Bahrain Edition
BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES
June 2020 | Issue 207
FASHION
DENIM IS BACK
HOW TO WEAR THE SEASON’S MOST POPULAR STYLES
10 ISOLATIONBEATING IDEAS TO TRY ACCESSORY TRENDS
WELL-BEING
DIET MYTH-BUSTERS
PEOPLE
ALISON LAWSON GIVES TIPS ON SOURCING THE BEST NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS
BEAUTY
FRENCH-GIRL CHIC AT-HOME MASKS
IN HER SHOES
ATHARIE AL SALEM, THE WOMAN BEHIND INSTAGRAM PAGE @THEBAHRAINIVEGAN www.womanthismonth.com
news
Denim Meets Super Tash
Two global icons meet in the latest Levi’s collaboration featuring Nintendo’s mustachioed Italian plumber, Super Mario. In a magical mushroom kingdom, the blueoveralled hero routinely saves a princess from anthropomorphic turtles. But Super Mario is more than just a legendary video game. It’s been a pop cultural sensation for more than 30 years, opening up worlds of imagination and creativity for kids and grown-ups alike. And now comes Levi’s x Super Mario, a stylish, streetwear-inspired collection of denim, tees, hoodies, and accessories that brings together two major cultural icons famous for their youthful energy, nostalgia and love of creativity. The collection features bright, saturated colors and graphics alongside fan-favourite characters like Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Princess Peach and Super Mario elements are much in evidence.
Fashion Cares
Mummy and Mini Fashion
It’s time to up the cute factor with Max Fashion’s Twinning collection, a new range of modest dresses, that come in adult and mini-me sizes for girls aged five and up. The collection features matching feminine dresses for mothers and their daughters; perfectly crafted ensembles for every type of mother-and-daughter duo, from the elegant and the modest, to the minimalist and the playful. A brand spokesperson said: "The Twinning collection boasts a range of elegant dresses that mothers and daughters will love wearing both individually and at the same time. Style transcends generations, which is why every piece has been created to be chic, wearable and modest. It is our way of ensuring that our customers can create special and amazing Instagram-worthy memories with their younger ones.” The charming floral print and pastel shades are perfect for Middle Eastern summer.
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Modest fashion brand, Leem, is donating profits to support COVID-19 through the launch of its limited-edition Tie-Dye kits. In response to the coronavirus outbreak, Saudi Arabia's modest fashion label, which was founded in 2018 and is active throughout the region, launched it's first-ever Mummy and Me Tie-Dye kit to bring joy, bonding and entertainment to the home. Each kit includes one mummy and one 'mini-me' kaftan, along with an array of fabric paints, to help you design your kaftans at home. And even better, all profits go towards supporting the United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organisation. For more information visit: www.leem.com
Upping the Activewear Ante
Eco-conscious fitness fans have a new option with the news that H&M’s highend fashion brand, Cos, has launched a new activewear collection which integrates recycled nylon and polyester, as well as ‘sustainably sourced’ and organic cotton. The new line, Cos Active, will comprise 15 pieces from leggings and sports bras to socks and underwear and is the company’s response to a customer base increasingly hungry for apparel with a reduced environmental impact, leveraging repurposed material in place of virgin content. A company statement said: “The collection offers a range of womenswear pieces that incorporate the brand’s key values of functionality and ease, designed for an active lifestyle.”
Digitise or Die
Online giant Amazon is in discussions with the British Fashion Council (BFC) to sell designs from young British talent. This potential partnership, and another with Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), ties in with the online retailer’s global push to add luxury clothing to its offering as it aims to grab a foothold in an industry that is looking to digitise or die. If successful, the initiative would see young designers using Amazon Fashion and Amazon Launchpad, a discovery platform, to sell their collections. Additionally, the BFC’s website will host a platform, expected to debut at London Fashion Week, offering a variety of functions, including interviews, wholesaling and a digital storefront. However, tech rivals, including Google, YouTube and Instagram, are also working with the BFC. www.womanthismonth.com
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FASHION | get the look
WTM
DOES
DENIM
BOOTCUTS AND FLARES
Namshi
Bally
Rene Caovilla
You don’t need to be Gigi Hadid, seen here in Levi’s Ribcage bootcuts, to rock this style. In fact, bootcuts, or good old ‘70s flares, are probably one of the most flattering cuts around. These are called ribcage because they have a super-high waist, but we won’t be straying from our regular mid-height faves. Known and loved for their leg-lengthening properties, they look equally as good dressed down with a plain white tee and boots or up-styled with a bustier, bling and sparkly heels.
Gigi Hadid in Levis
Uniqlo
Rubeus Milano
Versace
Rag & Bone
If there’s one item in our wardrobes that never goes out of fashion, it’s jeans. From crops and shorts to boyfriends and skinnies, we can’t get enough of them. They’re hardwearing and hard-working, moving easily from weekend down-dressing to office casual. Liz O’Reilly casts an eye over some of the hottest styles of the summer and how you can wear them.
