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    8 Dubai-based fashion content creators to follow in 2021

    With the usage of social media becoming more rampant than ever, who we follow to consume inspiring content is more important than ever.
    With that in mind, here are eight content creators based in Dubai who you should be following on social media this year.
    Laura Badura

    From elevating everyday looks to being a fashion ambassador for many well-known brands, her travel-based content is a part of the iconic Instagram duo with her twin Klaudia Badura and her posts mainly centre between her travels in both Dubai and London.
    Samantha Francis

    Creative director and stylist Samantha Francis always manages to give us inspiration through her sartorial fashion choices and DIY décor ideas. From minimal aesthetics to supporting contemporary fashion brands, she’s definitely one to follow.
    Gabriella Bjersland

    This Dubai-based style maven not only has a visually aesthetic feed, but also enjoys being surrounded by creative craftsmanship as she believes in healthy eating and exercise too.
    Ola Farahat

    From styling and accessorising, to adding a playful touch to each outfit, this content creator and former EW cover star is a well-known designer, fashion blogger and business visionary. Her confidence is absolutely refreshing.
    Zahra Khalil

    Known for her fashion expertise, Zahra has worked across well-known publications along with media production and over the years has captured her love for travelling on social media.
    Tamara Al Gabbani

    The Emirati fashion designer and model has amped the notch by taking the region’s fashion scene by storm, by also being an avid voice for female strength and empowerment she’s on top of her A-game like never before.
    Sai Ferrera

    After starting her own blog, she’s managed to engage her followers through her beautiful art of content creation while sharing her love for the beach and travel while also being drawn towards spirituality.
    Rania Fawaz

    This former EW cover star gives us style inspiration on a daily basis, from ’80s silhouettes to a jet-setting agenda, she’s earned a loyal fanbase while also honing her true fashion talent.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    9 incredible women reveal what they have learned throughout 2020

    After an incredibly challenging year for all, we speak to some of the most incredible women we know about how they will be unwinding at the end of this year and what they have learned throughout 2020.
    Her Excellency Dr. Sara Al MadaniFounder of Halahi, Social Fish and Proposal Cupids@sara_almadani_

    What have you learned throughout 2020?
    2020 has been a tough yet amazing year. A lot of good things happened to me. I’ve changed the way I work and my priorities, so COVID was a blessing in disguise. This year has also taught me that it’s okay to take some time off, it’s okay not to be as constantly busy as we are used to. I’ve learned it’s okay to let go sometimes and not work and it’s okay to focus on your mental health because that’s all that matters.
    How will you be celebrating this festive season?
    Due to the current situation, we can’t be very festive, but usually, I spend it with my family remembering the heritage of the UAE and all the things that come with it.
    What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
    I’m thinking of taking a trip to the Maldives, to unwind on the beach – my mind needs it and my body needs it!
    Fatma Al OtaibaFounder of Odeem@odeem_official

    What have you learned throughout 2020?
    This year has been quite an interesting year for everyone I believe. The circumstances showed me what is of true value to us – our family and loved ones, not to take simple pleasures for granted.
    What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
    I usually travel around this time. At the end of this year though, I’m looking forward to taking some time off and spending quality time locally. The weather’s great in Dubai during this season and it would be a perfect time for a staycation with my family.
    Ghizlan GuenezEntrepreneur and businessperson@ghizlan_guenez_

    What have you learned throughout 2020?
    2020 thought me to slow down and focus on all areas of my life that need attention to enable me to be a good, healthy and happy person. I had spent four years consumed with setting up and launching a business and before that 14 years in a very fast-paced industry and realised that whilst I was thriving professionally, I wasn’t truly nurturing other important aspects of my life such as my personal relationships, my physical wellbeing and my recreational time be it going on vacations or taking the time to just “switch off”. This year forced many of us to take a pause which was probably necessary for many of us, certainly for myself. I had the time to reflect back and reconsider what I would like my life to look like for me to feel happy and as balanced as can be whilst still fulfilling my ambitions and goals.
    How will you be celebrating this festive season?
    With family and friends. We’re close as a family and enjoy celebrating holidays together. We’re all foodies and my brothers good really well so we enjoy nothing more than a great meal and lots of conversation and laughter around the dinner table. In today’s pace, we don’t get to sit together for a proper meal often so the holidays are a great occasion to reconnect with loved ones and spend quality time
    What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
    It would have been lovely to travel somewhere but on the positive side staying in town has allowed us to re-explore parts of the UAE that we hadn’t before. I have been to some beautiful places such as Hatta which I hadn’t visited since I was 13! So, I’m planning on a staycation in one of the local resorts either in the desert or by the sea.
    Dounia Sheikh El ArdDubai-based content creator@mydounia

