato garlic and parmesan, green beans, steamed broccolini and grilled lamb cutlets with smoked aubergine.
    Chef Patron Duntoye shared his excitement over the launch saying LPM has taken “a lot of pride in doing something very unique”.
    “We received a lot of praise from our regulars but also Deliveroo guests, but one of the main requests was to have something more accessible and suitable for younger guests,” he added. “We listened, and now we will launch ‘Menu Pour Enfant’, our first LPM menu for kids.
    “We are a family restaurant with many little fans. If parents can enjoy LPM at home, then so should the children!”
    Menu Pour Enfant launches on Deliveroo on November 5.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • 163 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    How I got my job as… General Manager of a top Dubai hotel

    Welcome to EW‘s weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
    This week we chat to the General Manager of Hotel Indigo Downtown Dubai, Laura Eggleton. Originally starting her career in hotels in the United Kingdom, Eggleton eventually relocated to the Middle East to Oman to become the first female general manager for IHG in the region in 2015.

    In our interview with Eggleton, she talks us through where it all began, the trials she’s had to go through and what exactly inspired her to enter into the world of hospitality.
    What was your favourite subject at school?
    I didn’t have a favourite subject at school per se, I loved the subjects where the classes were full of my best friends! I was fortunate that I loved all stages of my education, I loved school, I loved college and I loved university. It wasn’t until I went to college that I was studying subjects that I felt would impact my future. Having started my Saturday job at a hotel whilst at school, I chose to study travel and tourism at college, knowing it was what I wanted to do later in life.

    What was your first job?
    My first “job” was as a Saturday girl working as a waitress in a small family-run hotel. I worked all throughout my studies – a few evening shifts here and there and every weekend. I was addicted to working and always wanted to be “at the hotel” – I never called it “work” as I loved it (and still do!) so much.
    What inspired you to work in hospitality?
    As my Saturday job evolved into a more regular thing, I finished school and knew I wanted to work in hotels as my career choice. I chose my subjects at college- all relating to travel, tourism and hospitality and then went onto university to study International Tourism Management.
    In the UK, we write a “record of achievement” when we finish school, and in mine I had written that when I was older, I wanted to manage a big hotel! It was always the goal, and I feel so fortunate that I found my passion at such a young age- in the first job I ever had!
    What are the key elements of your role?
    My role is so varied and I think that is what I love about it most. Currently, I am tasked with the opening of the Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, a lifestyle boutique hotel operating under the IHG family of brands. This is the first Hotel Indigo to open in the GCC, so I’m responsible for the successful launch of the hotel and getting everything ready for opening. This includes hiring the leadership team, and then overseeing the hiring of their teams etc, setting up all the systems that we need to operate, overseeing the Sales, Marketing and PR plans for the hotel, arranging all of the required business licenses, ensuring the hotel is compliant with all of the requirements of both the Hotel Indigo brand, as well as of course accepting the hotel from the contractor. Of course, this is a huge task for which everything needs to be carefully planned to ensure the critical path is followed and everything happens in the correct sequence in order for everything to happen at the right time. Whilst it’s a big job, I’m motivated by being busy so I love the pace of everything- especially now with so few days until opening!
    Talk us through your daily routine.
    I get up most days around 6am and try and head to a group exercise class or use the gym – I always feel much better about getting my daily exercise done in the morning as I never know what time I can expect to finish work! I arrive at the hotel for about 9 and then have a team huddle with my team at 10 and we all run through what the day ahead has in store for us all. I then make a start on my emails and catching up with my team members on where we’re at with various subjects and tasks. Now we’ve got a full team on board, I like to try and ensure I go to the colleague cafeteria for lunch so I can get to know the team better. I’m really intrigued by people, so love to have conversations with the newbies. After lunch, I always find myself mooching around the hotel looking at all of the new design items that keep appearing- there is always something new to look at!! It’s great to see the finishing touches coming together. I then head back to my office where I continue with my “to-do list” for the day before finishing up about 7pm. I live close to the hotel, so get home and have something to eat before chilling on the sofa, engrossed in my phone (yes, I am one of those phone addicted millennials!) scrolling Instagram checking out what’s new, catching up with my friends at home and then finishing up with a quick read before bed.
    I’m really looking forward to the hotel opening so that I can work from our Neighbourhood café – Open Sesame where we’ll be serving the most amazing single-origin coffee in association with our coffee partner, Café Rider. I don’t think I’ll spend any time in my office once we’re open, there’s too much I want to enjoy in the hotel public spaces!