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Kate Spade
Sofia Vergara in distressed denim
Givenchy
FASHION | get the look
www.womanthismonth.com
L'Autre Chose CMEO Collective By Far
7 For All Mankind
Namshi, Ella
DKNY
HIGH-WAISTED SKINNIES
These were all over the SS20 runways particularly at Brandon Maxwell and Balmain. They’re great for emphasising the shape but, while it’s true that everyone can wear skinnies, the highcut ones are probably best for a longish body and legs as the waistline may shorten the torso. That’s not to say shorter girls can’t get in on the act – a good trick is to go for a regular waist, wear a simple top to give a fluid line and add killer heels. Long-legged lovelies, take inspiration from Maxwell and go all-out with a whole range of eye-catching bling.
Manic Panic Glamnation
Mango
To be fair, you can’t really smarten-up distressed denim, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress it up. Go for Sofia’s relaxed jacketed look but add a bold red lip. Or team with a sequined vest and tanned, toned arms for show-stealing style.
Hermes
Brandon Maxwell
Tiffany
Kawaii
Kelly & Kati
DISTRESSED
There once was a time when people chucked or patched jeans when they developed holes – how strange does that seem now? The distressed craze hit a few years ago, and we’ve never looked back. The trend did seem to have passed last year but it’s back in full force for 2020 with celebs and supers alike. Sofia Vergara seems to be particularly obsessed – it’s hard to find her snapped in a pair of hole-free denims. Ragged legwear hit the catwalk at Givenchy and even the usually demure Katie Holmes is getting on the act.
June 2020
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FASHION | trends
ADDED EXTRAS
Boss X Meissen
By Far Yumi
DKNY
Rene Caovilla
Kate Spade
By Far Dolly
Kate Spade
Coach
Rene Caovilla By Far Diana
Mango @ Namshi
FUN FEET
From funky heel shapes at By Far to Kate Spade’s smiley faces and DKNY’s neon wedges, there’s something for everyone. Wear them your way, there really are no rules. And, if you’re missing your winter boots, check out these weird but wonderful jewel-heeled socks at Rene Caovilla or the bright skinalikes from Mango.
June 2020
DKNY
HANDS ON
There is so much to love in this season’s handbag collections. Ditch the dull, unless it’s an oversized tote (of which more at a later date) and get your paws on an accessory with attitude. The black Karl Lagerfeld box bag would be perfect for formal situations, with its dazzling blue handle adding the wow factor. And we particularly love Michael J Fox’s face on this offering from Coach.
Mango Les Benjamins
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Kate Spade
Coach X Richard Bernstein
Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld
Ted Baker
Bally
Chloe
The shoes and bag you choose can make or break your outfit and this summer’s collections were all about bright colours and interesting shapes. The classic black bag and shoes combi will no longer cut it, so make sure you go for something that will really pop.
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FASHION |essentials
10 Things to Try This Month
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Funky Feet Jazz up those thongs. Confess girls, in the current circumstances, when was the last time you wore shoes?
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Indulgence Invest in some high-thread-count bed linen – it can’t be just us who’s spending more time there, right?
Colour Pop It’s the perfect time to try a jazzy hair colour and it washes out!
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This month we're all about making isolation fun ramp-up the fashion focus with DIY projects, exercise inspiration and a plan to get friends involved.
Lounging Lovelies Pyjamas may be not quite fit for a conference call but are certainly suitable for a daytime girly date – appropriately distanced of course.
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Fabric Fun Create your own couture look – then put the curtains back.
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Make Like the Supers Arrange a virtual fashion show with your mates.
Athleisure Audit Just the inspiration to get you back on the mat.
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Lockdown Bling!
Jazz It Up Customise a tee.
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Corona Couture!
