The Launch of Namshi's SpringSummer '17 Collection

If you live in the GCC and aren't aware of Namshi.com, then you've been living under a rock. Having said that, I love Namshi. It's one of those online shopping websites that can do no wrong (atleast in my books). They are hassle and drama free, stock some of the best local and international brands (hello Topshop!) and have free (prompt) delivery + returns. Can they get any better than that?

Yes, they can and they did with the launch of their Spring/Summer '17 collection. Did I mention how much I love Namshi? I want almost everything from the new round of clothing, accessories and shoes. I love how they have incorporated some of the (intimidating) trends straight off the catwalk and made it easy to wear. I don't know who their styling team is. They do such a good job, it makes me want to impulse buy.

Summer is usually the time I tend to spring clean and buy a few pieces here and there. And Namshi makes it so much easier. Whether it's the beach or a dinner gathering, the online shopping site has you covered. From pastel tops to bright bottoms and everything in between, here's a look at the funky (and elegant) SS'17 collection. Also, find out how you can get a 10% discount off your order.

Review: Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Oud Satin Mood

I love oud. And it's not because I live in a country where oud and oud based fragrances are the epitome of local Arab households when it comes to scents. In the UAE, oud has taken a rather interesting turn. While we have local perfumeries that create classic oud fragrances, established global brands have studied and understood our love for oud thereby, developing their own versions.

Oud is beautiful and luxurious. It gives off a wonderful and pleasing fragrance. For some, it is overwhelming and immediately disregarded. For the rest (like me), it is one of the most unique ingredients in a fragrance. Having said that, I buy only a few oud fragrances as opposed to the collection of oriental/woody fragrances I own. And I don't really deviate from the local brands that develop my favorite oud fragrances. Having said that, there's one particular French perfumerie that blew me away with their oud fragrance.

Beach Essentials for Dubai's Summer

Tuesday this week, my cousin who lives in Milan, Italy messaged me with a rather interesting message.

"I'm cominnnnggg to Dubaaaai!"

It was pretty cool as we started to quickly message each other with what needs to be added and or excluded on her itinerary. And then she threw in something I'm not a fan of: "I also want to spend my mornings on the beach...". There was a mention of brunch (I love those, by the way) but everything she said post the beach message made me frown. 

I'm not a fan of beaches or the harsh sun. I love lounging at resorts that boast of pristine blue water swimming pools but I definitely prefer a shaded one. I grudgingly agreed to my cousin's beach request but not before telling her to bring a beach umbrella (not sure how she plans on getting that!). My beach essentials are pretty much full-blown protection, from sunscreens to hats and everything in between. My skin burns easily and I don't look forward to burnt skin and the corresponding peeling that accompanies it. So, I whipped up my beach essentials. 

All Glammed Up With Glamazle.com

One of the things I absolutely love about online beauty stores is the fact that they manage to acquire certain cosmetics and skincare/haircare brands that aren't available in the UAE yet. I spend a chunk of my monthly savings on online shopping (be it clothes or cosmetics or accessories) and it's because they have something unique to offer. And I doubt I will shy away from the trend of purchasing online- it's quick and you can return products you aren't happy with.

Performance aside, I also tend to buy beauty products because of the packaging. One look at Giorgio Armani's sleek casing or Tom Ford's luxe lipsticks is enough to make me buy them, but never use them (weird, I know). How about Diptyque? Among other things, I love the brand for it's minimalist designs.  

I think I speak on everyone's behalf when I say buying beauty products online can get a bit tricky. Consider foundation, for example- this is where you have to swatch the product on your skin in order to ensure you buy the right shade. Lipsticks can get challenging as well. There's one brand I am itching to try and discovered it about 2 years ago. The ever so popular Colour Pop Cosmetics. Because this brand isn't available in the UAE, I watched countless videos on YouTube and read blog posts in order to narrow down which matte lipsticks (about 90% of my lip colors are matte) and eye shadows would best suit me. After months of deliberation, I finally decided to place my order during a sale weekend (the brand has these every now and then). I placed my order and every 24 hours, logged onto the delivery site to check on the status. For 15 days straight, my package was still marked as being at the "facility of origin". I finally lost patience and cancelled my order. I never got to try the brand and their wonderful lip colors. 