    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    I have five top tips. Be yourself, trust yourself, educate yourself, believe in yourself and make time for yourself. There is one common theme running through my tips- and it’s you. Don’t rely on anyone else, it’s about you!
    Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
    I’m such a creature of comfort, the majority of my wardrobe and my absolute failsafe brand is Ted Baker! No matter how much I try to diversify and change my style, I always gravitate back to Ted Baker! It’s actually a bit of a joke between my friends- no-one has to ask where my dress is from as they already know the answer! That said, I am also interested in supporting sustainable brands. I love the Net Sustain section on Net-A-Porter and I’m looking forward to seeing more brands share what they’re doing to support to become more sustainable. I’ve actually reflected my own personal values on sustainability throughout the hotel operation. We’re proud to have partnered with local businesses wherever possible – not just because it’s part of the brand ethos but because it’s the right thing to do.
    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is “to always be yourself” and I really think it’s true. I had such imposter syndrome at the start of my career where I was so young and just wanted to look older (sad but true!) that I always tried to dress older- I never liked my work wardrobe as it just wasn’t me! As soon as I began to relax and accept, I wasn’t a typical hotel GM and there was nothing I could do to change that, I really began to feel comfortable. I tried so hard to blend in, whereas now I really appreciate my individuality and embrace who I am as an allrounder- there’s no difference at all as to who I am in my personal life as to who I am in my professional life.
    And what is the worst?
    The worst advice (and it pains me to write it!) is always from my Mum! I’m very fortunate that I’ve only ever worked for great people, and if I had taken my Mums advice, I’d still be in my first job, working for the same hotel owner as whom I started out with. My Mum is really scared of change, and when I float the idea of changing hotels and of course, leaving the great environments that I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy, she’d automatically tell me to “not fix what isn’t broken”. The truth is, it’s never been broken- I’ve only ever left jobs that I’ve loved until the day they finished. I’ve loved each and every hotel I’ve worked in throughout my career more than the last, and the change has always been positive- so for me change is a good thing! I think it’s important to keep on moving, keep on challenging myself and indeed growing as a person and taking risks in new environments, and of course, working with new people along the way.
    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    I think I’m actually in the midst of my biggest challenge. I’m tasked with opening a hotel during a global pandemic, when global travel is heavily restricted. I’m an incredibly driven and determined person (I’m so driven it irritates me!) and I’m absolutely fanatical about making the opening a huge success, but of course, I cannot ignore external factors beyond my control that make it the biggest challenge of my professional life yet!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • 113 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    I Tried Spanx’s New Leather Leggings—Here’s What I Thought

    If there’s one thing you’re probably sick of hearing about from our team—besides Nancy Meyers, Harry Styles, and French culture as a whole—it’s probably the Spanx leather leggings. I can’t think of a single member of our team who doesn’t have them, and we all wear them to death and consider them a top-five wardrobe staple. We aren’t faking it; we love the damn things.If I had to find a complaint about mine, I’d say one, single thing: they don’t exactly look like leather. They look more like a leather/legging hybrid, which is fitting because that’s exactly what they are, but once in a blue moon, I want to look more like Olivia Newton John sewn into leather pants that are as tight to her body as her own skin than I want to look like I’m just wearing leather leggings. And lo and behold, the universe felt this energy and delivered me a gift in the form of a targeted ad for Spanx’s new, patent leather leggings.

    There they were in all their glory: a pair of leather-looking leggings, with shine and all, that allegedly felt like leggings too. Because of the amount of wear I get out of my classic Spanx leather leggings, I ordered them in the same size, ready to spend the rest of quarantine sitting on my couch in patent leather.

    I’m not going to lie: when I first took these out of the package, it gave me pause. It seemed like they might make a little bit of noise when I walked because of their faux-leatherness, and while I’m all about dressing slightly ridiculous, noisy leggings just are something I can’t do. But once I put them on, my fears were voided, and to my absolute surprise, they actually felt pretty similar to how my original leggings feel on my body: like real leggings.

      
    Out the gate, I love how these look and feel. If you’re in the same boat as me where you want something that looks a little more like real leather, these are absolutely the answer. They’re as comfortable as any faux-leather pant could possibly be, but look like real leather. Any tighter leather pant can be a nightmare fit-wise, and these are absolutely foolproof (for reference, I’m wearing a size medium here, which is true to size according to their size charts). These can make anything from sweaters to a cropped sweatshirt to just a T-shirt look cool and feel dressed-up while remaining comfortable and seamless. 

