Photo by Scott Trindle

This week, we have the beautiful & talented Model, illustrator and film-maker, Quentin Jones. Quentin shares her beauty routine, her love for Nars skincare, and how she keeps fit in the big apple!

-Beauty products I swear by:

I love moisture masks, to slather on before bed or re-hydrate my skin after a day in the sun or in air conditioning. My current favourite is Nars Aqua Gel Luminous Mask. They also do a great eye cream to help disguise late nights.  I get terrible dark circles under my eyes and am only just learning to take eye creams seriously. For cleansing I just use a bar of cetaphil.

-My Beauty Routine… depends on my day.  Every morning I clean my face and moisturize, I don’t tend to wear any makeup until the evenings, and then only if I am socializing. In the winter I wear more makeup, and in the summer I am likely just to go for a bit of eye liner, or really bright lipsticks.

-What’s in my make up bag:

I am obsessed with all my makeup having nice packaging- particularly lipsticks because you take them out with you, and they can make your purse seem prettier if they are cool. I think Nars wins again- the graphic black packaging with the ultra-thin white font is so great, and the pigment in their lipsticks is unbeatable. I like lip colour bold and flat. I am currently wearing Heat Wave a lot. For summer I might start playing with hot pink shades.

-Vitamin supplements I take:

I am bad and forget, but as soon as I feel run down I remember to take vitamin C

-Perfect detox juice mix:

I love so many different juices- I live next to Integral Yoga in the West Village, and go in daily for various juices. I love beetroot, apple, and carrot. Is that detoxifying? I also love their Breakfast Boost which has flax seed, hemp oil, pineapple.. and some other things! It keep you full all morning so makes you not snack on junk too.

-Favorite healthy dish:

I generally eat pretty healthily- if I am working from home it is always avocado, garlic and chilli crushed on rye. If I am eating out I will often get fish and green veg.  I try to avoid white breads, processed foods, and red meat in the evening.

-Fitness routine:

I cycle everywhere but in Manhattan I am never that far from where I need to go, so I also will go running along the West side track in the mornings or early evenings. I do yoga at Laughing Lotus twice a week too- I think it is really important for me to stratch out my limbs because they are so long and get quite stiff. Yoga also helps me relax a bit which is good for my overall health I think.

-Skin & Body treatments:

I am pretty minimalist when it comes to my body- I just wash with water, maybe a bit of Cetaphil, and then moisturize if my legs or arms are dry.

-Hair Miracle

I love Moroccan Hair oil- I rub it into my hands then my hair, and both smell great after.

This week, I ask beauty experts on how to keep our skin hydrated other than the obvious… drinking water.

As you may know an hydrated skin delays aging. Therefore, hydrating one’s skin is fundamental. Use a cleanser that hydrates and then apply your hydrating cream using upward movements to optimize the penetration and to lift the skin. In addition, you need to make sure that what you drink and eat provide enough water to your body and skin.

-Liz Edlich
 Co-Founder, Radical Skincare

You can increase your hydration levels by using a moisturizer high in humectants such as Hyaluronic acid. Humectants and lipids are essential alongside your daily litre of water as they help your skin retain hydration, Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water and omega oils increase the level of water retaining lipids in the skin.

-Sarah Chapman
Celebrity facialist

Hydrated cells are healthier cells; they look and function better. Look for a product containing hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate. So many of my clients forget this essential step! Hydration means getting water into the skin cells, while moisturizing means locking it in there. To hydrate internally, drink plenty of water, eat foods rich in fatty acids and supplement your diet with fish oil or flaxseed oil. Also, try to avoid diuretics, simple sugars and caffeine.

-Kate Somerville
Skincare expert

-Get ready for the summer… with The Nail Spa’s Summer package.

I love how The Nail Spa launch several packages, which save you on treatments, and are also great gifts. For the Summer (Hurry up before it ends!) includes a Massage with MK (ps she is amazing. Firm, and just SO good.)A full body massage mix of aromatherapy and swedish massage techniques. A hydrating Vitamin C Manicure – perfect for the summer, which includes a mango peel, plus a scrub and mask (a great wake me up for the summer, and deeply refreshing.) An organic Cocoon Therapy pedicure, which features a menthol scrub and peppermint mask – the cooling effect on my feet lasted for two hours! A Dream facial using the amazing Deborah Mitchell’s products by MK – the treatment includes deep cleansing, gentle exfoliating, and a mask with a float-esque massage that leaves your skin squeaky clean, deeply hydrated, and gives off a glow to start your summer with.

Cost: 700AED at The Nail Spa.

-Define your eyebrows… with HD brows at Sisters beauty lounge.

I’ve been hearing so much about the HD brow treatment. The treatment includes 6 steps of shaping, threading, waxing, tinting. My therapist, Chloe started with looking at my eyebrows, asking what I wanted out of them, and what she suggests for the treatment, and for the future followed by shaping, threading, waxing, and tinting for the best results and highly defined eyebrow finish. I loved my eyebrows post treatment, and didn’t want to wear any make up on my eyes for a full week. If you’re planning to get the treatment done, try to grow out your brows before booking in for an appointment. For more details, click here.

-Get a blow out… at Dubai’s brand new Blo Out bar.

I was recently invited to check out a brand new hip salon called Blo Out Bar in Tecom. Opened by two Iraqi Canadian girls, the place reminded me of something I’d see in North America which I loved… a cool concept for the Middle East. The Salon feature a vast range of services including nails, tanning, and make up but when I dropped in on their 3rd day, I tried out their blow dry bar which was so much fun. They have a Blo out menu with funky names for each hairstyle, so it’s an easier way to get what you want without having to describe the style to the stylist for hours. I chose the Big hair Don’t Care hairstyle, which I got done with Lil Wayne and Drake playlists in the background. PS I do know Tecom lacks great salons, so definitely a great suggestion for Tecom residents! For more details, click here.

This week, the incredibly stylish and the beauty with the striking red hair on the street style circuit, Taylor Tomasi Hill shares her beauty routine exclusively with Myfashdiary. She talks about how juice cleanses are not for her and how she swears by Cle de Peau concealer (my ultimate favorite).

Modaoperandi.com

My Beauty Routine:
My beauty routine is surprisingly low maintenance. Aside from coloring my hair, I try to keep it as simple as possible. In the mornings, it’s always wash and run. For an event, I make sure to book my hair appointment four days in advance, that way it’s a bit disheveled the day of—four-day-old hair is the way to go. I always hate my hair on the first day. For makeup, I’m pretty easygoing as well: I use cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, followed by light makeup for the office.

Beauty products I swear by: 
-Cle de Peau Concelear
-Villimey Organic Hud Galdur Skin Cream
-La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream

What’s in my make up bag:
-Weleda Chapstick
-Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil in Pink Mauve
-MAC Powder Blush in Fluer Power: Every day at around 3 p.m., I take a break for rouge time—meaning a little makeup refresher, starting with the blush. It can change my whole face.

Vitamin supplements:
I just started taking Vitamins B and C. Back in December I took a fall and fractured my pelvis, so that was an indicator that I definitely needed more vitamins in my life. I’ll also be adding Vitamin D to the list.

Perfect detox juice mix:
I tried a juice cleanse once and it really wasn’t for me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the occasional green juice or smoothie. Lately, I’ve been into this concoction recommended to me by a coworker: using a Nutra-Bullet, mix brussel sprouts, kale, grapes, apples, ginger, and blueberries for the perfect juice blend. The key is to leave on the skins and stems, as they hold the most nutrition!

Favorite healthy dish:
I can always go for an avocado and hearts palm salad. I’m also a big fan of beans. Black beans are my weakness.

Facialist/Dermatologist:
Dr. Chapas has been working very hard on me lately.

