#TRESMakeover: A Beauty & Style Session With TRESemme

I quite love sessions with the beauty and haircare industry thought leaders. You know you are going to walk out of that session empowered with tricks of the trade and secrets that make you go, "Why didn't I think of that?".

It's always enlightening to listen to experts converse about how a particular trend initiated on the global runways, would work in the region or how you could emulate Victoria Beckham's gorgeous choppier bob and still look glam despite not having her cheekbones. Haircare expert, TRESemme launched the #TRESMakeover campaign, showcased some beautiful hairstyles that can be easily replicated for occasions and invited me to be part of a session to witness a live makeover. Hairstylist Georges El Mendelek, fashion designer Alanoud Badr and makeup artist Sarah Al Wadaani dished out some interesting tricks and trends.

Have you ever used a hair mask and witnessed that it weighs down your hair? How about trying to put on false eyelashes? I have to raise my hand because I can't put on falsies. I just can't, no matter how much I try. Kudos to the girls who actually apply it in seconds!

Reviewed: Palmer's Moisture Repair Raw Shea Hair Care Range

If you've lived in Dubai long enough, you will agree when I say the summer just keeps getting harsher and harsher. The heat is unforgiving and it becomes unbearable to walk outside for 10 mins without breaking into a sweat that will pretty much stain the back of your shirt.

The heat plays havoc on the skin, hair and health. We are advised to apply sunscreen, stay indoors and be wary of the symptoms of a heat stroke. Watermelon juice becomes a favorite of mine when the summer season arrives. And super moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter for skin is a staple in my skincare routine.

So when Palmer's sent across their Moisture Repair hair care range, the words Shea Butter stuck out like the brightest crayon.

Summer Skin and Hair Ready With Palmer's

Some people are night owls and others are early birds. Some bask in the glory of the summer's glistening sun while others wait patiently for the breeze of the winter season. I'm the latter and I really can't stand the harsh, unforgiving heat that the summer season brings to the country. I speak for more than a handful when I say the season is unbearable. Hey, if you keep a tube of sunscreen or forgot a chocolate bar in your parked car for about 15mins, you can kiss both of them goodbye.

It's not just lotions or the food the heat plays havoc on. It's skin and hair too. Girls will relate to this when I say, Hello Summer, Hello Frizz. Or hair takes the brunt of the heat and no matter how gorgeous blow dried hair looks once you step out of the salon, a short walk to the parking lot is frizz guaranteed. Let's talk about how nutritionists/doctors advise us to drink more water in the season. I still end up with patches of dry skin (it aggravates in the winter, but I'm cool with that season).

So, when Palmer's sent across a summer ready kit I was quite intrigued by one particular product.

August Glambox Revealed

I genuinely love the concept of monthly beauty boxes. There are times I squeal with joy when opening them, and then there are times when I look at the contents with dissatisfaction. Regardless, I've discovered a plethora of brands simply through boxes like Glambox and have ended up purchasing full-sized products, some on a regular basis.

This month's box contains brands that I've been accustomed to using over the past 3 years, one more than the other.

June Glambox Revealed

Don't we all just love surprises? Especially when they come concealed in a vibrant pink box with the name Glambox on it? It's one of those beauty boxes I look forward to every month because I discover new products (and services, at times) on and off. In addition to this, you also get vouchers across the spas, bakeries, restaurants, salons and more.

This month's box is a pretty cool one. There's a brand I discovered that I'm really excited about!

Glorious Locks With L'oreal's Jewel Edition Mythic Oil

I can't count on my fingers how many girls in the country complain about their hair. Even the girls with the prettiest hair have something to say about the humidity/ heat that is wrecking havoc on their tresses. Dubai's unforgivable heat not only melts your makeup but gives you a head full of frizz.

The other day I had blow dried my hair at home in a hurry whilst skipping the serum because I was late (never doing this again) and headed to my favorite hotel in the city, Zabeel Saray. If you haven't been there yet, do so. It truly is an exceptional hotel with impeccable service and grand views. After having lunch at Nafoorah (another good Lebanese restaurant), I waited outside for the valet to get my car. Sure enough, there was a warm breeze that navigated through my hair every now and then. I didn't pay much attention, got in the car and drove back home. What I'm going to say next is not exaggerated.