    The Spanx leather leggings are an investment, but one that I’ve found paid for themselves in cost per wear—I truly could not wear mine more, and they’re still in perfect condition after 18 months of having them. Because of that, I’m so glad to be adding this somewhat-of-an-investment piece into my wardrobe too. If you told me at the beginning of 2020 that I’d be wearing leather pants while working from home, I wouldn’t have believed you, but it isn’t the most surprising thing of the year. More

  • 125 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    5 Things an OB-GYN Wants You to Know About Sex

    I don’t know about you, but when my feet are in the stirrups and someone’s poking around down there, the last thing on my mind is the list of questions I wanted to talk to ask OB-GYN. Keeping up with your gynecologist can feel more difficult than keeping up with the Kardashians; while you should be going to regular appointments, sometimes we forego, forget, or miss out on some of those important conversations during the 30-minute (max!) appointment, particularly when it comes to sex (anyone else spend the entire time complaining about their period cramps?).If all of the knowledge you have about sex comes from the birds-and-the-bees talk with your mom, that “experienced” friend’s dating life, or watching Sex Education three times in a row, you could probably benefit from more conversations with your gyno. Just as a reminder: you deserve and are entitled to a pleasurable, fulfilling, and healthy sex life. Your gynecologist is one way to help you stay healthy, explore your sexuality, and feel your best. Until you make it to your next gyno appointment, I asked Dr. Kiarra King M.D., a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (who somehow still has time for blogging like the ultimate boss she is), for some of the info she tells her patients, that many of us could be missing out on. Here are five things she wants you to know about sex:

    1. “Good sex” is relative
    The phrase “the best sex of my life” has been thrown around so often in movies and TV shows, and I’ve always been confused about what that really means. I’ve heard frat douchebags in college talk about their sexapades with phrases like, “the sex wasn’t great,” as if there’s a checklist that determines “good sex” from “bad sex” (and where the hell can I find this checklist!?). If you’re like me and have wondered what makes sex “good,” you’re probably not as focused on your own pleasure as you should be.
    Dr. King explained that whether sex is good or bad is only for you to decide; it’s always an individual opinion. “Only you can determine what is good and ultimately what is better for you,” she said. If you’re so out of touch with your pleasure (literally), she also recommended asking yourself questions like, do you genuinely enjoy your partner? Does your partner seek to pleasure you, or is it a one-way street? Do you feel safe and validated? Is the experience equally enjoyable for both of you? Bottom line: “good” or “bad” sex is defined only by how much pleasure and enjoyment you feel. 

    2. Stop comparing
    Back to that “good sex” versus “bad sex” crap, comparisons are common when it comes to sex since it has been a taboo subject for far too long. Many women want to know what’s considered “normal,” or feel lesser-than if friends have different sexual experiences than they do. But guess what: you don’t need to compare in order to know what’s normal, and someone else’s experience or preferences do not mean anything about yours. “When it comes to an intimate partnership, what benefits will be gained by comparing to the point that better sex is defined by someone else’s experience?” Dr. King said. “Of course, a couple can try new things, but the goal should be that they enjoy one another, not out of comparison.” Explore your sexuality to find more and better pleasure, but don’t compare other people’s experiences and preferences to your own. 

    3. Sex should not be consistently painful
    If you’ve ever had discomfort or pain during sex, you’re not alone. In fact, as many as 75 percent of women will experience pain during sex, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. King advised that a momentary sensation with a specific position that resolves itself is likely of no concern (just don’t forget your lube!). However, sex does not have to be painful. Not only does pain during sex suck, but it contributes to the orgasm gap, and, most importantly, prevents you from experiencing the optimal pleasure that you deserve.
    “If a woman experiences continued pain or is unable to engage in sex due to fear of pain, I recommend talking to your doctor,” Dr. King said. Your doctor might be able to identify an underlying cause and provide treatment options, like pelvic floor physical therapy (which is more common than you may realize). The point is that pleasure is your birthright; your body is not trying to prevent you from it, so anything that is can (and should) be resolved. 

    4. If you’re experiencing low sex drive, you can fix it
    When we experience low sex drive as women, we typically accept it as a reality, not see it as a symptom. It’s the stereotype we’ve seen in every sitcom and comedy film in the United States: the constantly-horny husband and the “not tonight, honey” response from the wife. We’re taught from old-school beliefs that women are inherently more sexually restrained than men, and therefore, have a lower sex drive. The truth? The female sex drive is consistently underrated; not only is it inherently strong (duh!), but it can increase with age. That also means that low libido, in fact, can be a symptom, and not “just the way you are.” 
    “Lack of sex drive or decreased libido can occur for a variety of reasons including stress, depression, anxiety, chronic medical conditions, or certain medications,” Dr. King explained. In other words, you don’t have to settle for low libido. Talk to your doctor about identifying the root causes of low sex drive and come up with a plan to restore your libido. PS, if your doctor doesn’t prioritize your sex drive and sexual pleasure, it might be time to find a new doctor. 

