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Beauty

Recommended

Testing Out: The Dermapen Mesofacial

Posted on March 2, 2020

I never realized just how important getting a facial was, or just how much they can really help your skin. Having trialled different types of facials and deep cleansing treatments, I was yet to come across one I could really recommend… until now. The Dermapen Mesofacial at Nova Clinic is a revolutionary skin care treatment that stimulates the natural production of new cells and collagen, delivering results without the need to go under the knife.

What are these results exactly? First off, it boasts firmer skin, smoother, more toned and definitely more hydrated skin, with added benefits of targeting cellulite, fine lines and scarring on the face, jawline and neck too. The Dermapen Mesofacial uses micro-needling technology with individually wrapped needles that penetrate partway into the dermis, to stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production process. It punctures the skin a hundred times a second, creating micro-breakages, which the skin responds to with instant healing and collagen production.

The Dermapen Mesofacial is referred to as a facial because the analysis of your complexion, identifying key areas of concern and any sensitivities is followed by a deep cleansing treatment that prepares your skin for the procedure, akin to a mini facial. It can also be used on other areas of the body, particularly those such as upper arms, buttocks and thighs, where cellulite is common. It is relatively painless and the redness is natural, dissipating within a few hours after the treatment too.

QUOTE: HALO for 15% off when booking too!

Recommended

High Definition Brows

Posted on February 18, 2020

What’s new with beauty? Well my current favourite technique for that ‘always on’ look is Brow Lamination at Rossano Ferretti salon. This high brow technique is basically a perm for your brows, as it gives them a set, uniform shape for an extended period of time. Instead of curls, a setting lotion helps your browhair stay brushed up and lifted upward for about six weeks. It’s the perfect treatment for those who have unruly, uneven or coarse brows and are looking for a more defined shape. However, be warned, it’s worth doing a patch test first as those who are prone to breakouts or have eczema need to check as chemicals used could lead to further irritation.

The first is brushed through eyebrow hairs to make them softer and more malleable, and is left on for twenty minutes. Next, the brows are brushed into the desired position and a ‘laminating’ solution is applied, to keep the strands in place. I also had mine tinted to help darken even the baby hairs in and around the shape. Lamination will straighten your eyebrow hairs and encourage them to grow in the same direction but you’ll still need to comb them up for the full feathery brow effect. Finish with some clear brow gel or serum and you’re good to go every morning.

It is NOT microblading, microblading is a way of semi-permanent make-up that can last 12 months. I much prefer brow lamination as it’s a great way to have fullness without the downtime. Here’s the recap below… don’t worry, after day 1, your eyebrows look a lot more natural and aren’t as intensely upright.

Rossano Ferretti: The Master of The Method Cut

Posted on May 12, 2019

Rossano Ferretti is famous for the invisible haircut, the haircut with natural fall in movement… The METHOD Cut.

I’ve never been that particular about my hair, in fact it stayed up in a bun or ponytail for the majority of my youth. Long hair was always prized and my hair was very long and think. Rebellions were often in terms of colour rather than cut, but I’ve learned to love my hair. Never more so than since finding a hairdresser who really knew what to do with it. It’s long, think, but I’ve got a short forehead so absolutely NO fringes, but it falls far too far forward and I looked like Morticia Adams with a centre parting according to mum.

“Our Method was born out of the dissatisfaction, of myself and my sister Lorenza, with everything stereotyped and artificial that stood for beautiful hair. We wanted to enhance every woman’s unique beauty, speaking a language of elegance, naturalness and uniqueness. By hard work and passion, we succeeded in becoming the spokespersons of natural, personalised beauty, creating a revolution in the way of bringing to life, understanding, and communicating beauty. We told women, “Enjoy your hair!” – in harmony with yourself. Our Method is the way we relate to the profession. It allows us to innovate without ignoring the past, like a robust weave whose threads leave its interpreters leeway for freedom of expression.” Rossano Ferretti.

Having tried the salon on a press launch, it was immediately that I felt lighter, thinner hair yet with more movement and started to wear it down more comfortably. It was still long mind you, but I’ve always been put off shorter hair for fear of looking like a lampshade with my thickness. So it was one bold morning where I finally told Christina at Rossano Ferretti I was ready to see a different shape.

“What I try to do most with my students is to develop a new sensibility together with them, one that is bolder, that involves developing one’s senses. And so I work on touch, sight, and the body. How come? For the simple reason that hair is a malleable material, a living thing; it has its own life and if we learn to observe it, understand and interpret it, it follows us obligingly, without becoming unruly. Which is why, every time a haircut is spoken of, I urge them to think that a cut should resemble as much as possible a work of art and not a mathematical calculation. Our training not only teaches the haircut, but educates the eyes and heart to recognize the light of beauty. Because genuine fascination shuns any beauty-code: it lies in the self-confidence of those who choose to be themselves.” Lorenza Ferretti, Artistic Director.