Review: The White Room Spa, Dubai

In a place like Dubai, where you have a social event every other day, salons are known for their blow dries, mani/pedi services and hair color (in that particular order). When I compliment my friends about their hair, I realize the culprit is a good blow dry.

It's rare that you get to pay a flat fee for blow dries. 90% of the salons charge you based on the length of your hair and half of them don't even do a good job. I've only found one place in Dubai that actually does do good blow dries and charges a flat fee no matter what your hair length is (Marquee, brainchild of the famous Nail Spa). The other day though, I discovered another place and it's become a favorite- The White Room Spa.

Review: Sugar Urban Nails, Dubai

Last week, I was invited by Sugar Urban Nails salon located in Almas Tower, JLT to try out their services. I love getting my nails done (who doesn't?) and my favorite is when you get to top it off with a treatment.

First off, let me start by saying that I love almonds, so I selected the Milk & Almond manicure along with the Sexy Soles pedicure. I noticed the salon doesn't stock Essie but does have the latest in OPI and CND, which is just fab! They also happened to stock the latest OPI collection which featured a sunny yellow and vibrant coral. I opted for a violet for the mani and a lilac for the pedi.

My treatment began with the basic nail care and what followed was a truly pampering treat.The Milk & Almond manicure consisted of a sugar and almond oil scrub applied to my arms and hands. It served as an exfoliator and it felt great knowing that the key ingredient here was almond oil (it has a number of skin beautifying benefits!). A few minutes later, the scrub was wiped off. My arms and hands felt softer immediately; post the scrub a gorgeous golden gel (shea butter with almond) was applied to boost the moisture levels. My arms were wrapped in cling-film and after 15mins, the gel was wiped away with a warm towel. It was followed with applying the polish on my nails. This treatment was pure bliss!

The Sexy Soles treatment was equally amazing! This treatment is best for tired feet as it contains cooling mint and relaxing lavender. My feet and nails were given the usual process of a pedicure (sans the color) and then plopped in a warm lavender soak. It was quite relaxing. We always put our feet through so much, that we forget to pamper them (raise your hand if you have foot blisters from wearing those Louboutins).

Later, my feet were scrubbed with a refreshing spearmint scrub, followed by a cooling mint masque and covered in cling-film so the skin soaks in all the goodness. The treatment concluded with a fab cream massaged in and a polish on my toes. I loved getting this treatment!

I also went in for one of Sugar Urban Nails' facials. The products used are by a Hungarian brand called Eminence Organics. I chose the White and Bright Eminence Facial as I wanted to get rid of the dullness and achieve a glow. All products by Eminence are organic in nature. The facial included a Yam & Pumpkin Peel that tingled slightly when applied to the face. I was told the peel was the key product that would work towards delivering the glow I was after.

While I did not notice a drastic change once the facial concluded (I was informed I will have to repeat the facial every month to see the results), my skin had a subtle glow- hurray! Did you know that the Eminence facials are preferred by celebs such as Megan Fox, Olivia Wilde, Madonna etc?

I concluded my pampering session at the salon with a blow dry. I LOVED the way the salon attendant (I didn't catch her name, unfortunately) did my hair. I asked for my hair to be blow dried straight but she gave my hair volume and slight curls at the end- it was fit for an event. I totally loved it.

The staff at Sugar Urban Nails were hospitable and I was quite happy with everything! I will definitely be going back for the Sexy Soles pedicure and the blow-dry. I recommend everything you've read, but if anything at all, get the blow-dry. You won't be disappointed.

I'm so glad I discovered this little gem of a salon. Special thanks to Sugar Urban Nails for this pampering treat! Connect with them on Facebook  or view their menu of service and book your appointment today!

Review: Dove Hair Fall Rescue System

If you ask me to list the top 10 brands that I blindly trust, Dove will be one of the top 3. Dove is a brand that is dear to me. I still remember the 1990s(?) ad that featured the classic white & blue soap pack and the litmus test. I also remember the magic of using Dove soap regularly- the result was revealed when a friend in school exclaimed, "You have really soft hands. What cream do you use?". I didn't tell her (Oh, c'mon! I wanted to be the girl with the softest hands!).

