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The Velvet Nude Collection by Bourjois Crafted by Noha Nabil!

We can no longer contain our excitement … Finally, we get to reveal the long-awaited collaboration with Kuwaiti entrepreneur and influencer Noha Nabil where we proudly present The Velvet Nude Collection!

An extension to the Rouge Velvet the Lipstick range; the Velvet Nude collection consists of four exclusive Nude shades specially crafted to cater to the Middle Eastern women. Shade of luscious brown to the peachy nude, ladies in our region will now have access to the perfect nude lip colour that suits their skin tone – thank you Noha!

How did it all begin? Being a big fan of the brand, Noha was always intrigued to learn into the process of lipstick creation in the world of Bourjois Paris. In 2017, Noha was invited to the visit the Bourjois creative hub where all the magic happens in Paris. Noha worked hand in hand with the team on four special shades of colour she believes are a must for every woman to have.

Surrounded by desserts, an array of colours and paint palettes, Noha let her imagination run wild in in her world of the Middle Eastern Women à la Parisienne while she carefully pieced together the perfect shades.  Creamy Chocolate Blocks, drizzling Caramel, Peach tartes and violet macaroons… These are the colours and flavours that Noha felt mainly inspired to fit the skin tones of women from the Middle East. Bourjois and Noha together worked as a team and founded the four perfect shades that would cater to all the beauties of the Middle Eastern region. Noha explained: “For me, I believe one of the biggest challenges I have faced was that I never found that perfect Nude for my skin tone, this is something that I am certain many women in the Middle East face, but have no fear… The four shades of the Velvet Nude Collection are here.”

Feeling excited? It gets even better…Being an extension to the Rouge Velvet the Lipstick range only means that they are matte, long lasting and easy to apply with the tip being high in precision!  So not only do you get to wear a co-creation from your favourite makeup brand and Kuwaiti fashionista, you also have the benefits that are usually hard to find in one lipstick!

It’s all about the Nudes this season…

Bourjois Paris and Noha decided a nude range would best fit the needs of women in the Middle East. Noha also named all 4 shades, thrilling, we know! Want to get to know the shades better? Read on…

#14 Brownette: Noha wanted the ultimate lipstick to make a woman feel stronger and more confident… And what better way? This luscious chocolaty brown (so delicieux!) will give you the ‘edgy’ feel all while being within your Parisian chic mode. Go on, we dare you to try it…

#15 Peach Tatin; Practice what you preach, or let’s say peach…with your peachy nude lips! Inspired by her favourite French dessert, a Peach tarte Tatin, Noha created this fresh, happy and young shade that matches multiple skin tones!

# 16 Caramelody: did someone say darker nude lips? Yes please! As one of Noha’s favourite colours, she felt the need to create the perfect brown nude. Wear this to your breakfast meeting, or match it with your evening dress, this shade will fit whatever occasion you have planned

#13 NOHALICIOUS…the name speaks for itself, and isn’t it obvious that this is Noha’s much-loved shade? Swaying more to the pink and violet side of a nude, Noha has been long searching for such a shade with the perfect smooth texture…and of course, Noha created her very own version! Believe us, this colour will make your lips blush all day long

Retail Price: 79 AED – 79 SAR

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Versace Watches introduces the V-Flare

A fresh, colorful style that doubles as a must-have leather accessory – the V-Flare watch, a fun timepiece for the new generation.

A wrap-around leather strap pushes the boundary between bracelet and watch with that “oh-so-Versace” logo metal lettering. The straps come in a range of surprising color combinations: black and fuchsia, lilac and turquoise, light blue and dark blue, as well as black and yellow, and red and cobalt blue. An elegant grid metal bracelet version comes in IP Silver or gold. The petite circular case is featured in champagne or black IP steel. A precious version of the bracelet strap is also available with special diamond-shaped links and a diamond encrusted bezel. 

The Versace V-Flare watch starts at AED 2,500 and is available from April 2018 at Versace boutiques, at authorized retailers and online at Versace.com

 

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LONGCHAMP Summer 2018 Collection

World-renowned for its leather goods, shoes and women’s ready-to-wear clothing, Longchamp has designed a sophisticated, exotic summer collection for the modern, independent and cosmopolitan woman who appreciates French luxury by Longchamp.