That was until I discovered local online beauty store, Glamazle.com stocked the brand! I was ecstatic and had stars in my eyes. During their second birthday celebration, they displayed quite a few brands that I had no idea were stocked locally. I was pleasantly surprised (and impressed).

A Special Offers Filled Tuesday At City Walk, Jumeirah

I appreciate brands that offer something special to women especially when it comes to cosmetics. I mean, how many times have we all been swayed by Sephora's almost perfect deals and free gifts upon purchase?

Dubai is one of those cities where retailers go out of their way to construct offers that are, at times unbeatable. I shop quite a lot, in-store & online and end up buying things I may or may not use (clothes with tags still on in my wardrobe, I'm looking at you!). At times I regret not waiting for the sale/promotion period because it seems like I've just lost out on good deals. 

And the most recent example is that of my purchase at Bobbi Brown. I love this brand and Bobbi has really gone out of her way to create products that are not only beautiful but also have a wonderful effect on the skin. I bought a handful of makeup the other day and then realized I should've waited for Tuesday to avail a 20% discount! 

Why? Because City Walk Mall launched the second edition of Her Tuesday, where women can avail discounts at select stores in the mall. And that includes Bobbi Brown!

Diptyque Favorites

There's something about opening a Diptyque box and immediately being transported (mentally) into a world of blossoming gardens. The fragrance of the classic white candles wafting through the room is enough to de-stress me.

Diptyque is one of my favorite brands, not only when it comes to candles but also fragrances. Take for example, the 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain or the Oud Palao. They're two of my favorites and I use them on special occasions. I always get asked (and complimented on) the fragrance I'm wearing.

Diptyque play host to distinct fragrances that you can recognize from a mile away. My friends have amassed a collection and their recommendations contribute to my collection building at the right pace.

Ajmal's Qafiya Fragrances

I love home-grown initiatives because they always strive to deliver something new and unique. Additionally, the local flavor they add to it is matched by none. I usually buy accessories from the local weekly fair or festivals that take place. The rings, bracelets and clutches are quite quirky and people always tend to appreciate it. Also, who wouldn't want to support the local talent? Not to be biased but, the it's incredible to see the women of the UAE realize their dreams in such a short span of time.

And talking about the UAE, the local parfumerie Ajmal collaborated with the youth of the UAE to create 2 new fragrances entitled Qafiya 1 and 2.

The Body Shop Launches Elixirs of Nature Fragrance Collection

I discovered The Body Shop about a decade and half ago when I received a Strawberry bath gift set from a friend. I was so delighted that I proceeded to select the same gift set for my best friend. Thus began the long and happy relationship between me and The Body Shop. I went on to find out that one of my friends was using a lip color I fancied and that happened to be from one of the aisles at The Body Shop (Clover 05 is the shade in case you are wondering).

Throughout the years, the brand has launched beautiful and environmental-friendly products whilst giving back to the community in several different ways. I loved this year's initiative. My favorite body products still remain the Wild Argan range of products.

It comes as no surprise that The Body Shop continues innovating and the most recent development is the launch of their fragrance collection known as Elixirs of Nature. I will choose one word to describe the fragrances: incredible.

Reviewed: Chateau de Versailles' Jardins de Versailles Fragrance

I have a massive collection of fragrances at home and my friends can't really can't gift me fragrances (they fail to) because I usually buy the latest ones from brands that I have a strong loyalty towards. While I prefer more of a woody/oriental perfume, I own a handful of florals that I've re-purchased throughout the years.

I discover fragrances either when I'm in the mall and they hand over a sample strip or when someone talks about a particular one constantly. I can't exit a store empty-handed. Even if I don't intend to make a purchase and walk into a department store (Galeries Lafayette, I'm looking at you), I end up in the fragrances section in awe of the wonderful whiffs.

Discovering Chateau de Versailles, a French perfumerie was a delight. Jardins de Versailles pretty much encapsulates the fresh and pleasant whiff of the garden florals.

