From a lip loofah and body shampoo to formulae that use pure spring water and date essence, here are the top hair and skincare essentials for the hot months.
1. APA BEAUTY
Packaged in handbag-friendly sizes, the Radiance Care line from Dr Michael Apa's debut Apa Beauty collection bridges the fields of beauty and dentistry. The tooth gloss (Dh130) has brightening antioxidants; the lip shine (Dh120) has peppermint blue crystals to reflect light onto the teeth; and the lip loofah (Dh95) is a soothing scrub made from sugar and sweet-almond seed. Available at www.apabeauty.com
2. BIOEFFECT
This Icelandic skincare brand, newly launched in Dubai, uses a revolutionary technique of producing cellular activators in barley plants. They are grown in volcanic pumice and then watered with pure spring water, using renewable geothermal energy. The BioEffect EGF Serum (Dh535) works to renew and repair the skin and combat signs of ageing.
Available at Hårklinikken Clinic, Dubai, and www.hairclinic.ae
3. SHIFFA
When it comes to skincare products to indulge in during Ramadan, this Dubai-based brand is particularly fitting, since one of its key ingredients is date essence, which works to delay signs of ageing and increases type 1 collagen synthesis. Its latest skincare launches include a cleanser (Dh295), toner (Dh255), eye remedy (Dh315) and brightening ampoules (Dh315).
Available at Sephora and www.shiffa.com
4. DR SEBAGH
Global beauty director of Net-a-porter, Newby Hands, always keeps a tub of Dr Sebagh’s Supreme Day Cream (Dh645) in her handbag. Doctors are jumping on the skincare bandwagon and they’re successful because “it’s the idea of buying into somebody you trust”. And if there’s one dermatologist to be trusted, surely it’s Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson’s.
Available at www.net-a-porter.com
5. EISENBERG
The latest launches from Eisenberg include a soothing mask, repairing cream and calming serum (Dh550 each), all of which include raspberry leaf stem-cell extract, which contains antioxidising, anti-inflammatory and DNA-protecting properties. Although the products are beneficial throughout the year, the hydrating formulas make the products ideal for summer use.
Available at Paris Gallery and www.eisenberg.com
6. NUXE
Nuxe has added two new products to its Sun line. The Nuxe Sun protective milky oil for hair (Dh99) protects your tresses from the negative effects that sunlight, salt and chlorine can have on them. A multi-use hair and body shampoo (Dh79), meanwhile, offers a full-body cleanse and rejuvenation, much needed after a day out in the scorching heat.
Available at Sephora and www.nuxe.com
7. ELEMIS BIOTEC
After three years of R&D, Elemis Biotec has unveiled its latest skincare line, featuring a day cream (Dh630), night cream (Dh730) and cleanser (Dh300). Reportedly the biggest Elemis launch since the company introduced Pro-Collagen 13 years ago, the formulas have been proven to boost cell energy and improve skin vitality.
Available at Cleopatra Spa, Pyramids at Wafi, Dubai, and www.elemis.com
8. SHISEIDO
The two new additions to the Shiseido skincare family fall under the Ibuki line. Ibuki is the Japanese word for inner strength, and strengthening the skin’s resistance is the key function of both products. A mist spray (Dh140) protects the skin from pollutants, while an overnight gel mask (Dh221), formulated with vitamins C and E, refreshes the skin and promotes sleep.
Available at Sephora and www.shiseido.com
9. SUNDAY RILEY
According to Net-a-porter’s Hands, 20 per cent of customers from the Middle East tend to reorder Good Genes by Sunday Riley (Dh380). The lactic-acid treatment is great for brightening the skin, correcting dark spots and uneven tones, and evening out wrinkles and texture.
Available at www.net-a-porter.com
hlodi@thenational.ae
