More stories

  • in

    Heartwarming way this Dubai salon is giving back to COVID-19 frontline workers

    In one way or another everyone across the globe has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s those on the frontlines that have experienced the most of it while helping to treat patients and provide essential services to the public.
    To thank frontline workers there’s been many deeds of gratitude that have been done including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum granting doctors 10-year golden residency visas; bonuses have also been granted to vital workers by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE; and a new office has been established in the UAE dedicated to supporting those who have been frontline workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

    Similarly, designer bridal brand Esposa – a bridal boutique which has stores in Beirut, Dbayeh and Ramleh El Bayda in Lebanon and two stores in Dubai – is giving back to Lebanese and Emirati doctors and nurses brides-to-be serving COVID-19 patients by offering free wedding gowns.
    Now, Dubai-based salon Pastels is also giving back to frontline healthcare workers.

    The salon has two offers available exclusively for those who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.
    The first is a Dhs100 gift voucher which can be redeemed with any service at any Pastels salons across Dubai.
    The second is the frontline feel-good facial which is only available at the Pastels Salon Jumeirah. Frontline workers will be able to enjoy a 60-minute facial bespoke to their skin type, which will leave the skin with a healthy glow.
    To redeem the offer, which is available until August 31, all you need to do is provide a valid ID card and professional identification
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    I Bought 11 Products From This Skincare Brand—Here Are the 5 I Actually Use

    I’m an all-or-nothing kind of gal.Why drink two glasses of wine when you can drink the whole bottle? Why order a four-piece chicken nugget meal when you can get six more for just an additional two bucks? Why give 50 percent when you can give 100? I’m either as dehydrated as a dry sponge, or I am carrying 10 pounds in water weight, peeing pristinely clear urine every 16 minutes, hydrated as hell. There is no in-between. Others (i.e., my mom and my lovely therapist) may suggest that I need to seek some consistency. To that, I say: go big or go home, baby.
    So when I woke up hungover on a Sunday morning and had a fuzzy flashback to ordering $102.81 of products from The Ordinary on Ulta.com, I wasn’t the least bit surprised. I had already owned their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum (if you know it, you love it) and knew that, at some point, I’d cave and expand my collection to fit my skincare needs. After reviewing the receipt of my adventurous late-night purchase, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my $100 purchase scored me 11 products (most of the products in their line are under $10, which is music to my ears), and I simply couldn’t decide on any products worth canceling. Naturally, at that time, I was motivated to finally have a comprehensive skincare routine outside of my traditional five go-to products which included a micellar cleanser, witch hazel toner, vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid, and moisturizer. 
    While I have the occasional need to blot my face by the end of the day, I’ve noticed that, over the past few years, my skin has mainly been dry and dull. So, in addition to staying nice and hydrated (or at least trying to), I always reach for products that will help hydrate my skin and leave me feeling restored and radiant. I find that when I put my skincare energy into moisturizing, I tend to have less breakouts.
    Name a better feeling than forgetting you ordered a package and being surprised by it a week later… I’ll wait. When my package arrived I was, again, stunned at how many products $100 allotted me. I purchased the AHA/BHA Peeling Solution, the Niacinamide + Zinc, Glycolic Acid Toning Solution, “Buffet” Serum, Moisturizer, Caffeine Solution, Rosehip Seed Oil, Alpha Arbutin Serum, Salicylic Acid Masque, Vitamin C Suspension, and Lactic Acid Serum.  I pulled out each of the 11 products, reoriented myself on how/when to use them, and got to work. 
    A month has passed since my tipsy skincare purchase and to no one’s surprise, I gravitate to some of the products more than I do others. Do I hate any of them? Absolutely not. Let’s just call it “playing favorites.” Note: I’ve heard the squalane cleanser is incredible, but unfortunately, it was sold out at the time of my purchase. Additionally, I already have their hyaluronic acid serum and use it daily!
    Out of the 11 products that I ordered, these are the five I actually use:

    The Ordinary
    AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

    I heard SO many great things about this at-home chemical peel before buying, and I must say… I was not disappointed. I use it once a week in the evening after cleansing, let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse off, and continue with the rest of my skincare routine. This product targets irregularities, exfoliates my pores, fights signs of aging, leaves my skin glowy as hell, and makes my skin the perfect canvas for makeup. It’s the cheapest at-home chemical peel on the market, works impressively well, and is by far my favorite product in the entire line. I only use this peeling solution once a week as recommended (part of the reason why I don’t dread Mondays so much anymore), but when I do, I feel like I can do anything. Finally address the 56 unread emails in my mailbox? Done. Taxes? No problem. Conquer the world? Absolutely.

    The Ordinary
    Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

    After I cleanse/use the occasional chemical peel, I reach for my toner. The second I used this toner is the same second I decided that I’ll never to back to using a scented witch hazel as a toner ever again (please don’t tell my dermatologist that I even used that, please and thank you). I use this morning and night after cleansing to restore my skin’s pH, and it leaves me feeling moisturized even before I go in with serums/moisturizers. Pulling out my foam finger for this one because I am a TRUE FAN.