www.womanthismonth.com
June 2020
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PEOPLE | interview
y l l a r u t a l N u f i t u a e B , of wson and a L n o s rt Alistore’s etho e p x e uty he s al bea explains t s. r u t a N mila, at tip The Jas some gre share
How long has The Jamila been running? I’ve been running The Jamila [beautiful in Arabic] for about five years. I started online and occasionally participated in pop-up markets. It was wonderful to meet customers and dispel the myths that organic and natural products don’t work. I was always asked where my store was and I knew there was no one in Bahrain, or the Middle East, that was a dedicated stockist of quality, natural and organic brands. Eventually I decided it was time to open a shop to showcase our products. This enabled me to grow the business to include more brands and branch into other wellbeing products. What gave you the idea for this type of venture and why did you believe it was important? I travelled over 20 years ago and became very sick. Even when my condition improved, I never felt truly well with the energy and vitality I had had before. No doctor that I consulted could offer me any information at all, let alone help. Frustrated at the lack of answers, I went to a medical herbalist in London. I ended up with a list of things I should and shouldn’t eat and drink, tinctures to support me through the detox and various natural supplements. I saw results in no time. My energy returned, my skin glowed and all my symptoms started to disappear. With her help I had healed myself! That was a huge moment of clarity for me. I completely understood that my body was just trying to tell me it wasn’t well and that it needed me to heal. The Jamila is the GCC's only serious source
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for all natural, organic beauty and wellbeing products. Many of my brands tell me there are very few stores like mine in the whole world. We still are the largest store of high-quality, certified, international, award-winning brands within the Middle East. Many companies have set up since and stock the same range of brands as we do, but I believe that those who know me as a Pilates teacher and health enthusiast trust my knowledge and know that I go the extra mile with my research. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! At The Jamila, we are not just about selling products. This is a space for people to come and ask questions, seek guidance, try samples, read labels and experience the luxury and efficacy of the products we sell. Our philosophy is ‘Your health is Our Passion’. We are here to help. What are some of the misconceptions you’ve come across regarding cruelty-free, planet-friendly products and how have you addressed these? Quality is our number one priority. Not all ‘healthy’ products are created equally. Even with organic products – you need to investigate… I find that there is so much inaccurate information in the public domain that people confuse the definitions of organic, natural, vegan, cruelty-free, halal, eco-friendly and non-toxic. They are all slightly different and are misunderstood. In reality, any company can make unsubstantiated claims. Things to bear in mind when selecting products:
• A vegan or halal product doesn’t mean chemical-free or natural, it can still be filled with chemicals. It simply means it was produced without animal byproducts or animal ingredients – if a product claims this, it should be certified. • Cruelty-free can still be filled with chemicals and bad for you – it just means that the product was made without testing on animals. Make sure it is 100-per-cent cruelty-free, meaning that every ingredient has not been tested on animals – if a product claims this, it should be certified. • Is one per cent of the product or 100 per cent of the product natural or organic? • If the product claims to be organic, has it been internationally certified? • Have the products been made in a sterile, laboratory environment? Or at someone’s kitchen sink with no authentication? • Essences and extracts are not the same – you may think two products contain the same ingredient. An essence is an inferior, weaker and cheaper ingredient than an extract. For example, you can buy Chinese Hyaluronic Acid for USD12 per kg, it’s often used by supermarket and drug store brands. The brands we stock will pay around USD2,800 per kg. With a good quality organic product, you do not need to use so much. They are so potent that a little goes a very long way. Some www.womanthismonth.com
PEOPLE | interview products may seem expensive but may last six, nine or even 12 months, so are actually cost effective in the long run. Not all brands make equal products. Many of the products I sell have been copied since I introduced them to the region, with inferior ingredients. Unfortunately unethical people do not make ethical products. What are the main ‘villains’ of the beauty industry, that your products avoid? There are many ingredients that we rule out. • Sulphates that are artificial foaming agents and very drying. • PEGs are generally used for thickening agents that are not natural and can irritate the skin at best and be a carcinogen at worst. • Parabens are used in approximately 80 per cent of commercial brands as a preservative and have been linked to hormone disruption, skin ageing, DNA damage and breast cancer. • Petroleum is often contaminated and can cause irritation and allergies. • Silicones, found in many beauty products, can impair fertility and disrupt hormones. There
are also many natural alternatives, such as Broccoli Seed Oil, that have the same effect and are nutritious. • Aluminium can be found in many beauty products and is believed to have negative effects on your organs and hormones as well as neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. • Artificial fragrance has been linked to many health problems like asthma, allergies and cancer. • DEA and similar compounds can cause mild to moderate skin and eye irritation and, in laboratory experiments, high doses have been shown to cause liver cancers and precancerous changes in skin and thyroid tissue. Your products seem to be very high quality, is there anything for someone wanting to adopt this lifestyle with a lower budget? Cut down on the number of products you buy and use. Quality over quantity. We sell many different ranges with differing prices but it is worth remembering that the better quality product is very potent and a little goes a long
way. Eating clean, exercising, meditation and a positive mental outlook all serve your overall health too. On the makeup side, does the lack of harmful chemicals lead to a loss in staying power? Generally, I would say no. I use the products I sell every day and rarely need to touch up my makeup at all. Do you ever have visiting experts in-store and demonstrations of the products? This is something we plan on within our [coming] new, larger store. We have more space for workshops and interactive talks and will be bringing internationally renowned experts in. It will be about four times the size of the old store, we are expanding our offering to include more brands and wellbeing products, clothes and accessories, an organic salon and workshop space. I wanted to create a safe, positive space where everyone is welcome.
Alison Recommends SY GREA
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www.womanthismonth.com
June 2020
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BEAUTY | new products
BEYOND THE BLUE
Bronze Goddess Azur, the newest fragrance from the house of Estee Lauder gives a fresh, vibrant, seductive feeling. The sunny citrusfloral fragrance reminds one of the glamour and allure of the Côte d'Azur. From the start, a luxurious citrus signature comes to light with an invigorating blend of notes of Sicilian lemon, Italian bergamot and Calabrian mandarin, recalling the aroma of a majestic Mediterranean garden infused with the salty air of the nearby sea. The scent evokes luminous warmth, like glowing suntanned skin, emanating from Bronze Goddess’ signature creamy notes of coconut milk and glowing musks, further embellished with ambrox and a touch of sultry cedarwood.
