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    50+ Valentine’s Day Gifts to Spread Some Love This Year

    I’m a pretty positive person overall, and I almost rarely write off someone for one thing. Heck, my best friend hates the one thing I love in this world (the Jonas Brothers), and I still allow her in my presence. But there’s one type of person that I just know I won’t jive with. They irritate me to no end, and I have very little room in my life for them. And that, my friends, is the kind of person who hates Valentine’s Day. Y’all, I have been single for every single Valentine’s Day of my entire life, but it surely hasn’t stopped me from putting together a snazzy pink and red outfit, making cards for my best friends, putting hearts on every single thing, and making enough treats to put a small army in a sugar coma. It’s like Halloween in which it’s a holiday strictly about ~vibes~, and I refuse to deal with the joy suckers of the world who’ve decided that love is only meant to be between a couple and can’t enjoy it.
    Nonetheless, as you can see, I take V-Day very seriously. I love gifting the people in my life (as well as myself) with something special every year, whether it’s a sweet card, a new beauty product they’ll love, a fun activity (see #2!), or something sexy just for me. No matter who you’re buying for, we gathered a list of the best Valentine’s Day gifts to give regardless of your budget. Time to spread a little more love! 

    For girlfriends, best friends, coworkers, and yourself: 

     

    For the guys in your life: More

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    The Target Cleanser Our Editor Swears By + 12 Other Products We Finished This Month

    We’re big fans of the YouTube Beauty Community here at The Everygirl. We’re constantly talking about our favorite creators, their best looks, and buying pretty much everything they recommend. The YouTube beauty world is honestly what we have to thank for some of the biggest trends in beauty—we’d never be baking our undereyes or curling our hair with straighteners or using men’s post-shave balm as a primer if it weren’t for the beauty YouTubers who taught us how. Alongside the various techniques YouTube has taught us, the phenomenon of the ever-so-popular “empties video” has truly taken over our subscription feeds. Every beauty YouTuber has made an empties video (if not five), and everyone who even knows just a glimpse of beauty YouTube has seen one. The concept is simple: show everyone what’s in your trash and talk about if you loved it, if you’ll buy it again, and how long it took you to use up. 
    So being the beauty-lovers we are at TEG HQ, we decided to create our own empties series. Every month, all of our editors will share a few of our own empties—from skin, hair, and makeup products to candles and vitamins and home items—and give our unfiltered review on each of the products. Some of them we’ll love and need to repurchase ASAP … and some we’ll celebrate finally finishing them up. If you’ve ever wondered what our absolute favorites (and not-so-favorites) are, this is the right place to be. It’s finally time for our trash cans to shine!

    Elizavecca
    Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment

    I have fine, bleach-damaged hair, which means that at one point or another, I’ve tried pretty much every expensive deep conditioner I could get my hands on. A few weeks ago when I was visiting my parents, I saw this in my mom’s shower, used a glob, and was in awe at what my hair felt like after. After immediately ordering it and going through an entire bottle of my own, I can say this truly might be the best deep conditioner I have ever used in my life, and it’s under $10. It makes my hair feel truly healthy, not weighed-down or full of oils temporarily masking the damage, and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my hair’s overall health from using it over time. This is an immediate re-purchase for me.
    – Maddie, Associate Editor & Fashion Content Manager

    Authentic Beauty Concept
    Glow Touch

    I am the first to admit that my hair is not my best asset. Having thin, fine hair has made me prioritize thickening treatments and texturizing sprays. My cabinets are full of mousses, pastes, and dry shampoos in an attempt to make my hair just a little more Gisele-like. I never thought the secret to better hair could actually be in a product meant to soften and smooth hair, rather than thicken or volumize. The Glow Touch has become my #1 ride-or-die product because the non-toxic mist instantly makes my hair so much shinier and softer without ever leaving it oily or weighed down. Rather than trying to thicken or volumize my hair (which leads to a lot of frizz and damaged ends), this moisturizing product reminded me that the goal should just be to make my hair look healthy. Plus, it smells amazing. It’s basically like a blowout in a bottle, so yes, I will be buying over and over again.
    – Josie, Associate Editor & Wellness Content Manager

