Review: Gold Facial at the Kaya Skin Care Clinic

Have you ever had a gold facial? I'm talking 24K gold serums, creams and masks applied to your face in the most decadent manner so that you literally GLOW from the inside out. Apparently, gold can repair sun damage, lighten complexion, improve blood circulation and accelerate cell renewal. It is not just pretty to wear! 

A few days ago, I tried out the GOLD RADIANCE facial at Kaya Skin Care Clinic and was quite impressed by the results. 

The products used in the facial are all by ORO GOLD 

First, my face was cleansed and then lightly exfoliated using a microdermabrasion machine. My therapist then removed blackheads using an extractor but with no steam (ouch!). A 24K Vitamin C Booster Serum was then massaged into to my face followed by a heavenly facial and eye massage using 24k creams. Finally, a 24k gold and collagen mask was applied to my face. This was meant to infuse my skin with the energizing and antioxidant properties of gold to enhance my youth and elasticity of my skin. 

The end result? Super smooth and clearer skin for days afterwards.

 I have been glowing ever since!

About the KAYA SKIN CARE CLINIC

The branch I visited at Abu Dhabi Mall has a very 'clinical' feel 

with its corridor of treatment rooms which are very basic, clean and plain

Kaya Skin Care Clinic is the largest chain of skincare clinics in the Middle East. They have 19 branches across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The best part about them? They are mostly located in convenient locations like shopping malls with tons of parking. Each client is considered unique and receives customized treatment. You first meet with a dermatologist to decide on the best course of treatment for your concern before booking any of their services. Then trained therapists take over to give you the best possible results. 

Click here to learn more about the Kaya Skin Care Clinic

Have you ever tried a 24K gold facial?

Lancome Miracle Air de Teint Foundation

I don't use liquid foundation- I usually hate their coverage and find they look cake-y and un-natural. I especially it hate when I greet a person with kisses on their cheeks and feel the texture of their foundation. I prefer to use tinted moisturizer and bronzing powder instead.

Having said that, I decided to try Lancome's brand new weightless foundation a few days ago, Miracle Air De Teint and it's like nothing I have ever tried before.  I'm seriously OBSESSED! My skin looked and felt so good afterwards that even my husband told me he loved my makeup that day! 

The foundation is more like a BB cream and skin perfecter. It feels light as air, has a matte finish and left my skin feeling super silky and soft. Best of all it gave me a 'glow' and an air-brushed nude finish.

It comes in 12 different shades so you will definitely find one to match your skin tone

(Source: beautyscene.net)

How to Apply: The foundation is very fluid and easy to blend. It is best to put one or two drops onto your hand and then apply with your fingers to your face. Brushes or sponges will soak up the liquid so don't use them. I personally like my skin to look quite tanned so I put bronzing powder on top but you don't really need it for a more natural look. 

Make-up artist Alex Babsky shows how to do a 'No Makeup look' 

using Lancome Miracle Air de Teint 

If your skin only needs light coverage, then this is the product for you. If you are looking for a heavier foundation to cover un-even skin then I would choose another foundation with more coverage. 

Have you tried the Miracle Air De Teint? What did you think? 

MY SMALL OBSESSIONS Nail Polish

OMG I'm SO excited, I can barely concentrate on the screen to write this!  KOKO Nails has chosen to name one of it's nail polishes in the Spring 2014 collection after my blog! My Small Obsessions will be one of 6 exclusive colours and I can't WAIT to find out which colour it will be!

Keep watching this space for more info- I'll be giving away some nail polishes come Spring! :) 

Competition Alert: I'm giving away Giorgio Armani SI perfume bottles!

I am giving away 5 bottles of Giorgio Armani's new perfume SI! It is a lovely scent with notes of cassis nectar, modern chypre, and light musky wood. I find it very light and sweet and the perfect scent to wear everyday.

How to WIN

SI means YES in Italian. All you have to do is tell me what you say SI to! It can be absolutely anything. (For example: Love, life, myself, shopping, fashion, vacation, travel, etc)

COMPETITION DETAILS

1) 'LIKE' MySmallObsessions on FaceBook & Instagram

2) Tell me your SI in the comments section below, on FB, or Instagram

3) Tag @mysmallobsessions #GiorgioArmani #SIto(your si)

e.g.  Si to Fashion would be:

Si to Fashion @mysmallobsessions #giorgioarmani #SItoFashion 

4) Provide your email address with your answer so I can contact the winners :)

Winners will be chosen completely at Random

GOOD LUCK! 

Competition Alert: Giorgio Armani SI for 5 lucky readers!