    5. Good news: your vagina can clean itself!
    While there’s an overwhelming amount of products and processes promising reproductive health, Dr. King knows that it’s actually very simple. “The vagina is capable of cleaning itself,” she told Essence in 2019. “A good old-fashioned shower or bath daily during menstruation should do the trick to help rinse away any old blood or discharge. Women shouldn’t use scented hygiene products, as they may cause an allergic reaction known as contact dermatitis.” When it comes to sexual health, Dr. King recommended getting STD screenings before being with a new partner (both of you!) and using a water-based lubricant to keep up with vaginal health. Remember that your vagina is incredibly smart and self-sufficient (as are you!). It has its own self-cleaning mechanisms that will keep you healthy as long as you do your job with safe sex practices. 

    Please consult a doctor before beginning any treatments. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. More

  • 125 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    Don’t Miss It: Sephora’s Holiday Savings Event Is This Week!

    There are so many holiday traditions that I hold near and dear to my heart but none of them quite compare to my longstanding practice of buying “one for you and one for me” while holiday shopping. One of my favorite places to treat my loved ones and myself is Sephora for obvious reasons (their incredibly wide selection of all things beauty, their high product standards, and their one-stop-shop convenience being just a few). This year Sephora is adding one more reason to that list in the form of their Holiday Savings Event where you can find some of your favorite holy grail beauty products, discounted for a limited time.

    Get a head start on your holiday shopping, or, use it as the perfect excuse to stock up on the beauty products you love.

    Plus, you can use your code on multiple orders!

    Not a member? Not a problem. Sign up for the Beauty Insider Program today and you will receive 10% off right away.

    Glow Recipe
    Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm

    If you’re looking for a new holy grail makeup remover and cleanser, this cleansing balm has you covered. It’ll melt away makeup, dirt, oil, and SPF and leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

    MAKEUP BY MARIO
    Master Mattes™ Eyeshadow Palette

    This palette is a makeup artist’s dream and is a must-add to your makeup collection. The formula was made by Kim K’s brilliant MUA, Mario Dedivanovic, and is the definition of glam. This product is buildable to allow for both natural and dramatic looks and has minimal fallout, which is always a plus.

    Youth To The People
    Dream Eye Cream with Goji Stem Cell and Ceramides

    This is the overnight eye cream that you didn’t know you needed. The goji stem cells support skin renewal, the ceramides actively plump the skin, and the vitamin C works to firm the look of skin around your eyes. Wake up feeling refreshed, bright, and ready to take on the day.

    Sunday Riley
    Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence

    This lightweight, peptide-infused essence is exactly what your skin has been missing. It’s great for targeting fine lines, redness, and loss of elasticity. This solution is formulated with peptides to create a firmer appearance and houses some powerful prebiotics (honey and yeast infiltrate) to support your skin’s natural biome. Use it pre-serum and pre-moisturizer and let it work its magic.

    Soft Matte Complete Foundation

    This full-coverage, long-lasting matte foundation is the answer to all of your makeup woes. A natural, transfer-proof, non-oxidizing matte finish that lasts for 16 hours? Now THAT is music to our ears.

    Glow Recipe
    Watermelon + AHA Glow Sleeping Mask

    This twice-a-week sleep mask is at the top of our holiday wish lists. This skin-smoothing mask includes both hyaluronic acid and AHAs to hydrate and gently exfoliate your skin. Pores, dryness, and oiliness, be gone!

    Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30

    This color-correcting treatment with SPF is truly a double threat. Use it after moisturizing instead of foundation to correct redness, conceal blemishes, and protect your skin from UV damage. This skincare product does the job of makeup without the extra added steps… so obviously, we’re sold.

    Sunday Riley
    Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

    This all-in-one lactic acid AHA treatment is perfect for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and dark spots. If you’ve been looking for a product that clarifies, smoothes, and re-texturizes the appearance of your skin, look no further. This stuff is the real deal.

    Lip Sleeping Mask

    This lip sleeping mask is one of our staff’s all-time favorites. Apply a layer before bed and let it do its magic while you sleep. You’ll wake up with baby smooth, moisturized lips in the AM, making waking up with chapped, dry lips a distant memory.

    The Dewy Skin Cream

    This rich, creamy moisturizer is luxurious and will make you feel fancy AF. The formula is antioxidant packed with Japanese purple rice which helps to promote a dewy, healthy glow. Add this to your cart for the plump, radiant, hydrated skin of your dreams.