    The Ordinary
    Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

    After using toner, I go in with my serums. I’m happy to report that this Niacinamide+Zinc Serum has secured a forever spot in my routine. This little guy is great for balancing sebum activity, reducing facial congestion, and helping to brighten my complexion. Since I started using this morning and night, I’ve noticed that my skin texture is much more even and I break out less. Boom and boom.

    The Ordinary
    Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

    Are her eyes chronically puffy due to her affinity for crying, lack of sleep, or the fact that she had salt with a side of fries last night? We’ll never know. I’ve always struggled with under eye bags in the AM, and this is the first serum I’ve used that actually provides results in minutes. After I use my serums in the morning, I massage a small amount of this solution into my eye contour. It’s nice and gentle and helps my under eyes to appear tighter and more moisturized which results in me using less concealer come makeup time. So when I eat an entire large fry, cry over the series finale of “The Office” for the eleventh time, and stay up too late watching TikToks, no one will suspect a thing.

    The Ordinary
    Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

    My skin is like my humor: dry AF. And though I don’t see a need to switch up my personality (not today, anyways), dry skin is just not something I strive for. Luckily, this moisturizer has my back and keeps me feeling/appearing well-hydrated without being greasy, which makes me oh, so happy. I use this bad boy last to lock all of my products in and to help restore my skin’s barrier. It’s like the perfect mic drop at the end of my skincare routine and I am absolutely in love with it.

    What are your favorite products from The Ordinary?!  More

  • in

    8 Black Influencers Share Their Favorite Summer Beauty Products

    You know those people you follow on Instagram, but you don’t just follow them. You watch all of their stories; you like, comment, and share all of their pictures; you study their favorite products and buy basically all of their recommendations. The algorithm is good to you, showing you their pictures first. As a beauty lover, I feel this way about a lot of influencers, but as I’ve diversified my feed and followed more Black makeup artists, influencers, and bloggers, it’s happening pretty dang often, y’all. As much as having a diverse feed as important, it’s also good to have an arsenal of products that work for all skin tones, types, and preferences. Obviously, the first place I’m looking is the favorites of those same influencers I’ve grown to love (er, be obsessed with). 
    So whether you’re just looking for some good products (I’m about to place at least 10 orders) or searching for brands and products that specifically cater to those with dark or deep skin tones, you’ve come to the right place.

    Source: @enigivensunday

    Beauty Bakerie
    Face Flour Baking Powder

    When it comes to setting powders, it’s still difficult to find one that’s lightweight enough not to give you a cakey look, but effective enough to lock your makeup in place. Beauty Bakerie has nailed it with their setting powder, which does an excellent job of blurring my skin without weighing my makeup down.

    Pat McGrath Lab
    Sublime Perfection Foundation

    I thought I had seen all there is to “holy grail” foundations before this one from Pat McGrath launched, but I was wrong. The finish of this foundation gives such an effortless and skin-like look that looks superb in photographs and feels super lightweight on skin.

    Full-On™: Plumping Lip Cream Gloss in “White Russian”

    My all-time favorite nude lipgloss, which says a lot because lip gloss is a product that I do not play around with. I’ve been using this lip gloss for years, and every time I use it, my lips look fuller and smoother. Chances are if you see me with nude lip gloss on, it’s this one!

    Source: @tyra_fisher

    Cloud Paint

    Glossier’s Cloud Paint in shade “Dusk” is my go-to for a natural, dewy look. A little goes a long way, and it is one of my new favorites!

    Fenty Beauty
    Match Stix Trio

    Fenty Beauty’s Match Sticks are so good for a quick glam look. I have the trio in shade tan 300, and they are always in my purse and are so easy to apply.

    AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

    Cerave is my go-to for skincare—I’ve been using their products since high school, and my skin has been loving it ever since. The daily lightweight moisturizer with SPF keeps my combination skin hydrated and protected, 10/10 recommend!

    Source: @neonmua

    Laura Mercier
    Translucent Loose Setting Powder in “Translucent Medium Deep”

    A lot of Black artists and makeup wearers will tell you that our biggest fear is to look dead or ashy, and that can happen when we wear certain “translucent” powders that are too light for us (or are straight-up white). The Laura Marcier powder does a great job of melting into the skin while also preserving the color of the products under it, giving those of us with deeper complexions that healthy color we want and need.

    Fenty Beauty
    Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation

    I think it’s safe to say that Fenty Beauty changed the makeup industry for the better. Upon its initial launch, it was unheard of for a brand to release 40-50 foundation shades that catered to people of all shades and undertones. Now it’s the new norm, and Rihanna has helped to not only change the way we see makeup as a whole, but also help give us a space to feel accepted and beautiful no matter our complexion. That Rihanna region just won’t let up.
    Oily skin? Darius loves her matte foundation too!

