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      I’ve Tried a Lot of Beauty Products This Year, but I Won’t Stop Talking About These

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      Instead of your usual intro about how I love beauty products and have tried a lot of products this year (I’d probably tell you it’s part of my job!), I’m just going to cut right to the chase: I love these eight products with my heart and soul, and spending the time to tell you about them was like soup for the soul. After the year we’ve had, we all deserve a little time to sit here and chat about beauty products for a moment. Grab your beverage of choice (I’m drinking hot mint tea right now with a face mask on because sometimes WFH has its perks), maybe a snack, and your wallet—because I’m about to talk you into a few things and I’m not even sorry.

      The Glow Maker: Antioxidant Serum

      This had to be the first product on this list. I’ve written blurb after blurb about this product, and you can read my full review here. This is the first skincare product I’ve actually repurchased more than once, and I’m not even remotely close to being sick of it yet. I love that it works both instantly and over time because I don’t feel guilty when I skip a few days, but I also have noticed that my skin looks better with continued use. I *truly* will not stop telling people about this until they stop making it (Maelove, please never, ever do that). I’ve raved about it so much that even our editor Maddie’s boyfriend bought it—and after a date recently told me I had nice skin (flattery will get you everywhere), I convinced him to try it too. If I can convince a man who uses four-in-one shampoo as a face wash to buy a vitamin C serum, then you know it must be good (or that my powers of persuasion are just extremely high).

      Jeju Volcanic Blackhead Out Balm

      I texted our Graphic Designer Kelly the second I bought this because I was so excited to hopefully try something that would banish my blackheads for good. I used it once and saw a minimal difference, but now that I’ve used it a few more times, it is a godsend. I use it for skin gritting, and it works better than any other oil I’ve ever used. I’ve been using it a few times a week since I got it, and my nose has never looked clearer. If you suffer from blackheads or clogged pores, you’ll want a product like this in your skincare routine. And at less than $10 a pop, you might as well buy one for your BFF too.

      Elysium Naturals Co.
      Whipped Shea Body Butter

      The need for a good moisturizing body product is growing as the days get chillier and chillier, and last summer, I found the best one. This body butter saved me from shaving irritations and flaking sun-exposed skin, and now, it’s at the top of my list to tackle everything that comes with dry, winter skin. I use it on my elbows, knees, and ankles every night before bed, and my skin has never been softer. Plus, the lavender vanilla scent is glorious at bedtime. For the daytime, my favorite scent has been orangesicle—it smells so dreamy, and when I catch a whiff of it while I’m working, it immediately makes me happier. They’re releasing holiday scents soon, and I’ve already saved the money to buy this for everyone I know for Christmas.

      Maybelline
      Falsies Lash Lift Mascara

      I’ve been known to rave about mascaras on occasion. It’s the easiest makeup product that arguably makes the biggest impact—how can I not shout out the best ones?! After testing a lot of high-end formulas, I’m on a journey to find the best options at the drugstore, and I started with this one after I saw it on Allure’s 2020 Best of Beauty list. It immediately made its way into my rotation, topping some of the expensive mascaras I’ve loved for years. It gives so much impact and volume while adding a little length too. It’s the perfect dramatic mascara to wear during the day. I’ve already told all of my friends to buy it on their next Target run, and now I’m telling you!

      Tinted Face Oil Foundation

      This was basically the only foundation I used all summer, and I’m still using it for practically every Zoom call and casual trip to the grocery store. It’s extra glowy, so I always make sure to powder afterward, leaving me with a glowy look that doesn’t get shiny or oily. I apply it on my face straight from the tube, and use either a brush (when I want extra coverage and less glow) or a beauty sponge (less coverage, much glowier). It is so easy to put on when I just need a little something on my face and makes me look alive on Zoom. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an everyday foundation. But heck, I’d be convinced to wear this on my wedding day honestly.

      START HAPPY
      Organic Body Wash

      I’m still working through swapping my daily beauty products for Black-owned alternatives, and body wash felt like the easiest one. I saw this earlier this summer and thought seeing this gorgeous label every morning will make me excited to shower. Little did I know I would fall in love with the product inside too. I had a friend come over recently who saw this in my shower and said it looked “cool” (men are weird), and I went on a 10-minute tangent about how much I love it. This scent is amazing to use for my morning showers, and the peppermint actually cools down my skin, which I love after a sweaty workout. My skin feels clean and soft, and I’m noticing less KP on my arms too which makes this product an ultimate winner.

      Skin Glazing

      As we enter the time of the year that looking glowy isn’t just a given (oh how I miss my summer dew!), I’ve had a lot of my friends ask me for highlighter recommendations. This one from Nabla has been my go-to, especially because they have shades for every skin tone. It’s not filled with shimmers or glitters, so instead of adding a very prominent powder-y finish on the skin, it looks like your skin is naturally glowing. It’s a really fine-milled powder, so it looks better the more you blend it in. It’s the perfect glass skin powder highlight that looks both natural and impactful.