    OLEHENRIKSEN
    Banana Bright Eye Crème

    This vitamin C rich eye cream is the answer to all of your “the bags under my eyes are designer” woes. If you’re looking for a brightening eye cream that combats dryness, dark circles, and signs of aging, you’ll want to pick one of these up STAT!

    Hydrating Hair Treatment Mask

    Fall and winter have the bad rap of being “dry hair” season, but with this hydrating hair mask, that doesn’t have to be the case. Stay on top of keeping your locks luscious by using this restorative deep-conditioning treatment designed to add shine and

    Interchangeable Styling Wand Set

    This three-barrel, interchangeable styling wand set is almost too good to be true. It includes three different wands so that you can create an array of hair looks for any hair length or occasion. T3’s ceramic technology will have you saying “goodbye” to flyaways, mid-day touch-ups, and dull hair for good.

    Texturizing Hair Spray

    If dry shampoo and hairspray had a love child, this would be it. Not only is this texturizing hair spray lightweight, but it also helps add texture and volume while it works to absorb oil and help refresh hair. Hello, good hair days.

    invisibobble
    That’s Crackin’ SLIM Trio

    These Invisobobble hair ties are the perfect stocking stuffer! They hold the hair better than traditional hair ties but don’t leave dents behind when you take them out. They’re comfortable, effective, AND cute, which makes them the perfect solution to any updo.

    Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

    This intensive weekly hair treatment was made for those of us with dry, brittle, and over-processed hair (guilty as charged). Leave this deep conditioning mask on the hair for five minutes to enhance the hair’s hydration and to improve its strength—prepare to be wowed.

    Lisse Luxe Hair Turban

    If you’re looking for healthier hair, start here. This hair turban rapidly brings your hair from wet to damp, helps to cut down on blow-dry time, and controls frizz and breakage. If you don’t already have one of these, now’s the time to pick one up!

    Bumble and Bumble
    Thickening Great Body Blow Dry Crème

    This multi-purpose blow dry formula will help you to achieve the blowout of your dreams. It protects from heat damage, adds an impressive amount of volume, and softens without weighing down the hair.

    Charlotte Tilbury
    Hollywood Flawless Filter

    Charlotte Tilbury, you’ve done it again! This tinted complexion booster is the secret to the highly sought-after, youthful glow we’re forever searching for. Use it as a primer, a highlighter, or mix it in with your foundation to soften and illuminate skin—no filter needed.

    Benefit Cosmetics
    Hoola Matte Bronzer

    This Benefit bronzer is a cult-favorite, and for good reason. It’ll keep your skin bronzed and glowing all year long and is now available in four different shades. Each shade is buildable, blends seamlessly, and will give you a natural-looking, beautiful faux glow, even in the dead of winter.

    Charlotte Tilbury
    Matte Revolution Lipstick

    This matte finish lipstick comes in 16 shades and is going to be our new “take everywhere” product. This long-lasting, buildable, hydrating formula will give your lips the perfect plump while orchid extract protects and smoothes lips for a perfect finish.

    Armani Beauty
    Power Fabric Concealer

    This lightweight, high-coverage concealer will stand the test of time and is perfect for color-correcting and hiding imperfections. This no-crease formula is made with time-releasing oils for long-lasting comfort and coverage. Life’s too short to have cakey concealers, am I right?

    FENTY BEAUTY
    Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara

    Volumize, lift, lengthen, and curl your lashes with just a few swipes of this Fenty mascara and you’ll never look back to any formula ever again. This water-resistant mascara features a flat-to-fat brush that will give you full control in creating the look of your dreams and will change your lash game forever.

    Urban Decay
    Eyeshadow Primer Potion – Original

    If you’ve never tried this OG eyeshadow primer, we’d like to argue that you’re missing out. This primer serves as the perfect base for any eyeshadow look (from natural to dramatic) and will remain crease-free for an impressive 24 hours.

    Charlotte Tilbury
    Mini Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo

    Forget Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, this bronzer/highlighter duo is the absolute perfect pair. This travel-size product will keep you sculpted, contoured, and glowing anywhere, anytime and is definitely worth the purchase.

    Luminous Silk Foundation

    This luminous silk foundation is our idea of a good time. It’s medium coverage, buildable, and will leave your skin absolutely glowing. The flawless, smooth finish of your dreams is just a click away!

    Supersonic Hair Dryer

    If this state-of-the art hair dryer isn’t yet on your to-buy list, we are about to rock your world. Not only does this hair tool protect against heat damage, decrease drying time, increase smoothness, and decrease frizz, but it’s lightweight AF, making styling an absolute breeze.