Inspiration

A Rive Gauche resident’s journey to the heart of Africa. From Rue des Beaux-Arts to Boulevard Saint-Germain, this gentle and bohemian woman – an artist or a gallery owner with bold elegance and natural charm – is exploring the world of tribal art, specifically indigenous art and cultures. The materials used and the graphic effects inspired by the grids and highlights typical of African painting and sculpture also serve as sources of inspiration.

Ready-to-Wear

Laid-back sophistication is what it’s all about. The Longchamp woman teams a printed silk blouse with leather shorts. A safari jacket – with or without sleeves – in suede or cotton gabardine, complements a smooth leather patchwork skirt. Beautiful flowy dresses in dotted Swiss tulle or embroidered lace look even better when worn with a cropped suede jacket. The cropped jacket in woven fabric and lambskin boasts a resolutely contemporary look. The printed silk stole with leather fringing provides the perfect finishing touch to looks from the Summer 2018 collection. Leather, an iconic Longchamp material, comes in many different textures: velvety, smooth, printed, delicately woven into chevrons or fringed for a more casual feel. This lambskin leather is combined with feminine embroidered tulle, printed silk, textured jacquard or denim canvas.

Leather goods

Two bag designs epitomize Summer 2018 at Longchamp. The Madeleine bag has had a chic update inspired by indigenous art and cultures and now comes in an edgier version, incorporating different colors – nude and orange and honey and lilac – and materials – bullcalf leather, suede and vachetta – with detailing being given more emphasis for stylish effect. The Effrontée breaks with convention, playing up its sophisticated, rebellious feel. The chain strap and leather give this grainy-feel leather bag its rock and roll appeal.

Shoes

For its Summer 2018 collection, Longchamp has created a beautiful wooden-soled suede calfskin clog complete with an embossed weave or python print. Its expertise has also been used on some triple-strap flat sandals. Adorned with tiny 3D flowers, this design comes in smooth leather as well. There are espadrilles with ankle straps and woven rope soles that positively glow with their pink gold metallic leather. Suede lace-up boots with open toes complete this unique look.

Colors

Shades of terracotta, burnt sienna, khaki, honey and limestone add warmth to delicate pastels including lilac, powder pink, aqua and pearl. These unusual combinations really lift blue denim, intense black and bright white.

The Summer 2018 collection from Longchamp extends an invitation to travel, offering women an opportunity to embrace different ethnic designs, crafts and traditions.

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Fresh Hair in an Instant with SHOW Beauty

** The low-down on applying dry shampoo **

For a woman, a good day is a good hair day! And she can always count on a trusty dry shampoo to ensure just that. Dry shampoos work wonders when it comes to reviving limp hair, banishing greasy scalps and boosting volume, allowing for fresh, well-styled hair all throughout the week with much less effort, no soap, and no water. They are easy to use, travel-friendly and the best quick fix for a perfect hairdo. Here are some tips for the perfect application of SHOW Beauty’s Premiere Dry Shampoo:

Apply it to dry hair. Do not spritz on hair that’s even slightly damp because it creates product build-up at the roots which could clog up the follicles and affect scalp health. It will also appear dry and flaky.

Less is more. Applying too much product can make your hair look dull. Spray a little, then wait a few moments for it to settle before spraying some more if necessary.

Don’t go all out everywhere. Spray on hair around your ears, at the nape of your neck and around your face and roots. These are the areas that are most prone to greasiness. You want to make sure the product soaks up the excess grease.

All-round refresh. To freshen up your locks and for an extra oomph, divide your hair into sections and spray the product on roots and hair from an arm’s length distance. Massage your roots with your fingertips and give your hair a shake. Brush through to ensure that the product has been absorbed completely.

SHOW Beauty’s Premiere Dry Shampoo is a volumizing dry shampoo available in 265ml at a retail price of AED 175. It absorbs impurities and oils whilst providing added texture and shine without leaving residue between styling. The colourless natural formula’s patented polymers including tapioca powder and rice starch withdraw impurities and absorb oil at the root, while a unique blend of botanical extracts including aloe vera, mango, kiwi and ginger lily condition and protect against moisture loss, elevating your style between washes.