      PATRICK TA
      Major Brow Shaping Wax

      I’ve been embracing my natural brow shape the last few months in an attempt to head to my salon as little as possible (and save money… and achieve the Bella Hadid brow… and because I’m lazy). With that has come unruly brows that absolutely look nothing like a Hadid sister and more like a caveman. I snagged this a few months ago now, and it is, without a doubt, the best brow product I’ve ever tried. It takes a little extra time than your typical gel in the morning, but when you have the time, it’s worth it for that laminated brow look.

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      It’s Dry Skin Season: How to Hydrate From Head to Toe

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      I’ve lived in the Midwest my entire life, and the cold has never affected my skin. I’ve been a self-proclaimed pizza face since I was about 11 years old, dealing with mostly oily skin and a hint of dryness here and there. But I never experienced the dryness of my friends and colleagues until I moved to Chicago. What was once a normal skin type became irritated, itchy, red, blotchy, and tight the second the weather switched. It was typically a result of my allergies as the season’s changed, but the Windy City ain’t a lie, m’am—that wind blowing on your face every day is not particularly music to a dermatologist’s ears. As Chicago natives, transplants, and general dry-skin people, our editors have a lot of insight to share on how to keep your skin in tip-top shape the second the season changes. Between our wellness tips to keep your hydration in check to reducing skin irritation to helping your scalp health, we’ve got it all covered. Smooth skin from your head to your toes, in seven steps:

      1. Use a hydration multiplier
      Did you really expect us to talk about hydration without a little H2O? While we all know to drink our water at this point, what you might not have in your arsenal is a hydration multiplier. Sometimes getting all of your water in just isn’t in the cards, and that’s where a product like this comes in. These products work to replenish electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, so if you find yourself feeling dehydrated (maybe after a cold, with allergies, or stress), these help bring your hydration levels back up.

       

      2. Eat a diet high in water 
      Drinking water isn’t the only way to hydrate your body. Filling up on fruits and vegetables that have a high water content—like lettuce, cucumber, celery, tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, and cauliflower—does the job too. But that’s not the only way either; oatmeal, soups and broths, dairy, and plain yogurt contain high amounts of water too. 

      3. Limit hot showers
      Dermatologists suggest using warm or cool water to shower if you’re prone to irritation and dryness. If you must shower in hot water, try to limit the time you’re under the water. Then, follow with a moisturizing cream or oil. You should also avoid showering every day unless you work out or get dirty in some way. 

      4. Blot your skin dry
      Instead of getting out of the shower and immediately using your towel to rub your skin and hair dry, blot the water off as best as possible, including your scalp. You can even invest in a hair wrap or towel specifically made to keep your hair and scalp healthy while it’s wet. Ever get out of the shower and see your dead skin come off on a towel? Blotting keeps all the moisture locked into your skin and prevents further exfoliation. 

       

      5. Don’t forget your feet and hands
      Just because pedicure season is on its way out doesn’t mean we can stop hydrating and exfoliating our feet. Give yourself a fall and winter-themed pedicure with a warm soak, an exfoliating mask, and sleeping with a thick moisturizer and some socks.
      Notice your hands are feeling a little rough from all the hand-washing too? Do the same: soak in warm water, use an exfoliating mask or scrub, and sleep with a thick moisturizer on and some gloves.

       
       
      6. Add hydration into every step of your routine
      For those with severely dry skin, every product in your routine should have some element that adds to the moisture levels of your skin. Your cleanser shouldn’t be filled with acids; it should contain hyaluronic acid and oils that clean without stripping your skin. Your serums should contain peptides and vitamins (E and C are particularly moisturizing, and C is also brightening!) that keep your skin supple and soft. Focus on hydration with every step. This doesn’t mean you should give up on all of your exfoliating acids and retinol. Instead, invest in those products that don’t strip the oil and contain moisturizing ingredients. Glow Recipe’s Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask, for example, is a retinol suspended in a nourishing formula containing avocado, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and other ingredients that balance the drying properties.

      7. Treat your scalp like your face
      If you’re experiencing dryness on your face, it’s likely on your scalp too. Whether you suffer with dry or oily hair, there is likely build-up (hey dry shampoo!), oils, and irritation going on up there. To combat it, treat your scalp the same way you do your face, and create a routine. First, focus on moisturizing shampoos that hydrate your scalp from the start. Then, implement a deep conditioner that you can use from scalp to ends. We also love adding a scalp scrub to get rid of build-up too.
      Aside from a routine, try to limit how often you’re scratching and touching your scalp. This only moves around the oils and causes further irritation. 