    Pat McGrath Labs
    Mothership V Eyeshadow Palette – Bronze Seduction

    I know the price point of PMG is off-putting at first, but it’s so worth it. As a makeup artist herself, Pat McGrath understands how important it is for eyeshadows to be rich and pigmented enough to work on even the deepest of skin tones. I love all of the Mothership palettes, but Bronze Seduction is a personal favorite of mine because it has a lot of easy-to-use neutral shades, but also introduces some blinding and breathtaking metallics, shimmers, and duochromes.

    Source: thebeverlyadams

    The Lip Bar
    Fast Face Kit

    Lately, my go-to has been The Lip Bar’s Fast Face Kits. I love them because they are no-fuss, and I don’t have to think about what products to use to make myself feel pulled together for Zoom meetings throughout the day.

    5. Jenee (@highlowluxxe on Instagram and YouTube)

    Source: @highlowluxxe

    Anastasia Beverly Hills
    Jackie Aina Palette

    I can use every shade in this palette (which typically doesn’t happen for someone with my complexion), and I love the shade options. You can go bold or understated!

    Source: @marfarlane

    Multi-Use Skincare Oil

    When it comes to having a smooth and even skin tone, my favorite go-to is using Bio-Oil from Ulta Beauty. This has done wonders for the skin and has really helped to clear up the hyperpigmentation on parts of my skin.

    Vanity Planet
    Ultimate Skin Spa Facial Cleansing System

    I’ve been using this spin brush for about three months now, and I don’t know how I ever lived without it before! This spin brush is perfect because it’s really helped get out all the extra gunk out of my face when I’m doing my daily face cleansing routine.

    Source: @astoldbymika

    Skin Silk Loose Setting Powder

    I can be a bit of a snob when it comes to loose powder, but Mented’s Skin Silk Powder never disappoints. It instantly blurs my skin, making it look flawless. 404 error: no pores found.

    Source: @minnieknows

    Urban Decay
    All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

    No makeup is complete without using a setting spray. My go-to one is the All-Nighter Setting Spray by Urban Decay. I love that you don’t even notice it because it sets the makeup so effortlessly. It’s not sticky like other sprays I’ve used in the past. And the best thing about it? It comes in a mini version. So even while traveling, I never have to go without my favorite setting spray. An absolute must-have, gals!

    Fenty Beauty
    Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

    The Pro Filt’r Matte Foundation is my all-time favorite foundation. Apart from Fenty Beauty being super inclusive, meaning I finally found a makeup brand (thanks Riri) that has my exact shade, this products delivers what it promises. From the dreamy coverage despite being lightweight to the longevity, this foundation truly is an A+!

    Fenty Beauty
    Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter

    Along the lines of best beauty brand ever, I added the Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Duo to my Fenty Beauty product collection. What can I say, I couldn’t resist. With its creamy texture and metallic finish, [this is] an all-rounder I use daily. More

  • in

    My Top 10: Corey Rae Shares Her Must-Have Beauty and Fashion Picks

    Who doesn’t open the medicine cabinet of every persons’ bathroom they go into? We can’t be the only ones who absolutely love to know what beauty, fashion, and wellness products other people are using. (Don’t even get us started on peeking behind a closet door to see neatly-lined rows of denim, dresses, and shoes.) Some call it being nosy, but we call it being ~inquisitive~. Luckily, we don’t have to pretend to be drying our hands for an extra five minutes any longer, because our favorite influencers are sharing their top 10 products right here, without all the snooping. We asked them everything they love, from the best moisturizer for their skin type to their favorite pair of black leggings to the wellness essentials they use daily.

    One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer

    This hair tool has been a recent savior of mine! Not only has it cut my blow-dry time in half, but my hair is softer, I don’t have any breakage, and it’s sooooo easy to use! It’s perfect for voluminous straight hair or smooth beach waves. Very thankful for this product!

    Hair Oil

    This hair oil is my go-to! I typically use it after I blow out my hair to lock in a smooth finish and fight frizz. Even on days when I don’t do my hair, I apply this oil to wet hair to ensure a shiny, natural, air-dried beachy wave look. It smells AMAZING, and I believe this product is vegan and cruelty-free, as well as paraben- and phthalate-free!

    Watermelon Energizing Aqua Balm

    I’m obsessed with the smell of this product; I could smell it all day long! This is something I actually look forward to using on my skin. It’s lightweight, so I use it day and night on top of serums to lock in and amplify moisture. It’s natural, vegan, and cruelty-free!

    Bite Beauty
    Agave+ Daytime Vegan Lip Balm

    [This] is my absolute favorite lip balm. It’s clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and smells (and tastes) incredible! Soft, plump, pouty lips are an absolute must for me, and this keeps my lips soft for hours. I always have this on me!

    HAUS LABORATORIES By Lady Gaga
    Le Riot Lip Gloss in “Ethereal”

    This is a brand new favorite of mine. It leaves a gorgeous soft shine on your lips. Not only is Lady Gaga an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, but her entire line is vegan and cruelty-free, which is obviously very important to me!