    What have you learned throughout 2020?
    2020 has taught me patience and gratitude in so many ways. It’s not easy to put our lives and plans on hold.
    How will you be celebrating this festive season?
    I will be celebrating at home with my loved ones. It feels funny yet comforting to have a different style of celebrations this year, usually by this time I’d have my whole week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve planned with gatherings and even my outfits!
    What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
    To unwind, I found that developing my creative side has helped me a lot. I’m currently taking sewing and pottery classes just to focus on something else and it’s been quite inspiring!
    Zeynab ElhelwBlogger and influencer@fashion_pirate

    What have you learned throughout 2020?
    I’ve learnt that life is extremely precious, unpredictable and family along with health is everything. My priorities changed a lot this year therefore doing and saying what I feel without hesitation is paramount.
    How will you be celebrating this festive season?
    We will be celebrating with the delivery of my nephew which we are so excited about. Moreover, I’ll hopefully be having the company of my parents fly in from London and join us in Dubai to celebrate the festive season on the beach by relaxing and enjoying special moments together.
    What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
    I’ll be spending exceptional quality time with the family and taking each say as it comes with no long-term plans. This for me is valuable to live in the now and unwinding to start the New Year afresh.
    Lana AlbeikModel@lana_.jpg

    What have you learned throughout 2020?
    To celebrate and enjoy any small achievement.
    How will you be celebrating this festive season?
    I will take time off work and spend it with my family but I will probably work on some side projects.
    What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
    Try my best to be in nature and be in the winter sun – nothing relaxes me like the sun.
    Nina UbhiMakeup artist@ninaubhi

    What have you learned throughout 2020?
    Take nothing for granted! It’s easy to become complacent with everyday luxuries and even people. So, this year has taught me how unimportant material things are and how important spending time with loved ones is. Being an entrepreneur means I’m constantly working and with so much being focused on social media you sometimes forget to put your phone down and soak in those special moments. This year I’ve learnt to live in the moment and not worry so much if I have a heavy workload – it will still be there tomorrow!
    How will you be celebrating this festive season?
    I will be celebrating this festive season with my husband and we’re likely to have a quiet one at home. After all, it’s all about who you spend it with rather than where you go. I love cooking and baking so I’m pretty excited to take some time off and focus on feeding people!
    What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
    I still haven’t thought that far ahead but I usually decide with my husband a week before! I’m taking each day as it comes and I think this year I feel more inclined to do something relaxing. Anything that will still leave me feeling refreshed in the new year.
    Haneen OdehOwner of Snob salon@haneenodeh

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Haneen Odeh – حنين عودة (@haneenodeh)

    What have you learned throughout 2020?
    How much we took everything for granted. I learnt to take time to enjoy the little moments in life and not stress over things that don’t matter! I also learnt to enjoy my time at home and not be running around all the time.
    How will you be celebrating this festive season?
    Quietly, with my family! I think this festive season will be a bit more low key than any other time and gives us a chance to slow down and spend time with loved ones. A lot of cooking and barbecuing as well in this amazing weather!
    What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
    A lot of self-care. This year has been tough for a lot of people and for once I’m not going to have a new year’s resolution list because I don’t want to put myself under pressure of achieving for next year. Nothing went according to plan in 2020 and I think 2021 will also be a bit unpredictable. Just take a breath and live day by day!
    Aya FaisalFashion influencer@theayoot

    What have you learned throughout 2020?
    My happiness depends on myself and my moods.
    How will you be celebrating this festive season?
    I will be celebrating with my dearest family.
    What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
    A small gathering with my family and my closest friends to remind everyone that we’ve been through this year and we are grateful to be here all together.
    December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram  More

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    January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ with Mayassa Al-Tajir

    January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
    Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Žiga MihelcicFashion Assistant: Sarah Joseph
    Welcome to ‘The Positivity Issue’. I would like to thank an incredible team for digging deep in 2020 and allowing us to stand where we do currently, having honed and elevated Emirates Woman we are well-positioned for a strong start to 2021. This wouldn’t work without you all, so thank you for every late night, every detail and extra mile, it is truly appreciated.

