Raphael Stevens

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    in beauty and fashion

    23 Drugstore Beauty Products With a Cult Following

    If there’s one good thing that came out of 2020 for me, it’s my newfound passion for skincare. While staying at home this year, I’ve become slightly obsessed with watching TikToks and Youtube videos describing the best skincare products and practices—and which ones to avoid at all costs (I’m looking at you, apricot scrubs!).One of my favorite content creators, @skincarebyhyram on TikTok, has over 5.9 million followers and has made a name for himself by reacting to celebs’ skincare routines and calling out brands with harmful ingredients. After bingeing his videos (he also has a Youtube channel) and doing my own research, I overhauled my skincare routine to include only the best ingredients and realized that taking care of your skin really does not have to expensive! 
    I have also really enjoyed trying new makeup and hair products while staying at home, especially when they come at an affordable price. I’ve always appreciated drugstore beauty, but in recent months I’ve realized that there are endless amounts of great affordable products out there that people simply swear by. 
    Here are 23 drugstore beauty products that have tens of thousands of five-star reviews and a huge fanbase: 

    Renewing SA Cleanser

    All of CeraVe’s cleansers are extremely popular, but this relatively new one is gaining traction quickly. It’s specifically formulated for problem skin and aims to smooth any unwanted texture.

    Daily Moisturizing Cream

    If you have sensitive skin or any sort of skin condition, this is the lotion for you. It’s incredibly moisturizing, without being too greasy or heavy.

    SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

    Micellar water is the most gentle (yet still effective) way to remove makeup, and I won’t use anything else. Also, this plus reusable cotton pads are a much more environmentally-friendly alternative to makeup wipes!

    Shea Moisture
    Clarifying Mud Mask

    This clarifying mask is awesome for when your skin needs a little extra love. The value is amazing, because this tub is huge—so you get tons of uses!

    The Ordinary
    Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

    The Ordinary made a name for itself with affordability, transparency, and effectiveness. I would say this product is the one I see the most in skincare routines and favorites videos.

    Gentle Skin Cleanser

    I know so many people who swear by this cleanser and won’t use anything else. As the name implies, it’s gentle and great for sensitive skin.

    The Honey Pot
    Sensitive Feminine Wash

    This feminine wash is plant-derived and all-natural, as opposed to other options on the market that may have harmful ingredients. In addition, it has thousands of glowing reviews on Target’s website! More

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    in health and weelbeing

    Carbs Aren’t the Enemy—These Healthy Recipes Prove It

    Can you eat a healthy diet and still eat carbs? Well, to be fair, part of that depends on your definition of “healthy,” but experts suggest that you should focus on the quality of what you’re eating, rather than trying to cut them out entirely, according to Harvard Men’s Health Watch. Carbs definitely have a place in my diet, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t care about trying to make good choices—at least, much of the time. If you, like me, don’t feel like cutting out carbs is right for you, but you still want to eat healthy, try one of these 22 recipes, which prove that healthy recipes with carbs are totally possible—and absolutely delicious.

    Source: By Erin Clarke of Well Plated

    Source: Foodie Crush

    Source: Isabel Eats

    Source: Jessica in the Kitchen

    Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

    Source: Two Peas and Their Pod

    Source: Sweet Potato Soul

    Source: Ambitious Kitchen

    Source: Platings and Pairings

    Source: My Food Story

    Source: Two Peas and Their Pod

    Source: Pinch of Yum

    Source: Isabel Eats

    Source: Sweet Potato Soul

    Source: Snixy Kitchen

    Source: Gimme Some Oven

    Source: My Food Story

    Source: Platings and Pairings

    Source: Jessica in the Kitchen

    Source: Ambitious Kitchen

    Source: Pinch of Yum

    Source: Orchids + Sweet Tea More

  • 113 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    The 5 Daily Goals Keeping Me Sane in 2020

    Five daily goals might seem like a heavy lift in 2020. This year, some big picture dreams, like saving for a home or climbing the corporate ladder, might feel further afield. (But the good news is that small, actionable steps are the only way we actually achieve our big goals anyway.)I start every day by jotting down these five things in my day planner. In aggregate, it may feel like a lot. But each of these can be broken down to their smallest selves and still have impact. Checking them off throughout the day gives a major sense of accomplishment during an otherwise really distracting year.
    And science shows that is not just for us list lovers. Dopamine is released every time we check something off of a list, reinforcing our mind’s willingness to do that task again, and helping cement the habit. I’m also loving planners from female-founded small businesses, The Daily Page and Silk and Sonder, both of which have habit tracking built right into your other scheduling needs. 