    Silk Pillowcase – Standard/Queen

    These silk pillowcases are the secret to protecting your skin and hair. While regular, cotton pillowcases don’t allow for any slip and tend to draw in water from both skin and hair, silk pillowcases are a wonderful alternative that will protect and hydrate skin and reduce split ends. Don’t sleep on these bad boys.

    Eyelash Curler

    You may have tried eyelash curlers in the past, but we promise you that this Shiseido curler is an obvious standout amongst all of the rest. This beauty-blogger favorite is at the top of our wish lists this holiday season. Use pre-mascara to open your eyes and create the “is-she-wearing-false-lashes” look of your dreams.

    BUMBLE AND BUMBLE
    Hairdresser’s Invisible Protectant

    This leave-in hair treatment is the ultimate multitasker. It detangles, conditions, protects, and provides UV/heat protection. Did we mention that it smells absolutely incredible? This one-stop-shop product to healthier hair is what your hair routine is missing.

    CHRISTOPHE ROBIN
    Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt

    This two-in-one scalp exfoliator and shampoo helps to cleanse, remove buildup, and soothes the scalp. The formula includes argan oil for moisturizing and sea salt for purifying—a total match made in heaven. It’ll leave your hair clean and frizz-free with more volume. Sign us up!

    Fenty beauty
    Cheek Hugging Bronzer Brush

    This fluffy brush has a perfect chisel to hug your face for the perfect contour. Use it in addition to your favorite bronzer to bring warmth to your cheeks, temples, and jawline. It’s the perfect solution to a natural, beautifully-blended look.

    Microneedling Dark Spot Brightening Dots

    Dark spots and blemishes, be gone! Place one of these brightening dots onto your dark spot or blemish after cleansing, gently press it into the skin, and wear overnight. The dots’ salicylic acid targets blemish-causing bacteria, niacinamide evens out skin, and licorice extract brightens the complexion. Check, check, and check.

    Charlotte Tilbury
    Gift of Magic Skin Mini Set

    This Charlotte Tilbury skin set is the perfect option to gift to a friend or to yourself. The set includes CT’s night cream, moisturizer, and eye cream to target dryness and dark circles—all of which are SO necessary right now.

    New York Minute Hair Blow Dryer Brush Set

    Hear us out: this set is one that your hair is absolutely craving. It includes Amika’s easy-to-use blow dryer brush, dry shampoo, and an anti-humidity spray, giving you a huge bang for your buck.

    Grande Cosmetics
    Goldie Luxe Lash and Brow Serum Set

    What better way to say “I love you” than gifting someone these luxurious brow and lash serums? These serums are packed with amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E to promote healthy hair growth in as little as 4-6 weeks. Sign us up!

    Laura Mercier
    Mini Stargazer Caviar Stick Quartet

    Who said bold eyeshadow looks have to be complicated? These Caviar Sticks are crayon-like, which makes them easy to use no matter your makeup expertise. These user-friendly eyeshadow sticks don’t require any brushes for application, are super buildable, and last for up to 12 hours.

    Dream & Wonder Gift Set

    This lip mask set includes the fan-favorite Lip Sleeping Mask, plus two limited edition flavors (lemon sorbet and mint choco) that are perfect for on the go lip hydration. Chapped lips? Never heard of them.

    Summer Fridays
    The Hydration Set

    Banish dry skin with this Summer Fridays trio that we’re daydreaming about. This set includes the cult-favorite Jet Lag mask, vitamin C serum, and the lip butter balm that will leave you bright and hydrated. Buy them as a stocking stuffer or for yourself, we won’t judge.

    Pure & Glowing Trio

    This Tatcha three-step ritual is perfect to combat fall/winter dryness and will be your new favorite. The formula for each of the products is buttery, luxurious, and cooling, and will leave your skin hydrated and glowing. If you’ve been wanting to try the Tatcha line, this is your moment!

    House of Gold Hydrating Best Seller Set

    This House of Gold set from Farmacy features their honey-infused best-sellers and will help to nourish your skin all season long. If you’ve never used Farmacy products before, prepare to be impressed. Not only is this kit clean, cruelty-free, and sustainable, but it’ll help to make skin dryness, dullness, and uneven texture a problem of yesterday.

    FENTY BEAUTY
    Glossy Posse Mini Gloss Bomb Set

    This mini gloss set is another great stocking stuffer to add to your holiday shopping list. It allows for the perfect opportunity to sample multiple limited-time, universally-flattering shades of Fenty’s best-selling mini glosses, which nourish the lips and provide an impressive amount of shine. Gift a set to a friend and snag another for yourself, you won’t regret it.

