Our favourites from 2017 MTV VMAs.
Over the weekend Victoria Beckham gave us a sneak peek into her latest collaboration with Estée Lauder.
The designer’s newest makeup line, launching September 1, will include Victoria Lipstick in shades like matte nude as well as a deeper burgundy tone named Black Cassis.
You can also expect a range of bespoke ‘looks’ that combine a selection of products inspired by cities like New York, London and Paris. Our favourite? Miami which brings together gold eye shadow with popping blue eyeliner.
Beckham also shared the campaign images featuring her glowing complexion and barely there makeup.
Time to find room on your beauty shelf.
See our favourite bum bags here.
Whether you’re venturing near or far, here is our pick of the luxury Eid getaways to enjoy the 4-day weekend in style.
Four Seasons Jumeirah Resort, Dubai
To feel like your staycation is a vacation, Four Seasons hotel in Jumeirah provides an escape right in the centre of Dubai. With plenty of facilities including three swimming pools, beach, spacious gym, the Pearl Spa along with several restaurants and bars you will find it hard to stay in your room. But if you do, all rooms provide ample space, decadent bathrooms and beds so comfortable you will need to request several wake up calls to get you up.
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
Alila Resort, Oman
If you want to escape the heat but not venture too far, Alila resort in Oman might be the perfect spot. For Eid Al Adha, the hotel has customised and immersive experiences that include spa treatments, culinary classes and exploring the surrounding area. All of the 86 rooms are spacious and designed with Omani traditions and surroundings in mind. The two restaurants serve international and Middle Eastern food and you can also enjoy the spa and the cliffside pool—or better, the pool in one of the private villas.
Jabal Akhdar, Oman
Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum
Located in it’s own private bay, Mandarin Oriental overlooks the Northern shores of Turkey’s Aegean coast. Popular with families, the hotel offers anything you could wish from an exclusive getaway. Everything is meticulously planned out with a friendly service and given the secluded location it benefits from 10 different eating and drinking spots on site and three level spa that includes a traditional Turkish bath.
Turquoise Coast, Turkey
Amilla Fushi, Maldives
Amilla Fushi, which literally means ‘My Island Home’, is a little spot of unspoilt island paradise. Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé International airport, Amilla Fushi offers a younger, fashionable approach to barefoot living. It feels more like Riviera than the Maldives and that’s not a bad thing. Enjoy watersports and snorkeling around their house reef as well as culinary creations and delicious drink across 7 places. Despite the trendier vibe, this resort is very kids-friendly.
Baa Atoll, Maldives.
Shangri-La Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
Great location with glorious views of sea and the six-mile Saadiyat beach. This Abu Dhabi hotel offers seven dining outlets as well as an excellent buffet breakfast. It has a feel of a grand villa but despite the size, it is far from overwhelming. The rooms are as spectacular as the rest of the facilities, especially the giant rain shower and freestanding bath.
Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Raffles Hotel, Seychelles
If you’re looking to dive into the world of greenery and nature, than a 4-hour flight to the Seychelles should be on your list. Raffles hotel is located a short boat or seaplane ride away from Male on the island of Praslin. The property has the largest pool in the Seychelles along with spa, beach and three options for dining.
Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin
The Giraffe Manor, Nairobi
Ever wanted to wake before sunrise and have breakfast with a giraffe? It is one of the most unusual experiences but it is the one that The Giraffe Manor is famous for. Every morning the herd of giraffes poke their heads through the window as guest await holding metal bowls of their food. Built in 1932 the manor retains the old feel with fireplaces, mahogany desks and candle-lit dinners in a wood-panelled drawing room. There are no further facilities but you’ll be too busy interacting with long-neck friends to care.
Kenya, Africa
Dior has officially launched a global initiative ‘Dior Love Chain’.
Following in the footsteps of celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Natalie Portman, from today you can post a video of yourself on Instagram answering the question ‘and you, what would you do for love?’
If you’re lucky, your video could be picked as part of a selection of clips that the fashion house will use in it’s travelling exhibition in 2018. Keep an eye eye out on their website and learn more about the initiative.
After all, they say love is the most powerful force on earth.
From Instagrammed black cappuccino to the wave of new coffee hangouts in the city, it’s time to broaden your horizons beyond Starbucks.
Dubai has enjoyed something of a love affair with real, good coffee in the past few years and that’s before we look at the treats. From indulgent cakes to vegan friendly snacks, there’s never been a better time to enjoy a cup or two.
Discover where to get your caffeine fix below.
After weeks of speculation, Taylor Swift has finally announced her new single and album on Instagram.
Following a stream of mysterious posts, including videos of snakes, we will be hearing new music from the popstar as soon as tomorrow. Her album titled Reputation is due for release on November 10 and is rumoured to address some of her appearance in the press over the last few months.
Although there are no further details, judging from the strong black and white imagery Swift isn’t holding back. Appearing on a newspaper clipping background with a strong lip, wet hair and a chain choker we are guaranteed to hear an edgier side to the singer’s previous work.
Opera Gallery Dubai has something golden for your diary this October.