    Pixi Beauty
    Large Lash Mascara

    The #1 question I’m always asked is what mascara I use. Recently, I’ve been using a combination of two incredible vegan and cruelty-free companies. I use one layer of Pixi Large Lash Mascara and one layer of Tarte Lash Paint Mascara.
    Pixi Large Lash Mascara is cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben- and fragrance-free! It has vitamin E to nourish the lashes, panthenol to strengthen, and bamboo extract to fortify, and helps retain moisture in the lashes. It’s perfect for separating, lengthening, and plumping my lashes without the clumps.

    Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara

    Tarte Lash Paint Mascara is vegan, cruelty-free, safe for contact lens wearers (which I am), and is perfect for making sure every lash is coated and separated. It’s made with natural wax that lengthens the lashes and ensures smooth application. It’s also made without parabens, mineral oils, phthalates, triclosan, gluten, and sodium lauryl sulfate!

    Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne

    It’s my signature scent! I’ve been wearing this for the past five years, and I’m as in love with it as I was the first time I smelled it. I usually layer it on top of the lotion to heighten the scent and make it last all day long.

    Alana High-Rise Cropped Skinny

    [These have] become my favorite pair of jeans I’ve ever owned. They are so comfortable and extremely flattering. Sustainability within the fashion industry is something I pay close attention to, and I love that. These are free of harmful chemicals, [and] the wash process utilizes 90 percent less water and reduces waste output to almost zero. Overall, J BRAND’s eco-friendly jeans minimize the negative impact on both the planet and the artisans who make our clothes.

    eddy+ 20oz Insulated Tritan Water Bottle

    I never go anywhere without this water bottle: errands, walks in the park, and even music festivals! I drink a minimum of 2L of water a day, and it helps me keep track of how much I’m drinking and keeps it at the perfect temperature. More

  • in

    5 Steps to Look Good This Summer—Even While Wearing A Mask

    It only took a short time for mask-wearing to become a fashion statement. And while I don’t think you need 10 masks to match all of your outfits or one with a giant Balenciaga logo (unless you absolutely love that, then do you), I think there’s a misconception that because we’re wearing face masks we don’t get to look good. Oh, the contrary, friends. Wearing a mask is absolutely even more of an excuse to get dolled up if you ask me. So whether you’re on a socially distant picnic, heading to the grocery store (since that’s our #1 reason to dress up right now), or walking around the neighborhood, you have every right and reason to look and feel your absolute best. Aside from getting used to the activity of wearing a mask, there are a few obstacles you might have to go through. Breakouts and irritated skin, a sweatier-than-usual face, and not knowing how to accessorize might be among them. So, we’re sharing all the ways to look and feel just like your regular self—even with a cloth face mask on.
    Of course, “looking good” is always relative and absolutely not the most important thing going on right now. But if getting dressed up and feeling put-together brings a little joy and confidence to your day, you’ve come to the right place.

    1. Hydrated, Smooth Skin
    A good base always starts with skin that looks and feels smooth and hydrated. Without skin prep, your makeup can look cakey, dry, and heavy on your skin, and that’s not a good feeling ever, but especially when you’re wearing a mask across the top of it. Prep your skin for the day with products that hydrate and soothe. Our favorites right now are SNP Prep’s Cicaronic line. If you’re experiencing irritation, breakouts, dryness, and itchiness from wearing your face mask, trust us: these products are essentials to have in your routine. Made with a patented CICA-Trio Complex (essentially Centella Asiatica AKA Tiger Grass, an up-and-coming ingredient that helps with rosacea, redness, irritation, and more), the products are created for tired, irritated skin that needs a little pick-me-up. Not to mention, they also contain three unique hyaluronic acid complexes that not only hydrate your skin but retain the moisture it already has, which is especially important when you’re adding a ton of products on top of your skin all day. These are the two products from the line that are basically a necessity for mask-wearing or anyone needing maximum hydration:

    Cicaronic SOS Ampoule

    OK, first of all, imagine the fun of putting these on every day. You use one ampoule a day for seven days to help your skin look and feel hydrated and comfortable. You know the feeling: your face is tight, bumpy, itchy, and red from all the time spent sweating under a mask. Using these every day for a week helps calm all of that, while boosting your skin’s hydration to make it less likely to happen in the future.
    I love that these almost feel like a self-care treat. Amidst all the stress and anxiety of the world right now, we deserve a little something-something every morning to get us excited and ready to take on whatever the day has in store for us.

    Cicaronic Soothing Cream

    We all know the importance of moisturizing your skin before putting makeup on, and this cream is essentially an intense, concentrated version of that. Use it as the last step of your skincare routine (before SPF!) to lock in all those amazing properties of the ampoules and keep your skin feeling comfortable all day long. This product works amazing when paired with the ampoules, but it’s also great to continue even after the seven days are up to keep up those calming properties. It’s made with the same Cicaronic Complex that creates a smooth canvas for sensitive skin.
    This product is ultra-rich, but it has a lightweight gel-texture that is really comfortable to wear on hot summer days or under makeup. If you struggle with irritated skin on the regular, this is a great addition to your morning routine.