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!

Give Tthe Gift Of Clean Water With The Body Shop

Drink at least 8 glasses of water. It helps in keeping your body hydrated, skin supple, joints movement fluid, prevents headaches and a list of things. 

How many times have you read or heard that? I'm willing to bet it's almost every second article regardless of the content of the website/magazine. Earth constitutes of 96% of water yet about 650 million+ people don't have access to it. Let me reiterate- they don't have access to water fit for drinking. There are families with kids who resort to contaminated water and in return end up contracting diseases that are life-threatening. Receiving treatment is another obstacle for them. 

We take so many things for granted. Almost everything in our lives is of significant value (humans and objects, alike) but we only tend to devote time and attention where there's a fear of loss. When was the last time you consumed 100% of the water poured into your glass at a cafe/restaurant? We are truly blessed to have access to almost everything we wish for. Why not do your bit this Ramadan by gifting families with clean, drinkable water? 

It's made easy with The Body Shop. Do you recall last year's initiative? 

July Glambox Revealed

Let me start of by saying the June Glambox is one of the BEST this year. Aptly named Arabian Nights, the beauty box arrived in the month of Ramadan filled with several things I fell in love with.

Many thanks to Glambox for creating these special themed boxes and bringing a smile to a lot of faces, including mine.

Here's the lowdown on what you can expect from each product:

The Body Shop & You: Empowering Children This Ramadan

Over the years, The Body Shop has regularly made an effort to champion environmental and social changes across the world. They make their voice heard through fundraising and charitable activities that in turn helps to improve the state of human rights, animal and environmental protection.

I appreciate a company that looks beyond their profit margin. In the region, The Body Shop develops and implements numerous charitable initiatives that require minimal effort from us. This year for Ramadan, they've partnered with War Child, a global charity that aims to improve the lives of children in war-trodden countries such as Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and more.

I was invited to be part of the launch event and was introduced to two new products. I got my hands on this gift set of fragrance mists- how amazing are the illustrations? If you look closely, it depicts the country of inspiration!

Reviewed: Miller Harris Cassis en Feuille Fragrance

If you read my blog, you will be aware of my penchant for fragrances. While some may argue that you only need 1 to 2 fragrances that serve as your signature scent, I say experiment. Sure, we all have that all-time favorite fragrance that was love at first sight. No matter what, it will always remain a favorite and evoke certain memories. But there's always room to discover other fragrances that may end up in your beauty case.

For me, those fragrances are unique in the sense that they are a far cry from the bottles of scented liquid I own. I usually go for woody/oriental; I do dabble in subtle floral fragrances every now and then but had the chance recently to be part of something new (and unique).

British perfumery Miller Harris celebrated its 15th anniversary and selected our very own Dubai to launch the vibrant, inspired by the gardens Le Jardin D'enfance collection. I was invited to discover the world of Miller Harris at my favorite place for tea, Fortnum and Mason (I love it!).

Review: Eau De Gaga Fragrance

I'm not a fan of celebrity fragrances- they don't put in as much effort as a perfumerie does and the fragrances usually appear to create hype due to the star power.

But it's a pleasant surprise that Lady Gaga's second fragrance, Eau De Gaga is far from disappointment. Much like her, it is a tad bit eccentric when you realize one of the notes contain leather.

The woody zesty fragrance, in a sleek mirror black bottle is unisex. Sure enough, it is a delight to wear. Being a fan of fragrances that exude a little freshness, the initial spritz had me sold.

Review: Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Fragrance

I'm going to start off by saying that I'm late to the Diptyque game. Being a fragrance enthusiast (read: addict), I'm surprised it's taken me so long to discover the world of Diptyque. While I've always heard a thing or two about their incredibly amazing candles and skincare products, I never quite ventured into the store.

So when a Diptyque fragrance arrived home, I thought of it as another Parisian fragrance but I stand corrected. It's quite a unique one and something that is a far cry from the ones I own.

The 2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Caron La Selection Discovery Perfume Set

Those who know me are aware of my penchant for fragrances. I have a few all time favorites that I use on special occasions. I'm not a fan of overpowering floral fragrances, I like the subtle version and appreciate the woody and (to some extent) oriental kind.