Fitness routine:
After my fall, I wasn’t able to get back to yoga. Five months later, I’m ready to start Bikram again. My goal is to go everyday. It does wonders for my energy levels and general mood.

Skin/Body treatments:
I just started going to this new dentist where you can get foot reflexology while you’re in the dentist chair. I’m all about multitasking! For example, a manicure/pedicure combination followed by a massage in the chair by my go-to ladies Rose and Jane is my idea of heaven; one stope and everything is done!

Spa day with the girls at Talise Spa, Al Qasr

There’s nothing I love more than a spa day in my diary and to top it off with the girls I love. Start your day with a private treatment and then end it with a catch up by the facilities. I recently booked in a spa evening with my girls at the Talise Spa, at Al Qasr – which I might add is beautiful. We were all booked in for aromatherapy massages in separate chalet rooms, and then met at the relaxation room for tea post treatment. Definitely a great idea to get pampered, soothe out the stress, and a great way to get a bit of Summer staycation in there. It’s also super easy to plan this – just call up the spa, and let them know you are planning to book within a group. For more about Talise, click here.

A Cocktail Masterclass at Gaucho

Ever dreamed of becoming a bartender? I recently took a class at Gaucho (the Argentinian steakhouse in Dubai) to learn how to make different cocktails. We started off making two signature Gaucho ones, and ended up making some with Champagne (my favorite) alongside a few delicious canapes including Humitas. A great weekend idea for friends, or if you’d like to learn how to make some before hosting a get together at home, this one comes in handy. Everything was simple, easy to make, yet were delicious and the presentation skills were ace. Just incase you were wondering, we made Patagonian cobbler, Russian Spring Punch, and French 75 – yum. To get in contact with Gaucho, click here

Take a Pole dancing class together at James & Alex Dance Studios

I must say I was terrified about trying a pole dancing class, but intrigued and excited at the same time. My instructor, Lisa was so sweet, made me feel at ease and showed me how this class is not only a great upper body workout, you can also have fun whilst doing it – I mean, I had so much fun and ended up feeling my arms and upper back the next day. The music is great, the vibe is fun, a great way to have some fun with some girls. Location is great too – being based in Media City (Lime tree building). For more details, click here

Tamara Ecclestone was recently in Dubai to launch her beauty brand SHOW beauty at Harvey Nichols, Dubai. Tamara shared her beauty routine exclusively with Myfashdiary.com – She also mentions how she doesn’t like to detox, and loves to enjoy a truffle pizza.

Beauty products I swear by

I swear by Clinique eye makeup remover, Dermalogica moisturizer, SHOW beauty hair spray and a ‘lash’

What’s in my make up bag

In my makeup bag I have MAC blot powder, MAC love lorn lipstick, Nars bronzer, a chubby stick, Clinique CC cream

Vitamin supplements

I don’t really take vitamin supplements just vitamin B from time to time

Perfect detox juice mix

I don’t detox.

Favorite healthy dish

Favorite healthy dish is lentil soup, Favorite non healthy dish truffle pizza -I say everything in moderation.

Facialist/Dermatologist

My dermatologist is Dr Lowe, genius!!

Fitness routine

I’ve just started working out and I love it, I never thought I would enjoy it so its a big surprise! I try and keep it interesting mixing going to the park with my trainer, or going to the gym and working out.

Skin/Body treatments

I love a good massage, to relax away a busy day it’s a perfect beauty treat!

Hair Miracle

My SHOW beauty dry shampoo really is a hair miracle works on all hair not too chalky it’s perfect, go on try it out!!

Signature fragrance

I’m actually allergic to fragrance, as soon as I put it on my skin I get a headache, that is why the scent of my SHOW beauty products was so important to smell lovely without being a perfume – they smell of my two favourite things desert and holidays and it lasts all day!!

Miracle product: Tweezerman 10x lighted mirror
Look out for my miracle products in the upcoming Look of the days. This month, it’s Tweezerman’s 10x lighted mirror. Whether day or night, I can get a perfect look at stray eyebrow hairs or blemishes with the 10x mirror and light in one piece that can also be pressed on to the mirror. Love Clarity…

Palette: Sephora Artist Color Box
Thinking of buying a gift for a special girlfriend? Sephora’s Artist color box is perfect for that girl that loves her beauty. The make up palette features a range of shadows, glosses and eyeliners.

Candle: NEOM Enchantment candle
If you’re someone that likes buying candles as housewarming gifts, then you must check out NEOM’s candles. Organic candles, simple packaging with a wooden cover and this scent is a delicate one featuring notes of bluebell.

Sunscreen: Clarins Day Screen high protection
A great sunscreen I’ve started using – light, with a high protection of SPF 40 & Oil-free.

Perfume: Pleats Please by Issey Miyake
A soft day fragrance with base notes of White Floral. Fresh, light, and loving the dynamic bottle. 

BB Cream: Olay Total effects 7 in 1 BB cream
I don’t use many Olay products, but as a BB cream fanatic, I tried this one by Olay and love the heavy moisture it gives my skin, as well as a good amount of coverage, the medium shade gives me a tan finish, as well as a dewy finish without clogging up pores. Not to mention Olay are known for their anti aging products, so great for all ages. Another BB cream winner!

Eyeliner: Eyeko skinny liquid eyeliner
Alexa Chung’s favorite eyeliner – Eyeko is a London based beauty brand and their eyeliner has been a cult among women. Formulated sans parabens and sulfates, the marker structure makes it easy to apply, as well as carrying out. The liner has a strong pigment, which gives off a defined line from the first time – doesn’t flake, and doesn’t smudge. 

Range: Philosophy Birthday Cake
I’m a great fan of Philosophy products – especially their bath ones, their scents are delicious without being too much in your face. I’m in love with the Birthday Cake range and use everything from the bath gel to the lip gloss. The set is also the perfect birthday gift! 

Sun: Soleil de la Mer by Creme de la Mer
La Mer products always feel like treats. I recently started using their new sun range and I’m won over. Besides the fact that you’re sorted for anti-ageing (La Mer know their stuff in that sector) – I also love the other products. One of my favorites was the face and body gradual tan, I usually stay away from those due to the smell, but this one has a subtle summer scent, and gives off a subtle gradual tan so you can avoid streaks. 

Body Glow Oil: Guerlain Terracotta Jambes De Gazelle
Summer season is all about bringing out the legs… I love adding oils for extra hydration, and why not use a tinted bronzing one? Dries easily, gives a subtle golden bronze effect, and washes off easily. Extra points? smells good. 

Summer body: Bliss Fatgirlsixpack
I strongly believe that if you want a summer body, it’s all about your diet and workout – no product can make you lose weight or give you a six pack but I think using the right products whilst massaging your body – can tighten the skin supplementary to your workout and diet. Fatgirlsixpack by Bliss is a product with a built in applicator that massages with tummy-targeting gel that comes out when you press it on your stomach. The product includes ingredients that help firm and boost elasticity like Caffeine, Creatine, Oat Kernel extract, latex-rich manilkara tree extract, menthol and special botanical blend. Bliss products are available at Debenhams, and this one costs AED200. 

Soap: Lush Honey I Washed the Kids
I love Lush products (Natural, and aren’t tested on animals). One of my favorite soaps would have to be Honey I washed the Kids. Other than the name, It’s made out of honey water, grapeseed oil, Coconut oil and Aloe Vera – deeply moisturizing, and smells oh so good! PS It also helps skin irritations. 

Serum: Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate
An essential in my skincare regimen… A great serum. This month, it’s the award winning Genefique by Lancome.  Light and non greasy, subtle scent and gives off a radiant glow.

Scrub: L’occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich body scrub
If you’re looking for a scrub that is highly moisturizing rather than heavy exfoliation, this one by L’occitane is for you. Rich in Shea Butter, smells like Shea butter, whilst getting a gentle exfoliation. The product includes 10% pure sheer butter, apricot oil and fine ground nutshells.

