2020 is finally here, a new year, and with it a chance to shake up our beauty routines and habits and make some improvements. Living in Dubai, our skin has to deal with the drying effects of the constant air conditioning and the intense sun, not to mention, that dust! Often our New Year resolutions can be over ambitious and unrealistic so we have compiled a list of 7 simple beauty resolutions we should all make to ensure that we feel and look our very best.

1. Switch your foundation to a BB cream

Foundations provide a good coverage and there are different formulations on the market but they can feel heavy and sticky, especially in the heat and humidity of Dubai. Plus, why use a product that just covers when you can use a lighter product that doubles as makeup and skincare combined! 

Originating in Asia and hitting Europe in 2011, BB creams (‘beauty balm’ or ‘blemish balm’) are used to even out the skin tone and to correct blemishes. BB cream is lighter than standard foundation but thicker than a tinted moisturizer and contains both an SPF which is ideal in Dubai as well as antioxidants that help protect against free radicals and pollution damage (also a bonus in any city). 

There are some fantastic BB creams on the market to suit every pocket. An inexpensive favourite that really holds its own against more expensive options (and also happens to be available in many local supermarkets) is Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One BB Cream with SPF15. Other fantastic BB creams include Diorskin Nude BB Creme SPF 10 and Estée Lauder Daywear B.B Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme with SPF35.

2. Invest in a good makeup remover

A really good makeup remover is essential. Our skin renews itself while we sleep so it’s important that we take off our makeup properly before going to bed. Makeup residue can clog pores and cause skin imperfections and signs of fatigue. 

A makeup artists staple and great product to invest in (and luckily for us it’s readily available in pharmacies here in Dubai) is Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution. It’s a fragrance free, alcohol free, paraben free, hypoallergenic cleansing water that is gentle on sensitive skin (is gentle enough to be used on babies) yet tough enough to remove even waterproof makeup from both the face and the eyes! Apparently, a bottle of Sensibio is sold every 5 seconds across the globe so it’s got some reputation already! 

3. Supplements

We are happy to put products onto our skin in the hope it will make a difference. We often forget that what goes into our bodies produces the greatest beauty effects as well as health benefits! Taking a daily multivitamin supplement can keep your skin looking healthy and youthful and can lead to a reduction in wrinkles, dark spots, redness, excessive dryness and blemishes. Another great supplement available in the supermarkets and pharmacies is a green superfood powder mixed into juices or smoothies. Just a spoonful of this powder is packed with powerful antioxidants and vitamins that can make skin look radiant and boost energy.

4. Drink more water

For a great beauty boost make sure you’re drinking plenty of water! Simple! Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water (herbal teas and coconut water also count towards this) every day could be the simple answer to the biggest beauty problems we encounter! Drinking enough water flushes out toxins and makes skin glow, prevents dry, flaky nails and can help with aging. By staying hydrated, you are maintaining your skins suppleness and elasticity and this also helps skin to heal more quickly! Drinking enough water can also help with breakouts and acne and can actually reduce hair loss (hair is actually one quarter water!)

5. Switch to multi use makeup products

Save yourself some time in 2020 by streamlining your makeup bag and investing in some multi use, portable makeup products. As mums, we lead hectic lives and let’s face it, who has time to use a multitude of makeup products after a sleepless night or before the school run? 

There are some fantastic products on the market such as NARS ‘The Multiple’ (available in Sephora). This is an all-in-one, cream-to-powder, multipurpose makeup stick that can be used on the eyes, cheeks and lips! Just a slick of mascara, throw the stick in your handbag or diaper bag and you’re good to go, looking fresh and polished.

Another great multi use product is Benefit Benetint,which is a concentrated lip and cheek stain and it also comes in a balm version for a more subtle effect (Benefit Benebalm). You can also get these products in a mini size which is great for throwing in your bag for use throughout the day leaving lips and cheeks with a pretty, rose tinted flush.

6. The importance of sunscreen!

This one is especially relevant for us living in Dubai! Us Brits are just not used to the sun and the problem here is that when you live in a constant state of summer you sometimes forget how harsh the sun can be and sunscreen can slip your mind. We are often so busy making sure our children are totally covered, we can forget about our own skin! In fact, around 75 percent of us do not apply sunscreen to our faces daily! 

Sunscreen is the most effective anti-ageing product you can buy. Up to 90 per cent of ageing is caused by external factors, the main one being sun exposure. Of course, it goes without saying that skin cancer rates are on the rise so daily application of sunscreen is a must to decrease the risk. A great sunblock to use every day on the face, neck and décolletage is Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum 40 SPF available here in Department stores. This fantastic moisturizer protects against sun and environmental damage with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun block and antioxidants.

7. Have regular facial treatments

Often getting a facial is seen as an expensive extravagance, something you do to treat yourself rather than a necessity. A huge amount of pollution, dirt, grime, and dead skin accumulates on the face and this build up is difficult to remove with daily cleansing routines alone. It’s important that the skin has a deep clean regularly just like going to the dentist for a scale and polish regularly. 

One of the most important parts of a facial by a professional is the exfoliation, often with fruit acids or microdermabrasion. This helps jump start cell turnover and encourages the growth of new, healthy cells. Regular facials (even one every couple of months) will make a big difference to the condition of your skin. There are many salons in Dubai that also do facials in the comfort of your own home if it’s difficult to get to a salon.

If your budget really won’t stretch that far then there are some great products on the market for an at home facial. Dermologica is a great brand for DIY facials. Their Gentle Cream Exfoliant and Exfoliating Face Brush are a great place to start. Another great Korean product available here is the face sheet mask (available at Daiso believe it or not!) These cotton masks are drenched in nutrition packed serum based formulas that deliver products deep into the skin in a concentrated way. They contain vitamins, amino acids and minerals to rehydrate, plump and smooth the skin. They are so well priced that you can use them every day and make a perfect stocking filler! Stock up and make 2020 a beautiful new year!

Written by British mum  and professional make-up artist, Sophie Hendra

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