A curated selection of works from over 25 internationally renowned artist will be on display at the DIFC gallery with a focus on one of our favourite elements – GOLD.
We do have an eye for anything shiny in the Middle East, so an exhibition that looks at different artists interpretation of this precious metal is guaranteed to pique our interest.
“When I come up with exhibitions, I always try to balance the visual impact of the show, and its relevance at a specific time and place and right now, GOLD makes perfect sense for the region” says Sylvain Gaillard, Director of Opera Gallery Dubai.
Among many key artists, keep an eye out for Instagram favourite LOVE sculptures by Robert Indiana.
Gold at Opera Gallery Dubai, DIFC runs from 5 – 19 October 2017.
We have always been fans of Beyoncé’s style, but no more so than spotting her in one of our favourite Dubai-based designers.
The star showed us exactly how to wear a velvet robe with the help of the fashion label Bouguessa.
The luxury green throw on was paired with an off-shoulder red dress, statement earrings and classic open toe sandals.
Velvet is perfect for an evening look and adds extra depth to any outfit. The bad news is that this particular one has sold out but fear not, we have rounded up alternatives for you to rock it like Beyoncé.
For those who haven’t caught up with the latest episode of Game of Thrones, fear not, there will be no spoilers here. But we do have one particular moment from Season 7 in mind.
Daenerys’s black-and-white fur coat. It looked like something that could’ve stepped off a couture runway and we would totally wear it.
Apart form the dragons, army of the dead and long awaited winter, we have noted the evolving fashion of some of the lead characters and decided to put together style highlights from Season 7 alongside runway inspirations.
A brainchild of husband and wife team Issa Sabeh and Elham Kalaji, Elham & Issa Jewellery blends traditions from their native Jordan to create meaningful jewellery.
While Issa sources the standout stones, it is his wife Elham that designs the collections and is actually one of the first women in Jordan to gain a BA in goldsmithing. “We create wearable art,” says Issa, “pieces to be loved and enjoyed, not stuck in a drawer or worn only once.”
The pieces are crafted using precious and semi-precious stones set in 18k gold and each of the four distinct collections tells a story including Awe that focuses on the turquoise stone from Lebanon that is dedicated to their daughter.
Our favourite? Amwaj which was inspired by blue opal Issa discovered during his travels in the Middle East, and means waves in Arabic. Each piece is one of the kind and is embellished with white diamonds for the added wow factor.
Chrissy Teigen demonstrated her ballerina skills on social media and made us seriously consider ballet inspired workouts.
Barre is not new to the market but some still consider it a ‘girly’ exercise without the same level of results as you might obtain from HIIT or cross fit. Well it’s time to tarnish those misconceptions as it is actually one of the hardest activities you can do. How else do you think ballerinas remain so slender?
Inspired by ballet with mix of Pilates, cardio and Yoga, it promises a full body blitz using your own body weight as well as dumbbells, rubber bands and soft balls.
Favoured by Victoria’s Secret models like Karlie Kloss, it’s time to slip into your Lululemon’s and head to the nearest Barre workout in Dubai. Ballet slippers and tutus are optional.
Define
One of the best studios in Dubai, the workouts are tough, sweaty but very effective. If you’re looking to work hard for 60 minutes, this is the class for you. http://definebody.com
Motion Ladies Fitness
The large studio located in Jumeirah offers Barre classes that promise to strengthen and lengthen your body but also give you a chance to rest and stretch for ultimate results. http://www.motionfitnesscenter.com
Piloga
Balancing all the effective moves from Yoga, Pilates and Barre, the classes at Piloga deliver a challenging workout with a smile. Yes you’ll feel the burn, but they’ll make you laugh about it which eases the pain. Sort of. http://pilogastudio.com
Physique 57
You really feel the pinch during their classes but the hard working clientele keep coming back. The classes are upbeat, fun and with studio’s across Dubai, there’s no excuse. physique57.com/studio-dubai/
We all dream of sand, sun and sea, but our hair doesn’t.
The damage from salt and UV rays can cause hair to frizz, split and break. Solution to post-summer hair repair? Strong boost of moisture.
Look for products that don’t have sulphates or parabens and contain nourishing blends of oils and vitamins that keep in all the goodness and give your locks much needed TLC. Steer clear of any extra heat and allow your hair to dry naturally, or at least let it semi-dry before styling with heat-proof products to reduce further damage. Here are some of the best hairstyles to try this summer.
Top Pick: Luxurious Moisture Collection by SHOW Beauty, available at Harvey Nichols – Dubai, Bloomingdales – Dubai Mall.
Have you run out of shopping destinations in Dubai? No, we didn’t think so. But this shouldn’t stop you getting excited about a new mall opening in the city.
Announced by Emaar and Meraas, the new shopping destination in Dubai Hills Estate will have 750 shops and eateries, as well as a huge 65,000sqft hypermarket for us to enjoy.
What else? Get your movie fix at the 20-screen Cineplex and shake it to live music at an outdoor concert area.