The luxe dry shampoo is also available in a mini travel size of 50 ml and retails for AED 90. It’s the perfect companion on any trip, be it business or pleasure.

SHOW Beauty dry shampoos and the rest of the product range is available for purchase from Harvey Nichols Dubai, Bloomingdales Dubai Mall and online at beautysolutions-me.com. For more information, please visit https://www.beautysolutions-me.com/brands/showbeauty.html.

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5 things to know about collagen

**What it is, why it is important, and why you need skinade®!**

Many of us have heard of collagen and that it’s the make-or-break molecule for healthy skin, but how much do we actually know about it? Collagen is part of the skin’s structure that helps maintain elasticity which in turn keeps us looking youthful. It is the most important factor for visible skin health, and so is being used as an ingredient in many skincare products.

Here are five things to know about collagen:

1. Collagen comes from the Greek word “kolla” which means “glue.” So, the word collagen literally means “producer of glue.”

2. Collagen accounts for around 75% of youthful skin, forming the main structural element of the skin in the dermis layer. It provides the structure which supports the epidermis and gives your skin its youthful fullness. When collagen molecules are damaged, skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag, wrinkle and age.

3. In addition to its structural role, collagen also regulates the activity of fibroblasts in the skin. Fibroblasts are the cells that are responsible for rebuilding the connective tissue, and they play a critical role in the healing of wounds.

4. In order to maintain healthy skin function, and to help with the natural production of collagen, it’s important to have a bioavailable source of vitamin C.

5. As the body ages, it loses the ability to produce new collagen. This affects the production and activity of the fibroblasts, which, in turn, produce less and less collagen over time.

While depletion of collagen is ultimately inevitable, it’s important to know that there are several factors that speed it up. These offenders include smoking, excessive sun exposure, and pollution, to name a few.

If you’re looking to rebuild collagen, look no further than skinade®, the multi-award-winning skincare collagen drink that nourishes skin from the inside, allowing for a more youthful, glowing and radiant complexion.

With prices starting from AED 800, skinade® packages are available from Iwona Specialty Clinic, Sansaya Cosmetic Surgery and Dental Clinic, Euromed Medical Center, Rose Arbaji, So Spa – Sofitel The Palm, Hauteletic, Kalm Holistic Beauty. Delivery of skinade® can also be arranged by calling +971 55 4722404.

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Optim-Eyes Lashes & Brows with Filorga

** Boost your lashes and brows with a luxury two step serum and volumising treatment with proven results in 14 days **

Why should your eye care regime end with the skin?  As well as perfectly framing your face, your brows and lashes are the perfect protectors for your beautiful eyes, and keeping them healthy, lush and strong is as important an addition to your regime as looking after your delicate skin.

Think of your brows and lashes as ‘ bodyguards’ for  your eyes and you’ll understand the importance of treating them well and keeping them both healthy and looking gorgeous.

With that in mind, Filorga introduces the brand new Optim-Eyes Lashes & Brows treatment – a double effect treatment capable of restructuring and enhancing lashes and brows in just two steps. Restoring a glamourous look to eyes has never been so easy regardless of whether you are an expert beauty lover, a beginner or simply looking for more volume, with or without make-up.

With proven results within just 14 days, Optim-Eyes Lash & Brow means a denser lashfringe, 90% less lash shedding, 83% more resistant lashes, 83% more nourished and moisturized lashes and improved look and use of your regular mascara.  For brows, the treatment densifies, protects and enhances, with 73% thicker, less sparse brows, leaving them silky and nourished.

STEP 1. A BOOST FOR LASHES & BROWS

On one end you will find an ultra-precise liner tip to deposit ingredients close to the lash and brow roots.

