-Balance your life out at Balance spa, Dubai
Ever since Oasis centre’s fire destroyed the mall a few years ago, which they ended up replacing – I never really felt the need to visit Oasis anymore (especially with DM, MOE etc.) So, little did I know about the Balance concept they opened there – a spa, a yoga studio as well as a Balance cafe. I thought I must pop in and check them out. I recently booked in at The Balance Spa to try out their Dreamtime journey treatment. The Dreamtime journey is a treatment that encourages sleep and helps you get your sleep back in order. As a person that barely sleeps, this treatment was definitely for me.  The Spa is located on the last floor of the mall (which is great, as the first two floors are quite packed.) As soon as I headed in, I was given consultation forms to fill before a lady escorted me to the changing rooms. Ironically, the spa was huge (for a mall spa at least…). As soon as I got changed, I was made my way into my treatment room and to meet my lovely therapist, Valsala. The treatment started with a scrub made out of himalayan salt with rose and essential oils which was the most relaxing spa I’ve done as Valsala was scrubbing my body in a massage motion. This led to a massage and facial – The facial was purely a relaxing one (excluding extractions etc). The massage included Lymphatic drainage, which is  a gentle sort of massage that encourages the drainage of the lymph from the tissues as well as putting pressure on our marma points, which is the energy points of the body (reminds me of a reflexology form on the body). After 2 hours and a half of the dreamtime journey, I passed out. Great way to give time to yourself and relax…

Check out their facebook page here

-Renewal package at Le Meridien, Dubai
I recently headed over to Le Meridien’s spa for the first time. I don’t really head to the other end of town (my town) but I’ve been wanting to try out the hotel’s spa. I went for one of their Element packages, which was the Executive renewal treatment. I love the fact that you can either do 2 treatments or all in one time and if you skip any, you can book yourself in for another trip. The package includes a salt-glow, aromatherapy massage and a Pevonia facial. Due to time constraints, I ended up doing the salt-glow and aromatherapy massage, and leaving the facial for another trip. As soon as I entered, I was welcomed by my super super sweet therapist, Violet. Even though I was slightly late, I was offered a cup of ginger tea during my consultation and choosing my oil (obviously, I went for Jasmine oil). The spa isn’t huge, and is quite cosy and compact. After changing, I made my way into the gorgeous room (the mirror gives a great effect to the room – looks larger than it is!). We started off with the scrub, which is a gentle scrub with ylang ylang oil and jojoba seeds – the scrub was applied in a massage motion and took approx. 30 minutes. After a quick shower, I got my full body aromatherapy massage with the lovely Jasmine Oil (they also had interesting ones like apple oil, refreshing oil, and rose oil). I always love a good aromatherapy massage, and this was definitely one. I will have to come in to get my facial done asap, but I strongly suggest you book yourself a treatment with the lovely Violet STAT!
lemeridien.com/dubai

-Magic Wand facial at The Cure, Dubai
I was at The Cure not long ago for a Sports massage appointment. I loved the location of the salon – Dubai Media City (BBC building – building 10), and the sports massage was just perfect (especially as a person who works out 5-7 times, I needed it) I recently came back for a relaxing facial called the Magic Wand Facial. Even though they took me in late… Once I got to my room, met my therapist Flore, and got down to beauty business – I forgot that and entered a great state of mind. When asking Flore why women choose this facial over others, she told me that it’s a great facial for anti aging, yet one of their most relaxing facial treatment, and great for cleansing too. All the products used within the facial was Dermalogica, The treatment started off with a cleanser followed by exfoliation – A steam machine was placed over my face to open up my pores, which helped for extractions as well as allowing the product penetrate the skin. This was then led to a long, and beautiful relaxing massage on face and decollate, and ended with a mask at the end. With no exaggeration, I left with the most hydrated looking and soft skin… Glowing. I shall be back…

https://www.facebook.com/TheCureDubai

-Sultan’s Massage at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai.

A lot of hotel spas remind me of each other, but this is definitely one I found quite distinct. I booked in for a 90 minute Sultan’s massage, a signature treatment at Talise Ottoman spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. As soon as I arrived, I was welcomed by my lovely english therapist, Verity, who took me to the changing rooms to get changed (I loved their flip flops – massage balls at the sole!) followed by a short elevator trip to the 2nd floor to make my way into my treatment oil. Let me tell you… this spa was huge *Note to self: Arrive half an hour earlier next time…* As soon as I entered the room, Verity asked me to get comfortable for a short consultation – which was great. She really wanted to know what I wanted out of this treatment which is what I loved. She then decided to go for the Amber and Musk oil (I loved it so much, I need to buy a bottle), using 2 different massage methods – Deep tissue, and Thai Shiatsu with pressure points (I loved that.) The 90 minute of pure bliss included reflexology on my hands and feet, stretching each limb before massaging that area, and the best scalp massage! (however, I must admit – my hair needed more than 2 washes to get all that oil out of my hair.)

Due to the fact that I have a personality that gets bored quite easily, I change my nail color on a weekly basis. Make sure to follow me on instagram @myfashdiary to my color of the week. I’ve decided to start a seasonal feature called Nail Notes, where I will be rounding up my top colors for the season. If you feel like I should check out a color, make sure to drop me a comment in the comment box below…

-Chanel Blue Satin
For the perfect dark blue/black shade, a classic.

