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

Taming Frizzy Hair

Hey, you guys! I hope your year has been off to an amazing start. I’ve had a slow few weeks due to jet lag and the flu, but here I am, back at it. As you might already know, I have wild, frizzy curls which can be difficult to control in Dubai’s humid weather. I’ve talked in the past about my curly hair method, which I use from time to time to give my hair a little break from blowouts. Lately, I haven’t really had the time or dedication to stick to it and have been back to either getting blowouts at the salon or doing them myself at home. I’ve switched up some products and found a significant difference in the manageability of my hair, not only from day to day, but also when I blow dry it myself. Here are some of the products that have helped me with taming frizzy hair.

1. I’ve always loved Redken shampoos and conditioners, but the Redken All Soft is by far one of the best lines I’ve ever used. It’s exceptionally moisturizing, and I can even feel my hair getting supple while I’m in the shower. It smells incredible, which is always a huge plus for me.

2. There’s a lot of buzz going around in the blogosphere about the Bamboo Kendi Oil, so I had to give it a try. My hair has become so much glossier since I’ve started using it, and I find that it is amazing at taming frizzy hair and giving my curls a softer feel.

3. I get these frizzy baby hairs at the top of my head, and the Pantene Oil Replacement is the only product I can use to smooth them away without leaving my hair oily. It’s also great for freshening up the hair the day or two after a blowout.

4. Finally, and most importantly for me, was switching which brush I use. I was consistently using the bristled round brushes, and while they create beautiful curls during a blowout, they get tangled up in my hair, and my at-home blowout gets messed up a few hours later. After trying the iconic brush, I’m never going back. I get through my blowout in much less time, and my hair looks so shiny and healthy afterwards.

I’d love to hear about any tips or tricks you may have for taming frizzy hair or a good at-home blowout.

xo Rania

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Loose Curls for Short Hair Tutorial

Now that my mane is somewhat of a long blunt bob, I’ve been working on improving my technique of creating loose curls for short hair. I partnered up with EIDEAL to show you how you can achieve soft loose curls with their Twin Fusion, which is a flat iron that comes with a clip-on half curling barrel. Check out the steps below on how to easily create loose curls for short hair. This technique works better the shorter your hair is.

Step 1:

Start by applying a heat protector of your choice to your wet hair, then blow-dry until it’s completely dry.

Step 2:

Section out your hair into small, manageable pieces.

Step 3:

Using the Twin Fusion from EIDEAL, twist this around each section to create a smooth curl. Place the Twin Fusion behind the section and curl backwards to create a softer finish to the top. Repeat this until all of the hair is curled and allow it to cool to help set in place.

Step 4:

Gently shake out the curl using your fingers and add some finishing cream to the ends to define them. Finally, spray some hairspray throughout for extra hold. Ouai has a great spray that is not too heavy.

Don’t worry if your curls seem a little tight, because throughout the day the curls tend to loosen up on their own. I personally like to bend my head forward and shake out my hair to soften the curls and add some volume to the roots. Have you tried any of the EIDEAL tools, and if so which are your favorites? I’d love to learn more hair tips from you as well, so please share them with me in the comments below.

xo Rania

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Spring Makeup Favorites

I haven’t done a beauty blog post in a while and so I decided to show you how I’d create a simple look using some of my spring makeup favorites for this year. My everyday look is usually the same, but I’m always into trying to incorporate new products especially as the seasons and trends change. At the moment I’m still using the same base for day-to-day outings which is the Tarte BB Tinted Treatment, but I’ve added the Nars Loose Powder (in ‘Eden’) to the mix which helps with keeping everything in place without looking caked on. The shade is too dark for around my eyes but adds a lovely and natural warm tone to my very pale complexion.

For the next step I pulled out my current favorite palette by Too Faced, the Chocolate Bon Bon. The shadows and highlighters smell like actual candy and there’s a wide variety of shades from neutrals to brights, and mattes to sparkly to please everyone’s taste. I applied the shade Cashew Chew all over my lids, and a mixture of Almond Truffle and Cotton Candy to the outer corners of my eyes. I finally used Satin Sheets on my cheekbones to give me that shimmery glow I love so much. The application is just enough to add pigment without looking over the top, so you can control how heavy the look turns out.

Mascara is so relative from person to person and is something I’m constantly experimenting with. Right now I’m using Urban Decay’s Perversion and it’s been working perfectly for me since it separates the lashes and gives length and fluffiness. I love using a lash primer or maximizer but it’s been a while and I’m so glad I picked up this False Lashes Maximizer by MAC because I was pleasantly surprised by the impact it makes.