I’m sold. Short hair don’t care and my only worry now is having to slick it back for the gym, but I can finally wear my hair as a feature, rather than hating it for hiding them.

Featured Recommended

111Skin: Harley Street’s Ultimate Facial

Posted on April 18, 2019

Let’s face it, a good facial can be one of two things, either the experience itself is invigorating or the after effects are visibly toned, cleansed skin. The new 111SKIN facial at Jumeirah Saadiyat Resort is uniquely both. Harley Street’s famous for its wealth of experts but the U.A.E.’s not exactly lacking in cosmetic clinics, so what makes this one so good?

111SKIN is the culmination of twenty years of surgical knowledge, high-tech ingredients, and cutting-edge innovation; founded by globally renowned Harley Street cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, the original formula was developed to help his patients’ skin heal after trauma and given complimentary after treatments for more effective results and improved healing time.

The good doctor worked together with his wife Eva to create the 111SKIN brand, evolving from one single product to five ranges. It does however have a rather interesting origin story…

‘Collaborating with space scientists who researched the acceleration of ageing in astronauts, Dr. Yannis wanted to produce a product which could induce skin’s own reparative processes to alleviate scarring and inflammation and protect against environmental pollutants. The formula included NAC Y2, a trio of actives with superior antioxidant capabilities, one of which stimulates the production of Glutathione – the body’s most powerful intracellular antioxidant.’

What’s their main focus? Predominantly premature ageing, oily or spot-prone skin, lacklustre complexions, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration are the most problematic requests in the U.K. with sun damage topping the U.A.E.’s main list of skin concerns. But even though their wealth of products are designed to be used as a daily at-home routine, the facial is well worth the trip to Saadiyat Island.

Recommended

Under the Laser

Posted on November 2, 2018

If you’re not happy with shaving, tweezing, or waxing to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal is a great option nowadays. It beams highly concentrated light into the hair follicles, the pigment in the follicles absorb the light and that destroys the hair.

Lasers are great for removing unwanted hair from pretty much everywhere nowadays, like the face, legs, arms, underarms, bikini line and plenty of other areas. The great thing with laser hair removal is its precision. Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Quick note though, you should try avoid sun exposure for around six weeks after treatment.

I spoke with Nagla Momtaz, the Laser Therapist at the Dermalase Clinic, Jumeirah about their unique machine and technique.

1. Tell us about your background in cosmetic beauty

I have been working in this field for over ten years now. Cosmetic beauty has advanced when we talk about latest technology and techniques being used. As part of my work, I’m constantly updating my knowledge as we advance in order to provide my clients with the result they desire.

2. Can you talk us through the USP’s of this unique new hair removal system

Soprano is the latest generation of laser hair removal system virtually painless and very effective. It combines 3 laser wavelengths into a single innovative hand piece targeting different tissue depths and allows to treat the widest range of skin and hair types.

3. Would you recommend it over other methods of hair removal?

Yes, I would highly recommend this method for it’s unique technique that can provide great results for different skin and hair types. It is the only FDA approved machine for tan skin and suitable for fine hair as well.

4. Who benefits most from this type of system?

Patients with sensitive or tanned skin can surely benefit from this treatment. Soprano is safe and clinically proven method of laser hair removal that is virtually painless and effective for all areas of the body for both men and women.

5. How many times do you need to do laser hair removal to see a difference?

It may vary depending on the patient’s skin color, hair type and the area being treated. Usually you start seeing the difference in the first session itself but it takes 6 to 7 sessions for good results.

6. How long do you have to wait in between laser hair removal treatments?

In the initial sessions you have to wait for 4 weeks in between sessions and gradually the gap between sessions will be longer.

7. Does laser hair removal last permanently?

Yes, with this new system patients can expect good hair reduction results.

8. How painful is laser hair removal really?

It is virtually painless. Soprano’s unique technique effectively damages the hair follicle while preventing injury and pain to the surrounding tissue. At the same time it cools the skin surface, preventing superficial burns and the sensation of pain.