    Shani Darden Skin Care
    Retinol Reform

    This fan-favorite retinol and lactic acid serum is the dual-purpose product your skincare routine is missing. The formula promotes youthful-looking skin and helps with skin cell turnover to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and blemishes. We’re definitely hitting “add to cart on this one.

    adwoa beauty
    Baomint™ Leave In Conditioning Styler

    This leave-in conditioner is perfect for styling prep, rehydrating, defining, and smoothing all hair types. A tiny bit of this stuff goes a long way and will fast track you to the healthy locks of your dreams.

    BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY
    Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser

    This sulfate-free shampoo is everything. It works up a light, gentle later to cleanse all hair types but works especially well with thick, curly, or textured hair types. The product’s formula includes argan oil, aloe vera juice, and lemon tea tree oil help to soothe the scalp, balance the hair, and promote hydration.

    Original Turmeric Latte Blend for skin glow + debloat

    This superfood blend will be your new beauty routine BFF. Use it by blending into water, coffee, milk, and/or smoothies to support clear, glowing skin and to improve belly bloat. The turmeric is key for supporting immunity and clearing the skin, the coconut promotes healthy fats to improve your inside-out glow, and the ginger helps with gut support.

    FENTY BEAUTY
    Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

    This matte-finish, longwear foundation will be your new favorite. With an impressive 50 shades, buildable coverage, and climate-adaptive formula, it’s the perfect option for both your everyday foundation and for your glam night out.

    FENTY BEAUTY
    Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

    This weightless cream-powder hybrid highlighter melts into skin and is incredibly blendable. It’s long-wear, superfine formula will leave you head over heels in love.

    FENTY BEAUTY
    Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer

    This Fenty cream bronzer is so lightweight, you won’t even know it’s there. Use this to achieve an effortless, natural-looking bronze or soft contour. It’s easy to blend, impossible to overdo, and available in a range of shades for all skin tones.

    This post was sponsored by Sephora, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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    in health and weelbeing

    15 Workouts for When You Don’t Feel Like Working Out

    Whether you’ve been working on reviving your workout routine or working out at home is as routine to you as Netflix before bed and 24/7 loungewear, somedays we just don’t feel like it. You know those days: the ones where excuses to skip the workout are aplenty (the dishes are piling up in the sink, your Hulu free trial is almost over, your favorite sports bra is in the dirty laundry, etc.). No matter what excuses we come up with, keeping up with a workout routine sometimes feels impossible for no other reason than we just don’t feel like it (it’s like our body’s version of “because I said so”). And guess what: that’s OK. On these days where you don’t feel like working out, listen to your body and identify why you don’t feel like it, and then find a solution to keep you moving. Whether you think you don’t have time, feel bored with the same workout, or are too tired to get off the couch, here are 15 videos that will change your mind. P.S.: the point is not to work out every day. The point is to listen to your body, identify what it needs, move more often, and make exercise easy (because it should be enjoyable!).

    If you don’t have time…

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    You don’t need equipment, you don’t need a yoga mat, and you don’t need more than five minutes to get in this killer workout. Everyone has five minutes to spare (even if it’s waiting for coffee to brew), and you can also do this workout while still in your pajamas, meaning there’s absolutely no reason you wouldn’t have time to squeeze it into your routine.

    If you have a resistance band, six minutes is all you need to make your glutes and inner thighs sore for days–trust me. This one will feel like a tough workout in the amount of time it takes to wait for your Lean Cuisine to heat up. (P.S.: use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!)

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    So five minutes feels like too much to spare? How about four minutes? You can squeeze in this mini-workout while you wait for your coworker to respond about those spreadsheets. Even doing this arm workout while sitting at your desk will be enough to get blood flowing and work those arm muscles. 

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    This is truly one of the most fun workout videos I’ve found on Youtube. After just 10 minutes, you’ll be sweating, sore, and checking yourself out in the mirror. Plus, choreography will put the brain to work, which means you won’t have room to get distracted by your to-do list. 

    Warning: yes, this class is only seven minutes long, but it will get your heart rate up and make you sweat. This short HIIT circuit takes you through quick, intense cardio bursts, allowing you to burn more strength in less time. Try squeezing in this seven minutes before your morning shower. Use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!

    If you’re bored of your workouts…

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    So you’re bored with your workouts and can’t get yourself to step on another treadmill or lift another weight? Opt for exercise that feels more like a night out with the girls than a workout session. 305 Fitness bases their classes off of Miami nightlife, so you know it’s going to be fun. Turn up your speakers and get ready to whip your hair back and forth.