    1. Meditation
    Short, daily meditation is the cornerstone of my 2020 wellness. The optimal amount of meditation time is up for debate. But, some meditation studies show that consistent, smaller sessions produce better results than a larger block of time.
    This news is comforting, because most days all I can manage is a short 5-10 minute stretch of quiet and focus. Apps like Headspace are well known for their excellent variety of meditations. I’ve also been turning to the free app Insight Timer and it’s been fun to explore the more informal and wide varieties of global takes on music, messages, and meditation.

    2. Movement
    There is a reason this doesn’t say “work out.” Staring at a “to-do” that used to represent beloved classes, some much-needed gym time, or a long run just isn’t a motivator for me right now. It feels much more achievable to commit to move, every day, even for just a little bit.
    Some days this takes the form of stretching while I’m on a conference call. Others it means going on a walk while I listen to an industry webinar. And on my best days, I’m setting up shop with my home gym and exploring new favorite at-home workouts.

    3. Vitamins and supplements
    Vitamins and supplements are a super personal choice, and should be tailored to our particular health or wellness considerations. I have a little line up of collagen, a multi-vitamin, and a few other supplements that after a lot of trial and error, I’ve found work for my daily routine.
    Making this a daily goal feels like an easy win because it’s baked into a series of other things I’m always sure to do in the morning, like grabbing coffee and making my bed. It also reminds me that in small steps, I’m working toward larger wellness goals, and it encourages me to be sure I’m fueling up my body as effectively as possible the rest of the day.

    4. Money management
    Reviewing my checking account every day is a financial behavioral change that has yielded big results for me. I can easily lapse into being an “avoider” on my financial wellness, especially when things feel uncertain. Being home more means I’ve had fewer excuses around tending to personal admin. Truly understanding your holistic financial picture, even when you’re in the middle of tough times, is a key piece of money management.
    I have gotten this down to a five-minute review, either first thing in the morning before I start my work day or just as I’m wrapping up at night. It literally takes me just moments to kick open my banking app and scan for any unexpected charges, update a bill pay, or send a few dollars to savings. Some apps like YNAB even make a daily check in explicit as part of managing your budget, highlighting that it’s a key cornerstone to achieving bigger financial goals.

    5. Networking
    My fellow introverts are probably cringing hard now. Networking in the best of times can feel like a heavy lift, so doing it daily might feel impossible. But I’m finding that again, taking the very smallest molecule of this task and giving myself wide room for how to interpret it feels like a success. My goal here is that relationships don’t languish while we’re all socially distant and to stay in touch with key contacts, especially if the economy and job security feels less stable.
    I’m also taking advantage of our virtual-first world. It makes it easier to cold pitch an introduction on LinkedIn, or join webinars and follow up with notes to the host. On my most energized days, I try to think of two people in my network who might not know each other, and introduce them over an article or piece of content I found interesting that they may both enjoy.

    What are your daily cornerstones of wellness and productivity?  More

  • 125 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    Last Day: Don’t Miss Out On The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

    Truth be told, sales are my time to shine. I screenshot way too many trends and statement pieces on Instagram to be able to indulge in all of them (because, oops, I already spent my budget on iced lattes and Postmates). Therefore, I wait all year to buy athleticwear, fall jackets, winter accessories, quality basics, and of-the-moment trends until the moment that’s finally upon us: the Nordstrom Sale. The prices (and items) are so good, my closet is about 90 percent Nordstrom Sale steals (and the other 10 percent is probably gifts from my mom). This year, it’s broken down based on Nordstrom Card status (what you spend in a year). The opening dates are as follows:
    August 4: Icon access (cardholders that spend $15,000+ per year)
    August 7: Ambassador access (cardholders that spend $5,000+ per year)
    August 10: Influencer access (cardholders that spend $2,000+ per year)
    August 13: Insider access (all Nordstrom cardholders)
    August 19: Public access 
    The sale will run through Sunday, August 30th.
    Sure, hunting for deals is fun, but you know what’s even more fun? Scoring discounts that someone else already scoured for you (I’m all about big reward for less effort). So here’s our early Christmas present/late Christmas-in-August present for you, our faithful readers. Shop all the best items at the Nordstrom Sale below, and prepare for that post-shopping high after you get everything you want for a fraction of the price. 