      Shop our favorite dry skin and scalp products: 

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      Beauty Trends I’m Excited to Try This Fall—And 3 I’m Skipping

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      It’s no secret that I take a lot of influence from beauty YouTube. I follow tutorials just about every time I do my makeup, I’m constantly listening to reviews and favorites while I do mundane tasks throughout the day, and I’m always inspired by what creators on that platform are doing. My obsession the past year or so has been “Will I Buy It” videos, popularized by YouTuber Samantha March. Basically, the creator sits in front of the camera and discusses the newest beauty launches for the week, month, or season and says if they plan to buy it or not. It feels like a couple of girlfriends getting together to talk makeup—including the occasional roast. I’ve been reading up on all of fall 2020’s beauty trends, especially taking notice in how they play into our lives right now. Some of the predicted trends of the year really work with my WFH life, while others absolutely do not. So to get in the spirit of fall beauty, I’m sharing the beauty trends I’m excited to try this year, plus a few I’ll be skipping (and what I’m planning to try instead).

      1. Invisible foundations
      Listen, I get the appeal of a foundation that won’t get all over the inside of my mask. When I first saw Becca Cosmetics’s big launch of their Zero No Pigment Foundation a few months ago, I was admittedly intrigued. It sounded like exactly what we all needed this summer. However, after seeing a range of reviews come in, my fascination quickly dwindled. Many reviews were claiming that it wasn’t really a “foundation,” but rather a pore-filling primer, something I have multiple of in my collection already. Instead of investing in this $36 product, I’m making use of those primers I already have. Plus, as I’ll get into, I’m really digging a little more coverage right now, so this isn’t really my vibe.

      2. Glossy lips
      I never thought I’d say this as I literally threw away just about every matte lip product I owned nearly eight months ago, vowing to only wear glossy and satin formulas ever again. Then, I started wearing a face mask every time I left my house, and anything that could possibly stick to the material of my mask fell to the wayside. Lately, I’m loving matte lips (even liquid lipsticks!) that will stay on and not budge under my mask until I get to wherever I’m heading. I’m also trying so many deep and bright lip options this fall that really lend to a matte formula over something glossy and sticky.

      3. Layered Haircuts
      As much as I love these cuts and would die to look like the modern-day Rachel Green, a high-maintenance cut like this just isn’t the move for fall 2020. I’m seeing my stylist as little as possible right now, so I’m avoiding any hair changes that make me indebted to my stylist every six weeks. My current joy lies in a blunt haircut that grows out evenly without needing constant trims or touch-ups.

      1. Transfer-proof coverage

      I don’t have time to deal with my makeup coming off all in my face mask, so I’m embracing a more matte finish. I love that a velvet-y matte or semi-matte foundation doesn’t leave me feeling like my skin is about to melt off underneath a mask, but I also am enjoying the extra bit of coverage (shout out maskne!). (Basically, my entire makeup routine is centered around wearing a mask, and I’m loving it.) Don’t worry though, just because I’m going with matte skin doesn’t mean I won’t have a glow. I’ve been loving a little extra skin prep (good for my dry skin due to the cold weather), plus I add lots of highlighter to the cheekbones. Flawless skin, nice to meet you. 

      2. Matte Lips

      As stated above, I’m living for matte lips right now. There’s something about a deep, matte lip color in the fall and winter. (Perhaps it’s all the Kylie Lip Kits I ordered when she launched her line! Who’s to say!) A matte lip won’t rub off on the inside of my mask like a gloss or satin shade will, especially if it’s a liquid lipstick. This fall, I’m trying bright reds, terracotta oranges, and mid-tone cool berries. 

      3. All variations of eyeliner

      We’ve seen colored eyeliner for the last few seasons, and this year, any and all eyeliner is gracing the faces of celebrities, makeup artists, and on runways. From the typical deep, black-winged liner to “Foxy eyes” (made famous by Bella Hadid, of course) to bright, “over” liners (in which your eyeliner goes at the crease of your eye instead of against your lid—makes your eyes look big and bright!), we’re seeing that no matter how you wear your eyeliner, it’s cool. I’ll be playing around with different shapes and colors to see which suits my face best (and which looks the coolest with my outfits, of course).

      4. Curled or Textured Updos

      Whether it’s classic ponytails, buns with tendrils left out, or whimsical updos, this style is taking over our Instagram feeds a little more every day. I’m obsessed with this look because it looks so put-together for Zoom meetings, but it’s really easy to do—especially if you have naturally curly or textured hair. I’m a huge fan of the curly pony right now; business in the front, party in the back.

      5. Structured Brows

      In an episode of Fat Mascara, Anastasia Soare (yep, the Anastasia of ABH!) said that in her world, there are no brow trends; instead, everyone just wears the brow shape that’s perfect for them, and they always look good. I’ve kept that in my brain ever since, and it’s made a world of a difference. All that to say, if the Cara Delevigne bushy brow look or the block-y Instagram brow of the late 2010s didn’t look all that great on you (me, me, me!), don’t fret—the makeup industry is taking note, and we’re seeing structured, polished brows that follow your natural shape take center stage.

      6. Cool Tones

      Warm-toned makeup (think Naked Heat, Tartelette Toasted—the whole shebang) has been the “it” look for years. Peachy, red, orange, brown, and yellows have reigned supreme in the makeup world in everything from lipsticks and eyeshadows to even bronzers and blushes. But we’re finally seeing quite the switch-up this fall with grey, taupe, and purple hues filling up eyeshadow palettes, lip collections, and more. Many people have grown scared of cool tones, especially if they have a warm undertone in their skin, but pretty much everyone can rock a cool tone look. Finding the right tones that work for you is important, but a simple taupe or silver-y metallic all over the lid is a major moment for pretty much anyone. Also, don’t forget that cool tones include more than just grey and plum; cool shades of blue and green are hot right now too.

