Emirati showjumper Amna Banihashem talks us through her daily beauty routine

Amna Banihashem, award-winning Emirati showjumper, mechanical engineer and philanthropist, talks us through her beauty routine.

Talk us through your morning routine.

Upon waking up, I immediately cleanse and hydrate my face with Skeyndor products, one of my favourite beauty brands from Spain, which is also known as the “Scientific Skincare” brand. I usually start with their Rich Foam-in-Milk product, and add the Energizing Cream SPF 15 to protect my skin from the sun when riding. I am the type of person who really likes to use products from the same brand for consistency reasons, and because they usually go hand-in-hand when trying to achieve the best results.

How about your evening routine?

Evening is definitely more extensive. I again start with cleansing but this time with the Skeyndor’s Mattifying Foam-in-Gel, and finishing it off with its Antiox Glowing Serum for nighttime repairs.

What are your go-to skincare products?

Skeyndor’s Rich Foam-in-Milk, Energizing Cream SPF15, Mattifying Foam-in-Gel, and its Antiox Glowing Serum. I sometimes interchange between Skeyndor and Thalgo’s Lumière Marine Line, specifically its Clarifying Water Essence and its Brightening Correcting Serum.

Are you a fan of masks?

I don’t use masks much, but sometimes I use Thalgo’s Source Marine Ultra Hydra Marine Mask.

How would you describe your relationship with makeup?

I wear makeup because I love the artistic side of it. But I don’t believe makeup defines us, and shouldn’t be worn solely for beauty purposes. I often go out without makeup, but
apply it for certain occasions.

What can always be found in your makeup bag?

Definitely eyeliner, a beauty product that I have grown up with – in Arabic it is known as ‘Kohl’ and very much used amongst Emiratis on a daily basis to accentuate the eyes. I also take a lot of pride in my oud collection, and never leave the house without it!

Let’s talk fragrance. What are you loving at the moment?

I am, and always will be a huge fan of the traditional ‘oud’ we get at our local perfumeries. I have always grown up with my mother wearing a strong oud – specifically, a blend of wood, rose and vanilla extracts. If I had to choose a brand, it would definitely be Dior’s Purple Oud.

How do you choose your evening fragrance?

I love anything that lasts a long time, so therefore the scent needs to be very strong. Additionally, I love anything with wood, vanilla and rose.

Talk us through your hair routine.

I usually shampoo and condition my hair twice a week with Kevin Murphy’s products. Specifically, I shampoo with the brand’s Angle Wash and top it off with the Kevin Murphy Easy Rider Anti-Frizz Creme as I ride in humid conditions, and this product really does protect the smoothness of my hair.

What is the most unusual item in your makeup bag?

Probably lip tint from a Korean brand! I have been seeing this used all over TikTok, and decided to buy one the other day. Not sure how I feel about it as it seems like a trend that is going to soon die down.