For my final step I applied my go-to lip shade for the season which is Stila’s All Day Liquid Lipstick in Baci. I can’t get enough of these liquid lipsticks, and in pure Stila fashion these come in tons of gorgeous shades and are incredibly long lasting without the extra drying factor. They’re also easy to remove which is plus since I hate looking like my lips have been mauled at. I saw this particular shade on my cousin and ran straight to Sephora the next day to pick it up, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I hope you liked this look and will be trying some of these products yourself. Let me know what your Spring Makeup Favorites are for 2016!

xo Rania

Spring Makeup Favorites: Nars Loose Powder in Eden | Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bon | Urban Decay Perversion Mascara | MAC False Lashes Maximizer | Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in Baci. Photography by Natelee Cocks.

Holiday Makeup Routine

I usually stick to simple day-to-day makeup that gives me a fresh faced look, so I love adding a few steps to my holiday makeup that are easy and have a touch of glam. I start with my usual base and concealer, then I follow them with an extended winged liner using Stila ‘Stay all Day’ Liquid Liner and a few coats of a curling mascara like Benefit Roller Lash.

During the fall it’s nice to keep makeup matte and warm, so when winter comes around I switch to more dewy and illuminating products. I apply theBalm Mary Lou Luminizer on the apples of my cheeks, tip of my nose and cupid’s bow and I love the Rose Gold shimmery tones of the Naked 3 Palette for my eye lids.

I was always intimidated by contouring but found the Sephora Contour Duo super easy to use. I use the medium shade for an added bronze effect, but don’t use the highlighter because it’s too dark for my skin tone. I blend it into the hollows of my cheeks using the Sephora Sculpting Brush and it sets in like a powder.

A red lip is an obvious choice for holiday makeup and the Sephora Lip Stain #1 is the perfect shade of red for anyone and is long lasting even after dinner and a few drinks. I recommend applying some lip balm first because it does dry out the lips. I finally top it all off with my favorite pink blush from Bobbi Brown in Peony. What are your holiday makeup tricks and secrets? I would love to hear all about them from you!

xo Rania

Photography by: Enchante Portrait Couture

*This is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are 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.

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.

Makeup Routine

I’m no pro at applying makeup by any means, but if you’re obsessed with beauty blogs like I am then you know that practice makes you learn what products and techniques are best for your features. I like a subtle and natural makeup look with a beautiful touch of blush and a fierce cat eye. On a typical day I like to just apply concealer where it’s needed, some mascara and fill in my eyebrows. Here are some of my favorite products for when I want to get glammed up while keeping it simple.

1. Eyebrows: I used to say I’d never leave the house without concealer, but the truth is doing my eyebrows has become just as important. I’ve tried numerous creams, shadows and pencils, but the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Pencil is the best thing since sliced bread. It’s easy to apply, comes in various beautiful colors and gives an extremely natural finish.

2. Base: I’m still in search for the best foundation for my skin but I’ve been using Maybelline’s Dream Pure BB Cream for the past 6 months and I love it. The color options are perfect for my skin tone, it lasts all day without giving me oily patches and it looks like skin especially when applied with a Beauty Blender.

3. Concealer: I recently started using Maybelline’s Age Rewind Concealer (in light) and it has the most beautiful texture. I apply it to my face, blend it in with a Micro Beauty Blender and set it with Rimmel’s Stay Matte Pressed Powder. The yellow undertones of both products really brightens up my under eye area and doesn’t crease one bit!

4. Liquid Liner: My best friend introduced me to Stila’s Waterproof Liquid Liner and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to find it. The felt tip makes it so easy to apply, and although it’s waterproof and lasts all day long, it’s also very easy to wash off. Run don’t walk and go get yourself one.

5. Bronzer: MAC Mineralize powder in Dark has been my go to bronzer for years now. It’s a beautiful golden brown and is also amazing for contouring.

6. Blush/Illuminator: Bobbi Brown’s Blush in Peony is my all-time favorite pink blusher. When I want a more peachy tone with a built-in illuminator I use the Too Faced Sweetheart Perfect Flush Blush.

Guest Spot: Gabrielle Vossler

I’ve recently been doing my own blow dry and curling which I haven’t done since high school, and I’ve found it to be cost-effective and less of a hassle then visiting the salon once or twice a week. Practice makes perfect and it doesn’t hurt to learn some killer tips from an expert, so here is a step-by-step tutorial from Gabie Vossler.