9. What should you not do before your laser hair removal session?

Avoid any hair removal method that involves pulling the roots like waxing and threading.

fashion

Dress like an Influencer – by Claire Hastings

Posted on October 3, 2018

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In a year when the focus was shifted to female empowerment, it’s no surprise that the message has also manifested through beauty and fashion choices. Influential women have picked out the best beauty and fashion trends for the upcoming season and they are here to help you dress for the perfect fall look with these amazing tips:

Popular prints

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We’re forgetting everything we thought we knew this season – zebra and leopard are back in a big way. Animal prints are seen all over Instagram lately, and the trend is here to stay. Apart from snake, zebra and cheetah patterns, it looks like leopard-print coats and shoes are going to be the biggest hits this season.

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Plaid is always a popular trend, and this season is no different. However, you can spice things up this fall by mixing different materials, or even different color plaid pieces together, for the ultimate fashion look.

Flares are always in

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This season is all about mixing the free-spirited hippy vibe with a polished high-fashion look, for a truly dramatic look. Check out some of the beautiful Ellery pieces, which embody this trend perfectly.

Inventive Layering

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From a new way to tie your old scarf and trench coat together, to an interesting shirtdress, elegant flats and trouser combination, this season is all about adventurous layering ideas, so don’t be afraid to experiment with a bold new look.

Red, red, red

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This fiery, powerful color has been spotted all over the social media lately. Although it is not a trend on its own, wearing red as a monochromatic look is definitely a statement trend that is sure to grab all the attention.

Power lips

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Not only is red popular in fashion, but it is also a recurring makeup trend. A bold bright red lip with a touch of gold highlight on the Cupid’s bow is the biggest beauty trend this fall.

Glossy lips give off a youthful feminine energy this season is all about. That’s why neutral-colored lips (or even colorless) with a delicate sheen are a big hit you wouldn’t want to miss.

Perfect skin

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Skin is always in, but this fall it’s all about the prep. Instead of layers of heavy foundation, focus on moisturizers, primers and strobe creams to achieve that perfect, radiant complexion.

Summer’s bronze trend is being replaced this season with peachy pink blushes that gently warm up the face, bring out the cheekbones, and create a radiant feminine look. Bold contouring is finally a thing of the past. This fall beauty influencers are only lightly contouring their cheeks to play up the natural shape of their face and subtly bring out their natural beauty.

Beautiful eyes

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Alluring, provocative smoky eyes are another great trend to watch out for. Go for dark shades of brown and black, don’t shy away from gels and liners, smudge it out, pair it with a nude lip, and you are ready to rock. If you are a woman who likes to keep her lines simple and eyes defined, then you are in luck. Precisely waterlined eyes are a big hit this season. They allow you to contour your eyes and define their natural shape, and they are a brilliant way of subtly wearing eyeliner.

Summer’s glitter trend is not going anywhere this season. Shimmery eyeshadows, light-catching highlighter, and glittery lips are a great way to brighten up a plain makeup look and an easy way to transform any look from day to night.
Polished, sophisticated tan eyeshadow is the perfect fall trend. Whether you go for a classic no makeup makeup look, or choose to pair them with a bold wine lip, flattering camel and golden brown shades give you a great variety of options to explore.

Corporate chic hair

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Hair slicked back into perfect buns and ponytails is a trend you can’t miss this season. If this hairstyle is too clean for you, accessorize it with thin headbands or statement hair clips for a more dramatic look.

This season women are not afraid to make a statement with their bold outfits and eye-catching looks, and who better to truly embody this newly found confidence than the powerful social media influencers.

Follow Claire here!

Featured

Checking Out: Dr. Rita Rakus’s Hydrafacial MD

Posted on March 18, 2018

Fairmont the Palm’s partnership wth London’s famed skin rejuvenation expert, Dr. Rita Rakus is the reason for my new glowing skin. The leading ‘aesthetic specialist’ her products have been helping me refine my skincare routine since we met at the Willow Stream Spa, late last year. A whole host of hormonal imbalances later and I was desperate to try her more concentrated methods.

A unique technique, pioneered by the good Dr. herself, it involves a Vortex-Fusion serum delivery system that includes a multi-step treatment with exfoliation, extraction and a somewhat vacuum-like suction too. Say goodbye to dead skin cells and months of sandy air… it replenishes and plumps your skin pretty visibly after only one treatment.

I spoke with Laura Brown, Spa Manager, Fairmont the Palm about it…

“The key benefits of this can be seen immediately after the facial – deeply cleansed, glowing skin with an immediate improvement on fine lines. The facial improves the quality of the skin and results increase after further treatments.

The hydrafacial takes place in 6 steps – lymphatic drainage, cleansing & exfoliation, extraction, brightening, hydration and calming at the end using LED red and blue lights. During these steps the therapist will customize the treatment to your specific needs. Ingredients include botanical products which are used in a very gentle microdermabrasion technique in conjunction with glycolic acids (this allows a more comfortable extraction of blocked pores and decongesting the treatment area). This is followed by an application of hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and Vitamin E which is delivered deeply into the skin using the painless vortex infusion.