I trust Dove. I love Dove. I can recollect the time when the brand first launched its shampoo. I made a beeline to the supermarket aisle and grabbed the product. Within the first wash and there's no exaggeration here, my hair was instantly softer. I kept touching my hair because I couldn't believe a shampoo that claimed to deliver beautiful hair lived up to its claim. While the shampoo didn't tackle other hair issues like hair fall, it instantly became a favorite. The only thing missing was a hair mask. Dove, at the time didn't have one and I used to tell myself that I would be the first to purchase should they launch it.

I can go on and on about my love for Dove (even my parents love it!)- it's one brand that hasn't disappointed me throughout the years. It has evolved, launching different products with the promise of beautiful hair and skin (have you tried their body range? The shower gels and body lotions are amazing!). Read my other reviews on Dove's Purely Pampering Body Cream and Ultimate Nourishment Range.

So, when I was sent the latest from Dove- the Hair Fall Rescue System, I had a smile on my face which read as, "Hi there, ol' buddy."

The Dove Hair Fall Rescue System consists of 4 products: shampoo, conditioner, leave-on-intensive root treatment (or a leave-in-conditioner) and a hair mask.

Dove states that majority of the hair fall occurs at the roots and the Hair Fall Rescue System is designed to combat this particular problem. The products in this range contain Trichazole Actives, which act as a root strengthener or root 'glue' thereby, keeping the hair firmly in place at the roots. Let's get started with reviewing these products, shall we?

I put all 3 products to test for a period of 3 weeks (Dove suggested 2 weeks). While the Hair Fall Rescue shampoo has a slightly thicker consistency, the conditioner is much lighter. Both have a subtle yet pleasant fragrance that tends to linger on long after the hair has been washed.

I usually avoid using conditioner because, let's face it- it's a hassle to slap conditioner on your hair, then wait for 5 mins until it does its work. In other words, I am devoid of patience. Since I wanted to know if this range lives up to its claim, I religiously used the conditioner. From the first wash, my hair was soft to touch.

I don't know what secret ingredient it is, but it's present in every Dove shampoo (and most probably, conditioners). It instantly makes my hair soft, I'm not exaggerating! I know some girls who mentioned Dove shampoos weighs down their hair but it works perfectly for me. This is one of the things I absolutely love about this brand. Even their soap makes my hands soft! Moving on...the star product of this range is the Leave-On Intensive Root Treatment.

Leave in conditioners have a special place in my heart. It gives me great satisfaction knowing there's something that's working around the clock to keep my hair healthy. The Leave-On treatment is no different. Did I mention how easy it is to use? You snap open the mini lid and apply the product directly from the tube. It is clear and has a consistency that is slight thicker than water. It is applied on the scalp as opposed to on the hair. Massage the product and style hair as usual.

It does not leave the hair looking oily/greasy and neither does it weigh it down. I love this. I love the fragrance, the benefits...I love everything about this leave-on treatment/conditioner.

So, what about the results? Dove claims that you will notice a decline in hair fall from the first wash. As much as I love the brand, I have to say that wasn't the case for me. What I did get from the first wash is truly soft hair, which I love. I started to see the results of the Hair Fall Rescue Range close to the end of the 2nd week, so you could say 3rd week as such. I noticed there aren't as many hair strands stuck in the hair brush anymore (you have no idea how happy I am). It's not a drastic change but even a little improvement when it comes to hair fall is appreciated! I've said this a hundred times and I'll repeat once more- my hair is softer and smooth. I am impressed with the results and will continue using this range.

I will be purchasing the shampoo and leave-in conditioner (I'll skip the stand-alone conditioner for now) once my current supply is depleted.

This range gets my seal of approval!

Have you tried this range? What's your favorite from Dove? Sound off in the comments section below.

The Dove Hair Fall Rescue range is available supermarkets and hypermarkets across the UAE.

*The product(s) was sent by the brand/ its reps for a review. All reviews are based on my personal experience & outcome thereby presenting an honest opinion to the readers.