    LOUNGING

    SHOES WE LOVE

    CLOSET STAPLES

    COATS

    ACCESSORIES

      More

  • 150 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    An epic stand up paddleboarding event took place at this Dubai landmark

    If you haven’t tried at least one type of watersport in Dubai, you’re not taking full advantage of the seaside lifestyle.
    Whether you’re nervous around the waves or simply haven’t felt inspired to dive into the deep end, an epic event that took place this Friday was determined to convert from water-shy among us to a nymph.

    Iconic Water Lakes at the foot of the Burj Khalifa hosted a first of its kind stand up paddleboarding event that saw residents glide across the blue waters, surrounded by the Dancing Fountains.
    ‘We Paddle for Dubai’ is an initiative by Dubai International Marine Club and organized by DIMC with the support of the Dubai Sports Council and in partnership with Emaar Properties, in cooperation with Kite N Surf.

    Around 80 water enthusiasts took to their boards for a two-hour experience like no other. Some of the high-profile attendees included our past cover star and Egyptian marathon runner Manal Rostom.
    If this hasn’t tempted you to test your balance on the water, then we don’t know what will. Plus, this is the best time to support local business so check out some of EW‘s favourite paddleboard spots here.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    How I got my job as… Founder of Dubai’s chic bakery Mélange

    There are cakes, and then there are Mélange cakes.
    Dubai-based small-batch bakery specialising in gourmet desserts and bespoke cakes is your go-to for unique sweet treats for any occasion.

    Founder and CEO, Nadia Parekh, came into the world of bakery via the route of being a clinical psychologist. She went on to train at Le Cordon Bleu London before working in pastry kitchens in London and Dubai. After plenty of sweet experience, she decided to treat Dubai resident to beautifully decorated desserts that look too good to eat.

    What was your favourite subject at school?

    Culinary and Psychology were definite favourites. Which then lead to me pursuing a career in clinical psychology.
    What was your first job?
    Ironically it was completely unrelated to food. I worked in a research lab at Douglas Hospital in Montreal.
    What inspired you to launch Mélange?
    I wanted to exercise my creativity more. I started feeling bored at work like a machine in the kitchen doing the same production every day. It didn’t excite me anymore. I always wanted to start my own brand with my own products and vision. It was always a dream so I just took the plunge
    What are the key elements of your role?
    Being the boss means you have to find a way to motivate yourself! No one will help you do this. You also have to motivate your team and oversee all aspects of the business, make quick decisions and hope to god they’re the right ones.
    I enjoy Innovation and product development. It’s always a challenge to come up with new recipes because you’re restricted by so many things – the product must be easy to transport, fit inside our retail boxes, have a decent shelflife, not be too temperature sensitive, yet incredibly delicious and cheat-worthy.
    In a startup, organisation is crucial as there is no wiggle room or budget for errors. It’s pivotal to have eyes on all aspects of the business and as a growing company setting up systems and procedures from scratch and implementing them requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

    Talk us through your daily routine.
    It always starts with a good cup of coffee and emails – mostly to clients with bespoke cake orders finalizing their designs and keeping social media up to date. Then the phone calls start with my team as I oversee production and logistics for our online platform with our operations manager. The odd meeting here and there with suppliers or B2B clients. But once I get into that kitchen nothing else seems to exist. I plug in my music and just focus – I’m there for hours at a stretch. What I love about my job is every day is different. Different cakes, different places to go, and of course different challenges to overcome.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    Hard work and passion will always pay off. You have to persevere through the rough days because they are present in abundance. It’s all about looking at them in a positive light and taking them as lessons learned.
    Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
    To be honest you’ll mostly find me in chef jackets and jeans. I’m definitely a casual jeans and black T-shirt kind of girl but I am obsessed with shoes – especially my royal blue Manolo Blahnik’s. And you’ll never find me without my favourite slingback Bottega Veneta bag.

    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    “You cannot do everything on your own.” You can’t be good at everything. Balance your weaknesses and ask for help because you’re only as strong as your team.
    And what is the worst?
    “Growth is the most important measure of success.” Sometimes staying consistent and focusing on foundational efforts and brand value, can be more important than growth. Strategy will always change depending on what stage your business is at.
    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    I’ve always had control issues when it comes to work. That was a big challenge to overcome and change my mindset. Being a one-woman show for so long I had to teach myself how to work with others. Trusting others with the company and learning how to delegate.  Maintaining quality control has been another struggle as well, coming up with a system to make sure every product that leaves the kitchen is consistently good every time.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • 138 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    How I got my job as…Founder of Dubai’s chic bakery Mélange

    There are cakes, and then there are Mélange cakes.
    Dubai-based small-batch bakery specialising in gourmet desserts and bespoke cakes is your go-to for unique sweet treats for any occasion.

