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BEAUTY

In BEAUTY on
February 26, 2015

Look Good, Feel Good at Zen the Spa

These were from the Look Good, Feel Good event at Zen the Spa in Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana. I was a bit late for the opening “ceremonies” so we just went straight to the grub. 😀 


Guests at the event were treated to express shoulder and neck massage and free facials. I wasn’t able to try the facial and other facilities, but I was able to get the express massage. It was so good and yet so … quick (as they say, good things never last. LOL!)

We were given a tour inside the spa and I loved how ZEN it was.

Zen The Spa Sauna


I love going to the spa. I love doing the whole sauna/steam bath then a relaxing massage. Ahh.. bliss! Maybe I’ll have a go soon. Here’s more info on Zen the Spa and check out their fab offers as well.  

In BEAUTY on
February 24, 2015

An Afternoon at the White Room Spa

I’m fried. My brain is fried. It has been this way for quite some time now. I’m always exhausted, and sluggish. I can’t make myself move to exercise or to do anything actually. I’m like a robot nowadays. I wake up, do my morning rituals and go to work. Work then go home to eat, play with B and my phone (yes, currently addicted to Clash of Clans! Don’t judge me)

I do still get invited to events, but most of the time I decline because I still can’t get out of my blogging limbo. However, I make exceptions if I know it’s going to be worth my time. Just like last week when I spent an afternoon at the White Room Spa in Marina Plaza. (I know it’s a week late but still… 🙂 )

My schedule was at 4 pm, but I got stuck in office (what’s new?!) and there was an accident in Sheikh Zayed Road (again, what’s new?!) so I had to call them and move the appointment to 430. They were very accommodating which I appreciated so much. I arrived at Dubai Marina Mall, parked and I was running around trying to find the venue. 

For someone who’s not from the Marina area, I got lost. Marina Plaza is the building next to Dubai Marina Mall. Once you reach H&M, you go out to the parking/drop off area and follow the lane connecting the two buildings. The White Room Spa is just at the entrance. 

AB&Me_White Room Spa Reception

When I got there, we went straight to work on me. I was told that I was to get a “mini facial” and a manicure. I’m sure it was more than just a “mini facial” because it felt like a full blown facial with neck and shoulder massage! I’m not complaining though. I really needed that. It was so glorious that I almost cried. 

AB&Me_White Room Spa Facial 2

And speaking of crying, the lady who pricked and poked my face has the most gentle hands, I swear. I usually cry when I get my facials because it hurts, right? I mean, c’mon … the nose area is very painful, right? right?? Well, she took care of me properly and it felt like … uhm, I’m not very good at describing but here goes … it felt like fluttering butterfly wings on my face! 

AB&Me_White Room Spa Facial

When the facial was done, I was plastered on the bed. I was so relaxed that I can’t move. I just want to be in that kind of bliss forever. LOL! But, I need to move on coz I still have a manicure scheduled. And I thought since I’m already there, I might as well get some other stuff done. I told them that I’d like to add a pedicure, underarm waxing and eyebrow threading. They happily obliged. 

AB&Me_White Room Spa Room 2

Mani / Pedi Area

Next, I was ushered inside the room where they do mani/pedis. It was heaven for me .. because, you know, I’m a nail polish “addict”. I got especially excited when I saw the wall of polishes. They were using Essie nail polishes. I had to stand there for good 5 minutes before I was able to pick the color I liked. 

AB&Me_White Room Spa Essie Nail Polish 2

AB&Me_White Room Spa Essie Nail Polish

AB&Me_White Room Spa Room

What I liked:
  • The place is so clean and orderly. It’s a small unit, but they were able to make it work. I did not feel cramped nor suffocated. It was relaxing, totally. 
  • The attendants were very nice. Always smiling and helpful. They don’t talk to you non-stop. They do make small talk, but they know when to stop. I, for one, like to just sit and be quiet when I’m at the spa or salon coz that’s my “me time”. I don’t want to be talking about anything so I really appreciate that they let me be. 
  • They have excellent quality products to offer. 
AB&Me_White Room Spa Mani

Essie in Fishnet Stockings

What I don’t like:
  • Nothing really. Maybe except I got lost going there. But that’s not their fault. :p

When you’re in the area, do check them out for your quick beauty fix. You can even get a mini massage while sitting down and having your sandwich. Perfect during lunch breaks, yes?

The White Room Spa
Marina Plaza
Shop 1, Ground floor
Marina Plaza
Connected to Dubai Marina Mall
Dubai, UAE
+971 4 4421110

For more information, you can check their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest 

* I was a guest at the White Room Spa but all opinions are mine and uninfluenced. I was treated to a facial and manicure however, I paid for the rest of the other treatments. 
In BEAUTY on
December 12, 2014

Tried and Tested: Murad Skincare

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A few weeks ago, I received a gift from Murad skin care. It is the first Doctor skin care brand in the world and is present in more than 40 countries so of course, I’m excited to try it out!