    In this issue, you will find everything to enable you to kick off the New Year with a positive mindset.
    For our cover aerial artist, fitness enthusiast and wellness expert, Mayassa Al-Tajir, shares with us her positive approach to life.

    We also look ahead to SS21 with interviews from three key swimwear brands, Oséree, Myra Swim and PALM. We also speak to YNAP’s Director of Sustainability and Inclusion, Giorgia Roversi.

    Beauty wise, we look at the gentlest cleansers that deliver a deep clean, Tata Harper discusses their mindful approach to beauty and Aveda leads the charge for ethical beauty in The Positive Pioneer.
    We also look at how to give your investment pieces longevity and some of the most incredible women we know outline how they will be harnessing an attitude of positivity for 2021.
    Focus on the good and the good gets better.
    Happy New Year.
    January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Kuwaiti content creator Fajer Fahad shares her ultimate beauty routine

    December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
    The Gift Guide – Download Now 
    Kuwaiti content creator and media influencer Fajer Fahad shares her daily beauty and skincare rituals.
    Talk us through your morning routine.

    I like to do pulling with coconut oil – my favourite brand is Dale Audrey, the cinnamon flavour. I usually do this while I dry brush and before I jump in the shower.  For my face, I alternate between MZ Skin Cleanse and Clarify Cleanser and Augustinus Bader cleansing balm. Depending on where I am in the world I alternate between MZ skin bright and perfect vitamin C corrective and Shani Darden retinol.
    And how about your evening routine?
    I like to use Elemis Collagen Balm as a cleanser then tone with Sisley Lotion Tonique au Fleurs, I use the La Mer eye cream and finish off with 111 Skin Rose Gold Radiance Booster or the MZ Skin Placenta Serum.
    What can always be found in your makeup bag?

    In my makeup bag I always a La Prairie eye and lip duo, KKW lip pencil and Augustinus Bader lip balm.
    Are you a fan of masks?
    I love masks! I use 111 Skin, MZ Skin and Summer Fridays jet lag mask.
    What three makeup products can you not live without?
    Mac Spice lip liner, Nars liquid concealer and Anastasia Beverly Hills bronzer.
    How would you describe your relationship with makeup?
    I try to use make up as little as possible during the day. I will use mascara, highlighter and shiny lip balm, whereas I love a full glam for the evening, always trying to play with colour if I can at night.
    How has your relationship with makeup evolved?
    As I have matured I realised the importance of great skin and taking care of my skin. The better my skin is, the better my glam looks. Also, it’s so important to completely remove makeup before you sleep and work out.
    Let’s talk fragrance. What are you loving at the moment?
    I love a great body spray and hair perfume. I am finding it a lighter combination then actual perfume. I use La Prairie body spray as well as the Gisou hair perfume.
    How do you choose your evening fragrance?
    My evening perfume I love to go out with is Byredo – all their scents are amazing. I rotate them depending on my mood.
    Talk us through your hair routine.
    My hair is very important to me. I try to take care of it as best as possible. I use Christophe Robin lavender oil once a week and follow that with his lemon cleansing balm. I then finish with the milkshake argon mask that I try to leave on for 30 minutes at least on towel-dried hair. I use the Kerastase Densifique ampoules at night as well as their eight-hour magic serum. During the day I apply milkshake argan oil on my ends religiously.