    2. Groomed Brows
    Brows are the frame of your face, so when your brows look amazing, it’s hard to notice anything else, like your blemish on your forehead or the under-eye bags from staying up all night watching Love Island (once you start, you cannot stop!). Groomed brows in 2020 take many different shapes—literally. You’ve got the foxy brow from Bella Hadid, or the model brow a la Cara Delevigne, or the Instagram brow. If the last few years have taught you anything, it’s that brow trends will come and go—so just pick the style that looks the best on your face! Keep your brows groomed in whatever way works best for you.
    If you can’t make it to your brow appointment, no worries—makeup can fix that. Luckily, bushy, unwaxed brows have been a trend the last few years, so embrace it. Fill in the sparse areas with a thin brow pencil in hairlike strokes, and go over it all with a brow gel (tinted to add some extra volume, or clear to set down the hairs).

    Em Cosmetics
    Micro-Fluff Sculpting Brow Cream

    All I have to say about recommending this is you’re welcome because you’re about to have the best brow days of your life. Whether you like incredibly fluffy brows or something a little cleaner, the thin brush on this brow gel gets it done.

    Uoma Beauty
    Brow-Fro Baby Hair Eyebrow Pencil

    A classic brow pencil is a necessity in your makeup kit, and we love this ultra-thin one from UOMA Beauty. It’s available in a variety of shades too, so everyone can have good brows. Oh, happy day!

    3. Bold Lashes
    You can definitely pair this with a bold eyeshadow, a winged liner, or whatever it is you like to do on your eyes, but in a pinch, adding a few coats of mascara brightens your eyes like nothing else. There is so much you can do with mascara that you basically don’t even need eyeshadow to play with your look every day. To get the cat-eye effect without the wing, angle the wand slightly and focus the most of the product on the outer corner of your lashes. Want a more doe-eyed look? Focus the mascara right in the center of the lashes, making the center the longest point. You can also experiment with putting mascara on your lower lashes or keeping them bare. Typically, your eyes actually bigger without the added mascara on the bottom. 
    To really amp them up, I like to use two mascaras: one that focuses on keeping them long and lush, and another that amps up the volume. But I also love putting a little waterproof brown mascara on my lashes for a no-makeup look that won’t smudge when I get inevitably very sweaty on my 2pm lunch break walk.

    Exhibitionist Mascara

    And this, my friends, is my drugstore favorite. Bold lashes are easy-peazy with this mascara due to its hourglass-shaped wand and dry formula that doesnt smudge.

    4. Bronzed Skin
    Your skin looks flat and dull without a little warm bronzer, especially in the summer. Although some of your face will be covered, the tops of your cheekbones and forehead are a great place to add a little extra color to your skin. It’s that je ne sais quoi of summer beauty. Did she spend all Saturday reading in the sunshine drinking spritzes? (If we’re talking about me, she was drinking White Claws, but that’s beside the point.) Those areas are typically where you’d get the most sun anyway, so it looks natural. 
    When I know I’ll be wearing a mask for a long period of time, I’ve been sticking with powder bronzer over cream because it stays put and has less transfer to the inside of the mask. I also am diligent about keeping the majority of the product on the upper half of my face, avoiding the area that mask covers as much as possible.

    Charlotte Tilbury
    Airbrush Matte Bronzer

    The price point on this bronzer might shock you at first, but its actually a decent deal when you look at how much bronzer you get. If you love Charlotte’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Powder, you’ll recognize this formula. It blends into the skin like no bronzer Ive ever used.

    Mented Cosmetics
    Bronzer

    Mented’s newest release is this bronzer, and it has summer written all over it. It’s available in four shades ranging from medium light to deep dark. If you struggle to find your shade in bronzers typically, this is a good one to check out.

    5. Accessories
    Just because you have a mask on doesn’t mean you can’t wear jewelry, especially earrings. Adding a pair of hoops or dangling earrings sounds like a lot of extra work, but seeing your earrings peek out from behind your mask shows you put that little bit of effort in. Also, get creative with your necklaces, bracelets, and more. We like to stick with one statement piece of jewelry and then a few dainty pieces to round out the look. 
    While some use jewelry to accessorize their outfits, I like to match mine to my makeup—because well, it’s just who I am. Since I can’t go for bold lips anymore, I’m loving adding a bright earring to match whatever my eye makeup is saying, or a simple gold necklace that brings the eye up to the face. Don’t forget all of your hair accessories either! A headband or clip is the best way to get your hair out of your face, effectively preventing some of the extreme sweat that’s about to happen on your face.

    Stella and Haas
    Sloan Two Earrings

    You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of hoops for literally every occasion, outfit, and style. We love that these are a matte gold that are hypoallergenic and completely affordable.