Lipbalm: Korres lipbalm in Jasmine
I’ve been quite impressed with Greek beauty brand, Korres. No sulfates, no parabens – yet great products. I’m in love with their lip balm in Jasmine, which is a beautiful pale nude pink. The balm is rich, buttery, smells so good and gives off a lovely tint.

Hair Oil: Kerastase Elixir Ultime by Jade Jagger
Kerastase is one of my all time favorite hair care brands – it defines hair care luxury for me. I recently tried their Elixir Ultime hair oil (which is a Kerastase signature) using the bottle designed by Jade Jagger. The Argan and Maize oil really hydrate my hair with a subtle scent to it. A hair oil winner. 

Tan: Dr Dennis Gross body tanning wipes
I’m always on the hunt for really good tanning wipes and I’ve found one of the best on the market. The body tan wipe smells good, has enough tan liquid to give your skin two coats, give it some time and your skin bronzes up in a flash. My only concern was missing out some places, but that was a good lesson for my next wipe. A tan wipe winner. 

Brown smokey eye: Dolce & Gabbana eyeshadow in ‘Smoky 105′
I’m quite obsessed with the brown smokey eye at the moment. Finding the perfect brown eyeshadow palette is important, because you need a great range of browns that give off a warm yet sexy finish. I love this one by Dolce & Gabbana – which includes a highlighter color, a lighter brown, a darker, and a balm – easy to blend. Great for defining eyes. 

Blush: MAC Flower Fantasy
Finding the right blush tone can be slightly tricky. What I love about MAC’s flower fantasy is the mix of pinks – whether light, dark, coral, rosy – it’s all in one palette. Perfect to apply on the apple’s of your cheek after applying an all over bronzer.

Haircare range: Redken Curvaceous available at Sisters beauty lounge
Calling the curly haired girls… Redken have come out with a curvaceous range to help curls look their best, fix the frizz within a full range of products – shampoo, conditioner, mousse, and mask to name a few that smells good and is Sulfate free. 

Cleanser: Dermalogica special cleansing gel
When looking for a facial cleanser, I look for something that I can use over my make up that removes the make up, dirt and impurities – without drying out my skin and gives it a refreshing moisturized finish. I love Dermalogica products, and recently tried this cleanser from their range and I love it. 

Hair Oil: Macadamia natural oil healing oil treatment
With all the humidity, weather change, dust, and indoor AC – my hair needs regular treatment to stay healthy. I love this healing oil treatment, which is a combination of Moroccan and Argan oil, smells beautiful and doesn’t grease up the hair.
Available at Blo Out beauty bar, Tecom

Eye cream: L’Oreal Revitalift Laser Renew/Laser X3
For days, like today when I’ve been up since 4am and have a long day ahead of me, I love to apply something cooling under my eyes. L’Oreal have just come out with their Laser x3 anti ageing, which has been receiving a lot of buzz from press and consumers. Includes ingredients such as Caffeine, fragmented Hyaluronic Acid, and Pro-Xylane, the product helps to actively correct wrinkles around the eye area, reduces eye bags and firms the sensitive skin. 

Deodorant: Nuxe Deodorant
I usually buy my deodorants from pharmacies as I feel like it’s an extremely important part of your body care routine. I never buy heavily scented ones, and this one by Nuxe is just great. Long lasting, doesn’t leave any marks and is alcohol and paraben free. 

Make up remover: Bioderma White Objective H2O cleansing Micellar solution
I love Bioderma products, and no one makes better make up removers than Biodermas (If you know the Crealine solutions, you would have never changed.) The brand have come out with a new range called White objective, which is a lightening system so this is their version of the non-rinse make up remover that also lightens and brightens the face.

Primer: Benefit Stay Flawless primer
I usually go for an illuminating primer but recently tried this one by Benefit and love the finish it gave my skin. It promises having it on the base of the skin makes your make up last 15 hours – not sure if it was 15 hours but my make up was stay put for the full day and the little twister is super cute and easy to carry in the handbag. 

Illuminator: Bassam Fattouh Backlighting
Anything that is illuminating or gives my skin a radiance glow, I love. I’m a huge fan of Bassam Fattouh’s work, who is a personal friend of my mom’s so couldn’t wait to finally try out his beauty range. This product was super intriguing because I’ve never heard of a backlighting product before, but it’s a product you add to your skin as base before the foundation or over. I’ve been using it under the foundation, which also has a little bit of glitter. Perfect for nights out, as it really brightens the skin – I only wish it smelt slightly better.

Foundation: Becca Matte skin shine proof foundation
Having combination to oily skin, I’m constantly on the look out for great shine free foundations that give off a velvet matte finish, that isn’t too heavy but still gives off good coverage and this Becca foundation does just that. Dermatologically tested, the product is free of oil, alcohol and fragrance. It also lasts all day. A winning product. 

Pink Lipstick: Jane Irredale PureMoist in Renee
If it’s not a nude lip, it’s going to have to be a bright lip. Moist, feels good on the lips, smells good, and with a lovely color – it can only be Renee from Jane Irredale’s PureMoist collection.

This week, we speak to Parisian jewelry designer, Vanessa Tughendaft on her beauty routine, who has a great love for essential oils and Dr. Hauschka.

vanessa-tugendhaft.com

- Beauty products I swear by:

Dr Valnet (essential oils): one has to be very careful because we have to know how to use them otherwise it can be dangerous and Dr Hauchka products.

-What’s in my make up bag:

A tinted day creme by Dr Hauchka, a peeling product by Melvita,

Tonique Hydratant with essential oils by Melvita, “Fluide rééquilibrant” with essential oils by Melvita

-Vitamin supplements

Omega 3 and Vitamin E.

-Perfect detox juice mix

Carrots, celery, ginger, lemon, honey

-Favorite healthy dish

Mix with vegetables, steamed spring rolls, quinoa, pumpkin, leek, cereals galette

-Facialist/Dermatologist

I don’t go to any dermatogolist regularely uncase I have a problem

-Fitness routine

Twice a week I go to the gym and I do a lot of cardio with a range of classes like CX.

-Skin/Body treatments you love

Body oil citronelle raffermissant from Dr Hauschka

-Hair Miracle

Natural shampoo with essential oils, and eat healthy

-Key to feeling beautiful?

Sleep very well and eat healthy!

Treat your hair… to a Steampod treatment at Pastels Salon

There has been quite a buzz with the steampod treatment, which L’oreal has been working on for five years, is introduced in Salons, and now retail versions to use at home. The Steampod technology has 3 different ways that can be used… 1) Steam Extend (long lasting straightening), which I wanted to do but was told my hair would break off due to having highlights. 2) Steam Care (which is a hair treatment using the steampod to help penetrate the hair), which I was recommended to do, but wasn’t as exciting as I feel like most brands were launching different ways on to how the treatment can be penetrated into the hair. 3) Steam Style (which is a hair style that lasts longer than usual) – I see this one working well on my two day work trips. One great thing that I really liked about the steampod is that water and steam is used – water is great for the hair, and helps hydrate and smoothen up the hair. The hair is first washed with the treatment shampoo, 80% blow-dried, followed by the treatment booster on the hair and penetrated with the steampod, and ends with the mask for 10 minutes before rinsed out. After the SteamCare, I got my hair styled (SteamStyle). My hair felt fresh for the rest of the week – If you have some extra time to spend on treating your hair, then this is for you. For more details, click here

-Get Non Chip nails for a week with… CND Vinyuxl manicure at Sisters Beauty lounge