My vast fragrance collection is due to the fact that I usually purchase them when launched rendering my friends attempts to gift them to me futile. Once a friend told me that he had planned to get me a fragrance for my birthday and discovered through another friend that he should look for something else.

Having said that, when I step into the likes of Galeries Lafayette, Paris Gallery or Areej, it can get a bit difficult to find a perfect fragrance for friends or family (cousin, I'm talking about you!). What if they don't quite like it? What if they changed their minds in terms of oriental vs. the fresh florals? To nip the problem at the bud, you need to gift wrap a perfume box that houses an assortment of mini fragrances of different kinds.

Caron's La Selection Discovery Set for women is perfect for the season and for the fragrance lover in your life. It literally helps you discover which Caron fragrance you will fall in love with and comes with an empty purse spray.

Review: Lolita Lempicka Elle L'Aime A La Folie Fragrance

Do you remember the gorgeous Lolita Lempicka's Elle L'Aime Mon Rogue gift set? From the same powerhouse of glorious looking and smelling fragrances comes yet another gem, the Elle L'Aime A La Folie fragrance.

Review: Bath & Body Works Dark Kiss Fragrance

Every time I visit Bath and Body Works, I end up buying things I don't necessarily need. Don't get me wrong. Their products are great and I have no complains but there seems to be an invisible existential pull from the candles and shower gel sections. How else can you explain my purchases despite having the same thing at home?

The same phenomenon occurred when I was invited to preview Bath and Body Works' latest, Dark Kiss Eau De Parfum.

Lolita Lempicka Elle L'Aime Mon Rouge Gift Set

Red lipsticks. They are like the LBD of the lipstick universe, are they not? Finding the perfect red lip color can be a hassle- choosing the right undertone, the intensity of the color, the feel, the finish...I could go on.

I have always shied away from red lipsticks. For a long time, I felt I couldn't carry it off. It's too bold of a color for me and I told myself if I would ever wear a red lip color, it would have to be the perfect one (ideally, one with a blue undertone and a matte finish). I happened to find what I was looking for and was happy with it. Then I got bored and started to look for an alternative (am I the only one who goes through this?). Time flew and I forgot about my quest for the perfect red lipstick but my makeup destiny had other plans.

I attended the Lolita Lempicka Mon Rouge lipstick launch event the other week and was introduced to a gorgeous red lip color.

This was easily one of the best events I attended. I loved the venue, the interior decoration specifically for the event, the catering...everything was detailed and captured the essence of the brand.

Makeup artist, Najla Kaddour transformed the model's day makeup to an evening look using Mon Rouge. Najla is one of those makeup artists who is down to earth and a real joy to talk to. She actually remembered one of my skincare discussions I had with her at a previous event!

Mon Rouge in 10 Rouge Lolita is a limited edition lipstick housed in a gift set featuring the Elle L'Aime fragrance. I appreciate brands that go the extra mile with packaging. How beautiful does the gift set look?

The fragrance is a fusion of coconut flower and lime topped off with jasmine and myrrh merge. It smells divine and the bottle is absolutely gorgeous.

The star product, the Mon Rouge lipstick is incredible for several different reasons. When I opened up the tube and saw the bullet, I thought this would be just another red lipstick. Everything changed with the first swipe. I loved how the color looked on me. This is the first time I applied a lipstick and was impressed from the get go.

The vibrant red glides on like silk and gives a luminous finish. It boasts of plant-based ingredients that help keeps the lips in top condition. Mon Rouge doesn't entirely survive a meal though, but that's the case with most lipsticks where touch-ups are necessary.

Overall, I absolutely love it. The Elle L'Aime Mon Rouge gift set is a great gifting option and has my seal of approval. I'd be delighted to receive this! This is a gift set that says, "Smell great, look great".

The gift set is available in Paris Gallery, Areej and selected outlets across the UAE and is priced at AED 315.

Have you tried the lipstick yet? What about the fragrance? Tell me about it in the comments section below.