Raphael Stevens

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Emirates to offer passengers free cover for COVID-19 medical costs

    As travel begins to return to normal, airlines are taking as many precautions as possible to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
    Now, going above and beyond to help their passengers, Emirates Airline has announced it will offer to cover free cover for COVID-19 medical costs for passengers.

    In an announcement from Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and group, he said per directives from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, that the Dubai-based airline would be the first to cover medical costs for their passengers.

    As directed by @HHShkMohd, @emirates will be the first airline to offer free cover for COVID-19 medical costs for its customers when they travel in the UAE & around the world. This will boost travel confidence & once again positions Emirates & Dubai as aviation industry leaders. pic.twitter.com/YJBAGObbZe
    — HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (@HHAhmedBinSaeed) July 23, 2020

    “Emirates will be the first airline to offer free cover for COVID-19 medical costs for its customers when they travel in the UAE and around the world,” he said in a statement on Twitter.
    “This will boost travel confidence and once again positions Emirates and Dubai as aviation industry leaders.”
    READ: A complete list of the destinations Emirates is currently flying to
    At present, Emirates is offering flights to over 60 destinations across the globe. With the airline already taking the utmost precautions in order to ensure its employees and customers alike are protected, this extra step is likely to put passengers at further ease when it comes to travel.
    The news of medical costs being covered by the airline comes after it was announced it is mandatory for all those entering the UAE to have a COVID-19 test before travelling.
    The new ruling, which will come into effect on August 1, is for all passengers including UAE citizens, UAE residents, tourists and those in transit coming into UAE airports on inbound flights or transit flights. Tests must be done prior to travel, a maximum of 96 hours before.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Emirates Instagram  More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    COVID-19 tests are now mandatory for all passengers travelling to the UAE

    In the latest travel update for those entering the UAE, it has been announced it is mandatory for everyone to have a COVID-19 test before travelling.

    The new ruling, which will come into effect on August 1, is for all passengers including UAE citizens, UAE residents, tourists and those in transit coming into UAE airports on inbound flights or transit flights. Tests must be done prior to travel, a maximum of 96 hours before.
    READ: A complete list of the destinations Emirates is currently flying to
    Similarly, in a statement from the UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, the authorities confirmed those who are travelling from the UAE to countries in Europe, the UK and other countries requiring a COVID-19 PCR test need to do so before boarding their flights.
    This latest regulation put in place is “in line with the country’s efforts to protect the health and safety of its citizens and residents and reduce the spread of coronavirus”, state news agency WAM said.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram  More

  • 125 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    Beyond Kanye: 6 Things Everyone Should Know About Mental Illness

    Something is happening with Kanye West, we can all agree on that. Like many, I watched and listened this week as outlets shared video clips and commentary about what that “something” might be. Mental illness? Internalized racism? Publicity stunt? Some combination of these?On Wednesday, July 22, West’s wife, Kim Kardashian West, took to Instagram Stories to address her husband’s mental health. “As many of you know, Kanye has bi-polar disorder. Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand,” Kardashian West wrote, according to CNN. “I’ve never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanye’s right to privacy when it comes to his health. But today, I feel like I should comment on it because off the stigma and misconceptions about mental health.”
    I’m a longtime Kanye fan; I often say playing Never Let Me Down on repeat got me through my last year of college. As a fan, I’ve been shocked and saddened by the course Kanye’s public persona has taken these last few years. Yet, as a mental health advocate, there’s something else I’m seeing that needs to be addressed—a consistent, insidious trend of people who are not mental health professionals publicly speculating on whether or not Kanye is suffering from a mental health crisis. And often (if they don’t believe he is) they’re making statements on their platforms as to why his behavior is not (in their eyes) a result of mental illness.  