    Tortoise Bobby Pin Set

    Get your hair out of your face with these totally stylish tortoise bobby pins. For less than $10, you get six unique hair clips you might actually not want to lose!

    This post was in partnership with SNP, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

  • in

    Feel your most confident this summer with the help from this Dubai clinic

    IN PARTNERSHIP: As summer is well and truly here, flowy dresses, shorts and swimsuits are a part of our every day attire in order to stay cool in the UAE heat, but for those who suffer from varicose veins in their legs these items will probably be the last thing you’ll want to wear.
    According to Mediclinic, varicose veins more formally known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) affects 40 per cent of women and 20 per cent of men over the age of 50 in the UAE.

    It’s a condition where enlarged veins that occur when the body has difficulty sending blood back to the heart from the body’s limbs. Clusters of blue or dark purple can appear through the skin making the veins visible on your legs and feet.
    Not only does the condition leave clear marks on the legs which may leave many feeling self-conscious, there’s also complications that sometimes can occur from the condition if left untreated including skin ulcers, swollen ankles and swollen legs.

    There are many ways your doctor may advise you to help treat your varicose veins which includes keeping active and moving your legs regularly; compressing your legs using stockings to reduce swelling; avoid sitting or standing for long time periods; and if you are overweight, it’s advisable to lose some weight.
    However, in some cases medical treatment may be needed which is where Mediclinic Dubai Mall can help. The standard treatment for varicose veins is ablation, according to Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon, Dr. Ibrahim Riza.
    The first type of ablation is heat ablation which is done via a laser or radiofrequency, which targets the main veins leak.  Secondly, there’s glue ablation which is more commonly called venaseal or venablock. Finally, your doctor may advise surgery is needed. At Mediclinic Dubai Mall at three of these treatments are available and by consulting with your vascular surgeon, the best route will be decided for you.
    For those seeking treatment for varicose vein aesthetic reasons, Mediclinic Dubai Mall has two options for patients. You can either opt for an injection of medicine into the veins which shrinks them, this is known as Sclerotherapy, or undergo laser therapy with an NdYag Laser. These are both walk-in, walk-out procedures.
    As for costs, it is dependent upon the individual and the specific treatment that is needed which is why it is best to book in for a consultation with a vascular surgeon at Mediclinic Dubai Mall.
    Given that all treatments are low-risk day procedures, what have you got to lose? Put your best confident self forward this summer.
    Mediclinic Dubai Mall is open from Saturday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm and Friday, 11am to 6pm.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    Here’s What I Think You’d Find in Zendaya’s Makeup Bag

    Peeking in the makeup bags of my favorite celebrities has been a dream of mine for quite a while. Luckily, others share the same goal, meaning there is a plethora of articles about what celebrities love and use. But what about the products they don’t talk about? The ones that are just sitting in their makeup bags dying to be understood? I feel for them, which is what ultimately led me to the vision of dreaming up Meghan Markle’s makeup bag. And if you read that story, you should know the next person on my list is Zendaya. She stole my heart in Spider-Man: Homecoming and then again as Rue in Euphoria (I stand by that she was robbed an Emmy, but whatever), and her makeup is top-tier. Zendaya has been described as a chameleon on the red carpet because she often molds to various looks, from Cinderella and Joan of Arc at the Met Gala to smokey eyes and red lips for magazine covers and photoshoots. And when she’s not on the red carpet, she does her own makeup a lot of the time, so we figured she would be a perfect addition to this celebrity makeup bag series.

    Unsun Sunscreen
    Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion—SPF 30

    Zendaya is big on keeping her skin protected from the sun with SPF. She likes to use a light moisturizer with SPF 30 every morning, and this is the one I’d recommend to her if she ever asked me for a skincare recommendation (haha, in my dreams). It’s made specifically for deep skin tones, so it doesn’t have that white cast most sunscreens do. Plus, it’s hydrating with shea butter and such a good price that you don’t have to worry about using it up when you slather it on every day.

    Radiant Creamy Concealer

    In multiple videos, Zendaya uses concealer and translucent powder and skips foundation. It wouldn’t be a celebrity makeup bag without NARS’s iconic Radiant Creamy Concealer, as this product is a favorite amongst celebs, beauty editors, makeup artists, and more (including our editors… not that you asked or anything). It’s perfect for spot-concealing and using under the eyes because it blends right in and has a satin/cream finish that looks just like a slightly better version than your skin. The shade range is also impeccable, so Zendaya is bound to have a few of these floating around.

    Immediate Relief Lip Repair Balm

    Zendaya has said one of her biggest secret weapon products is good ‘ole Aquaphor. Obviously, she loves it as a lip balm, but in a video with Teen Vogue, she also used it on the tops of her cheekbones to make her highlighter even more beaming. To say I’m obsessed with Zendaya and her ingenious makeup skills is truly an understatement.