The formula has two complexes that are capable of acting on lash & brow growth:
First, the Kera-Extend CX complex, a combination of Biochanin A, peptides and bio-tech micro-algae, stimulates keratin synthesis during the anagen phase. Results: lashes and brows are longer and denser. Second, the Kera-Maintain CX complex, with a base of Peptide Biotinyl-GHK and panthenol. These two ingredients act together to strengthen the epithelial matrix to improve lash and brow rooting in the follicle. Results: lashes and brows that are more resistant, and less prone to falling out. These 2 complexes are combined with NCTF®, FILORGA’s signature revitalizing cocktail. It has shown spectacular results for redensifying hair in medical treatments.

Apply the stimulating serum morning and night on thoroughly cleansed lashes and brows as close as possible to the roots. The thin brush makes it easy to deposit the serum with precision.

STEP 2:
AN INSTANT COAT FOR LASHES & BROWS

On the other end, a specially designed mascara brush that helps deposit the product evenly to coat the lashes and brows.

The formula’s colourless base includes a protein-led nutritive matrix that diffuses the formula to the heart of the bre and, helps to restructure and nourish them while weaving a coat of micro-mesh. Lashes and brows are immediately thicker and more defined, even without make-up. The treatment also works as a base coat for mascara to increase its hold.

Apply the coating treatment morning and night, just after the serum, from the roots to the tips of the lashes and brows. The brush perfectly coats each lash and each eyebrow hair.

Filorga Optim-Eyes Lash & Brow treatment is priced AED 275 and is available in leading pharmacies including Bin Sina Pharmacies, Boots Pharmacies, Supercare Pharmacies, Planet Pharmacies, Health First Pharmacies and Community Pharmacies.

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Kat Von D Beauty Relaunches Studded Kiss Créme Lipsticks in a New Formula

Kat Von D’s iconic Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick is back to rock your lips with a covetable new formula, explosive new shade range, and reimagined new look! When Kat set out to create the perfect lipstick that embodied her personality –romantic yet edgy, classy yet sexy – she created the iconic Studded Kiss. Today, Studded Kiss is more badass than ever with a purer pigment formula that delivers luxuriously rich texture and intensified color payoff with Kat’s signature creamy comfort and long wear.

The new Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick launches with 40 incredible colors in three rad finishes: Satin Matte, Glimmer and Metallic. Kat’s largest, most disruptive shade range ever includes timeless best-sellers, resurrected fan-favorites, beloved icons from her Everlasting Liquid Lipstick collection, and the all-new White Out, an artistry-inspired opaque white to mix and customize your own perfect lip shades. From nudes to brights to bold pops of color, Studded Kiss offers a full spectrum for any lip look.

Kat personally tested and approved the formulation of each 100% Vegan, cruelty-free shade to ensure consistent pigmentation and creamy, comfortable, and virtually weightless wear. She even designed the Studded Kiss lipstick bullet case, inspired by the studs on her favorite cuff bracelet, which is now in all monochromatic black.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick (AED 95) is available from March 2018 on sephora.ae and in all Sephora Middle East stores.

Kat’s passion for animals means that all products are 100% Cruelty Free Forever. Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick is 100% vegan.

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Aesop Roll-On Deodorants, two new personal care formulations to refresh body and senses

Aesop is introducing its first Roll-On Deodorants with high-quality botanical ingredients to help reduce and mask body odour on March 5, 2018 across the globe.

The new Déodorant Roll-On and Herbal Deodorant Roll-On offer an aluminium- and alcohol-free alternative for those whose skin may be irritated by conventional deodorants. They are a sibling to the company’s much-loved Déodorant and Herbal Deodorant sprays, which launched in 2010 and 2016, respectively.

‘Our Roll-On Deodorants feature a unique blend of essential oils to impart a refreshing fragrance and effectively inhibit the growth of odour producing underarm bacteria,’ said Dr Rebecca Watkinson, Aesop’s Innovation & Research Manager.

Both formulations have a smooth, creamy texture and contain Zinc Ricinoleate and Wasabi Extract, which work in tandem with essential oils to reduce the development of body odour.

Suitable for both men and women, Déodorant Roll-On features an earthy, woody fragrance conferred by Vetiver Root, Coriander Seed, and Patchouli, while Herbal Déodorant Roll-On imparts a subtly herbaceous aroma from a combination of Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender and Neroli.

To use, roll generously under each arm after bathing and allow to dry before dressing.