When I heard that there was a new manicure in between a classic one and gel/shellac, I was intrigued and excited. I went to the Sisters beauty lounge branch at Village Mall – if you live close to Beach road, this is your branch. After choosing my color from the small selection of colors – I heard they were getting much more the week after so you’re safe! I went for a beautiful bright red. After getting the brazilian manicure (If you haven’t tried Sisters beauty Lounge’s manicures, you have to try this.) Instead of using a base coat, my therapist applied a base called ‘Scrub fresh on’, which removes the shine off your nails  before applying the CND Vinylux polish, followed by the weekly top coat. The manicure dried faster than classic manicures. 7 days later, not even ONE chip and I am not joking. For more details, click here

-Relax… with Lemon grass massage at SpaZen, Radisson Royal Hotel

Being a massage junkie, I love trying out massages in every spa that exists around the globe. I recently headed over to Radisson Royal Hotel on Sheikh Zayed to experience their Spa Zen’s signature massage treatment – Zen Royal massage (you can go for the 60 or 90 minute session, I went for 90 of course.), which is a combination of techniques by the east & west using Lemon Grass and Mandarin oils to relieve stress and maintain balance. The spa was asian but with a very modern touch – reminded me of London’s Sanderson Hotel which I love. The staff were super sweet and welcoming – After being welcomed with a drink and cold towel whilst filling my consultation form, I was then greeted by my therapist and went directly to the room. I love how the spa has changing rooms in their therapy rooms – wish all spas had that. For someone on the go, it really is super convenient. My lovely therapist, Pearl was very helpful and asked about the kind of pressure I wanted then used a miss of Thai, Hilot, Swedish and holistic techniques. I loved every second of the 90 minutes, dozed off in between and especially loved the shoulder, head and reflexology touch. Time to book in for my next appointment… Recommended therapist: Pearl
For more details, click here 

-Get a celebrity favorite treatment… Guinot at Pastels salon

This past year, women I’ve interviewed including Supermodel, Jodie Kidd have shared that they swear by Guinot facials. As a beauty treatment fanatic, I had to try it for myself and see how it compares to other facials. Pastels Salon (who I love for facials) have a Guinot room, Guinot bed, Guinot products and a Guinot trained therapist so I was excited. I came in for the Hydradrmie Double Ionisation facial, which is their signature treatment. The facial consists of the typical facial structure – cleansing, toning, moisturizing, a mask as well as a super lovely massage but using this ion, it enables the ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, and Hylaronic acid to deeply penetrate the skin. I left the salon with glowing skin, and COMPLETELY relaxed. My only advice is don’t get it on an event week, as I did break out a little due to extraction. For more details, click here
Recommended therapist: Mairead Wilkinson

This week, the successful woman behind Fishfayce and Moushii, Zeina Abdalla shares her beauty routine with myfashdiary.com. I’m going to have to try her detox mix, and we both consider Chicken Quinoa salad as our favorite healthy dish. 

-Beauty products I swear by

Kiehl’s ultra moisturizing lotion, benefit it’s potent eye cream

-What’s in my make up bag

face: chanel vitalumiére moisture-rich radiance fluid makeup, soleil tan de chanel moisturizing bronzing powder, mac powder blush and contouring brushes, bobbi brown shimmer brick compact, benefit girl meets pearl face luminizer, Yves Saint Laurent touché éclat.

Eyes: mac contrast eye shadow, le volume de chanel mascara, mac eye lash curler, Huda Beauty lashes, Yves Saint Laurent liquid liner and eye pencil

Lips: Chanel lip-gloss 

-Vitamin supplements

Multi-vitamins and vitamin D.

-Perfect detox juice mix

-passion fruit, pomegranate, strawberries and lemon juice.

-Favorite healthy dish

quinoa salad and grilled chicken. Tasty and so healthy!

-Dermatologist

I’ve actually never seen a dermatologist before.

-Fitness routine

I’m obsessed with the physique 57 DVDs and can’t wait for them to open in Dubai this summer. I try to work out 4-5 days a week whenever I can.

-Body treatments 

I love going to Moroccan baths they make my skin feel amazingly soft.

-Hair Miracle

I have been using Mane ‘n Tail shampoo for as long as I can remember. It keeps my locks strong and shiny. I try to visit Jet set salon in Emirates Towers every few months for a trip to keep my hair healthy free of split ends.

-Key to feeling beautiful?

I try to give my face a break from make up

Make up Class: Max Factor Academy

I was so excited to find out MaxFactor opened up a make up academy for professionals and women like me that just want to learn how to apply make up well on myself. For all you aspiring make up artists, MaxFactor hold courses where you receive a certificate at the end from the brand and have Attitude represent you within the region for make up artistry which I think is extremely helpful because it’s a great way to get your name known within the industry. For women, like me… MaxFactor Ambassador and founder of the MaxFactor Academy, Samira Olfat teaches 4 hour workshops giving you a masterclass of all you need to know. I came in for a one on one class with Samira at the Academy to try it for myself. I received a folder with a master book with details about pretty much everything to know and the class started with the face (foundation, powder, and bronzer) followed by the eyes, the concealer, and moving on to lips. I learnt some priceless tips, mistakes I’ve been doing for years and the right way to apply make up and care for your products. I would share the tips but then I’d be spoiling your experience.

For more info, and to register, click here

Pampering at the Office: The Nail Spa ‘At the Desk’

Always struggling to have polished nails and finding time to pamper yourself because of long hours at work and just want to rest on the weekend? That’s why The Nail Spa’s new Office desk services is genius. I’m a huge fan of their spas – impeccable service and the staff are super professional. They have a great range of packages as well as individual treatments. I tried the ‘Put your feet up’ package which included a manicure, pedicure, Vitamin C manicure facial, reflexology and head & shoulder massage. They also have other treatments such as ‘The Quick Fix’ and ‘Refresh & Revive’. You could also treat your male boss or colleague as they have Gentleman packages too. You don’t need to bring anything, the therapists bring their whole set, a range of manicures – just like if you were at the spa. Have it desk side or your conference room & of course if you’re a freelancer at home, have it at your desk at home…

For more details and to book your treatment at work, email them at desksiderevival@nailspa.ae

Car: Rolls Royce Ghost

WIth a dad that is has a Car obsession, who bought cars he dreamed about when he was a child – me and my sister grew up learning about different cars. We’ve had 3 Rolls Royce cars, which I always associated as a car driven by a posh driver or by a man for a black tie party but the brand has started coming out with cooler, younger and more hip models that still define the luxury and class of the brand. A few weeks ago, Rolls Royce contacted me to lend me a Ghost car for the weekend. Never driven a Rolls before, always been slightly worried because it feels like a boat so I was ecstatic. What impressed me most about the car is the technology. Simple and classy from the outside, and high tech on the inside. The car GPS works on satellite – you can also see what’s around your car 360 as if a camera was over your car. The advanced technology also includes a night vision system, and Dynamic stability control for a smooth ride, which they call a ‘Magic Carpet ride’.