    Look, I’m not actually writing this to debate whether or not Kanye is suffering a mental health crisis or, in any way, to condone what I think are dangerous messages he’s sharing. 
    What I am here to say is that we can collectively hold ourselves to a higher standard. Unless someone is a mental health professional or can speak about their own experience, it’s not responsible or humane to make judgements or perpetuate faulty narratives—even if unintentional. To ensure I’m holding myself to this same standard, I even asked my own longtime therapist to review this article before publishing.
    The truth is, like millions of people, I have a close family member that suffers from severe mental illness. For the past 20 years, we’ve experienced far more gut-wrenching lows than fleeting highs in caring for our loved one. Personally, it’s illuminated so many fractures in how—in both government and as a society—we lack important knowledge in two ways: truly understanding the myriad ways psychosis can look on different people, and using that knowledge to honor the humanity in those suffering.
    July is also BIPOC Mental Health month and, as a first-gen Black woman, I can tell you all of this is even more complicated for us as a family of color in America. So much so, that I recently became a member of the mental health board for the county I live in to be an agent of change in my community. 

    So, with that context, here’s what I wish more people knew about mental illness. 

    1. It’s damaging to make public statements about someone’s mental health 
    In 2020, it’s now a more broadly held concept that publicly commenting on someone’s weight is inappropriate, and can be harmful. The same holds true for mental health. Many of us might be unknowingly perpetuating myths on mental health and, by extension, causing additional harm to those affected. Navigating the ongoing journey for mental wellness is already taxing for those directly impacted and for their families, so hearing someone call their ex a “schizo” or “psycho” after an argument, or referring to their own “OCD” as a way to describe being detail-oriented doesn’t help. Neither does making unqualified, public commentary on potential mania or psychosis. It’s a lose/lose. At best, you’re diagnosing without the medical knowledge to do so and fueling ignorance. At worst, you’re causing harm by triggering past or current trauma. 
    This is why it’s best to refrain from making statements about how mental illness can or should look in someone, unless you are speaking from first person experience or are a current mental health professional. 

    2. Being an informed citizen is important 
    It’s surprising how many people move through the world as if this doesn’t affect them just because they may not have an immediate family member living with mental illness. First, I can almost promise you there is someone you love that is impacted in some way, however “mild.” There’s another layer beyond personal responsibility, which is civic duty. 
    Mental wellness—and the lack thereof for so many—impacts every aspect of a society’s overall health. Part of what it means to be an informed citizen and voter is understanding the ripple effect of mental health on everything from our jail system to homelessness to substance abuse to gun violence.

    3. Most often, the family isn’t to blame
    One of the biggest misconceptions around mental health is that the family is accountable for someone’s well-being and safety when, in reality, that is not at all how our system is designed. There have been so many times when friends have asked questions like, “Why can’t the authorities help you?” or “Why don’t you just have them in a long-term facility?” Or worse, that if someone is clearly experiencing homelessness and a mental health crisis, it’s assumed they either have no family or have been abandoned by them. Due to HIPAA guidelines and in an effort to protect the individual rights of those suffering, families’ rights are often non-existent. Let’s give family members a break. Chances are they’re doing their best given the constraints of the law and the ways this is impacting their own mental well-being. Instead of putting the onus on the family to answer what might be complicated and triggering questions, try simply saying, “I can’t imagine how tough this is, and I’m here if you need me.”

    4. Law enforcement shouldn’t be mental health first responders 
    According to an article from the Treatment Advocacy Center, people with an untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed while interacting with police. While the Black Lives Matter movement has gained momentum in recent months, it’s important to have dialogue on why it’s problematic (and sometimes dangerous) to have law enforcement serve as first responders for mental health crises which, by the way, they don’t have the expertise or bandwidth to do. For example, here’s a scenario that might play out one of two ways in California: a 30-something man has suffered from Schizophrenia for 10 years, and is caught loitering at a store and yelling at other customers. A clerk calls the police.
    Scenario A: The police arrive on the scene, confirm with him he’s not planning to harm himself, and ask him to leave the store. Done and done. This person might need acute care and won’t get it because he’s experienced at answering questions like this and truly does not want to harm anyone. He continues in crisis with no support, and his family does not know where he is since he left their home in a rage weeks earlier. 
    Scenario B: They arrive on the scene, and the man yells (likely as a result of delusions) that he wants to kill eight people. This means police must put the man on an involuntary hold, called a 5150. While in the hospital and forced to take medications, the man stabilizes, and calls his family. The family requests greater support, and maybe even a review for a conservatorship. On the very small chance his doctor agrees, by the time the man is seen by a judge maybe three weeks later, he is not in crisis, has been on medication, and can outline a clear plan for future care (which he may or may not really be committing to—like anyone in that situation, he says what he thinks people want to hear). The judge refuses to review family statements citing she has all the information she needs to make a decision. Case closed and the cycle begins all over again.   
    Can you see how challenging this is? Let me add another layer to it. 
    Given what we’re seeing daily on police brutality, how do you think this statistic plays out for Black and Latinx people suffering from mental health crises? Miles Hall is one tragic example. 