Herra Protect: The New Hair Perfume

Summer's right around the corner and while it means hordes of people flocking to the beach, buying ice-cream, retailers selling special sunscreen lotions etc, it also means frizzy hair. Summer is unforgiving to the hair strands, that's why there are products such as hair sunscreen (yes, they exist!) and protective hair sprays.

And that brings me to a new product known as Herra Protect Hair Perfume. The product, designed by Chanel's former fragrance expert, is a fragrance for hair but also has a host of added benefits of hydration and protection.

It combines Sunflower and Olive Fruit extracts that prevent fading of hair color, protect against UV damage and free radicals. The other key ingredient is Glycerine, which is known for its moisturizing properties. And now, the best part- the fragrance consists of vanilla, midnight orchid, mimosa and musk among other glorifying ingredients.

You know how we start the week with red-carpet ready hair? The shiny, oil free, luxurious hair? And then mid-week, the hair goes through a panic attack and decides it should look like a mop i.e. lifeless? Or how about when you step out of the salon and your hair smells a bit like the hair-dryer? Remember the time when your friend smoked in her car and your hair ends up smelling like cigarettes? While Herra Protect won't revive the lifeless looking hair (it's not a dry shampoo), it will definitely make it smell great.

Herra Protect is also safe to use on hair subjected to the Keratin treatment and or colored hair.

I've use this on and off throughout the week and love it. A few spritz of the product is enough for the entire day. It's almost as good to use it as a standard fragrance!

I got the chance to interview James Davis, the founder of the fab product. I asked him a bunch of questions including how we can protect hair from extreme weather conditions/changes. Here's what he had to say:

Have you tried Herra Hair Protect? What do you use to protect your hair in the summer?

Herra Hair Protect is available in UAE at all branches of Sisters Beauty Lounge, Bloomingdale's, Harvey Nichols and online at Bashara Care & Tejuri.

October Beauty Bliss

This month's beauty feature includes several awesome things. Actually, they include all of my favorites. Bad hair day? I got the solution for that. Can't decide on a new eye-shadow? I got an answer for that as well. And so much more, so read on.

A shower gel or body scrub can make a huge difference to the way you and your skin feels. This month, I tried two amazing bath products. The first is a bath soak/body scrub known as Dermalogica Hydro Active Mineral Salts.

This product reinvigorates your senses the moment you open the lid. It has a spicy fragrance to it and at times it can get a little overwhelming. Infused with a number of benefiting ingredients such as cardamom, ginger, lavender, seaweed and dead sea salts, this product can be used in two ways.

If you've come home all tired after a long day at work, use this product to create a stress reducing bath soak. I use this as a body scrub and my God, does this make my skin super soft! The granules scrub off every piece of dead skin and leaves my skin like silk. My cousin did ask me to mix this with a little honey to pamper the skin- I have yet to try this.

If you are more of a shower gel girl, try Lush Cosmetics' Ponche.

Lush never fails to impress and Ponche packs a punch because it is a concoction of orange juice, plum and cinnamon. It has a wonderful fragrance and leaves skin feeling luxuriously smooth. Use it in the mornings to wake yourself up.This shower gel gets bonus points since it contains orange juice (my favorite!),

We've all had those days where our hair was more blah than glam, right? Davines' Hair Refresher is a dry shampoo that not only gets rid of that greasy look but also blasts your hair with enough root volume. I give it an A+.

It was actually a surprise to find a dry shampoo that lives up to its word. I've bought at least three dry shampoos from different brands previously, and I found myself changing from one brand to another because they weren't that great. The Hair Refresher is fragrance-free and amazing on the hair. Plus, it does not leave that pesky white residue (I've been told by a hair dresser that you need you hold the can at a decent distance and spray. Usually, people do just the opposite and end up with white residue). This is another product from Davines that has become a favorite. Read about my first Davines favorite here, which also happens to be a hair care product!

Does your eye-shadow palette look blah as well? Experiment with a new color, I say! Have you tried Une's Sfumato Eye Shadow range?

Designed to give you that intense color, these eye-shadows come in shades of earthy browns, vibrant blues, rich plum and subtle taupe. I use a gorgeous aubergine color known as S23.