    Youth To The People
    Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream

    I saw this moisturizer all over Instagram and was convinced it would be the answer to all of my prayers. My skin is seriously feeling my heightened stress levels, resulting in quite the eff-ed up moisture barrier on my otherwise combination skin, and I thought the ashwaghanda and reishi in this moisturizer might help. Upon the first few uses, I really loved that this was thick without being too heavy, but it just didn’t do enough for me. My skin didn’t feel any more moisturized than a moisturizer a quarter of the price, nor did it feel like it really did anything to help my skin. This won’t make its way back into my routine considering the high price point and lack of results.
    – Beth, Associate Editor & Beauty Content Manager

    Charlotte Tilbury
    Magic Away Concealer

    When I first tried this concealer, I proclaimed it was the goldmine of concealers. It was glowy and natural and had medium coverage. But as time went on, I grew to really despise this concealer. It immediately sinks into fine lines, it has abysmal staying power, and it emphasizes dryness I didn’t even know I had. The shade range also isn’t the best, with lots of options on the light spectrum with very few for deep and dark skin. As you can tell, I will not repurchase. (And instead, I’ll stick with my favorite concealer of all time:the Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Concealer, which is literally the exact opposite of every single thing I hate about this one.
    – Beth, Associate Editor & Beauty Content Manager

    No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Creme

    I have spoken at length about my undying love for this leave-in product. I swear my hair isn’t falling off of my head because I use this every time I wash my hair. I have fine, thin hair that was supremely damaged when I bought this first bottle, and over the 1.5 years I used this product, my hair completely transformed from a bleached rat’s nest to hair that actually looks like hair should look. Don’t get me wrong: a lot of other steps, products, and lifestyle changes impacted my newfound hair health, but this leave-in is at the top of the list. It’s the perfect texture for a leave-in conditioner on basically any hair type because it’s moisturizing and detangling without being too heavy. You can also cocktail it with oils or detanglers to bump it up, which is what I always do!
    – Beth, Associate Editor & Beauty Content Manager

    UOMA Beauty
    Brow-Fro Baby Hair

    Spending more than $5 on a brow product was hard for me after I discovered ELF’s Ultra-Precise Brow Pencil, but I wanted to swap a daily beauty product for a Black-owned brand, was out of a brow pencil, and was dying to try UOMA Beauty. I hate to say it, but I now will gladly drop the extra money on this brow pencil, which leaves me both excited and sad for my wallet. To be fair, this lasts way longer than any of my cheap brow pencils. I got close to double the length of use with this than my favorite from ELF. The color and ratio of waxiness-to-pigment-ease-of-use was sublime. It’s basically impossible to go overboard, but it also has enough pigment to show up, and it lasted all day long (which I never get with brow products). I want to try Fenty Beauty’s brow pencil next, but I will keep this on my radar.
    – Beth, Associate Editor & Beauty Content Manager

    Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant

    I have mixed feelings on this deodorant. I bought a three-pack of Native deodorants sometime during spring quarantine (you know how it was), and I just got to this scent. I have been flirting with natural deodorants for a while now, and I can definitely say that this is the best that I have tried. My problem is that it’s $12, when I can buy my trusty two-pack of Secret for $4. However, I will say that when I finished this, I bought one of the newer and cheaper aluminum-free deodorants from a drugstore brand, and I am not impressed. I do kind of miss you, Native deodorant.
    – Jess, Assistant Editor & Junior Graphic Designer

    Maybelline
    Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer Pencil

    I am someone who is kind of obsessed with brow products. I love trying out different high-end and drugstore pencils and gels, and I can’t even think of a brow product that I’ve bought twice–until this one. As you can see by how there is no label left on this, it was well-loved and well-used. It is the perfect dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer at a fraction of the cost. The angled tip is great for hair-like strokes that give that ever-popular natural brow look.
    – Jess, Assistant Editor & Junior Graphic Designer