    Founder and CEO, Nadia Parekh, came into the world of bakery via the route of being a clinical psychologist. She went on to train at Le Cordon Bleu London before working in pastry kitchens in London and Dubai. After plenty of sweet experience, she decided to treat Dubai resident to beautifully decorated desserts that look too good to eat.

    What was your favourite subject at school?

    Culinary and Psychology were definite favorites. Which then lead to me pursuing a career in clinical psychology.
    What was your first job?
    Ironically it was completely urelated to food. I worked in a research lab at Douglas Hospital in Montreal.
    What inspired you to launch Mélange?
    I wanted to exercise my creativity more. I started feeling bored at work like a machine in the kitchen doing the same production every day. It didn’t excite me anymore. I always wanted to start my own brand with my own products and vision. It was always a dream so I just took the plunge
    What are the key elements of your role?
    Being the boss means you have to find a way to motivate yourself! No one will help you do this.Youalsohave to motivate your team and oversee all aspects of the business, make quick decisions and hope to god they’re the right ones.
    I enjoy Innovation and product development. It’s always a challengeto come up with new recipes because you’re restricted by so many things – the product must be easy to transport, fit inside our retail boxes, have a decent shelflife, not be too tempreature sensistive, yet incredibly delicious and cheatworthy.
    In a startup organisation is crucialas there is no wiggle room or budget for errors. It’s pivotal to have eyes on all aspects of the business and as a growing company setting up systems and procedures from scratch and implementing them requires strong organizational and problem solving skills.

    Talk us through your daily routine.
    Italways starts with a good cup of coffee and emails – mostly to clients with bespoke cake orders finalizing their designs and keeping social media up to date. Then the phone calls start with my team as I oversee production and logistics for our online platform with our operations manager. The odd meeting here and there with suppliers or B2B clients. But once I get into that kitchen nothing else seems to exist. I plug in my music and just focus – I’m there for hours at a stretch. What I love about my job is every day is different. Different cakes, different places to go, and of course different challenges to overcome.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    Hard work and passion will always pay off. You have to persevere through the rough days because they are present in abundance. It’s all about looking at them in a positive light and taking them as lessons learned.
    Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
    To be honest you’ll mostly find me in chef jackets and jeans. I’m definitely a casual jeans and black T-shirt kind of girl but I am obsessed with shoes – especially my royal blue Manolo Blahnik’s . And you’ll never find me without my favorite sling back Bottega Veneta bag.

    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    “You cannot do everything on your own.” You can’t be good at everything. Balance your weaknesses and ask for help because you’re only as strong as your team.
    And what is the worst?
    “Growth is the most important measure of success.” Sometimes staying consistent and focusing on foundational efforts and brand value, can be more important than growth. Strategy will always change depending on what stage your business is at.
    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    I’ve always had control issues when it comes to work. That was a big challenge to overcome and change my mindset. Being a one woman show for so long I had to teach myslef how to work with others. Trusting others with the company and learning how to delegate.  Maintaining quality controlhas been another struggle as well, coming up with a system to make sure every product that leaves the kitchen is consistently good every time.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • 125 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    Kylie Jenner is currently holidaying with Palestinian model Fai Khadra

    Kylie Jenner is currently holidaying in Paris, France and a familiar face has popped up in her Instagram photos – say hello to Fai Khadra.
    Last month, the 23-year-old shared quite a few photos from a trip she took to the Utah desert, a couple of them being with the Palestinian model.

    Now, exploring the sights of Paris, the makeup mogul shared another photo where she’s cosied up to Fai.

    However, we can all be rest assured this pair are just friends. According to TMZ, Kylie and Fai are not dating and “they’re just very good friends and have been part of each other’s small social circle during the pandemic”.
    So, who exactly is Fai? Well, he is of Arab roots. He was born in Saudi Arabia to Palestinian parents, and even grew up here in Dubai.He’s been in the Kardashian-Jenner inner-circle for quite a number of years and has always been close to Kylie and Kendall and is also a close friend of Kourtney Kardashian.

    Despite the city of Los Angeles’ – where Kylie resides with her two-year-old daughter Stormi – recent implementation of the safer-at-home policy given the state of California’s high number of COVID-19 cases, the billionaire has chosen to travel.
    Kylie and Fai, along with a few other friends, were seen out and about in Paris over the weekend taking a trip to the city’s landmark music the Louvre.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Kylie Jenner Instagram  More