      7. Inner-Corner Sparkle

      Textured eyeshadows, instead of your standard matte or shimmer, are at the top of my wishlist right now. I love using these as a one-shadow look, but I’m taking cues from some of my favorite makeup artists and incorporating them into otherwise classic looks by popping just a little right in the inner corner. Some looks it’s just a dab in the inner corner, and others they apply the shadow in the inner quarter of the lid, going up to the brow (as seen above). It adds a little bit of dimension without going haywire and looks good on every single eye shape.  More

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      A top Dubai plastic surgeon on the dramatic shift in cosmetic surgery in the UAE

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      The increase in social media usage has correlated in a jump of cosmetic procedures ranging from fillers to anti-wrinkle injections to more high-risk procedures, such as going under the knife. Here we ask – what are people trying to achieve and are they doing it for the right (if any) reasons?
      Across the globe, the number of cosmetic procedures, whether it be non-invasive anti-wrinkle injections and fillers or going under the knife, has risen dramatically in recent years. It’s a booming business for cosmetic dermatologists and plastic surgeons, with some reports suggesting the market size could reach $21.97 billion by the year 2023, with a predicted annual growth rate of 7.8 per cent. Right alongside the rise in cosmetic surgery is social media and its 2.4 billion users worldwide. With the use of filters, photoshopping apps and more, people are able to manipulate themselves into their ideal version – or what they think they should be according to social media standards – and it’s having a direct effect on the cosmetics industry. Enter the rise of the filtered face.
      This is something Dr. Sanjay Parashar, a top plastic surgeon in Dubai and the CEO of Cocoona Centre of Aesthetic Transformation, knows all too well. Having been in practice for 25 years, Dr. Parashar tells Emirates Woman he’s seen a dramatic shift in the cosmetic surgery industry in the last five years all because of Instagram – a shift which he believes is “appalling”. “The expectations are too high and too unrealistic,” he explains. “There is a hugely competitive spirit among people seeking cosmetic surgery.”

      In 2018, a report was released from the Boston University of Medicine and the Boston Medical Centre discussing how there had been a spike in patients who wanted to go under the knife thanks to filters used in Snapchat, or what they were able to manipulate themselves to look like with apps like FaceTune. “A new phenomenon, dubbed ‘Snapchat dysmorphia,’ has patients seeking out cosmetic surgery to look like filtered versions of themselves instead, with fuller lips, bigger eyes, or a thinner nose,” the report states. “This is an alarming trend because those filtered selfies often present an unattainable look and are blurring the line of reality and fantasy for these patients.”

      It was concluded such apps and filters are “providing a new reality of beauty for today’s society”. This is all too familiar with the astronomical rise of TikTok – a video sharing platform where users dance and lip-sync to popular songs and sounds – and the app’s use of filters. People are going viral for challenges using the app’s in-house beauty filter, comparing their ‘best self’ to their ‘worst self’, being shocked by the difference. And while it may seem like a lighthearted challenge to take part in, the crux of it hits home – many people are losing touch of reality as “they expect to look perfectly primped and filtered in real life as well”, as determined in the report.
      While some may argue the correlation between cosmetic surgery and social media isn’t linked, all you need to do is look at those who are at the forefront of it. In just 15 years, the demand for plastic surgeons has increased by more than 10 times what it used to be. “When I came to Dubai in January 2004, there were less than 25 plastic surgeons in Dubai, now there are more than 250 plastic surgeons in the UAE,” Dr. Parashar explains.
      With the likes of Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner all at the top of the social media hierarchy, many look to them, as well as filters, for facial inspiration when it comes to cosmetic surgery.  It’s a highly sought-after look: high cheekbones; lifted eyes; thick, highly arched eyebrows; and a plump pout for good measure.
      In fact, there’s an entire package dedicated to Kylie Jenner at a London-based clinic on offer for clients. But for Dr. Parashar this is totally “unethical marketing”. “It is impossible to make all the lips the same as Kylie Jenner,” he explains. “She has her own shape and structure. There may be some who may have similar structures, it’s quite coincidental I think, but most people have varying structures and the outcome of doing the same quantity and quality of filler is different in every individual.”
      At least 30 to 40 per cent of the patients Dr. Parashar sees bring along a photo of a popular celebrity’s face or body, insisting this is what they want to look like. However, it’s something he takes very seriously in terms of someone’s mental wellbeing.  “I do thorough counselling to understand what they are looking for and what concerns them,” he says. “Then I assess the area of their concern and if I feel that it is a significant issue that surgery would improve, then I recommend them surgery. But I insist that I cannot make them look like anybody else, as each body is different, anatomical structure varies and healing is different.” Often, he ends up turning many people away, with some disgruntled clients claiming “other doctors will do it”.  With cosmetic and procedures largely being used for aesthetic reasons nowadays, it’s difficult to see past the vanity that overshadows the whole industry. However, as Dr. Parashar explains, the industry emerged for a “needs basis”. “In its truest sense, plastic surgery is reconstructive surgery that is done to restore anatomy and function of the body,” he says. Whether that be helping children with birth defects like cleft lip and palate; oral cancer sufferers; those who suffer traumatic injuries to facial bones; nerve damage; severe burns; and more. “Cosmetic and aesthetic surgery is a sub-speciality of plastic surgery that works on-demand basis more than need basis.”
      It’s easy to see there is a correlation between cosmetic procedures and filters, but there are steps being taken by platforms like Instagram. In October 2019, the social media site announced it was removing all augmented reality filters depicting or promoting cosmetic surgery, or virtually enhancing users’ features. “We’re re-evaluating our policies – we want our filters to be a positive experience for people,” a spokesman said of the move. “While we’re re-evaluating our policies, we will remove all effects from the [effects] gallery associated with plastic surgery, stop further approval of new effects like this and remove current effects if they’re reported to us.”
      As for what people can do themselves when they’re debating whether to go down the cosmetic enhancement route, Dr. Parashar advises people to ask themselves if it will truly make them happy. “I strongly believe cosmetic surgery cannot make people happy forever as there are so many reasons for unhappiness,” he says. “The problem is when people blame their appearance for their unhappiness, then they seek plastic surgery and hope their problems will go away forever. There is definitely a fine line between satisfaction and happiness, between the realistic and unrealistic.”  While in this busy world of beauty, makeup and cosmetic enhancements, it’s vital you remember who you are at your core and realise, true beauty is from within.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied, Feature Image: Getty More