No rush to get your credit cards ready though, the mall won’t open until 2019 but here is what it will look like.
If there is one colour to invest in next season, make it blue.
And not just one shade of blue. We are talking azure, cerulean, navy, robin’s-egg etc. Inspired by Dior archives, creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri sent down girls in 50 shades of blue during the Christian Dior AW17 runway show making us rethink our winter go-to shade black.
“Among all the colours, navy blue is the only one which can ever compete with black, it has all the same qualities,” wrote Christian Dior in The Little Dictionary of Fashion.
But it’s not just the this colour that made us fall in love with the collection. We couldn’t take our eyes of the sequence, re-imagined denim, galaxy prints and of course the leather beret’s.
Go behind the scenes of the Dior AW17 Campaign and see why we all want to be a Chiuri girl this winter.
Ever dreamed of a beauty range straight from a fairy tale? It’s not the first thing that comes to mind, but we can’t resist the pretty packaging from the latest collaboration between Lancôme and accessories designer Olympia Le-Tan.
Known for her hand-embroidered clutches inspired by films and books, Olympia Le-Tan brings her creative flair to Lancôme’s favourites.
Pick from the new L’Absolu Rouge lipsticks, Monsieur Big mascara, metallic Artliner’s and new Matte Shaker shades that are the easiest lip colours to apply with lasting results.
We are mostly excited for Olympia’s Wonderland new cushion highlighter which illuminates your features and gives your cheekbones that added definition. And if you’re on a hunt for a perfect gift, the new makeup palette from the range will satisfy even the savviest beauty addict.
Available exclusively at Selfridges.com from 30 August.
One of our favourite print designers Mary Katrantzou is bringing some of her eye popping visuals to a collaboration with a cult beauty brand Cowshed.
Cowshed gave us a glimpse of their new packaging for AW17 as imagined by Katrantzou on their social media, which will include hand and body care and will be available from the end of September.
For those not so familiar with this London favourite beauty brand, it was created for Soho House group (member’s only club) in 1998. Loved for it’s organic approach to skincare with humorous names, the emphasis on natural oils and standout fragrance are some of the reasons it has grown in popularity across the world.
‘Siran embodies for comfort and elegance’ reads the brands bio and it is something we can definitely get on board with when it comes to eveningwear.
In Dubai, especially during the hotter months, finding the perfect gown for the occasion can come with it’s challenges. The fabric might be too thick, the embroidery too heavy and mini dresses are just a no no.
Armenian Lebanese designer Siran Manoukian has the answer to our problem. With background in jewellery, Siran knows exactly how to make a woman shine on the night while sticking to simple elegance. The brand’s new eveningwear collection sees feminine easy-going silhouettes that already has a celebrity following from the likes of Sara Sampaio and Natalia Vodianova and is stocked internationally at leading stores like Harrods.
The new MAC campaign has been revealed on their Instagram and it features golden girl Taraji P. Henson.
The actress from the hit TV series Empire is back promoting the brands new Viva Glam products that promise to ‘exude confidence and flaunt panache’. Make space in your makeup bag for the copper Lipstick that leaves an even shine and don’t forget their lavish golden-bronze Lipglass for added shine.
Both lip products will be hitting the store internationally soon and we can’t wait to add some shimmer to our evening look.
If you haven’t yet realised (or tactically chose to avoid it) millennial pink has been dominating the beauty trends.
Whether you’re a pink girl or not, you can’t deny that sweet tones of this shade can instantly brighten up a day and take you back to childhood memories of strawberry sweets and Barbie dolls.
Embrace millennial pink in a subtle way and focus on one part of your features. Don’t feel the need to have pink cheeks and bold fuchsia lip, less is more no matter how much you love this shade.
1. Go Easy on Soft Pastels
When using the same tone for definition on eyes, lips, and cheeks take a subtle approach to give you an even finish without a chalky result.
Top Pick: Benefit Rose Tinted Lip and Cheek Stain, Dhs 60, Namshi.com
2. Do Bright Eyes
For a grown up take on neon pink, keep the rest of the look neutral and layer the bright shade with other colours like coral and red to stop it looking one dimensional.
Top Pick: MAC colour base in Madly Magenta, Dhs 73, MAC
3. Be Cheeky
The most natural place for the pink shade to go is your cheeks. This time however, blend beyond apples of the cheeks and up towards the eyelids for a rosy glow. Make sure to choose the shade that compliments your skin tone, you want flushed cheeks, not clown makeup.
Top Pick: Bobbi Brown blusher in Pale Pink, Dhs 92, Bloomingdale’s
4. Pink Kisses
One of the best ways to add a touch of pink to your beauty look is the lips. Don’t be shy, apply straight onto the lips in multiple strokes for a textured finish and avoid anything too glossy.
Top Pick: Dior Rouge Dior lipstick in Exuberant Matte, Dhs 175.
5. Polished
Up your nail game with a couple of coats of the pink shade and make it a millennial mani. Opt for matte to score extra fashion points.
Top Pick: Essie nail polish in Backseat Besties, Dhs 40