    5. Substance abuse, homelessness, and mental illness are all closely connected 
    Substance abuse and mental illness can be closely linked. Severe mental illness can present like substance abuse AND substances can be used as a means for self-medicating to cope with symptoms of mental illness. According to HelpGuide.org, some statistics from the Journal of the American Medical Association underscore this: 
    Approximately 50 percent of those with severe mental disorders are also impacted by substance abuse. 
    37 percent of those who abuse alcohol and 53 percent of those who abuse drugs also have at least one serious mental health condition. 
    29 percent of those diagnosed with a mental illness abuse either alcohol or drugs. 
    Let’s be conscious of these connected issues, quell judgements surrounding them, and deepen the empathy in our responses. 

    6. Know the ways to get help for yourself or loved ones 
    Finally, if you’re someone who struggles with severe mental illness or loves someone who does, there are ways to get support. One of the most challenging circumstances for some more severe diagnoses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder is that people can sometimes have little to no insight into their own illness. This makes caring for and protecting these loved ones especially challenging. The single most important tool I’ve learned around this is the LEAP method, created by Dr. Xavier Amador and outlined in his book, I’m Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help. LEAP stands for listen, empathize, agree, partner. 
    You can check out this YouTube video on it, but the primary reason it’s so important is that caretakers often try to talk our loved ones out of whatever they are thinking or feeling, and then we wonder why we aren’t getting anywhere. Imagine if someone were trying to talk you out of your current reality. How would that work for you? LEAP provides a framework for approaching conversations—and honestly, it’s also super helpful in relationships where mental health isn’t even an issue. This can also be a game-changer for mental health professionals or others who regularly come in contact with people who need mental health support services. 
    You can also check out NAMI, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness, for more information and access to services. NAMI has chapters across the country, creates space for families living with this to connect with one another, and have incredibly robust support services. 
    In the meantime, let’s stay open to hearing the experiences of others, and hold silent or supportive space for those who need it most. And if you do one thing this weekend, head over to Amazon Prime Video and watch (or rewatch) The Soloist with the lens outlined here. It’s a beautiful and accurate depiction of how mental illness, homelessness, and family dynamics are interconnected for so many.  More

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    in health and weelbeing

    13 Wellness Trends to Try From Home

    So your barre studio is closed, the local health food store has limited stock, and you’re lacking motivation to cook anything that doesn’t come from a box or the frozen section. Just because this year looks a little different than you thought it would when you made your New Year’s resolutions, it doesn’t mean you can’t still be working towards your health goals and achieving your best self. With scary headlines and a stay-at-home order, 2020 also brought wellness trends less focused on buzzwords and more focused on actual self-care. Here are 13 of them that you can try at home:
    1. A tech detox
    A juice detox is so last year (or, like, 2010… does anybody think foregoing food for multiple days is a good idea anymore?). In 2020, it’s all about the technology detox. Whether this means keeping your phone at the bottom of your beach bag for the entirety of a pool day or turning off Netflix for an afternoon of reading or painting, designate a specific amount of time to go tech-free. Try an entire day every week (yes, Instagram can wait!), or just an hour tech-free before bed. Read a book, sip some tea, and enjoy the freedom of not having your phone as a fifth limb, 24/7. 
    If you find it difficult to designate a specific amount of time to go tech-free, designate a space in your home. Whether it’s your kitchen table, bedroom, or meditation corner, setting tech-free rules for your space helps set expectations and guidelines. A designated tech-free area can help you remember to put away phones during meals or to turn off Netflix before bed.