COUTURE CLASS
The new Le 9 De Givenchy line presents five eye shadow palettes with pigments in four finishes: matte, satin, glittery and metallic. The innovative, incredibly smooth formula glides over the eyelid to deliver softness and richness. Easy to play with, layer and blend, it’s guaranteed to last 12 hours without fading, flaking or losing its intensity. All the options and possible colour combinations the palettes offer allow you to break away from the usual colour codes.
MAGIC IN A BOTTLE
A new, ground-breaking skincare innovation, Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, is the supercharged secret to your skin’s best future. It has been formulated by expert scientists with a magic matrix of ingredients blended in a high-performance elixir to give your skin a magic boost. Potent ingredients include Replexium for younger-looking skin, Golden Vitamin C for a brighter-looking complexion, and hydration powerhouse Polyglutamic Acid – a supercharged skincare ingredient that’s over four times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid.
DISMISS DARK CIRCLES
Thin, translucent skin around the eyes is more likely to show discoloration and signs of ageing. Vitamin C is especially important for this delicate area, offering antioxidant defence for brighter, healthier-looking skin. The new Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector from Murad is formulated to target multiple types of dark circles: blue or purple, caused by low microcirculation and thin skin around the eyes; brown under-eyes due to sun damage, irritation and genetics, resulting in hyperpigmentation; and red bags, triggered by inflammation, irritation and allergies. Murad’s gold-stabilised vitamin C eye serum fights the look of all types of dark circles, while visibly de-puffing and soothing with 86 per cent of users seeing results in just two weeks.
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June 2020
STOP AND GLOW
When life is hectic, and you’ve not got a second to spare, skip the lengthy pamper session for Lancôme’s new Glow Essentials, infused with the company’s rose water, renowned for its soothing properties, to achieve refreshed, hydrated, glowing skin instantly. The Rose Milk Mist is as hydrating as a cream and light as a cloud; this hydrating solution is infused with hyaluronic acid, acacia honey, sweet almond oil and rose water, for busy, dehydrated skin. The new Rose Sorbet Cryo-Mask contains salicylic acid to reduce the appearance of pores and smooth the skin’s texture, while meadow sweet extract helps skin reset, rewind and re-boot. www.womanthismonth.com
BEAUTY | tips
JUST MASK IT BEHNAZ SANJANA
We’ve had enough of the cloth and disposable variety, let’s turn to fun face masks – the types that we slather onto our faces while indulging in self-pampering me-time at the end of a long day or week.
Now, before you denounce the efficacy of anything that doesn’t come in fancy packaging, have tongue-twisting chemical ingredients and cost half the notes in your wallet, get this: many kitchen staples, used regularly, can have glow-tastic results. And many of them do double-duty. Try to resist licking the DIY concoction off the corners of your mouth though. Let’s get mixing!
FOR ENLARGED PORES
So you don’t have to build up the foundation One egg white One tablespoon of honey A squeeze of lemon juice Contrary to popular proclamation, you can’t really ‘close’ your pores, but you could minimise their look, even in close-up selfies. Egg white and lemon act as astringents, tightening the skin to shrink their appearance. Honey plays the balancing act, providing moisture and suppleness to skin.
LACKLUSTRE SKIN Bring the glow back
A tablespoon of cacao powder Three tablespoons of mashed papaya A teaspoon of aloe vera (fresh or in gel form) The reason aloe leaves skin radiant is that it’s chockful of vitamins A, C, E, and the range of B vitamins. Its hydrating properties team up with papaya’s exfoliating enzymes that dissolve dead skin cells for a brighter appearance, while cacao works its magic by boosting blood circulation and leaving skin with a plump, more youthful feel.
DRY AND DULL SKIN
Because a moisturiser can only do so much Half a mashed avocado A tablespoon of raw honey Two tablespoons crushed oats Everyone knows the rich hydration that avocados can lend us, but quality honey is not only a humectant that retains moisture in the skin, but also helps fade scars and boost tissue generation. Many beauty brands include oats in their products for the humble grain’s nourishing and skin-calming properties.
OILY / COMBINATION AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN The bane of a girl’s life
Two tablespoons of chickpea flour A pinch of turmeric A tablespoon of yogurt A squeeze of lemon juice Chickpea flour’s zinc content has long been harnessed to fight pimple-raising infection and turmeric is a superfood with robust anti-bacterial properties. The lactic acid in yogurt gently sloughs off dead skin cells, preventing new breakouts and vitamin C from lemon juice fades acne scars and pigmentation. On the whole, this mixture draws out excess sebum without overdrying the skin for a clearer complexion.