-VS nail polish in ‘Do Not Disturb’
Victoria’s Secret just launched a nail polish collection featuring 20 shades. Firstly, I must say I’m a packaging freak & so in love with the bottles – very luxe and easy to hold within your fingers. For the fall seasons, I love a great dark red (Essie’s Wicked is a classic) This is definitely a great alternative.

-Bobbi Brown ‘Roza’
This one is a limited edition color by Bobbi brown from the Lilac Rose collection, which is a color Bobbi asked for personally. I do have taupe color phases, and I love this taupe shade, which is made of grey and a pale pink.

-Sally Hansen ‘Midnight in NY’
My color of choice when it’s chilly outside? Black/darks. I love the glitter twist within the black in this Midnight in New York (my favorite city) shade.

-Bourjois So laque glossy in 07 coton sur ton
I’ve never tried Bourjois nails lacquers before, but I recently put on this shade for a clean nude shade, and it was perfect. It also looks like a great base for a french manicure.

-Essie ‘Butler Please’
This would have to be more of a Spring shade rather than a fall one, but I have been crazy about this color & can’t believe Nbar is nearly out of them… I had to get my own bottle. It really is the perfect blue

-Butter London ‘Mary-Coddled’
If you’re looking for a great pale lilac shade, here it is!

 -Une’s nailcare range
I was recently introduced to Une’s new nail range – I love how their products are natural and the nail range doesn’t have formaldehyde or toluene etc. They have a range of nail colors, base & top coat duo, and oil based nail color remover. I’m loving the C21 shade – which is a dark, khaki color. Perfect transitional color for seasons…

Competition time! This week, I’ve teamed up with beauty box, Glambox for a competition! If you’re not familiar, Glambox is a box you subscribe to, and you end up receiving a curated box every month at your doorstep. This week, I’m giving one lucky reader a limited edition box.

How to enter?

-Like Glambox UAE on facebook here

-Like Myfashdiary on facebook here

-Confirm the above in the comment box below.

Good luck!

Happy Mother’s day to my beautiful mommy who is pretty much my older sister I never had! Happy Mother’s day to all the other mommies for all the great things they’ve done and all the things they had to bear through

This year, Me & my mom celebrated mothers day early with a day out at The Desert Palm hotel. Our day started with the activity we both love the most – a spa day at their beautiful, LIME spa. I had the 90 minute Vitamin C facial, which was much needed and gave my skin a boost whilst my mom got the Invigorating body treatment, which was a relaxing detox wrap. I loved how the spa really go by their LIME theme – lime sorbet before the treatment, and lime jelly post treatment!

The 2nd stop was the Jewel tea overlooking the polo, which was just beautiful (in time for good weather) – I love how each hotel has a different take on tea times. My highlights would have to be the large jewel ring as a napkin holder, the salt beef and pickle sandwich (reminded me of NYC), the lemon tart and the perfectly baked scones.

For more details on Desert palm, click here.

I was super excited to try Margaret Dabbs out. When I was living in London, I never had the time to pop over to Libertys for a few hours to get myself a medical manicure and pedicure. So I was super excited when I heard it was opening in Dubai – in Level. How perfect…

That being said, It didn’t come off to a good start… Less than 2 hours before an appointment, I get told that my therapist can’t make the appointment, and there wasn’t anyone else that can take me. After rescheduling, I found out that it was a booker’s fault as they booked my therapist on her day off.

Level Shoe district in Dubai opened the first international branch of Margaret Dabbs Sole Lounge from London, and I couldn’t wait to make my way in for an appointments.  If you’re not very familiar with the lounge, they specialize in Professional pedicure/medical pedicures. It all started when Margaret was doing treatments at home, chiropodist treatments that also make the feet look good (that was the ultimate goal). Long story short – Journalists loved it, wrote about it and now she has her flagship lounge in New Cavendish, Harrods and Libertys. Margarett also has great products they use and sell at the sole lounge too.

Once I arrived, and walked in the pure white hall, looked like a little alley of light from within the Level shoe district store… I met Simone, the podiatrist, who actually came down with Margaret to help launch the Dubai branch, and ended up moving to Dubai two months later as she loved the city so much. I love the idea that an original podiatrist from Margaret Dabbs, London was actually doing the treatments – you just know the quality would be the same as the original, which I love. I was booked in for the Ultimate Luxury foot therapy – I was taken to a private room which had a high sofa chair that turns into the bed (so so comfy and has an in built massage system), which started off with filing the nails and drilling (gentle might I add – doesn’t hurt at all.) Margaret Dabbs, and a few nail salons have started with the no-water system as soaking the skin will mask where the work needs to be done. A dry oil is then used on the feet as well as the cuticles, before soaking the feet and applying an exfoliating foot soak. Once that was done, the actual pedicure was done and over with and off to the 20 minutes of pure bliss – the massage chair was turned on, and Simone started with her leg and foot massage. wow.

They usually recommend to give your nails a breather and skip the polish but as someone who always exposes their feet (flip flops, sandals, flybarre), I went with a light color by Rococo (a brand exclusive to Margaret Dabbs sole lounge and is sans formaldehyde & other chemicals.) This is definitely an experience that is worth indulging in…

Margaret Dabbs Sole lounge,
Level Shoe District
Dubai, UAE 

My Miracle: Bio-Oil
Meet my new miracle… Bio Oil is used for everything. Smells so good, a multi tasker. I love slathering it on my skin after the shower. Great for scars, stretch markets, uneven skin tones, ageing and dehydrated skin. The oil is a mixture of Calendula, Lavendar, Rosemary and Chamomile oils, which includes Vitamin A&E. Non greasy at all and absorbs quickly!

