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 info.lashbay@gmail.com 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
Reading List
Practitioners of mindful eating recommend the following books to get you started:
Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life by Thich Nhat Hanh and Dr Lilian Cheung
How to Eat by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Mindful Diet by Dr Ruth Wolever
Mindful Eating by Dr Jan Bays
How to Raise a Mindful Eaterby Maryann Jacobsen
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
Drivers’ championship standings after Singapore:
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 263
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari - 235
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes - 212
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull - 162
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari - 138
6. Sergio Perez, Force India - 68
TYPES OF ONLINE GIG WORK
Design, multimedia and creative work: Logo design, website design, visualisations
Business and professional management: Legal or management consulting, architecture
Business and professional support: Research support, proofreading, bookkeeping
Sales and marketing support: Search engine optimisation, social media marketing
Data entry, administrative, and clerical: Data entry tasks, virtual assistants
IT, software development and tech: Data analyst, back-end or front-end developers
Writing and translation: Content writing, ghost writing, translation
Online microtasks: Image tagging, surveys
Source: World Bank
The Afghan connection
The influx of talented young Afghan players to UAE cricket could have a big impact on the fortunes of both countries. Here are three Emirates-based players to watch out for.
Hassan Khan Eisakhil
Mohammed Nabi is still proving his worth at the top level but there is another reason he is raging against the idea of retirement. If the allrounder hangs on a little bit longer, he might be able to play in the same team as his son, Hassan Khan. The family live in Ajman and train in Sharjah.
Masood Gurbaz
The opening batter, who trains at Sharjah Cricket Academy, is another player who is a part of a famous family. His brother, Rahmanullah, was an IPL winner with Kolkata Knight Riders, and opens the batting with distinction for Afghanistan.
Omid Rahman
The fast bowler became a pioneer earlier this year when he became the first Afghan to represent the UAE. He showed great promise in doing so, too, playing a key role in the senior team’s qualification for the Asia Cup in Muscat recently.
New Zealand 15 British & Irish Lions 15
New Zealand 15
Tries: Laumape, J Barrett
Conversions: B Barrett
Penalties: B Barrett
British & Irish Lions 15
Penalties: Farrell (4), Daly
Race card
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; 5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; 6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (PA) 1,400m
Top 10 most competitive economies
1. Singapore
2. Switzerland
3. Denmark
4. Ireland
5. Hong Kong
6. Sweden
7. UAE
8. Taiwan
9. Netherlands
10. Norway
One-off T20 International: UAE v Australia
When: Monday, October 22, 2pm start
Where: Abu Dhabi Cricket, Oval 1
Tickets: Admission is free
Australia squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Darcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Peter Siddle
TWISTERS
Director:+Lee+Isaac+Chung
Starring:+Glen+Powell,+Daisy+Edgar-Jones,+Anthony+Ramos
Rating:+2.5/5
BlacKkKlansman
Director: Spike Lee
Starring: John David Washington; Adam Driver
Five stars
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