The product is finely milled and goes on effortlessly. Dont' forget to use a primer for the true color of the shadow to show up. Une has a few other amazing products including a beautiful nail color and a golden BB cream. The latter is my favorite and I use it as a highlighter.

Bourjois is another brand that's making quite a lot of noise in the market. Their new shower gels and deodorants range have arrived in the region. How fab is that? I was just getting used to their previous launches that included a fab new foundation, eye shadows, mascara and all that jazz. From the 4 new deodorants, I tried Bourjois's Protection Extreme deodorant. It is antiperspirant and possesses the most fresh fragrance I have ever experienced from a deo.

A combination of green tea, green apple, rose, musk and amber create a wonderfully pleasant fragrance. Did you know that Bourjois started off as a perfumer? That's why every single product of their's possesses a distinct fragrance. The Protection Extreme deodorant is free of alcohol and parabens. Don't forget to check out the shower gels that come in 4 different fragrances.

And that wraps up this month's beauty favorites. Have you discovered something new that you recommend? Let me know in the comments section.

*The product(s) was sent by the brand for a review. All reviews are based on my personal experience & outcome thereby presenting an honest opinion to the readers.

Review: Davines Glorifying Hair Care Range

You may not realize this but hair, just like skin requires UV protection. Surprise! Yep, sunscreen for hair exists. The sun has drying effects (or as I like to call it, moisture absorbing effects) not only on the skin but also on hair. This is where those wide brimmed hats come into use. The harsh summer weather has taught me that scarves or hats are not the only things that protect the hair. What you wash your hair with also plays a major role.

The Davines Glorifying Hair Care line seems like a breath of fresh air. Designed specifically to protect and sustain the intensity of colored locks, the range of products are power packed with anti-aging ingredients and UV protection.

I tried the products for about 4 weeks and here's my verdict:

The Glorifying Shimmering Shampoo is meant to soften and hydrate the hair. Whilst it is called a shampoo, it does not lather like your standard shampoos.

When I used it first, I thought my hair wasn't wet enough and hence no lather. This seems more like a smooth-it-on-your-hair-and-wash-off product. The shampoo is liquid in nature and not the usual creamy/ gel like version we are all used to. Post using this a total of three times in different weeks, while I didn't notice a huge difference, my hair did seem to be a little more calm in the frizz department. Although the name of the product states 'Shimmer', it does not contain any shimmer/glittery particles.

The Glorifying Pak is a hair mask that has a thick consistency. I applied this from root to tip and waited for a full 15 minutes before washing it off even though it says 5 mins is sufficient.

The best part is that it does not drip and once applied, it has an extremely faint (bearable and pleasant) fragrance. I used this mask religiously and the results were visible. Improved hair condition i.e. softer hair. I still use this mask from time to time especially when my hair requires a little pampering.

The Glorifying Treatment Color Protective is a leave-in conditioner in liquid form. I depend on leave-in-conditioners. They are one of the best inventions for hair. This product is my favorite out of the bunch.

It smells divine and imparts shine like no other. It comes in a spray bottle hence wastage is not going to be a problem. Even if I don't use the shampoo or hair mask, I use the leave-in conditioner after every wash. Did I mention it softens my hair? Impressive product. Love it! I wish it came in a slightly bigger bottle.

The Glorifying Serum takes second place after the leave-in conditioner. This silk like and completely light-weight oil contains the famous Omega-6 and is ideal to use after styling the hair. It's more like a hair serum that gives hair the red-carpet ready polished look. As a bonus, it does not weigh the hair down.

About two to three drops goes a long way. Do not use more than that, else your hair tends to stick in bunches (yes, it happened to me in the first try when I pumped quite a bit). This is similar to the other hair serums I use on and off- Kerastase Elixir Ultime and Redken's All Soft Argan-6 Oil. The Davines serum, however is lighter in consistency as opposed to the slightly thicker version noticed in Kerastase and Redken.

Overall, I love this hair pampering range. Previously, I blogged about my favorite Davines shampoo that has similar properties in terms of hydrating the hair. While that is great and helps, if you want double the protection try the Glorifying range. It won't disappoint.

What are the hair care products you swear by?