Fragrance: Kiehl’s Aromatic blends – Vanilla & Cedarwood
Now, I am a Vanilla scent fan, but this has got to be one of my favorite fragrances! I love the woody touch the cedarwood gives this vanilla perfume. Not too strong, refreshing, lasts on for hours and isn’t too sweet. Obsessed…

Bronzer: DiorSkin Nude tan
This Nude glow sun powder is the perfect bronze, not too strong and has a slight shimmer.

Hair: Victoria’s Secret hair serum
A great serum I like using before getting out of the house for a shine boost, but it also works well as an alternative to a hair perfume mist.

Lipgloss: Laura Mercier in Bare naked
As you can probably tell, my ideal make up is a smokey eye and nude lips. I’m always on the lookout for the perfect nude lipsticks and lipglosses as you can never have too many (In my opinion…) LM is my new favorite make up brand, and I’m in love with this perfect nude – pale pink with a touch of beige. Oh, and it smells GOOD.

Deodorant: Chanel Chance Eau tendre
what better deodorant than of your favorite Chanel perfume?

Shimmer: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick compact in Bronze
I’ve been wanting to try Bobbi Brown’s shimmer brick for some while now as I know several people that swear by it. This month, I finally got my hands on the classic bronze and the limited edition Lilac Rose shade. Bronze is definitely up my street. I love how it has several different shimmer shades so you can use one of those shades using a small brush to highlight your brow bones or use a thicker brush for a bronze blend on the face.

Mascara: Max Factor 2000 calorie
After this product got discontinued, it is back on the market (don’t you love when that happens?) I’ve been using a black/brown color, and love how it gives my lashes the dramatic oomph, without the clunking up.

Serum: Guerlain Super Aqua serum light
A beauty editor once told me, if there was one skincare product you should always use, it is a serum. and that is history. I recently tried out this light one by Guerlain. The brand have some great serums under their belt, so I trust when a new Guerlain serum comes out. If you’re looking for a light, hydrating and one that helps anti aging – this is the one for you! It also has a light floral scent.  

Moisture: Bliss triple oxygen +c energizing cream
I’m so excited about Bliss launching in the Middle East. One of my favorite products from the brand would have to be this moisturizer. Not only does it give your skin the perfect amount of moisture – The oxygen and vitamin C really wakes up the skin, and recharges it – which instantly brightens the face.

Exfoliation: Radical Skincare Age-Defying exfoliating pads
I don’t know if I’m lazy, but I love pads. Makes everything so much easier & obviously speeds up everything. I was recently introduced to US brand, Radical Skincare and have fallen in love. I have started using the exfoliating pads twice a week which instantly softens the skin, removes dead skin cells, and delays the ageing process.

Mother’s day Gift: Lush Mother’s day collection
I’m not big on baths but if your mom is, this is super cute and smells so good. They come in cute names like mumkin etc. I also love how the secret garden one makes your bath colorful with flowers like an actual secret garden… genius!

For the young ladies: Ajmal’s new prose fragrance
When I think of Ajmal, I immediately associate it to strong, oud scents. No, not with this new Prose fragrance targeted at the younger age group. With no Oud touch, this is definitely a sweet scent with a base of citrus, sugar and vanilla. It’s a great fragrance to mix up too.

Competition time ladies! This week, I’m giving away a voucher for one of my favorite facials – The Magic Wand facial at The Cure Salon in Media City – here is a link to the feature.

Treatment description:

How to enter:

-Like The Cure on facebook here

-Like Myfashdiary on facebook here

-Confirm the above in the comment box below

This week, Net-a-porter.com’s Director client relations, Annelise Peterson shares her beauty routine exclusively with myfashdiary.com. Annelise looks after VIP clients at Net-a-porter within the US, and shares her beauty secrets, fitness regimen, and dermatologist, who also happens to be her mentor too.

-Beauty I swear by… Dr. Macrene’s 37 Extreme Actives Moisturizer and Cleansing Treatment.  37 Extreme Actives Moisturizer is Toxin- Free, hypoallergenic, contains over 50 active ingredients, and replaces any need for more products in your medicine cabinet.  It is a face and eye cream in one. KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetie!) I also swear by my O&M hair products – Original & Mineral – which are also toxin free.   When I want to pamper myself at home, I grab Lancôme’s Génifique Youth Activating Second Skin Mask – it adds 8 hours of sleep to my face in 30 minutes.
Drmacrene.com 

-What’s in my Make up bag…

Lips: Tom Ford Spanish Pink

Eyes: MAC Plush Lash Mascara, Chantecaille Save The Sharks Eye & Cheek Palette, Nars Orgasm Blush – for the color, of course, and I love my Tom Ford make-up brushes for application.  I use L’Oreal true match for any color correction – but I prefer to use it sparingly and let my skin breath.

-Supplements I take…

Keratin Booster by Reserveage Organics And a great multi with Immune defense

-My Perfect detox juice mix: I try to eat a healthy diet so I never have to detox.  The Juice press has a green juice called “the Meal” that I drink on occasion when I need a vitamin B pick-me-up.