    Source: @crystalinmarie

    2. Intuitive eating
    Luckily for our fridges (and our sanity), “dieting” is officially a bad word. Rather than labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and driving ourselves crazy with guilt, we’re eating intuitively. That’s right: restrictive diets and calorie counting are canceled. Instead, tune in to your body to feed it what it needs (and when it needs), and don’t worry so much about outside rules, recommendations, and regulations.
    Intuitive eating can help you not only take control of your eating habits, but can help you know your body better and become your healthiest self. When you’re eating, step away from the laptop, turn off the TV, and notice the smells and tastes of the food. Take time to thoroughly chew and enjoy, feeling thankful for the nourishment you’re receiving. Notice how your body is feeling and stop when you’re no longer hungry. 

    3. Body hair (and identifying what’s best for you)
    Emily Ratajkowski sported body hair in a sexy editorial shoot, Miley Cyrus notoriously dyes her armpit hair, and even Vogue ruled the bush is back. For decades, women’s bodies have been expected to be completely hairless everywhere, all over, and all the time. But we are mammals, and more importantly, humans, and humans have body hair. Humans also have different preferences, so while some of us feel best with the smoothness of just-shaved legs and a freshly waxed bikini line, others of us prefer to grow it all out, and that’s OK.
    Whether you feel better with hair, your waxing salon is closed, or you just don’t give a damn (because there are more important things to worry about than leg hair), experiment with what level of body hair makes you feel most confident. If you feel best without hair (or without hair in certain parts and grown out hair in others), check out our guide to removing body hair. And if you’re enjoying the freedom of not having to worry about hair removal and feel sexier or more badass with body hair, then let it rage. 

    Source: @lolaomonaija

    4. Ayurvedic rituals (and other ancient practices)
    OK, let me nerd out for a sec. I have been obsessed with Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine, since I wrote my college thesis on it (back in the good old days) and even saw an Ayurvedic practitioner. The system was developed over 3,000 years ago in India and is still widely practiced all over the world today. I know I’m a nerd, but how cool is that!? Imagine my delight when ancient rituals like tongue-scraping,  adaptogens, palo santo burning, and oil pulling started to become a part of mainstream media over the past couple of years. Practices that have been around for centuries are officially “trending” in the 2020 wellness space. 
    I love this “trend” because we have so much to learn about our own bodies through looking at practices in other cultures, time periods, and belief systems. To try some of these ancient practices at home, don’t just do it because your favorite wellness blogger says so. Read up on the history, benefits, and beliefs behind each of the rituals; talk about them with your doctor, and be your own guinea pig. 

    5. CBD for relaxation 
    We’ve talked about CBD for your beauty routine and have tried it in everything from candles to sunburn relief. But this year, we’re focused on how CBD can be used to boost relaxation and soothe anxiety (because 2020 is the year of constant anxiety). CBD can be used for many different purposes, but it has a reputation for its calming effects, delivered in easy and accessible ways. Check out our favorite products of all time, and try incorporating the buzziest wellness ingredient into your routine in whatever way is best for you, whether it’s a bath bomb, a lotion, or ingestible drops. 

    Equilibria
    Balance Box

    Use code “theeverygirl” for 20% off your first order!

    Equilibria
    CBD Bath Bombs

    Use code “theeverygirl” for 20% off your first order!