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      The 9 Wildest Skincare Hacks I Learned on Reddit

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      I was in love with a boy in high school who was so obsessed with Reddit that he participated in their annual Secret Santa. Our inevitable departure led me to absolutely despise Reddit and all of its contents for years. You know, it’s the usual “I waited until I was 24 to watch Star Wars because one person I hated was a big fan” situation. But one thing or another brought me to Reddit during quarantine, and now I am obsessed.I’m reading everything from r/Ask A Doctor (wouldn’t recommend for anyone with health anxiety, but it’s fascinating to me) to r/Sex (makes sense, right?) to r/Tinder when I really need a laugh. But to no surprise, my most prevalent craze as of late is r/SkincareAddiction (and r/AsianBeauty … and r/Tretinoin … and r/Acne … you get the point).
      These subreddits are filled to the brim with helpful tips, product reviews, photos, and more—it’s enough to provide me with complete and utter joy for quite a while! Since I started reading them, I’ve implemented tons of hacks into my skincare routine to see if they actually work. After tons of testing, here are the ones that have actually stayed in my routine beyond the novelty factor. 

      1. Skin gritting
      This was the first thing I read on r/SCA that absolutely blew my mind and what really got me interested in the platform to begin with. “Skin gritting” is basically a treatment you can do on yourself to help remove dirt, oil, and blackheads from your pores. There are a few different ways to do the treatment, but the most intense I’ve seen is as follows: 
      Cleanse with an oil-based cleanser
      Apply a BHA, like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid—don’t remove!
      Apply a clay mask on top of the acid for 20 minutes, then remove
      Massage an oil into your skin for 3-5 minutes 
      There are much less intensive approaches you can take, such as skipping the acid step or even skipping the clay mask step altogether in favor of a double-cleanse with two oils. Whatever works with you. I’m currently loving this product from Innisfree instead of using my regular cleansing oil—you’ve been warned, but look at all the gunk this took out of my pores:

       

      2. Decant leftover product from a sheet mask
      We’ve all been there when our sheet mask is absolutely soaked with product and there’s still some leftover in the package. You pay good money for that mask, so don’t let all of that good serum go to waste! I’ve read some people say they decant it into little jars they bought on Amazon, which sounds like such a good idea. I’ve tried it by using whatever is leftover on my hands, chest, and upper arms where I get KP. It’s been such a game-changer and makes me feel like I’m really getting my money’s worth. 

      3. You don’t have to spend tons of money
      I know this isn’t necessarily a tangible tip, but if I’ve learned anything from Reddit, it’s the power of inexpensive beauty products. You don’t need the fanciest new releases (although they are fun!); you just need products that work for your skin type. Redditors are big fans of some of our editors’ favorites too: 

      4. Apply hydrating products to your lips too
      Your lips need more moisture than the Laneige Sleeping Mask you apply every night—trust me. Use whatever hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizers you use on your face on your lips. The same goes for your face oils!

      5. Run a sheet mask under hot water before you apply
      The worst thing about applying a face mask is putting that freezing cold sheet of ice on your face, especially in the fall and winter. Luckily, this trick has changed my sheet-mask life. Simply run some hot and place the sheet mask package under it for a couple of seconds. You don’t want it scalding hot, but just warm enough to feel cozy and relaxing on your face. This doubles the experience, making it both a self-care and a skincare activity.