Remember to apply your homemade facemask on clean skin, keeping it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. www.womanthismonth.com
June 2020
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news
One To Watch
Actress Launching CBD Line
A-lister Kristen Bell has announced a partnership with Lord Jones, an industry leader in hemp-derived CBD products. And it’s not a name-only collaboration. Kristen is fully involved in the collection called Happy Dance, which she says was born organically thanks to her own love of the brand. The lineup, which is expected to be budgetfriendly, hasn’t been announced yet but a statement said: “Happy Dance will officially launch its clean, simple, hemp-derived CBD skincare and personal care products later this year.”
We’re all familiar with the regular acids found in skincare products, such as hyaluronic and azelaic, but there’s a new kid on the block in the form of tranexamic acid which is being talked up by dermatologists and facialists for its ability to fade dark spots, minimise pigmentation left behind by acne scars, and help with skin discolouration as a result of melasma. Traditionally used in surgery to stop bleeding, it’s only recently that studies have shown its skincare benefits. It can be used by dermatologists either by injecting into the skin or through oral tablets, but you will also spot it in products such as serums and moisturisers, which aim to brighten the skin.
The Human(ish) Touch Mix Your Own Mask
Launched at the beginning of May, new beauty brand Face-Kit has been several years in the making with founder and CEO Elizabeth Schmidt having spent seven years as a brand consultant and two developing the new concept – a plant-based mask that you mix yourself. On her Instagram @newyorkbitty, she posted: “I created @facekit with the intention of creating a mindful skincare ritual. In times like these, a little extra selfcare goes a long way! The Renew Mask is packed with superfoods [including spirulina, chlorella, parsley leaf, zinc, Butterfly Pea petal and Costa Rican blue clay] and comes with a 10-minute guided meditation. Check out the site, and DM me with questions! I’ll be offering free shipping on all orders www.face-kit.com”
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At a time when retail is moving increasingly online, Indian sisters Jyotsna and Santhoshi Reddy aim to restore the human touch with the launch of Twenty Beauty, sold via makeup vending machines. The company wants to push buyers towards making physical beauty purchases and plans to install the machines at locations such as airports, metro stations and shopping malls. Jyotsna’s dream was to ‘curate skinperfect makeup’, which would make any young woman feel good in her own skin. She is a certified chemist who went the extra mile to assure the right formulation of pigments and active ingredients, spending four years crossing the globe to procure enriching beauty ingredients. Her sister and co-founder, Santhoshi, is an avid makeup collector who boasts a 2,150sq/ft vanity room full of products!
Biodegradable Beauty
Say hello to a new vegan beauty brand whose products are delivered in biodegradable seaweed capsules. Website www.plantbasednews.org reports that Bolt Beauty has launched with four travel-friendly products: a cleanser, moisturiser, retinol serum and blemishfighting moisturising serum. They all come in single doses packed in the seaweed capsules, which, after use, can be dissolved in water or thrown in a compost bin. All excessive outer packaging has been eliminated and any packaging which is needed, such as for postage, is made with FSC-certified and fully recyclable paper and tissue. www.womanthismonth.com
STEP
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STEP
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BEHOLD THE EYES
THE SKIN IS EVERYTHING It’s in the French woman’s DNA to go the extra mile for skincare, not so much for makeup. The last thing a Parisian wants is to look cakey or made-up. By following a skin-friendly diet and regular maintenance with facials, high-quality hydration and facemasks (that change seasonally), they spend less time fussing with makeup. They’re big on sunscreen, upping the SPF for a day under clear skies. French
BEAUTY | styling
girls believe in ageing gracefully and pooh-pooh the idea of cosmetic procedures. It’s all about loving your unique features.
Action Plan: Ditch the
foundation, and blend concealer lightly only over imperfections. Or use a light-weight BB Cream. Powder only when necessary. Let a healthy, au natural glow do the talking.
French girls think less is more for an everyday look, so a heavy-duty eye palette is out. But they do believe that the brows frame the face, and tend to spend some time on them.
Action Plan: An eyelash curler and mascara
make bigger, brighter daytime eyes. For an evening look, choose a nude or shimmery colour for the lids, and use a black or brown eye pencil to line the top and outer corners of the lower lids, smoking it out with your fingers or a smudging brush. Fill in the brows where necessary and set in place with clear brow gel.
y l t c e f r Pe
n a i s i r a P
Behnaz Sanjana
3 BE BEAUTY COY STEP
So what if you had to can your plan to visit the City of Lights this summer? You can always channel your inner Parisian belle, strolling nonchalantly along the Champs Elysee. Nail French-girl beauty with five easy steps.
Contour? An absolute no-no in keeping with the French girl’s idea of subtle beauty. But blush, yes, that she’s partial to.