Each Roll-On is packaged in an elegant 50mL amber glass bottle. They are available at signature stores, counters in select department stores, and at Aesop Online.

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What Is The Real Value Of Your Designer Item

Tips from The Experts at TheLuxuryCloset.com

Splurging on a designer item is an investment which often sets you back thousands (or more!), and with trends changing every hour you might be reluctant to part with your hard-earned cash. But there is a reason they are called ‘investment’ pieces – luxury goods are meant to last a lifetime and hold their value; and one of the best places to resell them is online.

The experts at The Luxury Closet recently tapped their database of 20,000 luxury goods from over 400 designer brands to find which items have the highest resale potential, and which hold their value the longest. Certain styles never seem to fade in popularity, which means your costly purchase may actually be worth more over time!

So, if you’re contemplating making a splurge, the below pointers from Elisabeth Bohler, Luxury Expert at The Luxury Closet will help you make an informed decision about how much you could sell the item down the line. Just remember, everything sells at the right resale price!

Highest selling categories

Handbags and fine jewellery enjoy the highest resale value (71% of their original retail value), followed by watches (57%), accessories (sunglasses, scarves & ties) (52%), shoes (41%), and clothing having the lowest resale value owing to the size and constantly changing fashion trends.

Brands & styles 

The findings suggest that for top designer bag brands in great condition (with no noticeable damage), sellers earn back an average of 55% of retail value. Currently, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Prada and Gucci are among the brands that hold the best up to retail value. The typical resale price of a handbag on The Luxury Closet is currently around 71%.

Your current best bet for bag investments that are big this season are the Chanel Wallet on chain bag which currently holds a whopping 74% average resale value, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull at 64% and the Gucci Soho shoulder bag at a 62% resale value.

Determining Factors

Resale values of these luxury goods can fluctuate depending on timeless styles, new collections (buzz around a certain designer, particularly if a fashion house hires a new creative director), limited editions, market demand, accessibility etc. “It’s a supply and demand situation for these brands: the demand is so high that sellers can actually earn more than the retail price they paid for these brands for new, classic, limited edition, and even vintage styles”, adds Elizabeth. 

The Outcasts

As styles and colours change, versions that are no longer on sale become more sought after, for example, the Hermes Birkin, which is very difficult to acquire, especially in exotic skin. The safest thing is to buy the classic styles and shapes that are already proven, because they stand the test of time like the Classic Flap Bag from Chanel or the Louis Vuitton Neverfull. These will always be in demand and fetch you a good return on your investment. “If you own one of these bags, you could make a good portion of your money back, but if you own a version in an unusual skin such as crocodile or alligator, you could be in for a mega payday.”

Other categories

In the category of shoes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin enjoy high resale values (almost 50% off the original price) followed by Gucci and Tod’s.

Fine jewellery is another top selling item giving you more value for your money, with Chanel, Hermes and Montblanc having approximately 60% resale value followed by Louis Vuitton and Dior.

Maintenance

Storing your designer purchases in its original packaging can increase your chances to sell (keep your dust bag, boxes, stuffing’s safely), and remember to keep your pens closed avoid internal damages within your bag.

Log on to www.theluxurycloset.com now and start turning your wardrobe into a moneymaker.

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Issey Miyake launches L’Eau d’Issey Pure – Nectar de Parfum

Just a drop…

At the source of L’Eau d’Issey, there is a drop. Just a drop. Rare, precious. Water, symbolized by its purest form. In 2016, this drop inspired a new era in the olfactory odyssey initiated by Issey Miyake in 1992. The scent of water, reinvented. The extreme purity of a limpid accord: L’Eau d’Issey Pure Eau de Parfum. 

Out of time, dormant Nature holds its breath before the dawn of the first suspended moment: just a drop. In 2017, the drop of dew blossomed into a delicate petal. Just a petal, brushed by a saline breeze. With L’Eau d’Issey Pure Eau de Toilette, Nature awakens. Spring has come. Today, Issey Miyake unveils a third moment of complete serenity. Time to bloom. With L’Eau d’Issey Pure Nectar de Parfum, the petal turns into a blossoming flower, yielding a drop that captures its purest perfume… its nectar.