The Summer Guide: The make up, A non-chip Mani & Beach essentials!
-Non Chip manicure: Shellac at N Bar
Whoever created the non chip manicure is a genius. There’s nothing better than having perfectly polished nails that won’t chip whilst carrying luggages or being in water all day. I booked in for a mani pedi non chip shellac appointment at Nbar, Palm Strip before my Summer trip to the US & Canada. Comes in a wide range of colours, “no chip, no peel”. When you book N Bar’s Shellac or Gelish mani pedi, you receive a complimentary ‘baby soft’ treatment for extra moisturising. Prices start at AED140 and I recommend you book in with Wendy (she’s amazing at reflexology by the way!) & Hazel.
-Summer scent: Dolce’s new fragrance
Dolce recently launched their new scent – Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana. A floral scent, perfect for the Summer season… Feminine, fresh with Top notes of Neroli leaves and papaya flowers, heart notes of White daffodils and white water lily, down notes of musky notes and sandalwood.
-Hair Fix: Emi-Jay Hairties at Spa Cordon, DIFC
I recently started wearing Emi-Jay hair ties – they make them in quite thick, slim, headbands shapes etc. It carries hair well, doesn’t leave dents and come in super cool colours and prints. Love them at the moment! You can get your hands on them at Spa Cordon in DIFC.
-Temporary Tattoos: Skin Feelings tattoos
I love the look of dainty tattoos especially during the Summer months but I’m not for permanent ink. Jetset and Nbar have come out with cool tattoos with different themes – I got my hands on the ‘Gypsea’ ‘Beach Babe’ ‘Palm Tree’ ones, perfect on the feet, ribs and wrists for the Summer season at the beach. They mention that they last for 3-4 days but mine didn’t last more than 1-2. Love them though!
Available at Nbar & Jetset around the UAE.
-Sexy lashes: Eyelash extensions at Tips & Toes, Dubai
Applying make up is the last thing I like doing doing the summer season – all I like is a dash of bronzer, shimmer and nude lips during the Summer which is why eyelash extensions are perfect for the Summer. Lasts you 3 weeks, feline sexy lashes and no need for Mascara. If anything, I don’t feel the need for any make up because the lashes do all the talking. I recently tried Tips and Toes for eyelash extensions. The talk of the town is the fact that they do one of the best lash extensions. Booked in with Christy, I took the early morning slot of 9 am, where I had a sofa bed ready for me. We went for slightly thicker lashes for more volume and definition, with length at the ends. Overall, it took just over 2 hours (where I got to catch up on sleep) but I woke up with beautiful, thick lashes. I highly recommend it – however if you’re going for an all natural look, that’s something you’d have to warn the therapist! The only pointer is if you get them quite thick, they tend to clump the lashes together (which I’ve never seen before) so they get harder to maintain and can sometimes hurt if it falls into the eye due to fact that it’s much thicker than your actual lashes. It cost AED500.
-The Make up: Bronzers
- Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Precious Bronzing loose powder
Instead of using your typical bronzing powder, finish your look or use it over a clean face & body for a glow and shimmer
- Tom Ford Lipsheer lipstick in ‘In the Bluff’
I love Tom Ford lipsticks and this is the perfect sheer nude.
- Bobbi Brown Shimmer brick in Apricot
One of my all time favourite Bobbi Brown products would have to be the Shimmer brick – usually the bronze shade. The brand have just come out with a limited edition (part of their Nectar & Nude collection) shade in ‘Apricot’, slightly lighter than the bronzed one – this shade gives the skin a glow as well as major radiance. I like using the lightest shade as a highlighter on the face too. Not only will this be joining me in my beach bag, my handbag all summer too!
- Dior Glow Maximizer Light Boosting Primer
There’s nothing better than illuminating skin during the Summer season. One of my main beauty essentials at the moment is Dior’s primer – the light boosting one. Feels like an illuminator, looks like one, yet also holds on to your make up. I like to use it alone on a sunny day for a non make up fresh face or mix with foundation for Summer nights. Perfect way to wake up the skin… or at least make it look like it’s woken up.
- Clarins Shimmer oil for Face and Body
During the Summer season, I tend to only use oil on my body rather than creams – a lot more hydrating, feels better on the skin and gives off an illuminating glow. One I’m especially loving at the moment is this one by Clarins – tan-enhancing with a subtle shimmer. Perfect for the Summer bod!
-Style: Playsuits
One of my favourite summer pieces are definitely playsuits – easy, comfortable and adorable. I recently got my hands on this pretty one from Kardashian Kollection from Lipsy in a delicate beige blush shade with crochet. Super loose and comfortable too.
-Beach Sandals: JellyBeans
I love everything that reminds me of childhood. I recently discovered Aussie based sandal brand, Jelly beans who make the cutest jelly sandals for adults too! They have everything from neons, colours to clears and sparkles. Perfect for the pool, beach or walking around shopping during the Summer season – SO cute. The sandals are available at the S*uce by the Sea boutique @ City Walk too.
–For effective laser hair removal… check out Rebecca Treston at Euromed
Laser hair removal is one of those treatments that is a real game changer. After starting, I never looked back at waxing. Pricy, but so worth it. If you’re someone that’s about to make the shift, you would have probably come across a handful of lasers that just aren’t effective enough. After growing up in Dubai, I have tried my fair share of Laser hair removal – make sure to check my piece on the different ones I test driver around town. One I swear by is by Rebecca Treston at Euromed clinic on Beach road. Worth coming in for a patch test, and if you find it too painful, you can ask to come in 45 minutes before to apply Emla numbing cream to the area. Rebecca tends to have great packages depending on seasons, so make sure to get in touch for price details.