    Long Time No Shine Loose Setting Powder

    Sheika Daly, Zendaya’s makeup artist, used this powder for the Cinderella Met Gala look of 2019 to keep her makeup locked in place throughout the entire evening. For days when Zendaya needs her makeup to stay on for hours, this powder is probably a go-to. Zendaya even loves the Tik Tok trend (that used to be a major makeup artist and drag hack!) of using powder to set down your face first and then going in with your base products after, following with another light dusting of powder. This keeps your skin looking pore-free and absolutely flawless for hours and hours.

    Rituel de Fille
    Ash & Ember Eye Soot Cream Eyeshadow

    Zendaya is one of the coolest people in the world right now (you’re welcome, Z), so I bet she has quite a few cool, under-the-radar brands in her bag. Rituel de Fille is known for its ultra-cool, editorial clean beauty products. In Zendaya’s “73 Questions” with “Vogue,” she explained that she loves going bold with her eyes more than lips (as she pointed to an absolutely gorgeous blue and green eye look that I’m still swooning over). So, Z probably has some cool, bold eye products lying around, including this one that her previous MUA Alan Avendano loves. It’s a cream-to-powder finish available in tons of bold shades for a swipe-and-go look.

    Monsieur Big Mascara

    Zendaya’s a Global Ambassador for Lancôme and her makeup artist, Sheika Daley, uses their products in all of her shoots. I’m willing to bet this mascara is high on the list of Z’s favorites, as it’s also mine too! It’s perfect for those who want big lashes that still look natural enough for every day. It doesn’t get clumpy and is good for both volume and length.

    Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

    As a Virgo, Zendaya is a bit of a perfectionist, and she’s explained that she’s so good at putting on her liquid eyeliner at this point that it feels like second nature. She doesn’t even close her eyes; she just applies and goes! This Stila one is a cult-favorite for anyone who loves a classic winged liner. It lasts all day long with no smudging, and the application is easy as all heck (and that’s coming from someone with absolutely zero liner skills whatsoever).

    L’Absolu Rouge Ruby in “Rubiez”

    As much as Zendaya loves a strong eye, she’s rarely seen without a red lip these days. As a Lancôme Global Ambassador, she’s stated that this is her go-to red in many interviews, and we can’t blame her. It’s the perfect crimson red.

    View this post on Instagram

    🖤
    A post shared by Zendaya (@zendaya) on Nov 28, 2019 at 11:03pm PST

    Exhibitionist Cream Lipstick in “Hot”

    Avendano recommended this Covergirl lipstick on Zendaya’s website, calling this a great shade for fair and light skin tones. While this might not be Z’s every day go-to, I could see her packing it along for nights when she wants a brighter, more neutral-toned red.

    Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in “Dragon Girl”

    I wasn’t kidding when I said Zendaya loves red! Avendano recommended this as a red that’s great for every single skin tone. This is likely Zendaya’s “out on the town” red that she can quickly apply without having to spend too much time in a mirror. OK, I promise, I’m done with the reds.

    Idôle Eau de Parfum

    I can’t talk about her makeup bag without talking about the very perfume Zendaya reps. This floral perfume is unique but still pretty and feminine. She probably carries the rollerball with her everywhere she goes (I mean, if you were the face of a perfume, wouldn’t you?!).

    Anastasia Beverly Hills
    Brow Wiz Brow Pencil

    Zendaya’s eyebrows truly could not be more flawless. I’ve read she likes to lightly fill them in with a pencil, and obviously, her favorite is likely everyone else’s: Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Brow Wiz.

    Pat McGrath Labs
    Sublime Skin Highlighting Trio

    Zendaya LOVES highlighter. From her earliest interviews to her most recent ones, she swears by using highlighter on her cheekbones. When asked if she preferred blush or bronzer, yeah, her answer was highlight. This one from Pat McGrath basically covers all the bases: a gold, a duochrome pink (like the one she wore at the 2019 Met Gala), and a deeper bronze. This formula is shimmery without looking powdery on the face and looks especially glowy when placed on top of really hydrated skin. More

  • in

    How to Create a Hair-Care Routine

    All over the internet, you’ll see splashy articles that tell tales on how to get amazing hair. This normally includes some sort of in-depth routine and picking up products at your local Sephora, but do these things actually work for normal, everyday women? And what is the secret to getting that gorgeous “shampoo model” hair anyway? We decided to turn to an expert to get the details.Younghee Kim has been a hairstylist for 30 years. Working under the likes of Vidal Sassoon, she now owns a salon in New York City, Younghee Salon. When asked about the secrets of perfecting a hair routine in order to get healthy hair, she said it all comes down to one thing: your scalp.