Davines is available at selected stockists in the UAE. Call Davines on 04-447 7636 to make a purchase.

*The product was sent by the brand/ its reps for a review. All reviews are based on my personal experience & outcome thereby presenting an honest opinion to the readers.

July Beauty Bliss

A new month, a new bunch of beauty goodies to tell you all about. Some of these have become a must have and you'll know why once you read on.

I love cinnamon. Take one whiff of it and it uplifts your senses (it does mine!). It's a spice that does wonders for the face and body and it reminds me of my new discovery: Davines Hammam Ritual Massage Cream.

It's a ridiculously amazing body moisturizer that has a lingering fragrance of Ylang-ylang and chili pepper. The consistency of the cream is just about right- you don't end up with a greasy finish.

Keeps my skin hydrated for hours; I use this immediately after a shower/bath. The skin absorbs the cream in an instant. Did you know that the essential oil from the Ylang-ylang flowers are used in aromatherapy products?

Since we are talking about showers, I wanted to reiterate how much I love Davines Replenishing Hair and Body Wash.

I use this mainly as a shampoo and it truly pampers my hair leaving it soft and frizz-free. I keep getting the "You've done something different to your hair" comment when I really haven't. Read more about why I love it so much.

My other discovery is Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel. This is a spa-material cleanser. It is a soap-free cleansing gel that contains mint and lavender.

I wished this cleanser had a mint fragrance but it is fragrance-free. A clear gel that foams to clean away impurities, it left my skin clean and soft to touch.

Lavender has all the calming properties in the world, so the inclusion of this ingredient in the cleanser is a bonus! You need just a small amount of the gel to cleanse the face; this bottle will last you for well over a month.

A moisturizer is a must and if it is light-weight, even better. Dr. Dennis Gross Hydra-Pure Oil Free Moisturizer is great to use in the morning and night.

The consistency is that of a serum & cream and is absorbed quickly by the skin. Packed with anti-aging ingredients, vitamins and anti-oxidants, this moisturizer not only keeps the skin supple, but also acts as an anti-acne cream preventing future breakouts and treating current ones.

 The moisturizer claims that it gets rid of all the 'plugs' created on our skin i.e blocked pores through the use of tap water. The 'plugs' is what gives rise to skin problems such as acne, blackheads etc. Sounds revolutionary to me. So many benefits in one cream!

What's summer without a pop of color? I love Bourjois' Color Boost Lipsticks. It's the latest in the lip crayon craze and it keeps lips protected from the harsh rays of the sun. Vibrant color and well hydrated lips? Read all about it.

And hey, let's not forget the pop of color on the cheeks. Benefit Cosmetics is one of my favorite make-up brands and when they launched their multi-tasking product called Fine One One, I made a bee-line for it. Gorgeous colors that work on the cheeks and lips- read why this is a must have.

Are you using a product that has become your favorite? Something you can't do without? Tell me all about it!

Review: Davines Replenishing Hair & Body After Sun Wash

Summer is the time when the sun decides to mess up hairstyles, no matter what. Brands left, right and center release their editions of sunscreens, anti-sun sprays, tanning lotions and similar. And we rush to the salons for that treatment which promises to soothe each hair strand so that we don't look like we have a bird's nest perched on our heads.

I don't have the luxury of time always and hence, I rely on the hair care products like hair serums or home-made hair masks like this and this to nourish and moisturize my hair.

I've heard quite a lot about Davines and this is the first time I try them. I got my hands on the Davines SU Replenishing Hair & Body After Sun Wash.

Considering I don't have glorious locks, something that states 'replenishing' or 'nourishing/conditioning' is a bonus but hey, almost every hair care product claims that. So, how do I know it is effective? When I see or feel the difference in the first try; I saw it with this particular Davines shampoo. You might think I have high expectations if I'm looking for a difference so quickly but I kid you not- there are products for both skin and hair I have that deliver what they claim in the first go.

The Davines Replenishing Hair & Body After Sun Wash is part of the Sun Care range. The Wash was designed to infuse life into hair after it has been exposed to the sun (the sun has similar damaging properties on the hair as it does on the skin). It has a pleasant fragrance and among other ingredients, is packed with apricot oil that has moisturizing properties. The consistency is that of shampoos.