    Source: @jahirka

    6. Period tracking
    Staying at home 24/7 means you’re probably spending a lot more time bingeing Netflix, cleaning out your junk drawer, and teaching yourself more TikTok dances than you care to admit. Why not spend a little of your extra time getting to know your reproductive system better? The latest trend in menstrual health is not just holistic gynecology or non-toxic tampons (although both are great!), but tracking your cycle to find out what foods, workouts, and lifestyle tips are best for your body during each phase.
    To learn more, check out seven things every woman should know about her period and download a period-tracking app like MyFlo that gives you information about each day of your cycle. While we’re on the subject, having a period does not have to be a weakness; besides the fact that we can, you know, grow a freaking human being, women can use period tracking as a biohack to achieve better productivity. That goes for your work-from-home schedule, too. 

    7. Red light therapy
    Dubbed “the fountain of youth” by Glamour Magazine, red light therapy has been popping up everywhere from dermatologist offices to fitness centers. Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and Everygirl editor girl-crush, told Shape Magazine, “Red light therapy speeds the healing of the body, reduces inflammation, and helps hydration levels in the skin.” Luckily for 2020, this buzzy wellness trend is not just for expensive spas or wellness retreats. The latest products offer benefits of red light therapy from home (which is good since even wrinkles and low back pain isn’t worth risking your or other people’s safety). Try it for yourself with at-home devices that are more effective and affordable than ever.

    8. A tech-focused approach to fitness
    When you’re not detoxing from tech, technology can actually be used for good. Since going on a run can get boring and going to a yoga studio isn’t possible (or safe), technology has been trending in the fitness world. For regular class-goers, fitness apps and online subscriptions (like Everygirl-favorite, obé fitness) provide an alternative to studios, and equipment like The Mirror and Peloton bike bring the fun of workout classes to the comfort of your home (even if they’re out of my price range).
    Besides just alternatives to classes, technology can help you make the most out of your workouts too. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, technology (such as the Fitbit and Apple Watch) was the most popular form of wearable devices in 2019, and in 2020, they’re being used to motivate and monitor at-home exercise. Look out for virtual reality and even smarter fitness equipment making its way into your at-home fitness routine in the future. 

    Source: @theplussizedprep

    9. Mental health is #1 priority
    The past few months have been a wake-up call for several reasons, but one of the biggest was where we’re not prioritizing mental health. Self-care has been trending for years when it comes to face masks and bubble baths, but this year, sh*t got real, and we were all forced to prioritize self-care in the ways that are best for us and will actually help us feel better. Maybe you’ve taken action by prioritizing yourself or booking a session with a therapist, or maybe you’re still struggling like many of us are.
    Staying safe at home doesn’t have to be an excuse for not getting the help you need; many therapists are offering sessions over Zoom, and apps like Talkspace are revolutionizing virtual therapy. Check out resources to find a therapist for you, like BetterHelp, Dr. on Demand, and Therapy for Black Girls, or ask your therapist to schedule a virtual session. Besides getting honest about what you need to soothe stress and anxiety, bring your mental health into everything you do: perfect work-life balance, eat mindfully, and work out to release stress instead of burning calories. 

    10. Beauty that’s good for you (and the earth)
    Health is no longer just about what you put in your body, but also what you put on it. Not only are more non-toxic skincare and makeup brands popping up in the beauty space, but the brands we’ve been shopping for years are adding cleaner options to their offerings (clean beauty is the way of the future). The biggest benefit is that beauty products are not only stopping the use of harmful ingredients, but replacing with natural ingredients that are good for your skin and hair (like a concealer or lipstick with hydrating jojoba oil). Bonus: it’s much better for the earth too.
    To begin your quest towards a cleaner beauty routine, check out clean brands we love, read up on 10 experts’ clean beauty hacks, and shop our favorite non-toxic sunscreens. If it feels overwhelming to go totally clean, try replacing each product you run out of with a non-toxic, sustainable, and ethically-sourced alternative. Bonus points for buying from a small business! 