-My favorite healthy dish: The Macro Plate from Souen on 6th & Spring.  I order it with Soba noodles instead of rice because I love pasta!

-My Dermatologist… I live for Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas.  She is my skin guru and mentor – 3 degrees from Harvard, 2 kids, a happy marriage – and gives the gift of amazing skin in her office and around the world with her line of toxin-free products!

-My Fitness routine… I like to mix it up with Barre classes at Physique 57, Private Pilates once a week for posture, 20 minutes of interval running, yoga (I am a certified in Vinyasa), – pretty much anything but boot camps or loud aerobics classes.  My ears are sensitive and I am hard enough on myself as it is.

-Favorite treatments… I go to Dr. Macrene every 2 months for a peal.  It is an essential part of my beauty routine.  Every once in a while, I will go get a hydra facial from Dr. Turk.  It is like a massage for the face.

Chocolate Spa Pedicure at Spaces Salon

I was excited to check out Spaces salon, by the same owners of Balance, and was eager to try out the Chocolate Spa Pedicure. The treatment consists of Brown Sugar & Vanilla scrub, Chocolate massage cream, Fizzy Cocoa Bean mask and a complimentary Hot Chocolate. The Salon had a great selection of Essie Nailpolish, and was made my way to the nails section (they also have hair treatments & co.) The treatment included the usual spa pedicure routine – cleaning, shaping, buffing, cuticles, but everything smelt of chocolate (which I love.) A great alternative to your usual Chocolate pedicure but wasn’t too fond that they forgot to serve my hot chocolate, and my chair’s leather was peeling – however, overall – left with some pretty nails and soft feet.

Spacessalon.com 

Almond manicure and pedicure at Tips and Toes Salon

I recently checked out Tips and Toes Salon’s brand new branch (and is also their signature spa) in Barsha, which is absolutely beautiful! The salon is super spacious, the chairs are ultra comfortable & they also have mini tables attached… For someone that brings magazines, a laptop and coffee – this gets me so happy! I tried the Almond manicure and pedicure – they change treatments on a regular basis. At the moment, they have citrus and almond… Being someone who loves almond, shea, and nutty scents, I leaned over Almond. The treatment consists of add ons to your ordinary mani-pedi like a sweet almond scrub, a light mask they cover with cling wrap, followed by a sweet almond lotion. Heavenly, and my skin felt soft and hydrated.

Tipsandtoes.com 

Creme de la Creme manicure at Sugar Urban Nails

I’ve never been to Sugar Urban Nails before, but would pass by it whenever I’d head to Sensasia express. I love good nail salons in malls, as I’m always there for shoot pull outs or meetings (This is Dubai.) So, I finally visited the salon for the first time for a Sexy Soles pedicure (the perfect cure after a night out of dancing, think soothing peppermint!), but even more exciting, a Creme de la Creme manicure. I love everything nutty, vanilla, butter and sugar so it’s no surprise I fell in love with this manicure. Firstly, I must say… the salon is adorable, mini, but super cute! Gossip girl on, a selection of colors to choose from from OPI to China Glaze (I never see this brand in Dubai, and love that Sugar Urban have it). The treatment started off with a cream soak, moving on the typical salon cleaning/shaping, my therapist then applied a delicious handmade (note, handmade!) Brown sugar scrub – I could not help smelling my arms. A detox mask was then applied to my hands and part of my arms covered with plastic and heated mitts for my skin to absorb the detoxifying mask. 10 mins, it was removed and I was treated to a lovely massage using vanilla & sweet almond butter. aaaah. Next on my list? Their Hot Milk & Almond manicure! For more details, click here.

Photo: Acneskinsite

With the success of Fit Series, introducing the beauty version with Beauty series. We have an exciting round up of Beauty experts, who will be answering regular beauty questions. As Skincare products are quite the investment, This is a popular question most women ask.

This is a very tricky question! Let’s assume you wash your skin only with water, you definitively need to put a cream right after cleansing. But for me, this cream has to bring hydration, fight free radicals, improve firmness and elasticity. Like our Anti-Aging Restorative Moisturize does. And if I may, I would add my serum because a serum is a unique “weapon”, it stimulates the cells immediately and contains many actives. The cream works more as a barrier. Serum + cream is what we call the Power Duo at Radical”

-Liz Edlich
 Co-Founder, Radical Skincare

I often see clients who cheat on their cleansing and for me this is the most important and basic step in your skincare routine for clearer, brighter, glowing skin. Spend 1-2 minutes working with your cleanser in upwards circular movements to clean deep into the pores, focus on any congested areas with smaller circular motions. I often give my clients  a 2 week cleansing challenge getting them to focus on a good daily cleanse which is perfect for creating a clearer and healthier looking skin in a matter of weeks. Cleansing will also allow your serums and moisturisers to work more efficiently on the skin as it is cleared of blockages and dead cells allowing these products to penetrate more efficiently for enhanced delivery and results.