For a regular facial it would be worthwhile having the treatment every 4 weeks or so, but for the hydrafacial every 6- 8 weeks is sufficient since it’s a deep cleansing method. We usually find that guests are concerned about dull/tired/congested/dry skin or all of the above. These are effects that most people have living in any urban environment will face and they’re hard to avoid. We’ve observed outstanding results when treating these types of skin conditions. We’ve also seen some stunning results on congested/acne prone skin for younger girls from 14 years of age and above.

Around 40% of our guests are actually men and they also request facials too, not only massages. The environmental damage to our skin is similar between men and woman from free-radicals, environmental damage and hectic lifestyles. The only difference with women is that we use make up which can protect against sun damage but on the other hand can clog the skin. Looking after your skin is the key to keeping it healthy. We often observe from our guests that when they are happy with how their skin looks it can really boost their confidence.”

Fitness

Lashes for the Active

Posted on December 29, 2017

I get that going make-up free can be intimidating in a mixed workout, and I’m not against wearing make-up in the gym, but one of my pet peeves is walking into a class in the morning and seeing someone with their full face and lashes on… after work it’s much more common obviously – but before? Aside from sweating through the foundation (think about all those blocked pores), I’d struggle to keep my mascara smudge free as I blink through a sweaty bikram session or spin class.

There seems to be one solution I can totally jump on board with – one which allows us to look slightly more put-together, without having to wake up earlier than sun to do so.

Nouveau Lash LVL treatment is a new form of lash elongation, without the need for falsies. Think of it as a perm for your eyelashes, coupled with a tint that adds a bit of extra visibility. Not painful to apply, the whole process takes roughly 45mins and will last for up to a month (if you’re not in and out of the water as often as I am). Not harmful to the lashes either, the process merely curls them upwards slightly for a little natural boost.

I went for the medium curl with a dark brown tint so that it really wouldn’t be too noticeable. The Dollhouse is a great place to check out this service…

Recommended

Project Beauty… Period.

Posted on October 11, 2017

“To extend our inner beauty outwards towards others”… a fitting tagline for Dubai’s newest salon, but this time – it’s not talking about just a beauty fix. Project Beauty on Wasl Road (Al Thanyah Street crossing) is the kind of salon you’ll leave with better brows but even better karma!

The concept of Project Beauty is that is supports a unique, life improving foundation in Africa which puts a precedence on both education and dignity. Did you know that in some areas of Africa, girls have to miss school when they are on their period because they are seen as ‘unclean’… especially as a pack of sanitary pads will cost almost a quarter of their daily wages. Compounding the situation, girls can miss up to 8 months of school, because of their period, over 3 years and this hinders their opportunity to achieve any form of qualifications.

UNESCO estimates that almost 1 in 10 girls in the whole of Africa miss school because of their menses…

Buying period pads in Africa is clearly beyond reach for most young girls in Kenya so Project Beauty operates a one to one system where every 100AED you spend at either The Wax Studio or T’Sume, a reusable sanitary pad is donated to a young girl there. With two portals of operation, The Wax Studio, Dubai’s first wax exclusive salon and T’Sume, the luxurious lounge which doubles as a salon/spa, there’s double the opportunity to help!

Recommended

Have a Great Hair Day

Posted on July 13, 2017

I’m not a very conscientious ‘girl’, that is to say, I don’t spend a lot of time or effort finding out about the latest hair treatments or cuts and i’m certainly not ‘in the know’ when it comes to celeb stylists or beauty trends. I do spend a lot of time washing my hair, thanks to various fitness classes and of course being in and out of the water on an almost daily basis, so I do care about my hair and whether or not it’s healthy and shiny.

One person I do go for advice on all thing beauty related is my sister. With a wealth of beauty editorial positions complete with a beauty APP under her belt, she is my beauty guru. So when she said somewhere is a ‘must’ then it’s a must… and i’m SO glad she did.

Rossano Ferretti salon is Dubai’s hairdresser du jour, where you walk in to their hotel-esque villa on Beachroad, order a fancy tea and they just cut. It’s really a modern yet magical experience, having transformed by straight-ish thick locks into a shorter, more manageable and lighter style.

For the first time ever, i’m happy to leave my hair down, without fear the humidity will have me looking like Monica from friends in the Caribbean! I didn’t go for a colour, as the sun is thankfully kissing my hair naturally, but the cut is a guaranteed blow-dry free shape, created using their signature technique.

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