    Thrive Cosmetics
    Liquid Balm Lip Treatment

    In the middle of this blustery winter season, I realized my trusty Chapstick won’t protect me from dry, dehydrated lips; I had to look for something more tailored to protecting and hydrating my lips. This leave-on lip treatment from Thrive Causemetics is ultra-hydrating and softens my lips, creating almost like a seal of protection against the harsh and dry winter weather. It’s 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free, and the liquid balm treatment features sesame seed extract, vitamin B5, and castor oil, all working together to smooth, hydrate, and plump. I don’t plan to lose this lip balm like so many Chapsticks before!
    – Blair, Contributing Editor

    Airflash Spray Foundation

    This Dior Airflash Spray Foundation was a splurge, but one that was totally worth it. I don’t usually ball out when it comes to beauty products, but for me, foundation is the only product where I’ll put my money where my mouth is. This spray foundation was one of the most natural yet full-coverage foundations I’ve ever tried. I would alternate between spraying it on my beauty blender or a makeup brush, but either way, my skin would look incredible when I would use it. It’s long-lasting for nights out but felt super lightweight which made it perfect for even the hot summer months. As much as I’d like to repurchase, this time around, I’m opting for a lighter coverage tinted moisturizer because, let’s be real, I’m not doing full faces these days. But when the days of being in public grace us again, I’ll definitely be re-adding this to my cart.
    – Ashley, Editorial Assistant

    Glow Maker – Antioxidant Serum

    This cult-favorite serum is a Team Everygirl essential—and after using it for just a few days, you’ll see why. It adds both an immediate brightness and an over-time glow and just a few drops go a long way. It took me such a long time to go through this bottle that I’m going to take a break from it (to try other serums instead), but I’m sure I’ll re-buy this one again sometime in the future.
    – Abigail, Social Media Editor

    ROSEN Skincare
    Super Smoothie Cleanser

    Rosen is the skincare brand I use more than any other—and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I bought this cleanser back in June to use as I was finishing up a bout of isotretinoin, and I’ve been using it every single day since (the 8 oz. size lasted me about six months). This cleanser is lightly exfoliating and super cleansing (it has a nice lather), so I always feel refreshed and brightened after using it. I’m SO excited that it’s now sold at Target, and I’m already part of the way through a new bottle.
    – Abigail, Social Media Editor

    Kristen Ess
    Strand Strengthening Reconstructive Moisture Mask

    Ever since Kristin Ess’s haircare line launched at Target, I’ve had at least one of her products in my daily and weekly rotation. This treatment mask is moisturizing and smoothing, and my hair was always left feeling shiny and more manageable after each use. As someone with wavy, tangly hair, I’m always looking for a product to tame my dry, treated hair—and you simply cannot find a better option at this price point.
    – Abigail, Social Media Editor

    Want more empties? Check out the previous months below! More

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    The 6 Most Innovative Beauty Products of 2020

    It seems that almost every day there is a new beauty product hitting the market: new eyeshadow palettes, a new lipstick formula, and foundations galore. The beauty industry is constantly churning out products that we, the beauty-obsessed, eat up with glee. As the industry becomes more saturated with products, companies are looking for new ways to appeal to customers, and the best way to do that is to release products we’ve never seen before. Innovation is always a good thing, and as more companies fight for our attention, producing new products with different benefits, delivery, and packaging is important. 
    Being the beauty junkie I am, I’m always looking for the most interesting new item on the market and how it compares to the products we already know and love. I’ve rounded up the five best beauty innovations we saw in 2020 so you can try something new and exciting too! 

    Fresh Beauty
    Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum

    When this addition to the Fresh Rose skincare line came onto the scene this past spring, I was intrigued. A liquid serum infused with oil? How did it work and what did it do? This is a serum that you drop into your hands (it has a water consistency) and press into your skin. The serum delivers 24 hours of hydration to give you dewy and plumped skin. The water/oil formula is interesting because you have two phases mixing to hydrate. You can also use it morning or night, so it’s the perfect addition to your skincare routine, no matter the time of day. 