Action Plan: A soft rose or warm taupe highlights the cheeks and lends a soft, girlie glow to the face. Swipe the barely-there remnants from your fingers or brush horizontally across the mid-bridge of the nose and on the tip of your chin to look like you’ve just returned from a cruise down the Seine.
STEP
4
PUCKER UP
Now here is where you can go all out. Nothing screams Parisian chic better than a bold red lip. Play with the shades – cherry, poppy, postbox, crimson, scarlet or ruby – just make it red. Now you know why they balance it out with low-profile eyes.
Psst… the key is to appear effortless; like you woke up looking fabulous. Anything that says that you’ve tried hard is a major faux pas!
STEP
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The Mane Thing
A bed-head is one of the strongest style statements that French women ace, without breakage and looking poufy.
Action Plan: The secret to easily
achieve out-of-bed hair – don’t brush it. Comb your tresses before a wash, and follow up with a loving dose of hair serum, but no brushing. Let loose knots set in for hair with modish movement.
Action Plan: A long-wear lipstick is a must,
whether couture or drugstore. Forget the lip liner. Just fill your pout in with colour without over-lining. And for that carefree, je ne sais quoi charm, smudge ever so slightly at the borders for lips that don’t look too defined. www.womanthismonth.com
June 2020
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LIFESTYLE | well-being
DEBUNKING WEIGHT-LOSS MYTHS
Caught yourself eyeing the pudginess this morning and making a mental note to ‘do something’ about it? Before you start, nix these weight-loss myths with Behnaz Sanjana.
Fat-Free is Trouble-Free
is effective and sustainable. Don’t overdo the workouts, get guidance and give yourself adequate rest days.
Because most sinful treats sans the fat are sawdust, manufacturers add other ingredients like flours, thickeners, synthetic flavouring, sugar and salt, that pile on excess calories. Due to reduced- or zero-fat food being less satisfying, portion control tends to be difficult with them. Reach for full-fat, but make sure it’s not artificial, saturated and trans-fat.
A Detox Is Essential
Going Hungry Brings Rewards
Calories are an energy source for the body’s organs and complex systems to do their intended jobs. When the brain is starved for energy (glucose), it translates it as a physiological threat, ringing alarm bells for the body to hold on tight to its fat stores and making you a hangry grouch to be around. Any initial weight loss is just water and lean muscle mass being shed. Ensure an adequate calorie intake for weight loss that is healthy and sustainable.
A Calorie is a Calorie
Your 200-calorie snack can be a chocolate muffin or a fruit salad, but what you choose leads to internal body processes that dictate results. A conventionally-prepared muffin will make your blood sugar rise rapidly (that blissful high after dessert) and then crash just as fast, putting you on the vicious wheel of reaching out for the nearest unhealthy treat. The same calorific value from a bowl of fresh fruit will keep you satiated with fibre and nutrients.
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Carbs = Cardinal Sin
Nutritionists have been crying themselves hoarse that carbohydrates are the primary energy source for the body, without which you are not going to be standing through the Zumba session you’ve signed up for. There's no concrete evidence that eating gluten causes more weight gain than other foods wholegrains are an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet. Reach for the bread basket, but ensure it’s (mostly) wholegrain and preservative-free for energy, vitamin, mineral and fibre content.
No Pain No Gain
Jumping into bootcamp can lead to injury or burnout, which could derail you from your exercise goals quickly. It could also lead to feeling low and binge eating, defeating the ultimate goal. Gradual tolerance to exercise and muscle building
The initial weight loss from a juice cleanse, or fast, is just the glucose and water leaving your body, and you’ll pack on the pounds as soon as you get back to normal eating. Also, juices don’t provide you with enough energy required to exercise, which is the long-term way to a healthy weight. Chomp on fresh fruit and vegetables instead.
Lifting Weights is Not for Women
You could get sweaty with cardio every day and hit a plateau, or you could incorporate strength training for fat to continue burning even while the body is at rest. Lifting small weights even a couple of times a week will help propel your overall fitness efforts.