Wellness: SHP Scandinavian Health and Performance

I am so impressed with all those amazing start ups in Dubai – I have never seen the city any more innovative. Being someone that grew up here, I remember a year ago being frustrated that there wasn’t much in the Fitness and health category but let me just say, things are changing. I was recently introduced to SHP Scandinavian Health centre via twitter (the power of social media…), which is a centre that features a range of Nutrition, treatment, training and performance all under one roof, with a Holistic approach by a team of professionals. I was invited to come in for a day at SHP, which consisted of 3 different sections – Nutrition, Training, followed by Therapy. My day started with a Nutrition session with Inger (who is also a PT), where she spoke to me about reaching goals via eating well and workout out. The session included Lifestyle management and personal goals, Nutrition advice and a plan emailed over to me post session with tips on what I should be eating more or less of. After feeling guilty about my eating habits (ha!) I moved on to my One on one personal training session with Jens, which was compiled of Strength training – Olympic lifts and mat work (planks, lunges etc.)Their gym is limited to a small amount of members and clients, 1 on 1 training. After being worn out (I must say this was one of the best strength training I’ve done, and woke up with sore muscles the next day!), I moved on to my Therapy session with Lii, a Doctor of Naprapathy. This was the best way to end my day – After checking my body, posture and balance, she also works on treating symptoms – she usually then gives her clients a sports massage and dry needling. Due to the fact that I have a fear for needles, we just went with the Sports massage. I left healthy, fit and energised. SHP have packages that better suit your schedule and goals. They are quite pricy but if you’re willing to invest into your health, this is all about quality. For more details, click here

Photo: Happening in Dubai blog

Hygiene: Healthy Homes

I think it’s very easy to forget that if we don’t clean our mattresses, we can end up with bed bugs… the thought of that gives me goosebumps. I was recently introduced to Healthy Homes, a new company that started up in Dubai that sanitise your mattress – some of us forget (like me) that headaches, fatigue, coughing, sneezing, asthma and eczema can all come from the allergy of dust mites. The treatments they use are completely dry and chemical free and is finished within 45 minutes. Three men arrived right on time for my appointment with two large boxes that they carried to my bedroom, and started we Devacuuming, which removed the dust mites and dead skin – which I ended up seeing after they were done. Gross. The treatment ends with the men using Ultra-Violet disinfecting technology, which kills bacteria. It definitely felt amazing sleeping on a dead clean bed that night… They also clean curtains, sofas, and carpets. They also leave you with Wellbeing and sleeping tips.

For more details, contact info@healthyhome.ae or 800 SANITIZE.

Dessert: Macarons by Looshi’s

It’s no secret I adore Macarons, and good macaroons can really make my day. I was recently introduced to a Dubai based home business Macaron brand, Looshi’s who produce freshly baked Macarons, then home deliver it. They come in a range of colours and amazing flavors (think peanut butter/chocolate and blueberry cheesecake) as well as the classic ones. Whether you just want to treat yourself, or bring some for a home gathering – you must check them out. To order and their contact details, click here.

This week, we have Celebrity hairstylist Negin Zand sharing her beauty routine exclusively with myfashdiary.com. The Stylist was in Dubai between September 21st & 28th for Client bookings, and comes down regularly (call up to book asap for her next visit!). Negin shares her hair secrets, her favourite beauty favourites as well as her intensive fitness regimen.
For more details, click here 

Beauty products you swear by

I swear by Rene Furterer spray (Fioravanti). Shu Uemura oil, and for shampoo and conditioner anything color treated that is professional (Rene Furterer, Davines, Loreal professional, Shu Umera). All products work differently on people’s hair so it just depends.

What’s in your make up bag

Beauty products – im not a huge makeup person but these are a few oft necessities: Obagi skin care, Mac bronzer (refined golden), Cle de Peau concealer, Mac studio fix,  By Terry mascara, Bobbi Brown Lipgloss and Pedal and as far as lip liner I use Molton Brown (fatal attraction).

Vitamin supplements you take 

Berocca, fish oil, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E.

Perfect detox juice mix

Kale, beets, ginger, green apple, spinach, and lemon. 4 days a week.

Favorite healthy dish 

For the most part fish, organic chicken and salads. Occasional steak.

Facialist/Dermatologist 

Facial – Christina Radu/ Dermatologist – Dr. Obagi

Fitness routine

6 days a week, one hour cardio, three of the six consist of swimming, hiking, or yoga.

Skin/Body treatments you love

Massage at The Four Season hotel, Beverly hot springs, Body scrub/body care, and manicure/pedicure.

Hair Miracle 

The L’Oreal Fiberceutic treatment is good every 6 weeks; as it has protein, and gives the hair shine and makes the color last longer.

Signature fragrance 

Creed Vetiver

The Body Shop is one of those brands I grew up with… My mom used to use the Musk spray as her signature body spray. After 30 years, The Body Shop are celebrating their 30th year in the UAE with the launch of the new white musk Smoky rose fragrance collection.

For 24 hours only on the 8^th October, 9am-11pm, and for the delight of consumers across the UAE, this flagship store will be transformed into a White Musk Smoky Rose Wonderland. Customers’ senses will be stimulated as they are taken on a journey of The Body Shop new signature fragrance and they will be challenged to ‘dare to wear’. An engraver will be in store to personalise all purchases of the new fragrance and customers will have the chance to win lots of gifts with purchase.

The very first The Body Shop was opened in Brighton, England, in 1976 by its late founder, Dame Anita Roddick. The first store in the UAE subsequently opened in Jumeirah in 1983. Thirty years later, The Body Shop now trades from 37 stores across the UAE.

#30YearsOfBeauty

#WhiteMusk

-A celebrity favorite facial… Rodial’s Glamtox A-lister facial at Shuiqi Spa, Atlantis

The brand was designed to bridge the gap between scientific and natural skin care. For women who want an alternative to botox and cosmetic procedures or one to optimize the effect. The treatments target specific skin concerns wrinkles, age spots, hydration and skin radiance. The brand has an avid celebrity following due to their long lasting benefits. The Glamtox is an anti-ageing, hydrating, plumping and protecting treatment.

I recently booked myself in for my first Rodial Facial at Atlantis’s Shuiqi spa. After being made my way into the lovely treatment room with the super comfy bed and air pillow, I had my make up removed by the cleansing balm followed by a toning spritz followed by a peel mask to exfoliate the skin as a mask for five minutes. Once that was put on, I was given a mini massage on my lips to plump and hydrate them followed by a massage on the face and hands. The 50 minute treatment ended with an SPF cream was applied around my eyes and across my face. I instantly felt like my skin looked hydrated and was glowing ready to leave the treatment going over night. For more details, click here

Recommended therapist: Sherylle

-Close your pores with -160 Celsius air… at Cryo Health Spa

Don’t mistaken this as an alternative to your regular facials, look at this as a treatment instead. I’ve been hearing quite a bit on Cryo Heath Spa, which opened up this Summer at Emirates Towers. The technology is used within facials and body treatments in their super cool, modern and futuristic clinic. It helps with injuries, soothing your muscles all the way to boosting your collagen and closing your pores. I did the deluxe facial, which started off with a very basic cleansing and exfoliation, followed by my skin getting exposed to -160 Celsius of cold air followed by serum and moisturiser, As a person that freezes with AC, i was dreading yet (yet intrigued!) but I must say with a towel on my body, I was able to bear 10 minutes of the freezing air, which left me feeling refreshed and my skin felt tightened. I only wish there was a massage somewhere to complete this facial…

Recommended therapist: Medina

Cryo-health.com

-Support Breast Cancer awareness… with an Ombre Manicure at The Nail Spa

Every year, brands try to support breast cancer awareness – most of the time, they are super commercial so I don’t really pay much attention to. However, this year – I’m super impressed with what one of my favourite nail salon is up to. The Nail Spa are launching a Breast Cancer Awareness package which includes a pink Ombre manicure, a limited edition shower cap as well as an Essentially juice consisting of Pink Grapefruit, Fennel and Apple Juice (I love Essentially!) 25% of the proceeds go to Breast Cancer Arabia. So not only are you doing good, you are getting one of the best manicures, in a chic shade if I say so myself, as well as a luxury shower cap you can use when you don’t want to wash your hair. Call up and book your appointment anytime between October 1st-31st. For more details, click here

-Ease away your stress… with ‘A Trip to Freedom’ at Grosvenor House’s spa, b/attitude

I haven’t been to Grosvenor House’s spa before, but have been hearing about it for some time so I was intrigued to check it out. I was welcomed with water, cold towel, grapes and a shot of orange juice – which was refreshing to start my treatment with whilst filling out the straight to the point consultation form. The spa was beautiful and spacious (for a hotel), felt like I was in the Far East on an Island, which makes you really forget what’s happening around you.The treatment that I was in for ‘A trip to freedom’ is one of b/attitude’s traditional treatments. For the treatment, I was given a choice of oils, I went with Orange for a more pick me up essence – the massage uses different techniques in medium pressure with stretches including kneading to help ease away stretch. One thing I was majorly impressed with was that the spa had hands down, one of the comfiest massage beds with the face hole – I’ve been on several that just didn’t feel comfortable enough. The relaxing room is gorgeous with jacuzzi, plunge pools, steam/sauna whilst being treated on a heated bed with nuts, fruits and tea. For more details, click here.