    Fajer’s Hero Products
    Jet Lag Mask

    Dhs240 Summer Friday’s
    Moisturising Hair Oil with Lavender

    Dhs175 Christophe Robin

    Powder Bronzer

    Dhs162 Anastasia Beverly Hills
    Black Saffron Perfume

    50ml Dhs600 Byredo
    Rest & Revive Restorative Placenta & Stem Cell Night Serum

    Dhs1,550 MZ Skin
    Radiant Creamy Concealer

    Dhs165 NARS
    December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
    The Gift Guide – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram More

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    5 treatments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to help you rejuvenate for 2021

    December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
    Rest, relax and revitalise ready for the New Year.
    Remède Spa, Abu Dhabi
    Immerse yourself in luxury at the Remède Spa at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi. This sanctuary has an array of therapists on-hand to customise treatments for every individual to ensure each person receives the optimum benefits.
    The Hero Treatment – Elemis Biotec Firm-A-Lift

    Using a blend of massages and sculpting galvanic technology, this treatment enables you to rediscover the architecture of your face. Within just 60 minutes, the face is visibly strengthened for a contoured and lifted complexion.
    Anantara The Palm Spa, Dubai
    The philosophy at the Dubai-based Thai-inspired resort spa is “unending”, meaning that the Anantara Spa aims their treatments to leave a lasting effect on their guests long after they leave.
    The Hero Treatment – Magnesium Full Body Massage

    Combining magnesium – which is one of the seven macrominerals and contributes to healthy bones, supporting nerve and muscles function, promoting energy level and aiding a healthy immune system – and a deep full body massage, your body will feel like it’s had a complete weight lifted off it after the treatment.
    SENSASIA Stories at the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    Aiming to give its guests a sense of escapism, SENSASIA Stories delivers a hushed, monastic and completely customisable spa experience – driven by mood and devoted to holistic wellness for both body and mind.
    The Hero Treatment – Inhibit Face and Neck Lift
    This new beauty protocol combines the revolutionary Inhibit range of professional products with the most advanced facial massage technique to effectively soften wrinkles. It’s the perfect prep for the party season or for rejuvenation for the New Year.
    The Hundred Wellness Centre, Dubai

    While a wellness centre may not be where your mind goes to when you think of pampering, but it’s the perfect place to recentre yourself and rejuvenate your inner being. The holistic wellness centre, founded by Asma Lootah, encourages people to transform their physical, mental and emotional health through holistic practices, natural medicine and positive nutrition.
    The Hero Treatment – Rapid Transformational Therapy
    Combining hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, NLP, CBT and neuroscience, this treatment aims to give a truly transformational experience to people by targeting physical, emotional and psychological pain to reframe core beliefs, values, habits and emotions that are deep in the subconscious.
    The SPA at the Palazzo Versace Hotel, Dubai

    Unwind in true style at The SPA at the Palazzo Versace Hotel. With marble floors and mother of pearl details, you don’t get much more lavish and decadent than this.
    The Hero Treatment – The Ultimate
    This treatment truly is ‘The Ultimate’ giving guests the opportunity to unwind for seven hours and indulge in five of The SPA’s most luxurious treatments. The day includes a chauffeur fetching you from your Dubai home and then breakfast at the Giardino Restaurant, with the spa journey beginning with the Signature Hammam followed by the Ceremonial Massage. You’ll also have a two-course meal, followed by a rejuvenating facial, blow-dry, classic manicure and pedicure, along with a glass of champagne or mocktail. It’s the perfect ‘treat me’ day.
    December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    6 Kuwaiti content creators to follow on Instagram

    From makeup artists to fashion icons, there’s a new breed of innovative individuals that have taken the Instagram world by storm with their creative content and they’re all from Kuwait.
    From inspiring individuals to stylish fashion creatives, here’s six Kuwaiti content creators you need to be following.
    Ascia

    This Kuwaiti influencer has managed to stay on top of her game, while showing no sign of slowing down. Having been in the online space for almost 10 years, Asica has managed to cultivate an incredibly loyal fanbase of 2.6 million people, sharing creative content and also sharing her personal life with her followers.
    Bibi Alabdulmohsen

    Known for her fun dose of entertainment and humorous remarks, this Kuwaiti social media influencer started off on Instagram with beauty product reviews, in-store events coverage and engaging content.
    Dana Al Tuwarish

    This Kuwaiti-Iraqi beauty influencer, is also an entrepreneur with around two million followers on Instagram, as she takes us through her world of covetable sartorial choices.
    Noha Nabil

    This Kuwaiti journalist and poet is one of the most prominent social media influencers as she’s worked with major brands such as Versace, Swarovski, L’Occitane and many more. She also made her debut as an ambassador for Swarovski in the Middle East.
    Fatema Alawadhi