-Sarah Chapman
Celebrity Facialist

Choosing one skin care product is impossible. I could not do it but since I have to I would choose Carrot Butter Cleanser. The reason is that cleansing is so important and many cleansers really strip the skin of moisture leaving it dehydrated, irritated and sensitive. This also means that the rest of someone’s routine, serums, moisturizers etc would not work properly.  Carrot Butter cleanser is a treatment cleanser, it melts into the skin and infuses it with incredible ingredients such as carrot, Shea butter, rosemary, lavender and chamomile so it melts and dissolves all make up and pollution and it treats the skin at the same time. It balances oily skin and soothes dry skin so its perfect for everyone. The hot muslin cloth also gently exfoliates leaving the skin, soft smooth and fresh.

-Margo and Francesco Marrone
Founders of The Organic Pharmacy

-Firm up with L’occitane’s Amande collection

I love L’occitane’s Amande (Almond) collection – they launch a firming collection in time for summer and play around with the packaging every year, to make it slightly more current. Forget products that are going to get rid of cellulite, and firm up the skin but massaging the skin has proved to be a good method in addition to your diet and workout. I apply it before going to Flybarre and Flywheel for my skin to absorb it when I work out & sweat. I don’t believe any product can help you lose inches, nor lose weight – that only happens in the traditional way, a good diet and regular work outs, but this is definitely a great supplement.

-Scrub up – Coconut glow polish at De la Mer Spa

The last thing you want when you’re about to get to beach season is scaly skin. I personally love getting a scrub once a month at a spa, and use my REN scrub weekly in the shower. I recently popped over to check out a brand new spa in Jumeirah Beach road, they have everything under one roof – Hairdresser, gym, spa, facials, treatments, nails – each room looks like a dedicated spa/salon – impressive. The treatment started off with a peppermint foot bath, followed by the scrub – which was a mix of coconut and sweet almond oil. I then popped over to the shower in the actual room (5 points!) and headed back into a warm bed for my massage. I always leave good scrubs refreshed, and at De La Mer, I not only left refreshed, completely relaxed and energetic for the rest of the evening. I also got to meet the mother and daughter behind it, the most adorable and the sweetest duo. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
For more details, click here 

-Body Composition test with Dr Chandy George at Balance

The only way you’re going to know your goals is by checking your body composition. I recently popped down to Balance spa for a Body composition test with Dr. Chandy George. He checks your muscle mass, fat, minerals, protein on a machine, and gives away a report to keep as well as consultation on what to do differently. You can come back again to compare results, it’s a good way to monitor muscles, minerals and fat.
Details here. 

-Slenderizer massage at The Nail Spa

I love the Nail Spa, and I love how they continuously introduce new treatments to their menu, which keep things fresh an exciting. With Summer approaching, there was no better time to introduce the Slenderizer massage. Developed by experts at The Nail Spa and Deborah Mitchell, who is known for her work with Kate Middleton and Victoria Beckham – they created a massage that is a non-invasive deep tissue to improve the tone, elasticity of the skin whilst eliminating toxins and the appearance of cellulite. Once I got to the Nail Spa, I was asked to choose my oil – they have three kinds of oils depending on what you want from the massage however, the technique sticks the same. One was for detoxifying, another was for stretch marks, and the last was for cellulite. I decided to go for the detoxifying, which they recommend for the first one. (PS they have an offer where you can buy 3 massages for 4 – I definitely recommend this!) The massage was not like any other ordinary massage – Slightly painful and uncomfortable on the legs and arms with the kneading, pressing, and fly techniques of the skin, but super relaxing on the back. From the second I finished the treatment, my body felt firm. This would be perfect right before a holiday!
For more details, click here 

-Wake up your skin with a 20 minute Bliss facial

I must say I’m so excited Bliss is now available in Dubai – especially that it’s also available at Mall of the Emirates (Debenhams). Hoping they will be opening a full fledged Bliss spa soon, but till then – I will enjoy the Bliss section in Debenhams. They have a menu of several 20 mins treatments that are perfect before a night out & I recently popped over for a mini facial. They used their oxygen range using the cleanser, toner, mask with massage on the hands. 20 minutes, basic facial minus the extractions, but I ended up leaving fresh, relaxed, with a wake up glow.

-Workout: Fly Duo

There’s no better workout than a double fly. You might have read about my fitness addiction – Flywheel! The perfect way to get ready for the summer? Do a Fly Double once a week – yes that means Flybarre followed by Flywheel. 1 hour of toning up and working those tiny muscles in an athletic barre class and then go on to do 45 minutes of indoor cycling to the best music.
To book your sessions, click here 

Summer, here we come.

-My Beauty Routine… is the bare minimum – shower, moisturize, sunscreen, go.

-Beauty product I swear by: RMS Beauty illuminating highlighter.

-Vitamin supplements I take: Fish oil, Multi vitamin, glucosamine.

-Perfect detox juice mix:  a mix of beets, carrot, ginger, and apple.

-Favorite healthy dish: grilled fish and veggies

-My Dermatologist: Spazio, Melbourne.

-My Fitness routine: mix it up, change it up, try everything, do anything, just do it. I work out with a trainer as well as do specialized classes like Chaise23 and Soul Cycle.

-Body:  I’m not really to fussy there, at best i moisturize.

-Hair Miracle: kevin murphy treatment oil – i put it in when my hair is wet – just through the ends.. it saves my hair.

-Key to feeling beautiful? being confident and an awesome work out make you feel pretty good.