Founded by Dr. Howard Murad in 1989, the company offers 130 high-performance, science-based, topical and internal skin care products.

The Murad Recipe

  • Antioxidants to neutralize cell damaging free radicals
  • Anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammatory damage
  • Hydrators to optimize the strength of skin’s barrier

The basics of skin care: CTM = cleanse, tone, moisturize! However, the Murad Method is slightly different: 

  1. Cleanse/Tone
  2. Treat/Repair
  3. Hydrate/Protect

For cleansing/toning, I received Murad Daily Cleansing Foam

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This dual-action foam deep cleans to remove dirt and oil while tightening the pores. It has Witch Hazel and copper Gluconate to remove excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. It also has Pomegranate and Japanese Alder Flower extracts to revitalize and provide antioxidant benefits. The AHA’s gently exfoliate while Sodium PCA leaves skin feeling balanced.

To use: apply and massage to wet face then rinse with warm water. Tip: a single pump of foam will do! Follow up with step 2 – Treat/Repair:

Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask

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This product dissolves dull, dry skin to keep looking fresh and clear while restoring smoothness and brightens. To use: Massage evenly over clean face and neck. Leave on for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and then pat dry. 

My notes: It feels cool and a little tingly but it goes away after a while.  

Step 3: Hydrate/Protect with Murad Anti-Aging Moisturiser – Broad Spectrum SPF20|PA +++

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I am most excited for this one! I finished my tube of moisturiser when I received the gift so I am definitely up to try a new product. “Anti-Aging” is just what I needed on top of the SPF protection!

A little goes a long way for this product. It doesn’t fee oily or greasy at all and it is easily absorbed by the skin. Aside from the SPF protection, it also plumps the skin to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. WIN!!

*Products are dermatologist developed and tested on people, not animals* — another win! Will I buy again? YES!

For more information about Murad Products, you can visit their official website: Murad – UAE. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.  

Disclaimer: Products were provided for review purposes however opinions are all mine and remains uninfluenced. 
In BEAUTY on
November 23, 2014

Review : Neutrogena Visibly Clear® Spot Stress Control

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Stres Control

Taking a quick break from my busy day to post this review. (yep, busy in real life so most of the time blogging takes a back seat).  I have been using this product for about two weeks now (or is it 3?)  and I am happy to report that it works.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control (whew! that’s a mouthful, I’ll just call it VCSSC, umkay?) helped my skin cope from a recent breakout. I rarely have pimples but when I don’t get enough sleep, they just pop out. One by one. As if General Pimple is sending troops to check the battlefield and then they report back:

Pimple Troop: General, the coast is clear. She has not slept properly in two days, so she’ll definitely be too lazy to wash up. 

General Pimple: Ok men, prepare for battle, we’ll start around the nose and chin then go from there!

HAHAHAHA. Yes, I have conversations inside my head. It’s fun. Try it. 😀

AB&ME NEUTROGENA HAND

VCSSC is clinically proven to treat and prevent spots before they appear. It has microbeads that gently exfoliates the skin and the Microclear technology helps to unclog pores, therefore clearing spots.  

AB&ME NEUTROGENA

What I love about it is that it’s gentle so I can use it in the morning and evening. It has a fresh scent that perks me up every time I use it. You only need a small amount and gently massage on to your wet face then rinse thoroughly. I do put on a moisturizer after use because you must moisturize, kids!

Neutrogena products are available on most pharmacies and supermarkets in the UAE and these retail at AED 37.75. 

 

Disclosure:
Product was sent for my review however opinions are all mine and remains unbiased. 
 

 

In BEAUTY on
September 9, 2014

Simple DIY Diaper Cake

Once upon a time, I made a Diaper Cake. It wasn’t the best looking diaper cake in town but I had fun making it. 

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Don’t confuse diaper cake with an actual cake because obviously this one is made of diapers. A friend of mine actually said to me, “ewww!! why would you eat diapers?!!”  I think I did not respond to that because I was busy laughing my head off.

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This was back in 2011. I was still pregnant with B. Actual “cake making” did not take long but I spent like a week browsing tutorials in YouTube. I made this for my friend’s daughter’s Christening.  I really think this is a good gift idea specially for babies because they can use everything in this cake (well, except for the ribbons, base and the tube used to hold the diapers).

 For the cake, I used about 64 pieces of newborn diapers, made tiny roses using small towels, and decorated it with ribbons and a ball on top. 

I’d like to do one of these again … who’s interested? 😀