Take an exclusive peek inside the make-up, hair and skin supplies of an Emirates Woman editor as we tally up the surprising costs of our daily grooming rituals. Spoiler ahead, we did not wake up like this!
Sophia Serin , Group Editor
The product I rebuy the most: “It’s a toss up between Benefit’s Sunbeam or the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. Both add an amazing sheen to my skin and (if pushed) I could leave the house with only these two products on my face and still feel ‘done’.”
My beauty motto: “The older you get, the less make-up you should wear. Overly made-up, powdered faces age even the most youthful of complexions. I try and keep mine as dewy and natural as I can with the help of great skin care, make-up and a healthy diet.”
Jade Sprowson, Style Director
The product I rebuy the most: “I buy Clinique’s Lash Power mascara in Black Onyx once every two months. It’s the only mascara that seems to stand the sticky humidity and heat in the UAE. The fine brush defines each lash, it’s deep black for my fair lashes and lasts a full 12-hour day without a smudge in sight.”
My beauty motto: “You don’t have to spend a fortune to look amazing. It’s all about investing cleverly on products that work and using them efficiently, basically don’t waste a splodge. Say you discover a foundation that works wonders, stick with it – there’s nothing worse than splurging on a new face serum and the next day you break out. As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Olivia Philips, Fashion Features Editor
The product I rebuy the most: “Since I can’t wash my hair extensions every day, I tend to leave the house coughing through a cloud of Batiste dry shampoo. I love the volume and messy texture it gives to my hair.”
My beauty motto: “I’d love to say that I subscribed to insouciant, au naturel French beauty but the reality is – if you ain’t got it, fake it. Hair and lash extensions, tattooed eyebrows and a judicious bit of Botox… I’m all for it.”
Samantha Hamilton-Rushforth, Beauty Editor
The product I rebuy the most: “My Kiehl’s Ultra facial Moisturizer, I wear it everyday under my make-up without fail. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy finish – I tend to buy it in bulk!”
My beauty motto: “I’ve got my skincare routine down to an art and wouldn’t dream of changing it, but my love affair with podium-worthy packaging means I’m constantly changing up my make-up bag.”
Alexandra Venison, Junior Fashion Editor
The product I rebuy the most: “YSL’s Gloss Volupte in 101 is my day-to-night essential. It’s a great nude shade and my outfit isn’t complete without it.”
My beauty motto: “Attention to detail. I don’t like to wear a full face of make-up every day but I do believe that little touches like perma-groomed brows and manicured nails make a big difference.”
Carmel Gill, Fashion & Beauty Assistant
The product I rebuy the most: “Illamasqua mascara, it’s the only product I can’t live without. I apply it diligently every day and keep a spare in my handbag for emergency touch-ups.”
My beauty motto: “Less is definitely more. Apart from a swipe of mascara and a little bronzer I don’t apply much else to my face. I like to keep my look fresh and natural.”
Sarah Garden, Features Writer
The product I rebuy the most: “Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation. I often get breakouts, so nothing makes me feel more confident than knowing I have this trusty cover-up at hand.”
My beauty motto: “I’ve always been self-conscious about my skin so you’ll only find light, fragrance-free products in my make-up bag to keep reactions at bay. I also try to give myself a break from cosmetics as often as possible to allow my skin to breathe.”