This week, Marianna Goulandris, Greek shipping heiress & swimwear designer shares her beauty routine exclusively with myfashdiary.com. Marianna talks about her favorite Greek beauty brands, a sweet juice cleanse, and a Greek inspired face mask she makes herself. 

mariannagswimwear.com

-Beauty products I swear by…

Apivita is a Greek brand I swear by as all their products provide 3 basic elements- nature, effectiveness and holistic well being. Apart from using their moisturizer and toner my most loved product is Queen Bee which is a exfoliating rejuvinating cream made with royal jelly from the bee which firms the skin and the honey leaving you feeling smooth and radiant. I make sure I exfoliate at least once a week for fresh skin.

As I spend a lot of time in the sun protection from it is crucial.  I rely on Sôvée by AETHIC which is a sunscreen that is not only natural and organic with no nano-particles it very importantly doesn’t kill the oceans coral. Finally for hair I love natural highlights so I always put fresh camomile tea bags in. It always gives my hair a glow and lets the natural blonde shine.

-What’s in my make up bag:

During the day I don’t wear a lot of make up and I like to keep it simple when I do. For eyes I wear Lancôme Hypnôse Precious Cells Mascara  This lengthens and cares for the lashes as it contains a regenerating cream. For my skin I use Guinot tinted moisturizer which works for me as a foundation replacement. It gives me a healthy glow and moisturizes my skin. For lips I always use nude colours and always by MAC as I love their variety of shades. I also have an emergency lip balm just in case I have dry lips.

-Vitamin boosters I take:

I start my day with a Berrocca as it gives me an extra boost.  In the evening and I take a teaspoon of coconut oil a day. It beats sugar cravings, supports immunity and can be used in your hair and on your skin as well.

-Perfect detox juice mix:

I love things that taste sweet so my favourite juice mix would have to be from my gym kx. Called ‘The Cleanser’ it has orange, lemon, lime juice and grapefruit.

-Favorite healthy dish:

My favourite healthy dish would have to be a traditional Greek salad which has fresh tomatoes, cucumber, olives, peppers and feta cheese and a teaspoon of olive oil.

-Where I get my facials… 

There is a great treatment I do at the Guinot clinic in London. Its called the Hydradermie. Its deep cleansing technique hydrates and brightens the skin leaving it oxygenated and radiant.

-My Fitness routine:

I am very into fitness and make sure I work out at least 4 times a week. I have to mix cardio and toning so it would either be a run mixed with weight training or something else cardio based with an hour of pilates.

-Skin & Body treatments I love:

Treatments I love doing are homemade face masks. It’s great fun to do with your girlfriends if your having a night in together. The  best one I did was mix parsley and greek yogurt!

-Key to feeling beautiful:

Smiling. If you’re happy on the the inside you’re more likely to come across as beautiful.

Fragrance: Narciso Rodriguez l’eau for her
A refreshing fragrance… Jasmine & Peony based with strong notes of Floral, Roses and White Floral with a musky undernote. I love how the scent is light yet striking.

BB cream: Dior Hydralife BB Creme
One of my favorite bb creams – great coverage for a bb cream, super light, smells good and easy to carry.

Competition time! This week, I have teamed up with one of my favorite beauty brands, Philosophy for an exciting competition. I’m giving away two hero products – their BB cream and full of hope to one lucky reader.

All you have to do is…

-Tell me in the comment box below why you love Philosophy?

-I will be posting a Philosophy image on instagram this week – make sure you like it.

The reader who completes the above will be chosen at random.

Good luck!

This week, we speak to Kate Davidson Hudson – previously Accessories director at ELLE US & Harpers Bazaar US. She is now the Co-Founder & CEO of Editorialist.com – the only online destination that is exclusive to the accessories market. Check out which facialist she swears by, her minimalist make up style and why she uses Macadamia nut oil.

-Beauty products I swear by: 

I love Sonya Dakar’s Hydrasoft lotion; it’s chock full of pro-vitamins and goes on light-as-air so your skin doesn’t feel weighed down or greasy. I wear it at night and my skin feels fully replenished and hydrated by the morning. I’m also very fair so when I’m running around during the day sunscreen is a non-negotiable. I love Chanel Précision UV Essentiel; it is SPF 50 and feels weightless, and silky on your skin.

-What’s in my make up bag: 

I’m a bit of a Minimalist when it comes to everyday makeup. I never leave home without my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, Chanel mascara, and Mac Pretty Please lipstick. 

-Vitamin supplements I take:

I try to take a multi-vitamin, daily.

-Perfect detox juice mix:

I generally eat very healthy and I’m allergic to most fruits so I am limited in options when it comes to the classic ‘detox’ juices. But, one of my guilty pleasures is a banana vanilla concoction of: 1/2 a banana, 1 scoop of French vanilla protein powder, ice, and 1 packet of Stevia. It’s simple and so delicious; you feel like you’re treating yourself to a dessert.

-Favorite healthy dish:

Seared Tuna Salad with extra hearts of palm.

-Facialist/Dermatologist:

Dr. Anita Dormer – for the best cure-all facials; Dr.Brandt for the most amazing cure-all photofacials

-Fitness routine:

I do light cardio 4-5 times per week along with 1 Pilates session per week. With my schedule, carving out time to get to the gym is challenging so 20-30 minutes on the elliptical is enough to keep me feeling energized and focused. I try to work at least 1 Pilates session in per week to keep me feeling lean and toned.