Recommended Therapist: Kani

-Get the Moroccan experience… Hammam at the Royal Mirage

I’ve tried a Hammam once, had a bad experience and never tried it again. Till, I booked in at Royal Mirage hotel – I’ve heard if your’e ever going to get a Hammam, it has to be at the Royal Mirage Hotel. It has it’s own entrance within the oriental hammam section of the spa – that’s how specialised it is. I booked in for The Royal Hammam – they also have a Traditional Hammam experience which is 50 minutes instead of the 80 if you’re tight on time. I was greeted with chilled orange juice, before making my way to the changing room to get into my ‘gear’. The hammam room – open to the same gender (there are men and women hours) there are also private options (which is what I booked for). Starts off by getting washed with an all natural black moroccan soap, which is used to wash the whole body. The soap is left on your body, whilst sitting in the steam room for 10-15 minutes. This leaves you with your skin pores being open, and was given an intensive/vigorous full body scrub using the loofah. The body was then washed (it was amazing seeing the dead skin on the towel!) A clay mask made out of natural eucalyptus scented ‘Ghassoul’ was then applied to the full body whilst a natural honey mask was applied on the face – that was left on the skin for 10 minutes with a blanket over. Once that is washed off, I got a deep massage using the black soap, and finished off with a mini scalp massage that ended the treatment on a relaxed note. I was so impressed with the treatment and felt squeaky clean and fresh. If you’re looking for a great scrub at the spa, I recommend you book in for this instead. Not only is it an amazing experience with great results – it’s definitely not a fad treatment. For more details, click here

Recommended therapist: Monia

What I wouldn’t recommend… The Address Marina Spa

I arrived 10 mins late and the staff at the desk were impolite, slow and didn’t take me in… Bad Front desk service.

This season, I headed backstage at three top shows during Paris Fashion Week – Haider Ackermann, Emmanuel Ungaro, and Vionnet. All three shows had make up looks by MAC Cosmetics. All three were completely different, with different inspirations and trends.

At Haider Ackermann, it was all about the flicked thick liner in black glitter that was paired with Rocker hair. Stephane Marais called the look “A tough girl who doesn’t care.”, and that “she doesn’t give a sh*t about fashion, but she’s classy.” No lips – a lip conditioner by MAC was just put on the lips. The strength was all in the eyes. No Foundation, the Prep & prime alongside a tiny bit of concealer was applied on the face  to give off a radical, punk attitude and sophisticated look. For the eyes, MAC Pro Black Creme liner was drawn in a winged shape with the MAC Pro 3D Silver glitter precisely added to the winged portion of the liner. All I can say is… the liner isn’t going anywhere.

At Ungaro, the beauty look was made for a tough girl traveling from Arizona to Paris – her make up was light. The skin was glowing, not shiny using MAC Face and Body foundation. Brown on the eyes, raw make up was applied with the finger and finished off with natural lips. The brows were left natural, with only a slight brush up with transparent mascara.

Last but not least was Vionnet. My personal favourite… The collection was very soft, extremely sophisticated in a feminine way with pastel colours, a lot of nudes with darks. Creative director, Goga wanted a contrast in the beauty aspect so she spoke to lead make up artist about the perfect contrast, they went for rough hair – keeping the skin beautiful using skincare and a thin layer of foundation. Contour was used for power, the eyebrows were left messy and the lashes were curled. The make up was supposed to look like there wasn’t make up but there is. The only drama was a rough diagonal line stripe of bright colour on the eyes using a creamy product, leaving it with no mascara for street wear beauty.

CC cream: Clinique Moisture Surge Color Correcting cream
After getting obsessed with the creation of the BB cream, I was intruiged to hear about the launch of CC creams. If there was one CC cream that was constantly getting talked about, it would have to be Clinique’s. Personally, I found both the BB cream and CC cream very similar – they both hydrate the skin, and are quite light on my surface yet give a decent amount of coverage. Moving on to this product specifically… the product color corrects – give your skin an even complexion and glow, hydrates the skin (includes leaf water), and protects with Vitamin E and an SPF of 30.

Powder: MAC cosmetics Making Pretty Sheer mystery powder
Everyone loves good make up, with lovely packaging. MAC cosmetics have come out with this limited edition collection that came out Mid August available at selected stores and includes a range of brushes, lipsticks, loose powders and a sheer powder. My favorite is this Sheer mystery powder that I use as a finishing one over the make up to hold everything together and matte anything that needs blotting. 

Cleanser: Dr Murad Essential C-Cleanser
I make sure to take my Vitamin C supplements every morning because it actually energizes me. I’ve recently discovered this cleanser by Dr Murad, which energizes my skin. Smells like fresh oranges, not only does it cleanse very well removing the impurities, it also gives my face a hydrating glow.

Illuminator: RMS beauty living luminizer
When I was covering the Victoria’s Secret show last year, most of the supermodels/angels told me that they swore by RMS’s living luminizer. I thought I’d road test the product to see what the hype was all about… The rich highlighter is perfect for daytime and has a dewy feel. Made out of Organic ingredients, the pearl/good highlighter not only brightens up the face and collarbones, it also includes Rosemary Extract, Vitamin E and Coconut oil! Available on net-a-porter.com

Range: Clarins HydraQuench
I’ve been using the moisturizer from this range and have now introduced the serum and cream-mask to my beauty table. I’m in love with this range because it literally gives my skin heavy hydration without greasing up my skin, which ends up resulting in a dewy glow. I love Clarins…

Sunscreen: Chanel UV Essential
When looking for a sunscreen for the face, I constantly look for something that is oil-free, matte, doesn’t create a white film, and still protects. I’ve found my new favorite… the tube is actually mini, so it’s perfect for carrying in your bag or for travels.

Fragrance: Byredo Gypsy Water
I’ve been hearing so much about Byredo, and have been eager to check out the brand. Little did I know it was available in Dubai – at Paris Gallery! They have some great fragrances, including ones with Musk and Oud. One I’ve been loving at the moment is Gypsy Water. Not only is the bottle beautiful enough to make you want to buy the fragrance, the scent features fresh notes of Bergamot, Berries and Vanilla – which combine beautifully.
Available at Paris Gallery stores.

BB Cream: Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB cream
One of those BB creams that I’ve read about countlessly and couldn’t wait to try it for myself. I love the dewy look it gives (whilst actually moisturizing my skin), SPF15 protection, evens up skin tones, blurs lines, and covers the skin.

Eyeliner: Max factor Liquid Effect pencil
Urban Decay’s 247 glide pencil has been a favorite for some time now because it comes on easily, gives off a solid black color as well as easy to smudge. If investing on an eyeliner isn’t your thing, I recently came across this new pencil from Max Factor that is very similar, and it also comes with a smudger on the other side.

Lipgloss: Lancome Gloss in Love
I love Lancome products, but never really fell in love with their glosses. They recently came out with their gloss in love collection which has great packaging – a clicker that you press and the wand slides up. They have a vast range of shades – my favorite is ’146′, which is a peachy nude. The texture of the gloss is lovely, great pigment and not too sticky – long lasting too!