    Source: @missenocha

    11. Prioritizing pleasure
    2020 is the year of the “pleasure revolution,” and we could not be more excited about it (literally). Female sexuality is no longer a taboo subject; it’s self-care. To prioritize your sexuality, educate yourself, take time to experiment, and read our ultimate self-isolation guide to masturbation. Oh, and pleasure is not just reserved for the bedroom; it’s about living your life more pleasurably. Start by basing decisions off of what would bring you more pleasure (like a warm bath versus a cold shower, or a slow yoga flow versus a sweaty dance workout). Also, take extra time to pamper yourself (turn on a playlist and dry brush or massage in body oil), and don’t forget to check yourself out in the mirror (because you know you look good). 

    12. Biohacking your water
    Kool-Aid is so last decade. This summer, wellness influencers and health experts are making the most of their drink of choice (AKA some good old-fashioned water) with add-ins that are packed with nutrients. Turn any glass of water or reusable bottle (#ecofriendly) into a refreshing drink that not only hydrates you, but fills your body with antioxidants, electrolytes, or vitamins. Just watch out for high-sugar content and make sure the ingredients are as clean and natural as possible. PS check out newcomer Tandem, which uses ingredients like beetroot, turmeric, and ginger. Now that’s my kind of summer drink! 

    13. Inclusivity in wellness
    A necessary change in the wellness industry is way overdue, and it’s time all of us do what we can to promote more diversity in the health and wellness space. Practice inclusivity at home by educating yourself, supporting businesses that promote diversity (yes, that goes for your local yoga studio and favorite athleticwear brand), purchasing Black-owned brands, following Women of Color who are nutritionists, influencers, and wellness experts on social media; and supporting, donating, and attending resources for/from Women of Color (like Loom, Brown Girl Self-Care, The Loveland Foundation, and Dive in Well). 

    What wellness trends are you trying at home? More

  • 113 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    The Top 5 Beauty Products I’ve Tried This Summer

    I’ll be honest: I have tried a lot of products in the last few months. My taxes were slightly less than I expected, and I stopped ordering a $14 cocktail multiple nights a week. But not everything was created equal. Some of the products I tried were absolute garbage (a new foundation I tried made my face break out in the worst break out I’ve ever had… no thanks), but some have officially made it to holy grail status. Below, I’m sharing the products that have totally made their way into my everyday makeup basket, whether for daily wear, just taking some selfies, or the first time I got to see my friends again (socially distant, but oh so glorious regardless). They’re perfect for mask-wear, but also just lounging around the house.

    Glowy Makeup Serum

    I snagged this in Sephora’s Spring Beauty Event in May the second it went back in stock. I’ve loved every single thing I’ve tried from Laneige, and I was intrigued by the idea of their first foray into a skincare/makeup hybrid product. I was not disappointed. I use this as a makeup primer, but I’ve even used it on days that I’m not wearing makeup just to look glowy without any coverage. The glow comes from the texture of the product (a light, liquid/serum that comes out of a dropper) rather than a bunch of glitter or shimmers all over your face. It does have a hint of a pearl, but I can’t see them at all on my face once it’s blended in. Oh, and as a primer it works wonders. I’ve worn this on days I know I’ll be wearing my mask for a long time in the heat, and my makeup doesn’t budge.
    I have combination skin, but I can get away with using this all over my face, so I honestly think it would work on all skin types.

    Elysium Naturals Co.
    Whipped Shea Body Butter

    I raved about this on Instagram the second it came in the mail. I was looking for a thick body butter to rub all over my legs after shaving, but nothing has ever been the right consistency for me. I love the look of a body oil, but I hate the process of putting it on; and a body butter moisturizes, but it rarely gives me the glow I want. This product is the perfect medium between an ultra-moisturizing body cream and a body oil. I put it all over (arms, shoulders, chest, legs, butt, feet—legit, this goes everywhere), and I get compliments every time that my skin looks glowy and hydrated. I purchased the “sweet mango” scent, and it’s great for summer. The scent lingers, but I don’t notice it inferring with my perfume either. I am dying to try the orangesicle and the lavender vanilla too!