    The Most Common Mistake
    Kim said that in order to figure out your hair type, you should turn to your skin. “Look at your skin, if your skin is dry, your hair is dry,” Kim explained. “So, it’s important to know your skin type.” 
    Your hair type and scalp type work in conjunction. While it might be necessary to determine the type of hair you have—such as fine, thick, curly, or color-treated—it’s also necessary to define what type of scalp you have, which many people look over.
    Most hair products only look after the ends and middle shaft of the hair, instead of looking at the root of the problem—pun intended. When you look at hair products, they rarely treat for scalp type. Often, they advertise for hair type, such as a shampoo for curly hair and conditioners for only taming split ends. While acknowledging scalp type is not a new practice in the hair-care industry, it’s certainly not as common. “The industry has been talking about ‘scalp care as skin care,’ but education for consumers and available products are a bit behind,” Kim said. This is a challenge for Kim and other hairstylists alike, as it’s often difficult to educate their clients on the importance of taking care of the scalp. 

    Knowing Your Scalp Type
    Even though the scalp is often overlooked, it’s easy to address. You can determine your scalp type at home. Simply look at your scalp as you would look at the skin on your face. Just like your facial skin, scalps come in several forms: oily, dry, combination, or sensitive; your scalp type, coupled with your hair type, can then determine your hair-care routine.
    You might think that you need to use toners, masks, and a hair essence, but that isn’t always necessary. The most important part of achieving healthy hair is listening to your body. Kim emphasized the process of trying out different products, observing their effects, and then sticking to whatever works best. There is no one method or a specific product you should use when crafting your hair routine.
    Just as you would stop using a product that irritated your face, watch your scalp and stop using products that don’t suit your hair. “Every shampoo has a personality, you have a personality, and you need to have the right fit. It’s like matchmaking,” Kim explained. 

     
    What to use in your hair-care routine
    So, what products should you use? With international markets bursting at the seams with new products left and right, it can be overwhelming to even choose a product to test. A constant “no-no” for Kim is silicone. “Silicone is the worst for hair,” Kim said. She explained further that  “the silicone found in shampoos and conditioners is intended to stay on the hair after washing, and as a result it doesn’t leave the hair and scalp easily. Over time, the silicone will weigh down your hair, making it limp, dry, and dull. Additionally, the hair follicles on your scalp can become clogged and lead to breakouts and scalp sensitivity.” 
    Kim also explained that she tries to stay away from organic products, as she’s found through her experience that they can make her customers’ hair flat. There’s also no way to know exactly what percent of the product is actually organic, but an easy way to find certified organic product is doing some quick research online and to read reviews from other experts and users. 

    READ: The Celeb-Favorite Haircare Product That Gave Me My Best Hair Days

    While the products included in Kim’s own line are 100 percent natural, they are not organic. The main difference between Kim’s products and others is that because they are natural, they do not contain silicone. According to Kim, “silicone is a synthetic ingredient that makes hair smooth and shiny. There are products on the market that claim to detox or clarify, but they contain silicone, which is the main culprit in residue build-up.”
    While natural products are not certified and have fewer rules compared to the intensive certification process of organic goods, they both do not contain parabens. In order to see whether natural products are truly worthwhile, it’s best to study the ingredients on the label. Products that have the least synthetic ingredients should be your go-to products if you’re looking for things that are cleaner and more natural. If you’re not sure if a product is good for you, ask your stylist their opinion.

    Kim noted that while she believes natural ingredients are important, getting a shampoo that balances the pH of your scalp is also a factor. A shampoo with a pH of 6.5 is a great place to start. Some companies will list the pH on the company website, or at times companies may list the pH in training manuals and product brochures for the stylist. But unfortunately, it is not always common knowledge for the consumer. Because of this, it’s important to choose your hair products carefully and talk to your hair stylist for recommendations.

    READ: Can You Train Your Hair to Be Less Greasy? We Asked An Expert

    She also recommended using a toner. Just as all soaps do, “shampoos leave residue behind,” Kim said. She further explained that you need to tone your hair with a comb to get the residue out. While there aren’t many purifying hair and scalp toners on the market, Kim suggests trying diluted apple cider vinegar or diluted witch hazel. The scent may be strong, but it will fade as the hair dries. Alternatively, Kim also suggested using a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any silicone residue build-up, but she recommends that “you use it once in a while, as it is like using dish detergent and can dry out your hair and scalp if used too frequently.”
    After a toner, Kim said that she normally goes in with a small amount of conditioner at the ends, and in her experience, she’s noticed that “if you have a good product, you won’t need a lot of it.”

    There is no one-size-fits-all routine
    In a world where there’s a lot of restrictions, Kim sees the world of hair a little differently. When asked about if there are additional products people should use or if there’s a certain way to treat hair, Kim noted that “nothing is bad. If you overdo it, it’s bad…[But] nothing is set in stone.” 
    Kim’s point of view brings to light the thought process behind hair care and what it really means to have a “hair routine.” After all, just like skin, everyone has different hair, and while some people might work better with a certain routine, others might not. Kim made an analogy that just like how “some people can sleep with their makeup on and their skin looks [fine]. For others, they need to cleanse and moisturize, otherwise, they will break out and/or have dry skin.” 
    What matters is that you watch and react to your personal hair needs and adjust accordingly. While Kim has a lot of recommendations on the best way to treat hair, at the end of the day she does really suggest one thing: “Have fun. Enjoy it!” More