-Skin & Body treatments:

Clear & Brilliant photofacial from Dr. Brandt- genius! And, for a rare treat, I love deep-tissue massages.

-Hair Miracle

Macadamia nut oil; I run a dime-sized portion through my hair when I step out of the shower and it works wonders in keeping my hair strong and preventing any breakage.

-Key to feeling beautiful?

Be comfortable in your own skin.

CND Shellac Wild Fire 

Shellac is perfect if you’re on the go like me. I preferable like to get shellac manicures every now and then rather than pedicures (as those last longer anyways) My nails usually tend to chip within a few days due to the gym, washing, and on the go. I’m all for the classics at the moment, and in love with the Wild Fire shade. I recently dropped by to the Nail Station’s brand new villa (which looks divine) and got my Wild Fire nails on – The perfect red.

CND Shellac Midnight Swim

Another CND Shellac color I’ve fallen in love with after getting my nails done yesterday at Nail Station… Midnight Swim. As part of the Winter collection in 2012, I still find it such a current color and I tend to wear darks all year round. I’ve been loving blues at the moment. Everything from this shade to bright cobalts. If you’re looking for a rich blue, with a galaxy touch (it has a shimmer/glittery feel) – This is it!

Chanel eastern light and Chanel western light

If there’s an easy way to find out what the current nail trends are, check out Chanel’s current colors – they definitely dictate the colors of the season. I’m currently obsessed with their duo shades that are both completely different, but I love the contrast. One is a dark red/purple shade, where as the other is the most beautiful (white out) shade.

Ciate Colourfoil

Ciate are amazing with launching exciting manicure kits – They had the caviar, velvet, confetti, and now colourfoil, it keeps things interesting. Coming in 3 shades – Carnival, wonderland, and Kaleidoscopic – foils have never been as much fun. I personally like taking them to the salon, but they are made to do yourself.

Nail Station Pastel shades

If you’re not into your brights, pastel shades are the way to go! Any pastel shade you can think of, Nail Station have it. They even sell the Pastel set, which is a perfect gift. I’m also addicted to their nail files… see below.

This week, Myfashdiary.com speaks to Rockwell Williamson-Rudder, the International director of Xtend Barre whilst she was in Dubai to launch Barre Stick at my favorite Pilates studio in town, Real Pilates. Not only is she beautiful, has the best body, she is also a Barre addict and swear by good eyebrow threading.
real-pilates.com 

-Beauty products I swear by
Obagi Sunscreen and Obagi’s C range. Eminence Rosewhip Moisturiser, ECO tan.  Such a great fake tan with no nasties in it.  I react to normal fake tan but Eco tan is all organic and doesn’t make me itch.

-What’s in my make up bag
Foundation – Tarte Amazonian Clay – very good coverage and a little goes a long way
Powder – Cargo – Blu Ray high definition powder
Cheeks – Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Maui
Eyes – Bobbi Brown Gel liner is the best liner ever!  Shadows -  Bobbi Brown and Dior.  Mascara – Diorshow
Lips – Makeup forever does great Reds, I like number 42 and Moulin Rouge .  If I want a gloss I use Stilla.  Lip care – Budda Balm (yummy flavours) and also Paw paw ointment from Australia.

-Vitamin supplements
Juice Plus and liquid Vitamin B 12 if I have a heavy schedule.

-Perfect detox juice mix
Loving – Spinach, Kale, Lemon, Lime, Cucumber, Green Apple and LOTS and LOTS of ginger.

-Favorite healthy dish
Quinoa is my super food and I love it plain or used for salads.  I just bought in Abu Dhabi a great book that I am looking forward to trying some of the recipes from.  It’s called Primal Nutrition by Heather Dale and follows the Paleo Diet.

-Facialist/Dermatologist
I have a friend who is an esthetician and she does my peels for me and very European style facials.

Eyebrows – I have threading done and when I am in Australia is see Lita who is the queen of eyebrows http://www.lita.com.au/

-Fitness routine
Xtend Barre and reformer Pilates.  I have a ballet barre and Pilates reformer in my office and also go to the Xtend Barre studio’s whenever I travel.  Playing with my 2 kids also becomes part of my fitness routine as they have endless energy and I have to keep up with them    When I am back in Australia I always horse ride.  Exercising horses and showjumping is a great workout.

Flying tip – when flying revive your legs by doing 8 plies (bend your knees ) with feet and knees together and 8 releves (going up on to balls of feet) x 3 sets and then put one hand on hip and bend body to side to stretch.  My body doesn’t like being still for so long and doing this makes me feel so much better.

-Skin/Body treatments
Reflexology.  Love it!  Or a great massage. When I do facials I only like express 30 minute ones or a micro or peel.

-Hair Miracle
My hairdresser Zhane Richer, she is amazing and based in Las Vegas where she works in her salon in between doing Celene Dion’s locks.  Purple Shampoo is my other miracle to keep the colour fresh.

-Key to feeling beautiful?
Smiling!  I think we all feel more beautiful when we are happy and our smiles light up our face.