Numbers Are Not Everything
The calorie-in-calorie-out idea is deemed outdated and not as straightforward as it sounds. Besides, counting calories is not precise, including on food labels. It also induces stress, leading to spikes in cravings and binges. Instead of obsessing over calories, just eat fresh, wholesome foods as part of a balanced diet. Eat mindfully, regularly and listen to your body to stop when it’s about to feel full. www.womanthismonth.com
LIFESTYLE | well-being
WELL-BEING
NOT SO SWEET GET MOVING
A new study from the University of Texas (UT) at Austin suggests that even small bouts of intense exercise can help offset some of the harmful effects of extended periods of sitting. Additionally, these micro workouts also appear to offer different benefits than some longer workouts when done throughout the day. It was found that foursecond sprints conducted five times per hour helped to improve fat metabolism and lower
BEING TOO INFORMED
Is reading one too many articles about coronavirus giving you a racing heart, quickened breath, restlessness, jitters, trouble falling asleep at night or vivid nightmares? This is because when we’re exposed to a stressor ― even indirectly through the media ― our fight-or-flight response turns on, which is our body’s way of dealing with a perceived threat. When people constantly expose themselves to anxiety-inducing news, they’re making their brain perceive a threatening, stressful event over and over. This can take a major toll on health over time, according to Alison Holman, a psychologist and Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of California Irvine. She recommends choosing one or two news sources that are reliable and reputable and checking in a couple times a day, at most. www.huffingtonpost.co.uk www.womanthismonth.com
triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. The study looked at the effects of short bouts of intense exercise over an eight-hour period on specialised exercise bikes that allowed volunteers to hit maximal energy exertion quickly. It was concluded that any type of exercise — including a brisk walk or climbing a few sets of stairs — would be beneficial. www.healthline.com
Women consuming one or more sugary drinks per day could be increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease by more than 20 per cent, according to a study published by the Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers collected data from more than 106,000 women with an average age of 52. None of the participants had been previously diagnosed with heart disease, stroke or diabetes. Researchers found that one or more sugary drinks per day was associated with a 26 per cent higher likelihood of needing a vascularisation procedure, such as angioplasty, and a 21 per cent higher likelihood of having a stroke, compared with those who rarely or never consumed sugar-laden drinks. www.healthline.com
THE SLEEP STAKES
Getting less than six hours of sleep a night could double the risk of an early death for chronic disease sufferers, a new study has found. Researchers from the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine sleep-tested 16,000 adults between the ages of 20 and 74 and tracked their health for 20 years. The results, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, revealed that individuals with existing conditions, such as high blood pressure or type-2 diabetes, were twice as likely to suffer a fatal heart attack or stroke if they slept less than six hours a night. Insufficient sleep was also linked to forgetfulness, stress and low mood, alongside heightening the risk of obesity, diabetes and respiratory problems. www.independent.co.uk
GARDEN VALUE
A study by a team of researchers from the University of Exeter in England and the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society, has found that having access to a private garden improves people’s health and well-being if they actively make use of it. To conduct the study, Dr de Bell and her team drew on data from a survey that involved a representative sample of almost 8,000 participants from across England. When analysing the data, the team accounted for confounding factors that may relate to health, well-being and garden access. These included gender, socioeconomic status, employment status, marital status, the presence of children in the household, home ownership and dog ownership. www.medicalnewstoday.com June 2020
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LIFESTYLE | parenting
THE INESCAPABLE ISSUE Ouiam Charkani El Hassani talks COVID-19 and children.
S
uddenly all that we know and trust is being put to the test. All that once made us feel safe and enveloped with love is now far away. Like a nightmare that is lasting a little too long. From sipping your morning coffee in your favourite place, with your favourite barista and your favourite nut milk to getting that much needed ‘Me-Time’ at the beauty salon or even a simple human interaction… we are trapped – safe and sound, thankfully, but still trapped – at home, due to something we can’t even see, let alone fight! COVID-19: are you a blessing in disguise, as some might think? Or are you a plain evil force that has wrecked our world, leaving us wondering if tomorrow will ever be brighter? As adults, we have turned our living rooms into offices, and have downloaded multiple apps on our phones, to avoid any possible contact with human beings outside our very small circle of housemates. We’re using and abusing every video chat app that ever existed and are thriving on Tik Tok, Snapchat and Instagram (out of pure boredom!). We’ve opted for pajamas as a daily uniform and have all suddenly turned into connoisseurs in every cuisine. We are slowly – yet surely – finding ways to make this temporary nightmare, a bright reality. Yet I can’t help but think of those who haven’t the brain capacity to understand or to analyse, let alone cope with or manage this crisis. CHILDREN… our children whose brains are still developing and trying to grasp the normal, usual lessons life has to offer them. They are now faced with this complete, absolute nonsense and craziness. Every safety net that had otherwise wrapped their life is gone! No schools, no
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friends, no family, no outings, no fun, nothing at all! They can only connect with computers, iPads, phones and TVs. They are socialising with pens, paper, toys and kitchenware. Every bit of sanity they have accumulated through the years, is in the process of evaporating and melting away, leaving behind disconnectedness and inconvenience. These little beings need some sort of anchors to be able to navigate through what we are all trying to figure out. We – as parents – are all they have left to hang onto for dear life and, as parents, we are required to put our fears, uncertainties and anxieties aside, to tend to their fears, uncertainties and anxiety… as best as we can! Here are some of the things specialists around the world are recommending, when dealing with children, regarding the coronavirus. Make time to talk and ensure your child knows they can come to you anytime. Make sure you listen to their thoughts, fears and opinions. Remember that children will react to both what you say and how you say it. So, keep calm and composed.