      6. Invest in a shower filter
      Many Redditors swear by washing their face in distilled water, but I’ve seen some hail the praises of getting a filter for your showerhead. This is good practice for your hair, but Redditors said it really helped their skin too. If you have hard water, this could be just what your skincare routine was missing. I have lovely Lake Michigan water, but my parents’ house has well water (the absolute worst), and I notice a huge difference in my skin and hair when I use filtered water. 

       

      7. Use a dry brush to reduce ingrown hairs
      I only recently implemented this into my body care routine, and it has made a world of a difference. Dry brushing exfoliates the skin while increasing blood circulation and stimulating the lymphatic system, but the exfoliation is what really stops ingrown hairs in their tracks. See, ingrown hairs happen when the hair gets trapped in a follicle and can’t get out, that’s why they’re common in the bikini area and legs. So when you properly exfoliate the skin, those ingrown hairs are able to break the surface, plus it stops them from retreating back into the follicle. I get ingrowns in the groin area (it’s so common, y’all), and I’ve noticed a huge difference in the texture of the skin between my legs since I started dry brushing a few times a week.

       

      8. Mix your hydrating oil with aloe gel
      Do you feel like face oils just never sink into your skin? If you have an oily skin type, you probably experience this. Someone on Reddit suggested mixing your oil with an aloe vera gel because aloe sinks into the skin so easily. I like to use facial oils before applying my foundation but hate that oily look under my makeup, and this trick worked flawlessly. I tried it with both aloe from my aloe plant (before she died a painful death) as well as with a packaged gel. It has made my oil-moisturizing experience far better.

       

      9. Apply a hyaluronic acid serum under your sheet mask to make it extra hydrating
      If you can’t tell, Reddit is absolutely swimming in sheet mask hacks. This one is aimed at those with dry skin. If you want to get even more benefits out of your sheet mask, apply hyaluronic acid beforehand, and then once again on top of the sheet mask while it’s setting in. Redditors recommended this classic Asian beauty product: Hada Labo’s Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. First of all, the lotion gives your sheet mask something to stick on to so it won’t slide around the whole time you’re wearing it. Plus, the hyaluronic acid pulls in the moisture of the mask, helping all of that serum to absorb even better into your skin. For an even more moisturizing effect, you can pat even more of the lotion on top of your sheet mask while you’re wearing it. I tried this with my hyaluronic serum, and it made me appreciate my sheet mask so much more. I now have the Hada Labo lotion on my wishlist!

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      in beauty and fashion

      12 New Beauty Products I’m Shopping at Sephora

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      When I picture the perfect fall day, it goes like this: wake up and close the window because it’s frigid in my apartment; work out; take a shower so hot my skin turns red (do as I say, not as I do); put on a lovely outfit, do my makeup and hair, all while drinking a piping hot coffee; spend a day in the Everygirl office chatting, writing, and listening to Taylor Swift’s entire discography; head home on the train, only after making a pitstop at the giant Michigan Avenue Sephora in Chicago. I’ll roam the aisles, stocking up on new foundation, a fall lip color, and maybe even something special. Perusing the new beauty launches at Sephora is a pastime of mine regardless of the season, but we all know how it goes by now: everything just feels better in fall. Unfortunately, my expectations of those dreamy fall days aren’t exactly met this year, but that isn’t stopping me from staring at the Sephora site every day and contemplating if I actually need to have an emergency fund. Here’s my wishlist—from new skincare finds perfect for the cold weather to holiday-approved eyeshadow and lip combos. 

      Makeup By Mario
      Master Crystal Reflector Highlighter

      If you know anything about makeup, you know Mario Dedivanovic. He’s known for creating some of the most iconic Kim Kardashian looks, making quite the name for himself in the beauty world. He just unveiled his own line (after collabing with KKW Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and others), and I am beyond excited to see it available at Sephora. The first product that caught my attention was this product. Although it says it’s a highlighter, it’s actually more of an eyeshadow topper you use to add extra sparkle and dimension to a look. This video on his Instagram immediately convinced me—I see myself creating holiday looks galore with this smudged all over my eyes.

      Pat McGrath Labs
      Dark Star Volumizing Mascara

      After years of contemplating the purchase, I recently splurged on my first Pat McGrath eyeshadow palette. It is arguably the most glorious and also the most wild purchase I’ve made in my time, but I am loving it to bits. My next PMGL purchase will likely be this new mascara. I’ve been loving dark, sultry fall eyeshadow looks lately, and those looks crave a deep black, full lash, and this is supposed to give just that. Every promo photo makes the model’s lashes look incredible, adding just enough length and tons of volume without looking clumpy at all.

      Glow Recipe
      Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm

      I’m currently working through two other cleansing balms, but this is next up on my list to purchase once those are out. I’ve loved everything I’ve tried from Glow Recipe (our other editors love their Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask!), and I love the added element of a little bit of exfoliation to this cleansing balm, giving it a little something different than the usual. It’s also a little less expensive than the Tatcha one I’m using right now, so a solid score for my wallet.