As a hairstylist, I have to say the number one thing my clients in the salon want to learn is how to do a good blowout at home on their own hair. A good blow out can last anywhere from 2-4 days depending on the person’s hair and technique. Here are a few tips on getting that perfect, smooth, and least damaging blowout!

In order to prolong your hair tools (round brush, paddle brush, etc.) Do not touch the nozzle of the hair drier to the bristles of the brush. Not only does this damage the brush bristles, but it can also singe the hair. Keep the nozzle just above the hair and brush when smoothing and drying.
Although it does speed the drying time to flip your hair over and wave the hair drier back and forth over the hair, it is not doing your style any justice. To get a smooth blow out like you receive in the salon, always point the nozzle on the dryer downwards when going over the hair shaft. This smooths the cuticles of the hair down and will reduce the amount of frizz.
Use a concentrator on the nozzle of the dryer to focus the airflow where you want it. The grill of the hairdryer is extremely hot and will damage the hair if it is being pressed against it. Also, a concentrator helps make it easier to smooth hair down and eliminate frizz.
It is important to keep the hair drier moving to prevent heat damage. If you choose to use a round brush, keep twirling the brush slowly as you move down the hair strands. Slow movement is easier on the arms rather than pulling the brush through the hair quickly over and over.
Sectioning your hair will make a blow out so much easier. If you have thick hair, section the hair into four sections. For fine hair, typically one section will work. Take one inch sections and lift the hair up with the brush for more volume, and down for less (still point the nozzle downwards.)
After you have mastered smoothing the hair, when it is about 80% dry, you can twist the round brush around 2-3 times to create a loose curl or wave. Product (mouse, hairspray, volumizing spray) can help hold the style if you have straight hair naturally (zero texture). The top two pictures to the right have been styled using the twisting technique.

Be patient of the blow out does not come out perfectly the first time. Blowing out hair takes patience and practice, but the outcome is worth it! I recommend Olivia Garden round brushes as they evenly distribute heat through the hair, move smoothly, and do not rip out strands. Good luck!

Check out this video for a visual demonstration: http://youtu.be/BxlwOojH7oc

Gabrielle Vossler is a stylist at the Glass Door Salon & Spa and has over 6 years of experience in the industry. You can view some beautiful photos of Gabie’s work on her website: www.gabriellevossler.com

Flawless Tresses

They say a woman’s beauty lies in her hair, and weather long or short healthy hair is always necessary. While some hair care techniques are part of our daily routine, there are extra measures that can be taken for silky smooth tresses. Read on for tips on caring for your locks.

Condition: Regardless if your mane is oily or dry, using conditioner is a must for all hair types. Hair is exposed to numerous pollutants every day and also undergoes climate changes throughout the year. When applied to the ends, conditioner repairs any damage caused while smoothing the hair and making it more manageable.

Serum: Using a light-weight serum on wet locks untangles the hair which diminishes the likelihood of breakage while brushing. Hair serums also protect the hair from the heat of a curling iron or blow drier, and add a boost of shine.

Brushing: Contrary to popular belief, brushing invigorates the hair follicles and eliminates any impurities that may have built up throughout the day. It’s important to use gentle strokes to avoid tugging at the roots or snapping of the hair. It’s best to start at the ends with a comb and slowly work your way up.

Hair Treatment: A great to way to add a surge of hydration and minerals to the hair is by using a hair mask or a hot oil treatment. If you don’t have the time to get a treatment done at a salon, you can apply the oil or mask and leave it on for the duration of your shower. This will strengthen, soften and repair the hair. I used to use hair masks all the time but after realizing that they were causing my back to break out, I switched to oil masks and I’m happy to say the results are even better!

Get a Trim: Although a hair cut is an obvious way to maintain healthy hair, it might make growing out your hair a bit more difficult. Trimming a couple inches every 3 months will get rid of any worn-out ends and give your locks added bounce. There is no way to repair the ends once they have split, so cutting them is the best solution.

I hope these tips help you out, let me know your thoughts! Xo

DIY: Date Mask

Dates are so healthy and rich in vitamins and fiber, so during the summers in the UAE and particularly during the month of Ramadan everyone turns to dates for a nutritional snack. The high levels of vitamins A & K in dates make them an incredible skin food, which is what gave me the idea of creating a mask that can be applied topically.

Directions:

Using a milk steamer, heat 50 ml of milk on the stove and before it boils add 2 or 3 pitted dates to the milk and keep mixing until the consistency becomes thick and creamy. Once it cools down, apply the mask for 20 minutes and wash away with cool water.

Let me know how it works for you! Xx