    Tower 28 Beauty
    BeachPlease Tinted Lip + Cheek Balm

    Next to eyeshadow, blush is one of the most fun products out there. It’s an easy way to have a little extra fun with color without going full blue eyeshadow. And of course, I’m opting for more cream cheek products than ever to keep my skin looking glowy and natural. These ones from Tower 28 are some of the best I’ve tried. I have the shade “Golden Hour,” a terracotta orange that blends out to look like a light orange on the skin. If the idea of orange blush scares you, don’t let it; it actually looks really natural on my warm skin tone—like I’m actually blushing. But it’s also available in two other shades that I absolutely am dying to get my hands on: a neutral pink/mauve and a bright, summer coral-pink.

    Charlotte Tilbury
    Airbrush Matte Bronzer

    Charlotte Tilbury just gets me sometimes, IDEK. I’ve tried a few new bronzers this summer, but this one… Y’all, this bronzer is one of the best powder products I’ve ever tried on my face. I spent all of last summer absolutely raving about the Fenty Beauty bronzers. And trust me: I still love that bronzer with my whole heart. But when I wasn’t wearing foundation or was just wearing a concealer, it didn’t blend as easily. I love the look of nothing but bronzer on the skin in the summer—your skin looks even and flat without any coverage. And CT’s new bronzer is perfect for that. I like to think this is because it’s the exact same formula as Charlotte’s iconic Airbrush Flawless Finish setting powder, so it’s made to be worn on bare skin and reapplied throughout the day.
    If the price of this bronzer is holding you back, I feel you. I ultimately decided to try it because I love that this is a refillable pan. Once I hit pan (or want a lighter shade in the winter), I can just replace the pan without buying a whole new package. It’s less wasteful and cost-effective, which I absolutely love. This pan is also absolutely massive (see image above next to my Fenty bronzer). I have used this every single day since I got it, and I cannot imagine going through it in my entire lifetime. I’ve only had this just over a month, and I think I’ve already used it 55 times. For reference, I got the third shade, “Tan,” and I am currently a Fenty 330 and use the “I$land Ting” bronzer!

    JD Glow Cosmetics
    Galaxy Shadows

    I considered adding these as an honorable mention because some of the shades I have are sold out, but these actually might be #1 right now, so I gotta tell it like it is. I’m an eyeshadow fiend, but as my collection grows, I am strategic about finding shades and textures that are really unique. These Galaxy shadows are basically as unique as it gets. First of all, the price is absolutely right. These pans are huge, so you’ll never run out while getting a great deal per gram. But what really stands out about these are the texture. These are all duochromes. I have “Peachy Keen,” which at first glance looks like a light peach shimmer, but it shifts to a gorgeous green. I recently used this to recreate this gorgeous picture of Gigi Hadid, and it was basically the exact tone. I also have “Prismatic,” a green-blue duochrome, which I’m wearing in this picture (shoutout to my hairstylist for my hair looking as good as it ever will in this picture).
    Obviously, I have brighter shades, but I’m excited to try some more neutral ones. I genuinely don’t want to wear any other shadows right now! JD Glow is a Black-owned indie beauty line by two BFFs in Baton Rouge, L.A., which only makes me more excited to buy more of their incredible products. More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Kim Kardashian breaks silence on husband Kanye’s bipolar disorder

    Following a tumultuous few days for Kanye West, who has spoken about very private family matters in a public way, Kim Kardashian West has broken her silence.
    Opening up about her husband’s bipolar disorder, the makeup mogul asked for “compassion and empathy” from the public and media.

    Over the last couple of days, West has been posting a series of erratic Twitter posts regarding personal matters, his family and more after appearing at a rally in South Carolina to launch his presidential campaign.
    Kardashian took to Instagram to address the erratic behaviour her husband has been showing and also addressed his bipolar disorder.

