-Get a lash lift… with Rebecca at SLaM

Over the past year, I’ve tried several different lash extensions at different salons by a range of brands. I recently booked in for a half set with Beccy at SLaM – a favourite and one of the coolest looking salons in Dubai. Let’s just say if you’re looking for a quick lash lift with no irritation, this is the place I’d recommend. Beccy, who is incredibly sweet uses the brand Lash Perfect (Sisters beauty lounge are avid users of the brand) in a private room at the salon. She has a range of different lengths, and I went for a more natural, yet glam look with the lashes this time. I was done within a span of an hour, and was really impressed that the glue fumes (which usually irritate my eyes, because they’re sensitive) didn’t bother me at all. In terms of costs, it really depends if you want half a set or a full set, but they’re pretty affordable compared to other salons.

 

-Get a lunch time skin fix… with a Milk Peel at Beverly Hills Aesthetic & Medical Centre

Don’t you love treatments that are effective, yet are quick? Peels are amazing, just make sure to not overdo it at all (I think once a month or every two months is more than enough, or the skin does end up being very sensitive!) I booked in to try out the Milk Peel at the newly opened Beverly Hills Aesthetic & Medical Centre based on Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah. It’s not actually made out of milk extracts, but looks milky hence the name and is made for skin that doesn’t need intensive treatment – but rather a pick me up to even out the skin and add radiance. After my face was cleansed with a glycolic acid cleanser to prep the skin by laser specialist, Fatima – the peel was applied on to the skin for only two minutes before getting wiped off. It was then finished off with a vitamin cream which includes sunscreen. My skin was definitely glowing, and felt soft due to the exfoliation.

Note to clinic: Please add a map or add yourself to google maps. It’s on the main road, yet still got lost!

 

-Get a glossy polish… with an Essie gel manicure at The Nail Spa

I’ve recently mentioned how excited I was for Essie gel to launch in salons – It is probably my favourite gel polish on the market at the moment. I love Essie colours, and love the fact that Essie waited to perfect their formula before launching. Glossier than other brands, made in your favourite shades – I’m looking forward to them expanding the collection with more colours. If you’re looking for a spot to try it out, you can always count on The Nail Spa, one of my ultimate favourites in the city. I recently got it done at their Mercato Mall branch for my trip to Sri Lanka. With all the jungle visits and moving around, they were still salon ready by the time I got back.

Recommended therapist: Ivy

 

-Switch off… with Anantara’s signature massage

The Anantara Hotel on the Palm is one of the most impressive hotels we have at the moment. It’s the perfect staycation option because of the fact that it feels like Bali as soon as you step foot on the resort. I recently booked in for their signature massage at the spa, which is meant to be relaxing and increase your energy line. As soon as I arrived (the spa was quite full for a weekday morning), I was greeted with a piece of watermelon, a cold towel and berry juice before being taken inside to change and head to my treatment room. You get to slightly customise your massage, as you have the option of drawing the curtains for a dim setting or keeping them open with some natural light – and a view of their lagoons as well as the choice of music – I went with the sound of oceans. Before going for my aromatic massage with spice oil and almond extracts, I got an aromatic milk soak on the feet. The massage was lovely – relaxing, and not too intense. Post treatment, I was served dates and ginger tea. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a little switch off during the week.

Recommended therapist: Johna

 

-Cure Jetlag… with the Jetlag Massage at The Palace Hotel’s Spa

I’ve visited The Palace Hotel in Downtown (attached to Souk Al Bahar) quite a few times, but never tried their spa before. I booked in for a Jetlag massage (perfect for regular travellers like me) – It’s a great invigorating massage which is relaxing, yet attracts energy at the same time. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted to celery juice and a towel (I felt like they didn’t have enough staff though, the receptionist had to juggle between a few clients), I was then taken to the changing room to change into my disposable underwear and Arabian royal slippers for my 50 minute massage. The spa uses the brand, Aromatherapy Associates for the treatment, and was given a choice between a few oils as well as a say on the music to make it bespoke and right for me individually. The massage was incredibly relaxing – plus points for one of the comfiest spa beds in town! The treatment ended with their tea of the day, which was white apricot tea and a side of dates.

Recommended therapist: Cheryl