    If you’re bored with the same type of exercise, it might be time to invest in some new equipment that will make your home workouts more challenging and exciting. Try a mini trampoline (bonus points if you still have yours from when you were a kid!) and have some fun while you feel the burn. Use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!

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    If you’ve been exercising on your living room floor for months, you might just need a change of scenery. Apply your SPF, grab a jacket (if the temperatures are getting cold where you are), and take your workout outside. Fantasize that you’re at the beach while watching this Tone It Up HIIT session, or simply go on a jog or hike to get in some exercise that feels like new. 

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    Because what’s more motivating than your favorite songs? The Fitness Marshall has a large variety of fun dances to all of the songs we love. Warning: Lizzo will make you want to twerk, even on a Tuesday in the middle of the workday. Shuffling The Fitness Marshall videos is basically just listening to your favorite Spotify playlist, except with some fun dance moves that will make you break a sweat (in the fiercest way possible). 

    Feeling little motivation to go on another run or do the same workout video? This 15-day challenge that walks you through a variety of yoga, pilates, and sculpt classes, so you’re always trying new things. You won’t have to wonder which exercise you want to do that day (or whether or not you will exercise that day), so you’ll be more likely to stay on track. Use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!

    If you’re feeling tired…

    Feeling unmotivated to exercise could mean you’re tired or burned out, so listen to your body. On days where even changing into a workout set feels like too much work, opt for a therapeutic stretch that will improve your mobility, flexibility, and overall performance, so you’ll be able to work out better when you get back into your usual exercising tomorrow. Use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!

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    On those days where you’re too tired to get off the couch, think of movement as a self-care practice, not exercise (even though it’s both!). This slower-paced sequence holds postures and poses for longer than usual, so you can slow down and do something for your body while restoring energy levels. 

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    If your body is begging for a break, focus on stillness instead of movement, and work your breath instead of your body. This kundalini practice is meant to cultivate more energy, so even a quick break will give you the strength and motivation to get through the rest of your day (even when you’re at your most tired). 

    Yoga is the perfect exercise when you’re feeling tired but still want to work your body. Vinyasa flows are designed to build heat, loosen muscles, and build strength, so you’re reaping all the benefits of working out without over-working your body. This video is a personal favorite for days where I need extra motivation to get to my mat because it focuses on reflection and intention, combining mental health with physical movement. Use code TEG50 for a seven-day free trial and 50 percent off your first month of Obé Fitness!
     

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    If you need to ease yourself into a workout, we get it. This five-minute flow is meant for the mornings, so it wakes up your body with slow stretching before building to energizing movement by the end. It’s the perfect morning workout or an ideal pick-me-up during that afternoon slump. 

    What’s your go-to workout when you don’t feel like working out? More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The new Business Bay hotspot that needs to be on your restaurant list

    We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, we’re spoilt for choice at where to eat in Dubai.

    However, if you combine Italian food and Burj Khalifa views, you can be rest assured we’ll be making a booking.
    This is why you need to add Bella’s Restaurant & Lounge to your restaurant list, because it has Italian cuisine and fabulous Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline views.

    Set to open soon on the 20th floor of the Grand Millennium Hotel Business Bay, the cool setting will make for the perfect place for post-work meets with friends, a date night dinner or just a chilled place for some sundowners.
    Chef Alessandro Miceli curated the eatery’s menu and is complete with traditional Italian dishes we all know and love, as well as a few added Asian influences on some dishes.
    There’s no firm date as to when this new hotspot will be open, but it’s soon. Stay tuned to find out when…
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The UAE has one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world

    As the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, those who reside in the United Arab Emirates can take comfort in the country’s approach to tackling the virus.
    The proof is in the numbers, as it was outlined in a recent media briefing the UAE has one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates globally.

    In the last week, at the time of publishing, Dr Omar Al Hammadi, one of the official spokespeople for the UAE government, outlined that testing rates have increased by three per cent.
    Meanwhile, the mortality rate for COVID-19 in the UAE has stayed extremely low compared to other countries, and is sitting at 0.4 per cent currently, one of the lowest across the globe.

    Just yesterday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, received the COVID-19 vaccine which is currently being tested in the UAE.
    Sharing a photo with his 10.4 million Twitter followers, His Highness revealed his pride for the UAE and also wished everyone “safety and great health”.
    “While receiving the COVID-19 vaccine today,” he said. “We wish everyone safety and great health, and we are proud of our teams who have worked relentlessly to make the vaccine available in the UAE.
    “The future will always be better in the UAE.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Sheikh Mohammed Twitter More