I don't spend hours in the sun so I used this as I would a regular shampoo. I usually apply a leave-in-conditioner or hair oil like Kerastase' Elixir Ultime or Redken's All Soft Argan Oil after washing my hair but this time around I didn't because I made a beeline to my room to watch Bayern vs. Dortmund.

Post the game, I had a look at my hair and I noticed two things- it was soft to touch and I mean soft(!) and it had a little shine too! I was sooooo happy- in fact, at first I thought I ended up with a few white hair strands (I was ready to yank them) but realized it was the light bouncing off my hair hence the shine. I kept touching and looking at my hair because I was taken aback. I wasn't expecting results so quick and I certainly wasn't expecting that shine (not like the shine on models's hair in the ads but enough to make me happy).

I haven't used this as a body wash yet, I think I'll reserve it for the hair. Davines states that this product protects hair from dehydration and is suitable for all hair types that is exposed to sun, sea salt and chlorine.

If you plan to soak up the sun this summer or spend time swimming, you might want to try this.

Davines is available at selected salons across the UAE and other GCC countries.

*The product was sent by the brand/ its reps for a review. All reviews are based on my personal experience & outcome thereby presenting an honest opinion to the readers.

Color Your Hair Without Hair Color

It seems like an oxymoron but when I discovered this I wanted to drop everything I was doing and get the tips of my hair colored. I mean, if you can color your hair without the chemicals found in hair dye...you got a winner! Before Katy Perry made it made popular, I've always wanted to color my hair a cobalt blue but never got to it. I need a friend to color her hair in an awkward (hair) color so we can both be laughed at.

Image credit: Joanna G

Anyway, on to my discovery! So how do you do it without hair dye? One word: Chalk. Let me say that again- c.h.a.l.k. The same thing teachers used years ago to write on black boards in schools. How super is hair coloring with chalk? It is temporary- the color washes away once your hair comes in contact with water but this is just amazing.

Image credit: Joanna G

All you need is chalk and a little water. Wet the chalk a bit and rub it against your hair and voila! Colored tresses. Wait until your hair has dried and then you can show it off. The color doesn't show up that well on hair that has a darker pigment as opposed to lighter colored hair.   

More info on Joanna's blog. I can't wait to try this!

How To Get Softer, Frizz-Free Hair

The other day my mom  read this hair mask recipe in the magazine and asked me to try it. I'm not a hair mask fan...I just can't stand such things. I usually want to wash my hair quickly and be done with it. So I applied the mask anyway and it turned out to be a total miracle mask.

The mask not only made my hair SOFT but also happened to straighten my slightly wavy hair to some extent. It also added SHINE to the hair (unfortunately, it wasn't the glossy shine you see in the ads but there was visible shine). And all this happened in one use! At work, one of my colleagues asked, "Did you do something to your hair? It looks healthy".

DIY Hair Mask: How To Get Softer Hair

I hate my hair. I really do. I try to tame them but noooooo! They got a mind of it's own. I don't have poker straight hair but wavy to straight. I also don't have enough volume in my hair and like all the girls, I experience hair loss. Blame the stress and extreme weather conditions of Dubai.

While at a beauty event, my friend and fellow blogger Ekta suggested I try an avocado+egg hair mask. So I went home, did some research and mixed together in a bowl the following ingredients:

1 mashed avocado (if you have really long hair, use 1.5 avocados)
1 egg yolk
A few tablespoons of honey (this is optional)

I slathered this paste all over my hair avoiding the roots because I was told it would make the top part of the hair look oily. I then covered the hair in a shower cap and waited for an hour before washing it off with shampoo.

I saw the difference in the first wash. My hair were really soft to touch- the frizz was gone! No more fights with the hair- yay! My hair isn't that great so I didn't notice the shine but I'm sure with regular application, I can reap the benefits.

These ingredients work immediately because they are packed with vitamins and proteins. Honey is the best thing when you are experiencing dryness either on your face (make a yogurt and honey mask!) or body (make a sugar and honey body scrub) or hair (either this mask or a mayonnaise and honey mask!).