July 2015 – The Blush Diaries | A Dubai Based Fashion and Beauty Blog by Rania Esper

Blue Pleated Midi

If you’re following me on Instagram then you already know my hubby and I spent a couple of days at The Cove Rotana in Ras Al Khaimah this past weekend to celebrate a belated anniversary, and I’ll be sharing the details of our stay very soon. My husband is an entrepreneur as well and we both dedicate most of our time towards our businesses, so it’s always so nice to just unplug and unwind. In my case, trips like these are the ideal opportunity to shoot on location and create unique content. Don’t worry, I didn’t drive him too crazy, but I do realize how lucky I am to have such a supportive man by my side. When on vacation, I like to pack dresses and rompers that are comfortable and easy to throw on. Luckily, I found this beautiful floral – what a shocker – blue pleated midi that fit the bill!

x Rania

Dress: Mango, | Bag: Aldo, | Hat: Nordstrom, | Gladiators: Mango, |

*Affiliate links have been used in this post.

Summer Glow

I love the different aspects of each season: the coziness of winter, pretty blossoms in the spring and the clean breeze in the fall. What I like most about summer isn’t just the constant sunshine but also the cute shorts and a sun-kissed glow. The temperatures are getting really high in Dubai at the moment so I’m taking extra care of my skin and decided to share my favorite products and tips to get a beautiful summer glow.

1. Moisture: I always talk about hydrating but it’s so incredibly important. I’ve noticed an improvement in my overall complexion, diminishing of old scarring and even less frizz in my hair. I talked about my love for Argan Oil and how I use it for almost everything. I recently also shared my Curly Hair Method and favorite products to keep your hair moisturized and healthy. Don’t neglect your nails either, a good almond cuticle oil can go a long way.

2. Treatment: I shared a 2 part series on the best products to Scrub and Polish your skin, and this is the most effective way to keep my skin bump-free and smooth. I completely recommend getting a facial at least once a month but I know how hard it is to find the time to do that, so try my at-home dewy skin mask and thank me later!

3. Base: This is an obvious one, but we need to start paying extra attention to sunscreen and making sure it’s part of our routine. I’m not always good about it, and that’s why I like to use a BB cream with high SPF such as Tarte’s BB Tinted Treatment.

4. Shimmer: I love adding some luminosity to my skin, and my favorite products for that is the Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs for my body, and Too Faced Sweethearts Flush Blush for my face. The Naked 3 palette is my favorite of all time, but especially in the summertime I like the extra shimmer on my lids.

I hope these tips help you as much as they did me, I’d love to hear what you think! Xo

*Affiliate links have been used in this post.

White on White

I can give you a million reasons why I love white outfits all year long, but I’ll stick to the basics. Whether you’re tanned or fair, white really brings out a fresh look to your skin and accentuates your makeup and jewelry beautifully. It allows you to wear statements accessories or dainty and muted tones for a more effortless style. Now if you’ve been following along for a while you know how much I love to dress like I’m not living in a desert; a bright-lights-big-city but a desert none the less. This what I’d look like on a Sunday in L.A. before heading to brunch and after a farmer’s market run. What do you think of an all-white outfit? Xo

Top: Similar here | White Distressed Jeans | Woven Bag | Druzy Rings: Vitrine Designs | Flats: Sold out, similar here.

Curly Hair Method

Last week, I gave my curly hair another chance and I promised you all that I’d share my new techniques. The curly hair method requires a few steps and some super moisturizing products. There’s a book called Curly Girl which gives an in-depth explanation of achieving beautiful natural curly hair. It does require you to eliminate shampoo from your routine, so I just adopted a few tips without following it to a T.

When it comes to products, it’s all about the added hydration. I’ve been using the Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo for a few months and not only is it sulfate-free, but it’s really helped tame my frizz. My favorite conditioner is the Dry Bar Sake Bomb Conditioner; a little bit goes a long way with this stuff and it leaves the hair smooth and silky. Part of the curly hair method recommends you don’t rinse out the conditioner entirely, kind of like a leave-in conditioner.

I combed my hair while rinsing it in the shower and skipped brushing it afterwards. I gently dried my hair with a towel, then applied some Biosilk Silk Therapy serum to the ends. Next, I rubbed some Organic Argan Oil between my palms and worked it gently into my hair. I finally tipped my head over and I scrunched my hair upwards using some Pantene Oil Replacement. With whatever product left in my hands I patted down the top of my hair and scrunched it again. I let my hair completely air dry and was left with some neat twisted curls, a few messy ones and a little frizz at the top. I brushed down the fly aways near my roots, and tidied the messy curls with a curling iron. When I slept on it, I woke up with soft loose curls.

Let me know if you try any of products or techniques of this curly hair method, I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Xo

*Affiliate links have been used in this post.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

If you’ve been thinking about experimenting with some fun and bold prints, now’s the time to do it. The thing about printed pieces is they may seem limited to a season, so I usually wait for a great sale and invest in a few outfits or accessories I can enjoy all summer long. Nordstrom’s anniversary sale starts on July 17th, but they opened early access to card holders today. I’ve linked my top picks below, happy shopping loves! Xo

*Affiliate links have been used in this post.

Palm Prints

Let’s talk humidity. My hair really didn’t cooperate for this shoot which, mind you, was pretty quick because it was a HOT day. I’m trying different techniques to combat frizzy hair, some include added moisture and also completely avoiding being outside. Any tips, tricks and recommendations are welcome!

I’ve searched for the perfect palm print piece since last summer and when I finally found this top at Charlotte Russe, I was completely stoked. This is my take idea of a subtle print on print, with the floral pattern on the skirt adding just the right amount of dimension. Of course I wore my trusty wedges which are quickly become my favorite summer staple. Would you wear a palm print and what are some of your favorite ways to wear it? Xo

Top: Charlotte Russe / Skirt: Mint Julep Boutique, similar here and here / Gold Wedges: NY&Co, similar here / Bag: Kate Spade.

Interview with Bride Club ME

Rhiannon Downie-Hurst is the founder of the top wedding information online resource in the UAE, Bride Club ME. She began her journey in the media and publishing industry and finally ventured off to become an entrepreneur. Currently she is the Editor in Chief of her own website and founder of The Engage Academy, a workshop and community for wedding professionals, among other events and projects. Continue reading Interview with Bride Club ME