      Nécessaire
      The Body Wash

      Nécessaire has been a staple for many of our editors for a while now, but it’s finally at Sephora! This body wash is available in fragrance-free, but I am the most excited to try the sandalwood scent for fall and winter. Body wash doesnt have to be boring, and this one definitely proves it.

      Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer

      A good moisturizer is essential this time of year. I’m currently switching from a lotion to a cream product to accommodate my newfound dry ass skin, and this is at the top of my wishlist. Farmacy uses honey in their products to promote calm, hydrated skin (honey is a humectant, meaning it traps and locks moisture into your skin). This product is marketed to those with normal and dry skin with special emphasis on “distressed” skin, which is a great adjective to describe the clogged pores, congestion, and dry patches currently sitting atop my face.

      Soft Matte Complete Foundation

      Hear me out: after years and years of preaching dewy skin this, glass skin that—heck, I’ll admit I’m even down with dolphin skin—but in fall 2020, I’m honestly kind of embracing matte skin. I watched an Instagram Story of Katie Jane Hughes (my makeup icon) trying this, and it legit looked like velvet on her skin. I loved how she used a matte foundation with lots of skin prep, which made it so she didn’t look dry or flat, and then she bumped it up with dewy cheekbones and a glowy eye look. I love that makeup juxtaposition, but mostly, I just love how flawless it looks. Wearing makeup makes me feel normal and happy right now, so I’m enjoying the extra bit of coverage—something I didn’t think I’d say ever again.

      Fable & Mane
      HoliRoots Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil

      My skin isn’t just dry on my face anymore; it’s my entire body, including but not limited to: the tops of my toes, under my butt, my cuticles, and of course, my scalp. I’ve been plagued with an irritated scalp for years now (thanks to an allergic reaction that is still ruining my life), so I’m always on the hunt for something that will calm down the redness, reduce flakes and dry spots, and help my hair grow. Fable and Mane is a new brand at Sephora owned and founded by an Indian woman who created the brand with her culture, including Ayurveda, in mind. The products are absolutely gorgeous, and this pre-wash treatment oil is no exception. Containing ashwaghanda, this would be the perfect addition to my oil cleansing hair routine. The reviews are all up-there, saying it works on basically any hair type.

      Rare Beauty
      Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

      While the Rare Beauty buzz might have died down a bit, I’m still on a high after realizing that Selena did not phone it in and actually created a line full of innovative and effective products. I already tried this blush formula, and I want it in every. single. color. First of all, it’s so pigmented, which you can tell was to help cater to all skin tones. Light skin can apply a little bit and blend away, while someone with a darker tone can build it up even further. This makes all of the shades useful on people—something that basically every launch should have. Plus, I love the dewy look it gives my cheeks. I went for the red shade because it’s so bright and fun, and now I need all the neutral shades to wear all fall. Also, that berry shade? Swooooon.

      Bread Beauty Supply
      Hair Oil Everyday Gloss

      I saw this in an Instagram story and immediately gasped at how gorgeous the packaging was and how much I loved the branding of Bread Beauty Supply. I haven’t tried the products, but I am so obsessed with their entire brand already. This is a Black-owned hair line, so the products are mostly aimed at women with textured, coily, and kinky hair types. While their shampoo and deep conditioner aren’t geared toward my hair at all, I’m really intrigued to try this hair gloss. I’ve been loving the glossy/shiny “glass” hair trend this fall, and I think this would take that look to the next level. If you do have curly hair, note this oil is silicone-free, so it’ll keep your curls fresh, soft, and in-tact all day long without weighing it down.

      Saturday Skin
      Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask

      I have really embraced the sleep mask since quarantine began because I can wear them all day long while I work (including through Zoom calls) and no one has a clue. They’re also great for keeping your skin moisturized and plump through the night, which has been necessary for me as I keep my window open (as stated above) so that I’m shivering by the time I wake up. This one caught my eye for a few reasons. For one, Saturday Skin makes such good moisturizing products (I’m a huge fan of their sheet masks and their eye cream!), so I have a strong feeling this would be good. Plus, I’m loving layering up vitamin C products to help target dark spots and keep my skin looking clear and bright. This also has niacinamide and retinol to exfoliate, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of pores.

      Milk Makeup
      Melatonin Overnight Lip Mask

      As the temps get cooler, you can’t live without a good lip mask in your collection. We’re huge fans of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, but this one from Milk has me rethinking my loyalties. This product contains Melatonin, which is supposed to calm irritation, but it also hydrates, smoothes, and softens the lips for plump, kissable lips the next day. This product is also ultra-clean: fragrance-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free, soy-free, paraben-free, vegan, gluten-free, and more, making it a good, clean alternative to the Laneige (or for a solid test run, like I’ll be doing ASAP).