    Corrale Hair Straightener

    If you haven’t heard, Dyson isn’t your mom’s vacuum brand anymore –they’re making our new favorite hair tools now! You know about the blow dryer and the Air Wrap but in 2020, Dyson released a cordless hair straightener… yes, cordless. Have you ever wanted to straighten your hair while on a no camera Zoom call? Now you can! The straightener has a flexing copper plate to help you remain in control of the styling while also using less heat. The iron is made to reduce frizz, which we can all use a little help with. A cordless straightener that reduces frizz and breakage and still *actually* straightens hair? Innovation at its finest… 
    Plus, we love how easy it is to curl with this straightener because of it’s curved shape. This video made all of our editors’ jaws drop. 

    C-Lash Lash Naturals Replacement

    This is an innovation that shouldn’t have taken until 2020 to develop, but better late than never. The London-based brand, Eylure released C-Lash, which is specifically made for those who have lost their eyelash hair to cancer treatments or other medical conditions. These lashes are made with a thicker-yet-softer and more flexible band to help adhere to the eye better and easier than other lashes. The story of how they came about is beautiful; C-Lash founder, Codilla Gapare was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after losing her eyelashes, she realized that regular fake lashes do not cut it for a lash replacement. Enter C-Lash. They partnered with Eylure to bring these false lashes to market, and the rest is history. 

    Megababe Le Tush Butt Mask

    A butt mask? Stay with me here… We have masks for everything else: our face, hands, feet, eyes, lips, hair… why not your tushy? Megababe is the beauty brand of our bodies–thank you, Katie Sturino–so why shouldn’t they be the ones to save our butts? The Le Tush Butt Mask is a three-minute clarifying mask that is formulated with glycolic, malic, and azelaic acid along with environmentally-friendly exfoliating beads to deep clean. There is also witch hazel to clarify and squalane and kelp to moisturize. It will leave your behind healthy, glowing, and ready for bathing suit weather (regardless of what time of year it is).

    Fenty Skin
    Fat Water Pore Refining Toner Serum

    A toner and serum, this product defies the rules that a toner has to be drying and that a good skincare routine includes a dozen steps. This thick serum is unlike any other skincare product we’ve ever tried. It’s truly the hybrid of a toner and serum, as its texture is thick like a serum but spreads and feels like a toner on your skin. (How many times can I say “toner” and “serum” in just a few sentences?) Our editors tested this product, along with the whole Fenty Skin line–here was our review.

    Benefit Cosmetics
    Brow Microfilling Pen

    Microblading has been all the rage over the past few years, but now, our favorite brow beauty brand has marketed that look for everyone. This “microfilling pen” has an ink-like formula to adhere to your brows and skin, mimicing the look of actual hair. If you follow the instructions on the Benefit website, you’ll look as if you came straight from the salon. This was especially necessary for 2020 since, ya know, we couldn’t get our brows done.  More

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    Hidden Dubai outlets where you can get fashion and beauty products for a steal

    While taking a holiday might be off our radar for a while, at least until restrictions ease worldwide, having access to a duty-free section for discounted goodies might not come at ease this season.
    However, not to worry, these two Dubai-based outlets are specifically designed to ensure you have access to affordable luxury goods all year round.
    The Cosmetics Company Store

    With a curated range of top brands featuring items with offers at 30 per cent off, hidden in a secret area of the emirate, The Cosmetics Company store is a treasure trove waiting for you to visit.
    Inclusive of fragrances from Jo Malone and beauty products from brands such as Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford Beauty, MAC, Smash Box, Estée Lauder, Clinique and many more, all displayed on clean white shelving segregated by brands, making the trip a seamless experience for all.
    Located at the Dubai Airport Freezone area, west wing near the main entrance, this store is open from Saturday to Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm with the exception of Saturday being open from 11 am to 4 pm.
    The Outlet Village
    If you’re looking for that old town medieval charm with an Italian town setting, this shopping spot has all the luxury fashion rebels showcased in a high-end Tuscan style charming manner with international dining options for when you’re ready to take a break.
    With brands such as Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Fred Perry, Giuseppe Zanotti, Maje, Sandro, TUMI, and many more all under one roof, you’re so to find you’re favourite items at very affordable prices.