    “As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” she began. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”

    Kim Kardashian’s statement just posted to her Instagram stories is well worth reading. pic.twitter.com/XV9mIZvTlt
    — claudia irizarry aponte (@clauirizarry) July 22, 2020

    She continued to say, “I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions.”
    The 39-year-old went onto highlight how the loss of his mother has affected him, as well as struggling with mental health issues has put “pressure” on him.
    “He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of the pressures of being an artist and a Black man, who experienced the painful loss of his mother, and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bipolar disorder,” she said. “Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words some times [sic] do not align with his intentions.
    “Living with bipolar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some. That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true.”
    She asked that everyone give “grace” to the individuals, including her husband, who are struggling with mental issues, and also asked for “compassion and empathy” during this trying time.

    “We as a society talk about giving grace to the issue of mental health as a whole, however we should also give it to the individuals who are living with it in times when they need it most,” she said. “I kindly ask that the media and public give us the compassion and empathy that is needed so that we can get through this.
    “Thank you for those who have expressed concern for Kanye’s well being and for your understanding.”
    Following West’s outspoken words at the rally, Page Six reported that Kardashian and her family were left “mortified” by his behaviour, but are desperate to help the 44-year-old, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016.
    “She has desperately been trying to help Kanye, keep him calm, and prevent him from having any public meltdowns,” a source told the publication. “The family believe he is having a bipolar episode.
    “He won’t take medications because he feels they make him less creative.”
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Kim Kardashian Instagram More

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    Kuwaiti influencer Rawan Bin Hussain has announced her divorce

    Popular Kuwaiti influencer Rawan Bin Hussain has announced she’s getting a divorce.
    Sharing the news earlier this week with her 4.8 million followers on Instagram, she said she hoped people would “understand” her decision.

    “Today I’m here to explain this without the filter and I’m hoping people, especially Middle Easterners who still follow the worst traditional rules, would understand me,” she said.
    The 23-year-old went on to explain she was “proud” of the steps she was taking.

    “I am very proud to say I am divorcing my husband,” she said.
    The mother-of-one claimed she was “mentally abused”, and was called “crazy, psychotic [and] unstable”.
    “I was mentally abused to the extent I did go to therapy because I thought I am unstable,” she said.
    Despite the difficulties she has gone through, the influencer said she was “excited” for the next chapter in her life.
    “If this will make me ‘Less of a human being’, then that’s totally fine!” she said. “I am super excited for my new chapter. And I can’t wait to start.”
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    A complete list of the destinations Emirates is currently flying to

    As travel slowly begins to recover, along with that Emirates is slowly but surely increasing its destination pool.
    By the beginning of August, the Dubai-based airline is set to be flying to over 60 destinations across the world. While it’s still significantly lower than the 157 destinations the airline was flying to pre-COVID-19, it’s most certainly a positive sign.

    With the destination pool increasing and the Dubai borders having opened, perhaps a summer holiday could be on the cards? However, for those who are thinking of travelling, it’s advised you check the requirements and policies in place in your destination country.

    Emirates will resume passenger services to Stockholm @Arlanda from 1 August. Now fly better and safer to 22 cities in Europe and 63 destinations worldwide from @DXB. https://t.co/aUMpd9dw8l #FlyEmiratesFlyBetter #Above_The_Clouds pic.twitter.com/WIdwHXxowG
    — Emirates Airline (@emirates) July 20, 2020

    With destinations continuously being added to the Emirates flight schedule, we’ve rounded up the complete list of where Emirates is offering regularly scheduled flights to.
    Africa
    Addis AbabaCairoDar Es SalaamKhartoumTunis
    Americas
    BostonChicagoNew YorkTorontoLos AngelesSao PauloWashington
    Asia
    ColomboDhakaIslamabadKabulKarachiLahoreMaldivesThe SeychellesHanoiHo Chi Minh CityHong KongGuangzhouJakartaKuala LumpurManilaOsakaSeoulSingaporeTaipeiTokyo
    Australasia
    AucklandBrisbanePerthSydney
    Europe
    AmsterdamAthensBarcelonaBrusselsCopenhagenDublinFrankfurtGenevaGlasgowLarnacaLondonMadridManchesterMilanMunichOsloParisPragueRomeStockholmViennaZurich
    Middle East
    AmmanBeirutBahrainDubaiTehran
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More