      Sunday Riley
      Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence

      This is currently sold out, but that should tell you just how in-demand this is. Sunday Riley, the powerhouse brand that brought us Good Genes, claims this product will retexturize your skin while keeping your skin’s barrier in tact and nourishing your skin with pre and probiotics. The most intriguing ingredient in the line-up (even though there are tons of really compelling ingredients in this, like peptides, fermented honey, and seawater) is ECGC: an antioxidant found in green tea that fights the negative outcomes of pollution and stress in the skin—something we probably all need. I am dying to get my hands on this essence, especially after reading a slew of positive reviews. More

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      in beauty and fashion

      The Low-Maintenance Hair Trends Stylists Are Recommending for Fall 2020

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      Changing up your hair is basically a rite of passage once or twice a year. Whether it’s a major cut (hello bangs!) or color or you’re simply ready to ditch your everyday waves for a new style, we can all benefit from a little hair switch up. In fall 2020, however, a hair transformation doesn’t have to be something that takes you back to the salon every six weeks. In fact, it really shouldn’t be. Instead, stylists are recommending low-maintenance cuts, colors, and styles that will last without touch-ups a little while and can easily be taken care of at home. We’ve pulled together some of the season’s hottest hair trends and put them all in one place. The plus? They look just as good with a mask on. 😉

      1. Warm, Caramel Tones

      2. All-Over Copper

      3. Classic Balayage

      4. Bright Face-Framing Pieces

      5. Babylights

      7. Long Lengths

      7. Middle Part

      View this post on Instagram

      💙🦋
      A post shared by Aimee Song (@aimeesong) on Aug 2, 2020 at 9:28am PDT

      8. Blunt Cuts

      9. Pixie

       

      10. Shag

      View this post on Instagram

      zoom bleach
      A post shared by Kaia (@kaiagerber) on Aug 15, 2020 at 8:30am PDT

      11. At-Home Blowout

      12. Bobby-Pinned Curls

      13. Curled or Textured Ponytail

      14. Glossy / Shiny Waves

      15. Jumbo Twists + Other Protective Styles

      16. Baby Waves

      17. Wispy Top-Knot More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Dubai-based influencer urges caution about beauty industry after hospitalisation

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      When it comes to beauty these days, there’s so many treatments available that it’s hard to keep track of. Whether it be facials, manicures or pedicures, brows, waxing, laser treatment – the list really is endless.
      However, given that so many treatments are widely used nowadays we rarely think to stop about the side effects some of them can have. More often than not, you there will be no side effects whatsoever, but there is always a chance.

      This is exactly the case Dubai-based influencer Leena Kaziz found herself in when she went for an LVL lash treatment – it stands for length-volume-lift where the lashes are straightened with a serum to appear more lifted.
      It was a treatment Leena had never had before, but what she wasn’t expecting was the severe reaction she was going to have to the treatment, which resulted in her being hospitalised.

      After having her LVL treatment done mid last month, Leena began to notice some redness and some slight dryness, but it was when she was trying to go to sleep that she felt a sharp pain in her eyes.
      Leena didn’t immediately go to hospital instead, she waited for the salon to open the next day to share pictures with them. She tells Emirates Woman that she didn’t think “it was that severe”.
      “Later I found out I had a severe infection in my eyes and eyelids as well as a severe allergic reaction,” she reveals. “The allergic reaction increased with time and reached a point where my eyes where fully closed.
      “The infection affected my sight even after my eyes were manually opened. My doctor was scared that the infection would reach behind my eyes and closer to my brain.”

      Leena made the decision to share her story with her followers on Instagram as a warning to take precautions when undergoing beauty treatments and “to create awareness” for others.
      “Everyone needs to know what happened,” she explains. “We really don’t have significant awareness about the risks we are exposing ourselves to. This treatment is so accessible and is available in most salons – a lot could go wrong.”
      Even three weeks on, Leena still isn’t fully recovered.
      “My eyes and eyes lids are still being irritated from the product,” she says. “I still need a month of medication and my skin is still not back to normal.”
      Admittedly, the Syrian native calls this whole ordeal a “life-changing experience” and a “wake up call”.
      “We are often too obsessed with becoming prettier and more appealing that we forget to really protect ourselves from our own self,” she says.
      “Having said this doesn’t mean that I will stop taking care of my beauty, not at all. But when you are fully aware of how precious your body is you tend to be pickier and more cautious.”

      Going forward, Leena believes that a patch test should be mandatory for consumers not just for an LVL treatment, but any treatment.
      She believes people need to have the same consciousness when it comes to the beauty industry as any other.
      “As consumers we have become very educated and picky with our food industry,” she says. “We read labels, do research and make conscious decisions on the products we consume. I hope that my experience will make as many women as possible become as picky with the beauty industry.”
      And on a final note, she’s encouraging everyone to see their body “beyond just the outside”.
      “Appreciate yourself and the preciousness of your body,” she says. “Remind yourself of how lucky you are that your body works day and night to make you alive.
      “Because when you constantly remind yourself of that you will be more cautious, and you will do more research and make wiser choices.”
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Leena Kaziz Instagram More