Mask: Sephora Pore Clarifying Mask
Sephora never cease to amaze me… they’re constantly coming out with amazing products over and over that are to the level of the best of the best within the beauty industry. I like to get two facials a month to keep my skin radiant, and in between, I’ll use an at home mask once a week to give my skin a pick me up. However, when I travel (which is frequently) my skin ends up feeling dead as I never carry my mask bottles. Those sachets are perfect to carry around to lift off impurities, unclog pores and leave your skin soft.

Eyebrow Gel: Eyeko Brow gel
You must have recently heard about Eyeko as they just announced Alexa Chung loves the brand and will be collaborating with them on a collection (which is super exciting!) I’m constantly on the look out for great brow gels and love this one by Eyeko. A tinted brow gel (but doesn’t stain the face like others) infused with conditioning keratin minus sulfates and paragons. Easy to use and makes my brows look groomed all day long.

Illuminator: Becca Shimmering skin perfecter in white pearl
An illuminator with SPF 25+ already wins it for me. I usually prefer shimmer powders instead of liquid but this one is just great due to the creme-liquid texture, so it isn’t runny at all, but still dewy. I like to mix it with my foundation for a beautiful glow.

Hands: L’Occitane One minute hand scrub
We constantly forget about our hands. In between manicures, I’ve started using this L’occitane hand scrub that is made out of organic brown sugar with grapeseed and shea sweet almond oils. Just put some on your hands using the spatula, rub your hands together – wash it off, you end up with super soft hands. Yes!

Foundation: Smashbox Liquid Halo HD foundation
If you’re looking for make up that looks great in pictures, Smashbox is the brand. I started using this new foundation from the brand that is light enough to give a natural finish, and has enough HD to give your skin a radiant finish. The foundation has medium coverage, which feels light on the skin so if you need heavier foundation, just build it up to blur up any imperfections.

Star product: Dr Sebagh Luminous Glow
I’m a sucker for products that boost radiance and this Dr Sebagh product is a miracle. Lightweight, and consists of Sesame seed extract that can be mixed with your foundation for anti-ageing, radiance boost, illuminating primer and a hydrating effect.

Wipes: Neutrogena Deep Clean make-up remover refreshing oil-free wipes
For those late nights when you’re extremely tired, there’s nothing better than really good wipes. Oil free, removes all the make up, smells decent and doesn’t grease up your face… yes please.

Hair Oil: SHOW Pure treatment oil
Have you heard about Tamara Ecclestone’s beauty range, SHOW? I must say I’m quite impressed with it. The quality, packaging etc. I recently started using the Pure treatment oil, which is packaged in a vintage bottle. The Argan oil smells beautiful, nourishes, strengthens and adds shine to the hair.
Available at Harvey Nichols, Dubai.

Make up remover: Elemis white flower eye & lip make-up remover
Whenever I get heavier eye make-up on for an event/shoot/filming – I always struggle to completely remove everything including my mascara with my bioderma. The product includes white flowers blend, white tea, marine spring water and water B5 so not only is it great to remove waterproof and rigorous make up, soothes the eyes whilst conditioning lashes.

This week, Sports Illustrated model, Julie Henderson shares her beauty routine, and her healthy living with myfashdiary.com.

-Beauty products I swear by

My go to products include: Restorsea face moisturizer and eye cream, Rosebud Salve, Klorane dry shampoo, Sachajuan Ocean Mist.

-What’s in my make up bag 

Garnier roll on concealer, nars blush “Orgasm”, L’oreal sun bronzer, Lancome Hypnose mascara, and Calvin Klein one lipstick color glorious.

-Vitamin supplements 

I believe in a healthy diet which gives you all the vitamins you need, although I do like to supplement my diet with a daily multivitamin.

-Perfect detox juice mix

I love Organic Avenue. They have a huge variety of different juices.

-Favorite healthy dish

I always love a salad of any kind. There are so many variations and interesting ingredients nowadays.

-Facialist/Dermatologist

I travel so much that my facials end up happening when I am on location. So I always get to try the latest ones from around the world which is good.

-Fitness routine

I love to constantly change up my routine so I don’t get bored. Exercise is such an important part of my life, so I try and fit it in a few times a week. Whether it’s boxing, yoga, swimming, or running in the park.

-Hair Miracle

Secret is, that I’ve never colored my hair. It’s styled so frequently with hot hair tools and sprays, that not coloring has really played an important part in maintaining it’s health and shine.

-Key to feeling beautiful?

Confidence! And never forgetting to put your smile on

I’ve been receiving emails asking about recommendations on beauty gurus in Dubai, and as it’s difficult to reply to each one of you, I’m going to start sharing my recommendations on the classic beauty treatments. With all the salon options in Dubai, it’s a dilemma making the decision on which one to choose, so I’ve done it for you… Let me know what help you need in the comment box below and I’ll try my best to help you out.

For that bouncy volumes blow-dry…  Rabih at Posh Salon, Burj al Arab

There’s not many blowdries that can keep my hair in place till the next day, let alone that same night. I love coming in to Posh to see Rabih – hair wash, blowdry and curls in an hour (takes me two usually) and I leave with bouncy wavy hair that has lasted over two days… King of the perfect blowdry. I’ve struggled to find many hairdressers that come up to the same level as Rabih.
poshbyferyal.com 

For that deep shiny color… Sharon at Salon ink

What I want from a good hair colour is something that looks natural, shiny and doesn’t need maintenance for at least a few months. Months ago, I got my hair done at Salon Ink (after hearing great things from Virgin Radio presenter, Simone Heng) for a hair cut and colour. I was booked in for an appointment with Sharon, one of the co-owners, as well as the creative director of the Salon. The Salon is owned by two Wella professionals from Australia – they also have a Wella bar! I decided to go back to my natural hair colour and gave Sharon the freedom to do what she felt worked with my hair. What I loved is that she asked what I wanted out of it, then told me what she thought would work with that. I loved how she knew exactly what I wanted, and gave me hair that looked better than what she suggested. My hair was super shiny, rich colour, beautiful cut. I spent quite a few hours getting my whole head sorted by luckily – the coffee was great, they had wafers that came with the coffee, the natural light was beautiful and they had the latest fashion magazines. Highly recommended.
saloninkdubai.com 

For that trim…  Jaana at I Glow

I recently got my hair trimmed at I Glow in JLT, which is owned by Finnish partners – they have the best blonde hairs I’ve ever seen… The salon uses US haircare brand, L’anza which I’ve never heard or used before, but fell in love with. Before cutting my hair, I got a hydrating treatment with the best head massage followed by a trim. I always struggle with trims, I come in wanting a tiny trim, and leave with my hair inches shorter… With I Glow, I came in for a trim, and left with long, tidy and healthy hair. PS they are also known for great lash extensions.
iglowbeauty.com 

This week, I spoke to Miriam Quevedo – Managing Director and Founder of Miriam Quevedo Haircare and Skincare on her own beauty routine. Miriam Quevedo is now the fastest-growing luxury haircare collection in the UAE. Find out her favorite healthy dish that consists of Shrimps and her love for Evening Primrose oil.

Beauty products I swear by

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat is great when you have been burning the candles at both ends. Our very own Miriam Quevedo Glacial White Caviar recovery serum is essential for keeping my skin hydrated and glowing.

