What We’re Loving: UAE beauty products

Hello Kitty Spa.

Bed of Nails. Photo by Aarti Jhurani

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette. Photo by Aarti Jhurani

Lash Bay. Courtesy Lash Bay

Amouage Memoir Woman. Courtesy Amouage

Kiehl’s Post Shave Repair Gel. Courtesy Kiehl’s

From limited-edition designer lipsticks and mink-fur eyelashes to seductive perfume and an adorable Hello Kitty-themed salon for princesses of all ages, here are our latest beauty finds.

Luar Takara Belmont chairs at Sisters Beauty Salon

A mani-pedi will never feel so relaxing, especially once Sisters Beauty Lounge moves from the first floor to the lower ground floor of The Dubai Mall on October 21. Three new Luar chairs, designed by spa-­interiors experts Takara Belmont and placed in a privacy pod, will offer customers cocooned comfort. Each chair, produced at a cost of Dh60,000, converts into bed. Book early to avoid disappointment.

• Call 04 339 8500

* Rebecca McLaughlin-Duane

Hello Kitty Beauty Spa

The Hello Kitty Beauty Spa, tucked away inside House of Fraser at Abu Dhabi’s World Trade Center Mall, is everything one might imagine. Glass sweet jars line the tables where customers have their hair treatments done, while Hello Kitty cushions decorate the plush, pink seats for ­mani-pedis. If you’re a mother looking for a cute way to pamper your daughter for a special occasion, the spa is the ultimate treat. They even have birthday packages, with a treatment menu divided into “kitty queen” and “kitty princess” sections.

• Call 02 447 5210 for bookings.

* Hafsa Lodi

Bed of Nails

This Swedish acupressure mat claims to help relieve back and neck pain, insomnia and even reduce the appearance of cellulite, drawing inspiration from the original “bed of nails” used in ancient India to ease aches and pains. Since my husband and I suffer from backaches occasionally, I decided to splurge and see if it would help. The “nails” on the mat actually are sharp plastic spikes, and they definitely take some getting used to. The first couple of times I lay on it, I sprung up in less than 30 seconds, and even tried to cheat once by laying on it with my T-shirt on. It took me about a week, but I can now lay on it for the recommended 20 minutes. My back already feels much better and less stiff, even after sitting at work all day. And on days that I have used the mat, I sleep better at night.

•Dh278 from www.cultbeauty.com.

* Aarti Jhurani

Ambient Lighting Palette by Hourglass

Have you ever noticed how in certain lighting your skin appears flawless and porcelain-like? The three powders in this palette replicate that effect, impeccably covering minor imperfections and fine lines. Dim Light, a matt, peach-beige base, looks almost translucent on the skin and sinks in without a trace. Incandescent Light is a highlighter for the top of the cheeks, cupid’s bow and tip of the nose. The tiny particles of glitter don’t show up on application, and lend a very natural glow. Radiant Light is a bronzer that can be used for contouring. When short on time, just swipe the brush across all three powders and dust over your face for a soft, tanned, glowing look. The sleek compact is easy to carry and comes with a large mirror, making it convenient for quick touch-ups.

•It costs Dh221 from www.net-a-porter.com

* Aarti Jhurani

Lash Bay faux eyelashes

I’ve temporarily abandoned my favourite mascara for ­Dubai-based Lash Bay’s fake eyelashes. They are made from 100 per cent mink fur and are not too heavy, which makes them more comfortable. I am usually very picky when it comes to buying fake lashes, but these ones fit well and are easy to wear. You can buy them in four different looks: Hazel, Ariel, Angel and Amelia. The sets are adhesives and can be reused up to five times.

• Dh85 (plus Dh25 for UAE delivery) for a set. Email [e-mail] or go to their Instagram page @lashbay.ae to order

* Maryam Al Shamsi

Amouage

I first came across the intoxicating scents from this Muscat-based perfume house after a stay at a Dubai hotel that carried their bath products. They are now available at locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and whenever I spot the familiar bottle, I love spending a fun few minutes trying their various offerings. With the huge choice of perfumes on the market, there is a real appeal in wearing a scent born in the region, particularly one so subtly seductive. My latest favourite is 2010’s Memoir for Women. Inside the sleek black bottle – which comes with a magnetic lid and is shatterproof (I dropped it on a ceramic floor while taking it out of the box, so rest assured) – is a smoky, woody mix inspired by the 19th-century French poet, Charles Baudelaire, offering top notes of mandarin, cardamom, absinthe and pink pepper. Memoir Man smells great, too.

• Dh998, from Amouage stores or www.amouage.com

* Ann Marie McQueen

Kiehl's Close-Shavers Squadron Post Shave Repair Gel

This veteran natural-skincare company’s new blend of 90 per cent aloe vera, squalene (a lipid found in plants and animals) and ­peppermint-leaf extract is soothing and refreshing, with a crisp, light scent, no burn and major cooling effects. And it’s one frequent shavers can trust, since it was inspired by Kiehl’s original Aloe Vera Cream, which was formulated for the US government to treat soldiers’ burns during the Second World War. With razor burn a concern for men and women, this is a clean, no-nonsense way for both genders to tackle the associated dryness, ­rashes, cuts, pimples and ingrown hairs.

•Dh100 from Kiehl's stores or through www.kiehls-me.com.

* Ann Marie McQueen

M.A.C X Giambattista Valli

M.A.C’s latest collaboration, with designer Giambattista Valli has resulted in some beautiful lipsticks – and they are selling out fast. There are five colours in the range: ­Bianca B, a powdery baby pink; ­Margherita, a light neon orange; Tats, a gorgeous bright ­fuchsia; Charlotte, a classic red; and ­Eugenie, dark cherry. They come in standard M.A.C bullet ­casing, but in colours that match the lippie inside. I love these for their creamy matt, pigmented formula, which doesn’t tug on the lips on application. While I have a soft spot for Tats, I cannot wait for the weather to cool down so I can take Eugenie out for a spin.

• Dh116 each, available at M.A.C stores

* Aarti Jhurani