    From modest style hacks to experimenting with prints accessories and tonal dressing, this modern and edgy creative has been on the best-dressed list for a reason and has championed the art of making a fashion statement through her content.
    Dalal AlDoub

    Being of the most prominent names in the fashion and beauty industry, Dalal AlDoub knows the importance of staying ahead of the game with her note-worthy makeup tips and outfits.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    A Ranking of Our Editors’ Favorite Glossier Products

    Everyone has a brand they’re incredibly loyal to. For us, it’s Glossier. Their products are innovative, budget-friendly, and high-quality to boot. Between our editors, we’ve tried a mountain of their products from skincare to makeup to body care. Heck, we’re even fond of their GlossiWEAR clothing. So, what do we think about all the products we’ve tried? We sat down to rank our Glossier purchases, of course.Ranking your beauty products is honestly an impossible task. How am I supposed to say if this cleanser is better than this mascara which is better than a lip gloss? It’s just apples to oranges, people. But we can tell you exactly what’s worth your money and what you should remove from your cart immediately. Note that beauty is really subjective, so while there were some products that were a favorite for one editor, another editor hated it. Based on our descriptions, you should be able to decide if a product will be your new best friend or not. Here’s what we’d recommend, what was so-so, and what we’d skip!
    This certainly doesn’t include every single product in Glossier’s inventory, so if something is missing, it just means we need to add it to one of our next orders! 

    Our Editors’ Absolute Favorites:

    6 shades available
    Cloud Paint

    Glossier makes a few of my favorite skincare and beauty items, but the Cloud Paint really impressed me. Usually, when I hear that everyone likes a product, I’m skeptical about the hype. However, the Haze Cloud Paint is now the only blush I use because it’s so natural and hydrating. The hype is valid.- Bianca Lambert, Contributing Editor
    Every editor who’s tried this ranked these at least top three, so you know there’s gotta be something to the hype!

    4 shades available
    Boy Brow

    This product was widely loved by the entirety of our team (almost everyone mentioned it as a top product!)—you can’t go wrong with this cult-favorite brow product.

    Futuredew

    I’ve only tried FutureDew (I need to try out more Glossier products ASAP)! However, I love to use FutureDew as a makeup primer for an all-day glow. It’s the perfect extra touch to make my skin glowy and give me a great base for makeup. I also wear it on no-makeup days if I just want a little extra something! I love that it’s not too heavy or sticky.- Jessica Welsh, Editorial Assistant

    8 flavors available
    Balm Dotcom

    As someone with consistently dry lips, a love for all things in chic packaging, and the unfortunate habit of losing things often, you’d think I would not be a prime candidate for fancy lip balm. Well, you’d think wrong! I absolutely love balm dot com and carry them around with me everywhere I go (which, these days, is really just back and forth between my bed and my desk). It’s SUPER hydrating, the tubes are cute as heck, and the flavors/tints are light but noticeable. I’m a lifelong fan.- Abigail Yonker, Social Media Editor
    Basically our entire team raves about this lip balm. Bianca said she loves to use it on her cuticles and elbows too!

    You Perfume

    This is, by far, my favorite scent of all-time, and it’s around half the price of other really popular perfumes. It does really make you smell like yourself but better, and it’s the only perfume I’ve ever gone through multiple bottles of.
    – Madeline Galassi, Associate Editor
    Kelly and Beth also raved about this perfume! The scent is so distinguishable in the best way, and the price is really competitive for a high-end perfume.

    6 colors available
    Generation G Lipstick

    OK—so I’ve definitely heard mixed reviews on this one, as with the older packaging, people didn’t love how it was quite flimsy and how the formula turned out. I can only speak for the newer packaging version of these when I say that I freaking love this product. For a bit of background, I have always had a timid relationship with lip colors, and don’t like the look that most lipsticks and tinted balms I’ve tried give off. I wanted a buildable, sheer formula with a soft matte finish that faded evenly and subtly as the day went on, and for that reason, Gen G is perfect. Bonus: the lychee rose scent is fab, and none of the colors I’ve worn have come off on a mask so far!- Shriya Khanna, Editorial Intern
    Beth loves these too for a natural lip look!