    Located next to Dubai parks and resorts, The Outlet Village is open from Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm and Thursday to Saturday 10 am to 11 pm.
    For more information visit theoutletvillage.ae
    So if you’re looking for a little road trip with an added dose of shopping, you know exactly where to head next.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @fendi More

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    6 Skincare Ingredients to Keep Your Eye on This Year

    There are certain resolutions that shoot to the top of the list every year—remember to floss, hit the gym more… you know the ones. For me, finding the perfect skincare routine is always top of mind, but especially when a new year begins. My skin deserves a fresh start too! In case you’re also considering shaking up your beauty stash this year, I dug up six skincare ingredients that you are going to hear about non-stop this year. That way, you know exactly what’s what on your next Sephora run.
    1. Microbiome ingredients
    Because so many brands are doing their best to incorporate organic and wild ingredients into their formulas, you’re going to see a lot of ingredients from plants that have a rich ethnobotanical history. While the overarching term being used is “microbiome,” these products are often made up of prebiotic and probiotic ingredients. Other ingredients fit the microbiome bill, such as squalene, which has antioxidant-rich properties and is known to promote oxygenation and cell regeneration. Basically, these types of ingredients utilize plant-based bacteria (AKA the good kind) to give you brighter and smoother skin. Prepare to see any wrinkles decrease too!
    Products to watch:

     

    2. Frankincense and myrrh
    It’s time to kick it old school with these ingredients that are getting a lot of buzz in the skincare world. Myrrh helps treat spots from acne and damaged skin, while frankincense can also help fade acne scars and can fight against premature aging. Basically, if you’re looking for gentle help achieving an even skin tone and a major glow, you may want to check these out.
    Products to watch:

     

    3. Elderberry and elderflower 
    Two more plant-based ingredients you’ll see around a lot in the near future are elderberry and elderflower. While you may be used to finding these ingredients in your favorite craft cocktail, they can also help soften skin, as well as treat acne, blemishes, rashes, and sunburns. Because both elderflower and elderberry are naturally anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants, they excel at protecting against premature aging and free radical damage. They also contain antifungal compounds that help keep the skin healthy and clear.
    Products to watch:

     

    4. Niacinamide 
    I kept hearing the ingredient niacinamide being thrown around in the beauty world, and I’m not going to lie, I had no idea what that meant. Luckily, I did some digging and found out this mystery ingredient is a major crowd-pleaser. What doesn’t this miracle ingredient do? Niacinamide works to reduce inflammation which in turn can help soothe eczema, acne, and similar inflammatory skin conditions. You’ll also get pore minimizing, skin smoothing, and moisturizing benefits while you’re at it. What a deal. Expect to see this in dozens of product formulations this year.
    Products to watch:

     

    5. Bakuchoil oil & bakuchi seed oil
    I love retinol, there’s no denying that. It works well for my skin, but for those who have skin that is on the more sensitive side, it can be a bit rough. This is where bakuchoil oil comes in. This natural alternative to retinol (which has benefits like increased collagen production, skin-cell turnover, unclogged pores, minimized fine lines, even skin tone, and less acne) comes from the naturally-occurring antioxidant found in the leaves and seeds of the babchi herb.
    Here’s where it gets good: scientific studies have shown that bakuchiol functions the same way retinol does. While bakuchoil oil gets the majority of the attention, you may see some skincare brands utilizing the extract from the bakuchiol seed known as bakuchi seed oil.
    Products to watch:

     

    6. Oat milk
    Those with a sensitive stomach may have already turned to oat milk in their lattes, and those with sensitive skin will surely appreciate the soothing and gentle skincare benefits that oat milk can offer. This powerful antioxidant and humectant is an ideal addition to face cleansers, as well as moisturizing serums and creams. We’ll take a glass of oat milk and some new skincare products, please!
    Products to watch:

      More

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    11 of the best hair salons in Dubai

    Whether you’re looking for a totally new look, simple cut or an amazing blowout, you always want to ensure you look your best.
    With that, these hair salons in Dubai are sure to make the cut (no pun intended…) with their exemplary services offered.
    Pastels Salon

    This award-winning hair, beauty, nail and spa salon offers the complete works with a friendly yet professional atmosphere so you can relax yet be confident enough to leave the salon with beautiful show-stopping hair with state-of-the-art styling areas and treatment rooms for some of the most covetable looks each season.
    For more information visit pastals-salon.com
    Sisters Beauty Lounge

    With a comprehensive menu that provides a holistic approach to hair and beauty, the salon continues to provide bespoke treatments for customers to get the most from their time. With a world of luxury pampering, Sisters Beauty Lounge is located at seven different locations around Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They deliver world-class services including haircuts, spas, manicures and much more in interiors that exude elegance.
    For more information visit sistersbeautylounge.com
    NStyle Beauty Lounge

    For every modern woman that wants to be treated in style, this ultimate beauty destination offers a luxurious environment using the highest quality services while adhering to all the hygiene standards.
    For more information visit nstyleintl.com
    Laloge Beauty Salon

    Offering a luxurious atmosphere for all your beauty needs, Laloge delivers services according to each client’s desires to allow their distinctive features to shine. From professionally delivered services to a comfortable experience, each client always comes back for more, whether haircare, makeup, nails or simply a massage.
    For more information visit laloge.com
    Trevor Sorbie

    With its first branch in the entire Middle East opened in The Dubai Mall’s fashion avenue extension last year, this ladies-only salon has been equipped with 20 styling sections along with a separate lounge for refreshments, beauty treatments and a one-stop location for all your beauty treatments.
    For more information visit trevorsorbie.com
    CHALK

    The first of its kind hair salon that offers services for creative thinkers, rebels and an exclusive set of tailored services for the ultimate pampering experience. This home-grown UAE concept is located at Alserkal Avenue in a lively atmosphere while offering quality services in interiors with a minimal aesthetic for something a bit edgier and is open from 9am to 9pm daily.
    For more information visit chalk.ae
    Mane Salon Dubai

    Nestled in the heart of Jumeirah Lake Towers, this sophisticated haven is known for its calm interiors complemented with a host talented hairdressers in the industry. Whether a fresh blowout or a new hair colour look, the team is expertly trained to use techniques in order to achieve a look that’s exclusive to you. It’s open daily from 9am to 7pm in cluster N, JLT
    For more information visit manehairandbeauty.com
    That Hair Tho – THT

    From bold whimsical nails to exclusive treatments for hair, nails, brows, lashes and more, the salon offers a range of vegan treatments that help you look the absolute best version of yourself with fun surroundings to let you enjoy yourself while being treated. Besides being closed on Sunday, the salon is open from 10am to 9pm daily and 9am to 8am on Friday.
    For more information visit thathairtho.me
    JetSet Hair Salon

    Picture perfect hair has never been such a must-have! Located at Grosvenor House and Emirates Tower, this is salon is the perfect after-work haven offering a range of treatments to transform you completely as you relish some well-deserving treatments after a long day.
    For more information visit jetsetuae.com
    Snob Salon

    Founded by former beauty editor Haneen Odeh, you know you’re going to get the best of the best. Located in the heart of Jumeirah, Snob is a full-service ladies salon that offers hair, nails, waxing and more. With a chic interior featuring millennial pink and soft mint colours, you’ll feel totally relaxed in this space when pampering yourself.
    For more information visit snob.ae.
    Salon Ink

    Founded by Australian hairdressing duo Kelly Cyndrowski and Sharon Anderson, Salon Ink has been firmly on the Dubai scene for over 13 years. With an extensive team, it’s the place to go for hair, nails, facials and other beauty treatments.
    For more information visit salonink.com.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @chalk More