Avoid using angry or strong words, keep it plain and simple. Teach them everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs. Remind them that viruses have existed since life has started. Limit their exposure to media and news, they can only aggravate children's anxiety. Consider reducing screen time – I know it is a tough one, but crucial – and instead try to keep their hands and minds busy. Daily walks, DIY projects, books etc. Screen time can take a toll on their moods, turning them into mini monsters. Try your best to keep them connected with their friends and family, through video calls, messages, emails etc. Take this time with your children as a gift from above, savour every minute. Be thankful that for once in a lifetime you can spend all day, every day watching their every move, step and milestone. And most importantly, be easy on yourself and on them! Chanelmama. www.womanthismonth.com
LIFESTYLE | food
RECIPES FROM RAZAN SALMON WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO Ingredients:
Ingredients:
250g salmon 4 cloves garlic 2 tbsp organic tomato paste 10 sun-dried tomatoes 1 pack feta (basil and sun-dried tomato flavour works well, but plain is fine) 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp each of oregano, paprika, sea salt.
Method:
Mince the garlic cloves and place in an oven dish with the olive oil. Broil the garlic at 250°C for five minutes until golden brown. Place the salmon (skin removed) in the same oven dish and season with sea salt, oregano and paprika. Coat the salmon with the organic tomato paste and the garlic pan juices. Cover the salmon with sundried tomatoes and feta. Cook in the oven at 180°C for 25 minutes. Serve with freshly chopped basil.
A food and wellness writer and pescatarian recipe developer, Razan Al Arabi is certified in cuisine techniques by Le Cordon Bleu (London) and in nutrition for everyday living by London’s College of Naturopathic Medicine. She’s passionate about health and wellbeing and marries her love of great, nutritious food with teaching yoga to both adults and kids. With that kind of combination, you can be guaranteed that the products of her busy kitchen will be both flavourful and healthful. Here she shares two new recipes exclusively for WTM readers.
BACON, DATE AND GARLIC CHEESE CANAPÉS Ingredients:
1 pack turkey bacon 1 pack medjool dates (pitted) 250g garlic and herb cream cheese 2 tsp brown sugar
Method:
Place the turkey bacon in an oven dish and season with brown sugar. Cook at 180°C for 15 minutes. Stuff each pitted medjool date with a teaspoon of garlic and herb cream cheese. Wrap each stuffed date with a slice of brown sugar-coated turkey bacon. Stick a toothpick in each date to hold the ingredients together! These make for great canapés!
www.womanthismonth.com
June 2020
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LIFESTYLE | home
EASE
and
Giorgio Collection
WFH. Not only has the abbreviation for Work From Home been thrown around in conversations the world over, it has become a new way of life for a majority of folks everywhere. And those of us who are leaning into foresight, can tell that it might just be the way forward for businesses across the commercial sphere, continuing in post-pandemic times. Even if you don’t have the surplus square metres for an entire spare room, now’s the time to upgrade your home office from the corner of the dining table to a personalised nook that puts the joy back into your job.
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www.womanthismonth.com
LIFESTYLE | home INFUSING INSPIRATION
Incense burner NAMSHI.COM
EASILY ERGONOMIC
TICK TOCK Wall clock
Swivel Chair
NAMSHI.COM
HOME BOX
MAKE A MEMO
PLEASING PAPER WEIGHT
Clip-up board LIFESTYLE
Desk accessory
A NOD TO MEMORIES
Circular photo frame AMAZON.COM
NAMSHI.COM
SUPPORT SYSTEM Laptop support IKEA
POWER ON Table lamp HOME BOX
MARK YOUR TERRITORY Rug
UBUY.COM
A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
Organiser stand LIFESTYLE
MINIATURE ESSENTIALS Stationery storage LIFESYLE
FLORAL ACCENT Faux flowers UBUY.COM
FIND YOUR ZEN Tabletop fountain
AMAZON.COM
THE FOCAL POINT Work desk EBAY.COM
www.womanthismonth.com
June 2020
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last word
In Her Shoes Atharie Al Salem, the woman behind Instagram page @thebahrainivegan, shares some secrets.
Flats or heels?
Heels. Being a dancer, I like to be tall and light on my feet, and heels keep those legs toned!
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl for sure! Though I do wish I was an early bird, I love sunrises and yummy breakfasts.
Dream holiday destination (money no object)? Spain for sure, such a beautiful country with even more beautiful people and music.
What three things don’t you leave the house without? My phone, wallet and my favorite pair of sunglasses.
Atharie What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
Puppies or kittens?
Ziplining + Fear of heights = AHHHHHH!
Puppies, I have two dogs and love them to bits.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
You can do anything you set your mind to. If you are too scared to do something, count in your head or out loud: three, two, one - and then start. All the power you need is within you, you just need to START, everything will flow easily from then on. - Mai Al Umran.
What’s your favourite pizza topping?
Mushrooms, they work so well with some vegan cheese.
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Book that has most influenced your life?
Fallen by Lauren Kate. I read it as an adolescent and it really shaped my artistic views as the characters were angels and described so elegantly… my artistic aesthetic is based on Daniel’s violet iridescence! www.womanthismonth.com
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