Fashionably Yours

I’ve been day dreaming about my travel plans ever since the Dubai summer heat hit us with a vengeance! I’m thinking Spain with my bestie, but then Paris sounds amazing too! Or wait, how about Belgium- with the waffles, and chocolates and diamonds… Oh well so many choices, so little time (um, also limited funds and measly days off work!)

Summer vacation esstentials

Even as I make up my mind and try to save up like crazy, I’ve already finalized my wish list to be packed off with me. Here’s the travel essential ready reckoner that every girl needs this summer-

1. On top of my list is beachwear, but obviously- I recently came across this very sexy Brazilian beachwear brand, Kariza and instantly fell in love with the versatile and gorgeous little things I saw- Picked up this bikini and an amazing sarong-style beach dress which can be worn in over 7 ways! Keep a lookout for the full feature soon- my versatile Kariza summer closet coming up.

Kariza Swimswuit -available at Dubai Mall

2. The Neutrogena Ultra sheer Dry Touch Sunblock — Now sunblock may be a no- brainer to pack for a vacation but it’s extremely important to pick the right one! Ask me, because I was a victim of nasty allergy-inducing sunblock a couple of years ago and came out of the whole experience wiser and super particular about my skin brands.  That’s also when I finally found my savior- The Neutrogena Ultra sheer Dry Touch Sunblock – It’s weightless, waterproof and wonderfully clean. I’ve NEVER settled for anything less ever again.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 45

3. L’Occitane Magnolia & Mure Eu De Parfum:  I literally just opened it up and as it lies here on my table as I blog, I’m wondering how I’m going to be able to keep my hands off this bottle! Swooning over this amazing scent- It’s a blend of flowers and fruit and has a velvety texture to the fragrance, with Magnolia as the top note and musky blackberry for a woody backnote- very evocative and perfect for travel, with its easy to carry, fuss-free packaging.

Magnolia and Mure EDT

4. Davines: Absolute Beautifying Potion
Summer is always tough on tresses, what with the blazing sun and sand and wind in your hair! Add the fabulous Davines Beautifying oil to style, strengthen and bring the sexy back.

Davines Oil Beautifying portion

5. Benefit Fake Up
Now this is one magical little stick you must have in your purse at all times! The Fake Up concealer has been saving my life at early morning meetings after late night weekdays and super hectic schedules here at home- but I reckon it will be super handy to look my best even on vacation! Begone dark circles and after party blues- If I’m on vacation, I better look the part!

Benefit Fake Up Concealer

Happy vacationing!

I always thought ‘Micodermabrasion’ sounded like something scary to do to your skin…it’s just so clinical and industrial- sounding. But my first experience with this micro- exfoliating skin treatment at ‘The Cure’ Spa was anything but! I emerged unbelievably soft, even toned and happily blemish-free… a great way to kick-start the summer with dewy-fresh skin!

Microdermabraision at The Cure Spa, Dubai Media City

This new lease of life to my skin was offered by Ana, the lead skin specialist at The Cure, with an elaborate and indulging clean up and extraction, steam, facial, microdermabrasion and finally a hydrating and calming face mask, all with Demalogica products- another brand I’ve recently become a huge fan of (Infact, Ana at The Cure can be credited for my newfound fanatic love for Dermalogica!)

Microdermabraision at The Cure Spa, Dubai Media City

The full effect of Microdermabrasion was seen after a few days. I actually did a double take in the mirror as I couldn’t believe the improvement in texture, tone and complexion! It really was transformational, to say the least- and that too without the use of any chemicals ( unlike those chemical peels that  are quite dangerous to use on the skin) Microdermabraision simply exfoliates with micro- granules, using a suction tube, removing dead cells and dullness off the face.

Microdermabraision at The Cure Spa, Dubai Media City

I highly recommend the Microdermabraision facial at The Cure, Dubai Media City for a fuss free and chemical-free instant skin makeover! Find the full treatment menu here or follow them on Facebook for news and updates.

Pure. Proven. Professional- says the tagline below Alterna Haircare and I’ve had the chance to put each of these three words to test!

At first, I was a bit skeptical to try a new product on my hair, considering how temperamental the weather is at the moment and what it’d doing to my hair right now- making it dry at the ends and oily at the roots. The hot summer days are just around the corner and I’m dreading the worst onslaught on my hair. Enter Alterna Anti Aging Caviar treatment and my mane has not stopped thanking me ever since! It also has celebrity Katie Holmes captivated, as she hops onboard as brand ambassador for Alterna.

Gorgeous Katie Holmes is the new face of Alterna Haircare range!

That’s right- anti aging is for the hair too! Sun exposure and color treatment, excessive straightening and perming etc ages the hair beyond it’s years, making it look lifeless, unmanageable and way older than it really is.

Alterna Caviar Overnight Rescue serum

I thought there was no way back but the Alterna Caviar Overnight Hair Rescue Serum reversed the aging, after literally just 2 uses! As soon as the overnight Caviar serum was washed off, I felt the hair was visibly silky, soft to touch and very easy to style! It gave my hair a thick texture and a lovely bounce to boot!

Alterna Caviar Moisture Masque

The Caviar anti-aging Moisture Masque was also a big hit. I’m used to very light conditioners and masks since I have fine hair, which tends to go flat but this was a whole new world for me. Extremely light with a very light scent (just the way I prefer it), the Caviar Moisture Masque took the Alterna experience to the next level!

Alterna Caviar Anti aging Shine Boost

Finally, the Alterna Caviar Shine Boost was the cherry on the cake! My favorite Alterna product, this high shine product (to be applied after conditioning on towel dried hair) is the ultimate hero! Glossy, shiny and super silky smooth hair in less than 3 minute- that’s what I saw after I dried off and had actually to feel it to believe it!

In all, fabulous products for the hair. What I loved about this range is that it delivered what it promised and more! Plus, the formulae were so light that there was absolutely no product build up. Definitely give it a try. Alterna Products are available exclusively at Beautylicious in the Middle East.

The Alterna Caviar Experience kit is up for grabs!

For all readers of Fashionably Yours, I’m giving away a fabulous ‘Alterna Caviar Experience kit’ to a lucky subscriber! All you have to do is be an email subscriber of Fashionably Yours and ‘LIKE’ the Facebook page for Beautylicious!
Winner will be announced on 14th of April on Fashionably Yours Facebook Page!