    12 shades available
    Stretch Concealer

    I’ve struggled with acne for half my life—but now that my derm and I have finally gotten it under control, I’m feeling more prepared to ditch heavy makeup and go for lighter coverage. I first used the stretch concealer while my skin was at some of its worst—so you can rest assured that it does provide hydrating (read: non-cakey) coverage for breakouts and scarring—but when used to brighten up dark circles, it really shines. It’s light, breathable, and looks very natural.- Abigail Yonker, Social Media Editor

    3 shades available
    Haloscope Highlighter

    I’ve been using Haloscope for years! I tend to go for a more natural makeup look for day-to-day, and this highlighter gives the exact look that I want. I’m obsessed with the warm, dewy glow that it gives me. I’m no makeup guru, so I also appreciate how easy it is to use. I just slide it on the top of my cheekbones and blend it in with my finger. It’s also a great product for the summer when it’s hot and I don’t want a lot of heavy products on my face!- Keely Geist, The Everymom Social Media Editor

    Pro Tip Liquid Eyeliner

    A good, solid black eyeliner is without a doubt my #1 makeup must-haves (especially when all you can see is my eye makeup these days!). A liquid liner has to have three attributes for me to deem it worthy of repurchasing: it has to be an easy-to-use pen (versus the brush-and-dip-type deal); it should dry fast and be smudge-proof; it should be free of any strange fragrance (because trust me, I’ve met my fair share of smelly liners that just end up irritating my eyes). This baby passed the test with flying colors.- Shriya Khanna, Editorial Intern

    Lash Slick Mascara

    This is hands down my favorite everyday mascara! I always buy a new one before I finish my current one so I never run out. There are a few things I never leave the house without on my face, and this is definitely one of them. I love how naturally long it makes my lashes look without getting all clumpy and gross. I’ve even had people ask if I had on extensions while wearing Lask Slick, so my suggestion to you is to save yourself a lot of money and try this instead.- Keely Geist, The Everymom Social Media Editor
    Josie also loves this mascara for lengthening her lashes to the extreme—this picture! is enough explanation! She says it’s the only mascara she owns.

    3 shades available
    Lip Gloss

    Lipgloss is one of my favorite makeup products, especially now that no one but me ever really sees my lips. I have both the clear gloss and the cherry red, and I love them both the same. They’re really hydrating and comfortable to wear all day long with whatever look I create, whether it’s a smokey eye or no makeup.- Beth Gillette, Associate Editor
    However, Shriya said she thought it was a little too sticky, so if you’re sensitive to lip gloss formulas, this might be a skip for you.

    6 shades available
    Lidstar Glistening Eye Glow

    My makeup vice of choice has always been lipstick and I usually skip the big palettes of eyeshadows due to inevitably only using a single shade. But I fell hook, line, and sinker for the simplicity of Lidstar and the slick, matte-yet-gloss consistency.
    I love that it’s foolproof to use (no need to mess with your crease and multiple shades) and you can just swipe, tap, and go. I have the shades Cub and Moon, which are both are perfect for that slightest bit of shimmer. Moon is by far my favorite—it’s so barely there it’s almost just a reflection. As if you’re dancing on a patio with a handsome stranger, you close your eyes for the barest moment, the moonlight kissing your face. And they think, “Wow, she is resplendent.” And you open your eyes, look to the camera, wink and say, “Thank you, Lidstar!” This fantasy brought to you by Lidstar.- Kelly Etz, Online Course Director and Senior Graphic Designer

    The So-Sos:

    14 shades available
    Colorslide Technogel Eyeliner Pencil

    I snagged the mustard shade of this liner the day Glossier released their “Play” makeup line, and it’s been a favorite liner of mine ever since. It’s really smooth and glides on with ease, and I absolutely love the color options. I don’t usually pay this much for an eye pencil (these from NYX are so good and SO cheap!), but these come in so many unique shades I’ve never seen anywhere else. They’re also really pigmented, so I use mine for fun winged liner, blended as a shadow on the lid, on the lower lashline, or for a pop of color in the inner corner. Writing this right now is reminding me that I need to order more shades ASAP! This gorgeous burgundy is my fall dream.- Beth Gillette, Associate Editor