Double Serum Facial at Clarins Spa

One of my favorite places for facials would have to be Clarins Spa at The Dubai Mall. First of all, I love the brand Clarins – love their products, definitely under rated here in the Middle East, and I never really knew how great their facials were. When I need a pick me up and a skin wake up, I head to Clarins spa. I am so excited how the brand relaunched their hero product, The Double serum and also launched a Double serum facial. The facial consists of a treatment for your skin – I went with the radiance (as I needed it) where they include an additional 15 minutes anti aging treatment, as well as using the Double serum product. My facialist, Julianne mentioned that the product is so good, they use it within most of their treatments. Not only are the Clarins facials relaxing, they cleanse the skin, hydrate it, exfoliate it and they topped it off with a cooling radiance facial. Great for firming and Anti aging too! Highly recommended.
Clarins Spa, The Dubai Mall.
For more details, click here 

Spectra laser with Rebecca Treston at Euromed Clinic

I was booked in for an appointment with one of the best Skin Specialists in Dubai, Rebecca Treston for a Glycolic peel (my first one) . Among arriving to Euromed clinic (which is right by Kitsch bakery on Beach Road). Rebecca had a look at my skin, which she instantly suggested I go for the Spectra rather than the Glycolic Peel. I’ve never heard of the laser before, but soon realized it is the same one they use for tattoo removal. Rebecca assured me that it isn’t painful (which is true, where as Laser hair removal is a different story.) The treatment brightens the face, smoothens the skin, works on wrinkles, reduces pigmentation, clears up acne,and reduces pore size – it sounded like the perfect treatment, even though I’m always put back when laser or needles are involved. Rebecca’s assistant gently cleansed my face, before taking me to the laser room – where two different laser lights were used on my skin. In just 10 minutes I was done, and had mebo applied to my face with a mask over to soothe down the skin. I was told my skin might be irritated the next day, and what I should get from the pharmacy if hives turn up, which thankfully didn’t. Half an hour later, I was at a dinner, loving how clear and fresh my skin got. In terms of any side-effects, all I got was a slight breakout.
For more details, click here 

Eminence Paprika facial at Pastels Salon, Dubai

I’ve been hearing about Eminence for a few weeks before I was booked in for this facial – all of Hollywood are obsessed with this organic skincare brand from Hungary, and celebrities like Jessica Biel swear by their treatments. I’ve been to Pastels salon once for a hair appointment, and fell in love with the salon in a whole, so I was looking forward to this. When I asked my facialist what I was going to get out of the facial, she mentioned it would boost collagen, help wrinkles, clear clogged pores – ‘it just does everything at once, and it’s a natural treatment.’ I must say I don’t really have another facial I can compare this to – you constantly feel cold or hot because of the paprika, the cooling masks, the hot and cold towels – which was coincidently a great experience. Unlike other treatments, this works for all skins. The treatment starts off with a cleansing, followed by a mist before the fruit pulp and paprika treatment was put on the face – my skin felt tingly, cold, then hot due to the active ingredients. The paprika was left on my face for a few minutes before getting it wiped off (I was then shown my skin, which looked like it was on fire – super red!) A mist was sprayed on to neutralize the skin before a cooling stone mask was then applied to cool down the skin followed by a fruit mask with antioxidants. This led on to a massage on the arms and face (where I passed out for 10 minutes – deep sleep from how relaxed I was.) and ended with creams, sunscreen and an eye gel. I was glowing, had a slight tint of red and felt super fresh. My skin was also super soft and clear, the gentle peel removed any clogs from the pores, and I was ready to book in for my next facial. PS from how fresh all the ingredients were, you definitely smell the fresh herbs.
For more details, click here 

To celebrate the opening of Chanel’s Little Black Jacket exhibition in Dubai, Chanel flew the legendary Supermodel, Caroline de Maigret down to Dubai. Being one of my beauty icons, I had the chance to sit down with Caroline, and talk about her beauty routine.

Have you been to Dubai before?

I’ve been here once before – 15 years ago when I first started as a Chanel model. It was so different, I am so excited to come back and see how it changed. It’s also a great cross culture between Asia, Europe and Africa.

What are your favorite products?

Alors… *laughs* I’m addicted to quite a bit – I’m not branding right here. Bioderma make up remover – it doesn’t hurt the eyes and removes heavy mascara (which I love…) For a cleanser, I love Chanel’s Mousse douceur. After you put it on, you feel like you’ve come out of the spa, your skin feels so clean… it’s ridiculous. For the moisture, I swear by Chanel’s Sublimage – soft as silk. For people like me, who have dry skin and starting to age – it’s nourishing… it’s the first time I fall in love with a product. I am quite classic with make up, but like to have fun with nails – I change my nail color every week, very fun!

My Make up routine:

Mascara, lipbalm, and some blush on the cheeks. I’ve been using YSL’s Touche eclat for those bags. I’m so androgynous that when I put too much make up, it looks wrong. I like a natural look more on me.

Vitamins & Supplements:

Magnesium, which is very French.

Health Plus:

The best thing I’ve done is stop smoking.

Facialist:

Joëlle CIOCCO, who I see every now and then.

Beauty tip:

Moisturize, and massage your skin.

Perfect detox juice mix:

I start my day with Carrot, Ginger, Beetroot and orange.

Fitness regimen:

I’m very lazy. I have a kid, which is great fitness.

Hair Miracle:

I tend to use hair drug store products – they’re great! Pantene, L’oreal…  I never use conditioner, but use a Bamboo mask every now and then by Leonor Greyl.

Key to feeling beautiful:

Be Confident & be happy… that’s the key and it’s not something you can buy.