What’s in my make up bag 

Mac ‘Fleur Power’ Blusher, Estee Lauder eye shadow palette and Mascara.  Chanel face powder and black Chanel eyeliner. I have lots of different make-up brushes too, depending on what look I am trying to achieve. If I am very tired and have been traveling a lot on business, my Miriam Quevedo Glacial White Caviar treatment Mist is a great way to rejuvenate the skin.
Vitamin supplements

Organic Evening Primrose Oil

Perfect detox juice mix

Natural and fresh Pineapple and Kiwi

Favorite healthy dish

Fresh salad with shrimps with a natural orange sauce enriched with ginger…mnnnn

Facialist/Dermatologist

I swear by beauty sleep, a healthy diet, lots of water and investing in a reliable skincare regime, followed religiously

Fitness routine

Pilates

Skin/Body treatments

Beauty Rituals with natural thermal waters and deep massages

Hair Miracle

Of course, our new Miriam Quevedo Sublime Gold Oil and Glacial White Caviar Precious Elixir Oil

Signature fragrance

A beautiful, niche fragrance called ‘Porta del Cielo’ by Linari. I always choose niche fragrances, I like scents with a real story behind them and that are truly unique.

Miriam launched her first skincare range at the Flash VIP Lounge at Ferrari World where celebrities were the first to experience the range, and will also be at the Dubai International Film Festival this month.

Get the Ultimate Skin treatments… with Rebecca Treston at Euromed.

Rebecca Treston at Euromed Clinic in Dubai is the secret behind why I love my skin. Everytime I come in for a treatment, my skin glows for a whole month. Personally, I’m.a huge fan of Spectra laser with Rebecca Treston. It helps skin pigmentation, whiteheads, blackheads and shrinking pores. It also has an added positive side effect – bleaches all the baby hairs! I came in for an appointment with Rebecca and asked her to suggest my next treatment, which she recommended a combo of Radio frequency and Magic Hands. Radio Frequency is something Rebecca recommends for women in their 30s but did the treatment on a smaller scale to lift and tighten up my skin to give it a fresh boost. After applying the conductor gel on the skin, the treatment works the collagen. Right after that I went for a 30 minute session of Magic hands which many of her clients swear by, and is perfect for any age – especially women in their 20s. The treatment is made to work with the muscles, in order to lift, contour, and shape the face – as well as a preventative for ageing. The procedure starts with a gel applied on the face, followed by electro-gloves massaging the face which tightens and lifts the skin as well as exfoliates. It felt like a mini pampering treatment (except for the metal taste in your mouth!). A great muscle therapy, which helps circulation and oxygenates the skin. The treatment ends with Vitamin C post treatment. My skin definitely felt tighter, brighter and super soft (thanks to the exfoliation.) For more details on Rebecca, click here

Get a chic nail art… at The DollHouse Salon. 

I love Nail Art. You can get so many different designs depending on your mood and it always ends up giving you character and adds fun to your full look. When I was in London, I’d go to WAH nails for nail art and thought about which salon would be our equivalent in Dubai. That would have to be Dollhouse at Dubai Ladies Club, which was started up by the amazing, Mona Kattan. The salon has a Nail Art library for you to choose from – there is everything from chic and subtle to ones that are loud and fun. I must say they also give great manicures… For more, click here

Get a Classic Traditional Balinese Massage… at Softouch Spa, Kempinski Hotel

I have tried spas across the world and I usually leave with a really good, good, or just whatever kind of treatment. It has been a long time since I’ve left thinking it was just plain amazing. This one was. I recently came down for a classic traditional Balinese massage at Kempinski Hotel’s spa, Softouch. They were such a pleasure to deal with and even called to notify me that there was construction close by – I didn’t hear anything at the spa. This one was slightly different to the other Far Eastern inspired ones I’ve seen. This is Indian themed – soft Indian music upon entry, Indian therapists, and even an Indian technique video shown at reception. Once I arrived, I was offered tea – filled in my consultation form and headed to the beautiful Indian inspired room with rose petals placed on the bed. One thing I loved about the spa is that I was given underwear, a bra, hair tie, slippers and a bell to call my therapist once I was changed – super practical, wish more spas did this. The massage was a strong pressured head to toe massage which included reflexology, head and a face massage. Hands down, one of the best massages I’ve done. My therapist is one to ask for… For more, click here

Highly Recommended Therapist: Deepa

Give your hair a lift… with an anti-ageing hair treatment at Maison de Joelle.

I must start by saying I had the pleasure to recently work with Joelle on a campaign, who has to be one of the most inspirational Middle Eastern Women. Not only does she have a highly successful show, she owns her own branch of salons, her own line of haircare, a make up artist & ambassador, opening a clinic and is also a mommy – I’m sure I’m missing other things too! I love giving my hair treatments at least once a month due to the heat outdoors, the AC indoors, the hair styling I have to do for work. I recently popped over to Joelle’s salon and got one of their most popular treatments done – the anti-ageing hair treatment from Paris. After washing my hair, the treatment was applied before being put under the heat for 15 minutes, and washed out. My hair felt so soft – which made it harder to curl – as well as shiny and gives your hair that pick-me-up lift effect. The salons are around Dubai, but I got this one down at the Kempinski Hotel, MOE branch. For more, click here

Soothe your muscles… with a Lava Sea Shell Massage at Talise, Madinat Jumeirah

When choosing a massage, you are often given a dilemma whether you should go for something more relaxing or one that helps your body. The Lava Sea Shell massage does both. A 60 minute massage, Talise Spa Madinat Jumeirah have reintroduced it and it’s perfect for when the weather cools down and the holiday season has arrived (a gift idea!) I was given a choice of three massage oils to be used with the hot sea shells – I went with a Soothing oil, made out of lemons (super fresh.) The treatment uses several massage techniques using the sea shells which have seaweed and an activation gel put inside to make them hot. They are quite hot, but you soon get used to it and start enjoying the heat as it helps stimulate and melt down your muscle stiffness. For more, click here

Get an all natural, yet effective facial… at Elche Natural Beauty Retreat.

Not sure how I haven’t heard about Elche Natural Beauty Retreat, a Hungarian salon that has been in Jumeirah for several years now. Everyone at the salon has been trained and are Hungarian, they all use natural products that are fridged to keep fresh. As soon as I entered the cosy villa, which feels like a home – I filled out a consultation form before having my skin observed for my future. I got the Elche No. 1 deep cleansing facial (which takes approx 2 hours), Each facial is different depending on your skin. The treatment started with an Apple & Lemon cleansing milk to remove impurities, and make up. This was then followed with a Peeling for 20 minutes, an AHA Fruit pulp treatment with paprika mask on the top to remove the dead skin layer from the skin, it stings the skin so a Rose Hip serum is applied after to soothe it. Using the steamer and relaxing massage, the pores were then opened for the hand extraction. As the pores were opened, a high frequency machine is used to close the pores followed by the Apple & Lemon toner for pore tightening, and a deep hydrating machine was used to push the active ingredients into the deeper layer of the skin. Followed by Flavonoid Extra Mask (contains dark berries with antioxidants), Rose Petal Gel Mask (it is for water deficient skin, it has hydrating, regenerating effect with rose oil and rose petal) and Grape Stem Cells gel Mask (it has toning, skin renewal effect, also stimulates cell-renewal because of the grape stem cell). It ended with a Vitamin C Tomato mask, eye cream and cinnamon lip balm. For more, click here

My skin felt like a baby post facial… If you’re looking for a great deep cleanse facial, this is it.

Recommended therapist: Andi

Get a massage… using Golf Balls at The Address Hotel Downtown.

Never even knew this existed but Natura Bisse have launched a massage using golf balls called QuiroGolf! The Address Downtown’s spa is lovely – as soon as you enter and fill up your consultation form, you also et given a music menu to choose your type of music for the treatment (you can also give them your iPod if you prefer your own music.) The QuiroGolf is a deep massage performed by real Golf Balls to relax, warm the muscles, give a therapeutic massage as well as improve flexibility. Using Natura Bisse products, this treatment is not a fad, I actually left completely relaxed as I was to leave a Swedish or Balinese massage except that the balls were super useful for achieving the deepness of the massage. PS the Spa also has one of the best Spa toilets around – straightener, scale and Dental kits to name a few. For more, click here

Recommended therapist: Sri