    Body Hero Oil Body Wash

    Back when we still went to weddings, I was attending one with our very own Editorial Director, Allyson. I remember arriving, hugging her, then immediately accusing her of being a witch because her skin was SO SOFT. When she attributed it to Glossier’s Body Hero products, I bought them the literal next day because I don’t waste time. I like both of the products just fine; I think the oil wash had a nice lather in the shower and the Daily Perfecting Cream blended in to my skin pretty well. However that was the first and last time I bought these products because THE SCENT.
    What to say about this smell? It felt like living inside a bottle of Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino without all the interest and decadence. Truly just a straight hit of neroli that was so overpowering at one point I had to open the shower curtain to try and get a cross breeze going. Scents are incredibly personal (I’m a huge fan of the polarizing Ouai shampoo smell and I love a good hint of gasoline) so I’d recommend getting a sample of these before committing because you might love it. But if you’re not into fragrance or strong smells, steer clear, my friends. Just a hot tip from me to you.- Kelly Etz, Online Course Director and Senior Graphic Designer

    3 shades available
    Brow Flick Liquid Eyebrow Pen

    So, here it is: I really do love this product, but the shade range is absolute garbage. I got the lightest shade because I was worried that the brown would be too dark on my eyebrows. Lo and behold: the “blonde” shade is way too light that it barely looks like anything on my skin. But I absolutely love the result when I can build the color up. It’s the most natural-looking brow ever, as if I have real hairs in all the sparse places. I would rate this so much higher if the shades were better.- Beth Gillette, Associate Editor

    Priming Moisturizer

    On my first impression of this stuff years ago, I loved how rich and creamy this priming moisturizer was! It served as a light, moisturizing base for makeup, but once it ran out, I again opted for more affordable brands (like the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion and The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA which have been saviors for my super dry skin).- Ashley Selleke, Editorial Assistant
    I’ve tried the Priming Moisturizer Rich as well, and would say it is so-so. I much-preferred the consistency of the original Priming Moisturizer because it was lightweight, whereas the Rich formula didn’t make me feel any more hydrated, just heavier on the skin.- Beth Gillette, Associate Editor

    4 shades available
    Niteshine Highlighter

    If you’re between Glossier’s two highlighters, I’d go with Haloscope instead unless you really love a metallic highlight. This one is pretty, but it does dry down to a more matte finish, which is typically the opposite of what I’m going for with my highlighter. I already spent money on it, so to use it up I like to put it underneath my foundation or I’ll use a clear face gloss on top (like Haloscope in Quartz) to make it dewier. This product isn’t bad, and maybe you’ll absolutely fall in love with it if you have really oily skin, but it definitely wasn’t for me.- Beth Gillette, Associate Editor

    Skips:

    Super Glow Vitamin C Serum

    This Vitamin C serum was the first serum I ever purchased so I’m quite nostalgic about it. I had heard that vitamin C serum was good for anti-aging and improving the skin’s radiance so it wasn’t a difficult choice when I decided to give it a go! The serum worked in helping to brighten my complexion and added some hydration to my face, but I simply didn’t replace it because I started using The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension which boasted a better price.- Ashley Selleke, Editorial Assistant

    Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

    I got this right when it came out and had such high hopes. I had scoured Reddit and YouTube, seeing basically all positive reviews. So when I used up a whole bottle and noticed not a single difference in my skin, I was pretty disappointed. It didn’t hurt my skin at all, and I’m sure it was doing some micro-effects I couldn’t notice, but I experienced zero physical differences, which made the $24 price tag just not worth it to me.- Beth Gillette, Associate Editor

    Bubblewrap Eye + Lip Cream

    Back in January when I was visiting London, they just happened to have the biggest, most grandiose Glossier pop-up set up in the heart of Covent Garden. I didn’t need anything, per se, but I was feeling festive and felt compelled to purchase something that I could qualify as “practical enough.” With it being the coldest month of the year and my lips looking like I had recently risen from the dead, I asked about the best products to hydrate lips and I was recommended Bubblewrap, which doubles both as eye and lip cream. I only utilized it on my lips a few times during that trip, and instead of the “slightly soft tingle” I was promised, it felt more like I had badly sunburned my entire mouth, with a weird chalky essence to top it off. Sadly, I had to plod back into fancy London Glossier to return this.- Shriya Khanna, Editorial Intern More