Just in time for Eid, I have a VERY exciting competition for you guys! I am giving away bottles of Giorgio Armani SI to FIVE lucky readers  :)

About the Perfume

The SI woman is free and knows how to make her vision of the world known. She represents the calm strength of femininity, and the courage to say SI! (yes in Italian) enthusiastically.

The fragrance is chic, sultry, soft and intense at the same time. With notes of cassis nectar, modern chypre, and light musky wood I found it light and sweet. Packaged in a no-fuss, truly elegant bottle that is symbolic of Giorgio Armani's collections, this perfume is fast becoming one of my new OBSESSIONS!

"Sì is my tribute to modern femininity, an irresistible combination of grace, strength and independent spirit." Giorgio Armani

Kate Blanchette stars in the video for Si - it is so moving and powerful! 

Makes a woman believe that she can say SI to absolutely anything she desires :)

My 'SI' 

SI to Merry Go Rounds & Childhood Dreams

COMPETITION DETAILS

1) 'LIKE' MySmallObsessions on FaceBook & Instagram

2) Tell me your SI in the comments section below, on FB, or Instagram (Si to love, freedom, myself, seduction, etc)

3) Tag @mysmallobsessions #GiorgioArmani #SIto(your si)

e.g. mine would be: 

Si to Merry Go Rounds & Childhood dreams @mysmallobsessions #giorgioarmani #SItochildhooddreams 

4) Provide your email address with your answer so I can contact the winners :)

Winners will be chosen completely at Random

GOOD LUCK!!

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse - The WONDER oil!

In my summer interviews this year, Nadine Kanso, designer of Bil Arabi jewellery, swore by Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse to keep her summer skin silky. (For a recap, read Nadine Kanso's interview here). I decided to try it out for myself and OMG I'm OBSESSED!!!

It is a multipurpose oil which can be used on your face, hair, skin, cuticles, and basically anywhere that needs it! It is a dry oil so isn't oily AT ALL and absorbs really fast into your skin. The best part about it is the smell - it leaves a subtle scent that disappears after an hour or so. This oil can be used ANYWHERE and at ANYTIME. I LOVE IT! 

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse OR has golden particles that give your skin a light shimmer

Perfect for after the beach on tanned skin!

What makes it so great? Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse contains plant oils and Vitamin E which nourish, repair and soften anything you put it on. 

How to use it:

Face: Add a spritz of the oil with your daily moisturizer and apply it to your skin

Legs: Apply in upward movements to your legs for a 'silk stocking' effect. It will make your legs look more toned (who doesn't want that?!)

Skin: Smooth it all over your body after your shower to moisturize your skin. It only takes a minute or two to dry. 

Hair: For a natural wavy effect, spray a little into your palm on dry hair and scrunch your hair with it. You can also smooth 2 drops into your hair to eliminate frizz

Relax: To relax, pour a few drops into your bubble bath to nourish your skin and give it a faint scent

I HIGHLY recommend this multipurpose oil - it's truly amazing :)

Learn more about Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse HERE

Sexy Summer Soles

(Source: campwander.blogspot.com)

Summer isn't a good time for your feet - especially when you want to show them off in open-toe sandals and flip flops! Feet can swell to up to half a size bigger due to heat and humidity and this causes lots of unattractive problems! Cracked heels, sweaty soles, blisters, and tired and achy feet are all common symptoms. Here is a comprehensive guide to preventing these problems and how to deal with them when they happen. 

1) Issue: Dry & Cracked Heels

Dry and Cracked heels are very common in the summer. Most of us opt for lighter footwear like flip-flops and open-backed sandals rather than covered shoes. When they rub around the edge of our heels, they cause dry skin and callouses which build up everyday and get progressively worse if not treated. 

Clockwise from Top Left:

Revlon Pumice Stone (Link)

Dr. Scholl's For Her Smooth my Sole Micro File (Link)

Curel Foot Therapy (Link)

Dr. Scholl's Heel Repair Cream (Link) 

Remedy

Buy a pumice stone or foot file and gently file your soles and dry skin after your shower every day. Apply a rich moisturizing cream like E45 cream or any foot cream before bed. Give yourself a mini foot massage if you have time - it helps moisturize and relieve your skin. For long distance walking or hiking, use Compeed Heel Cracks Plasters (Link) - they are amazing! 

2) Issue: Sweaty Soles

It's a gazillion degrees out and just as you get sweaty and hot outdoors, so do your feet. Sweaty soles are prone to fungal infections and frictional blisters and can smell!  With this summer's espadrilles trend, I can imagine this is an issue for quite a few of you! 

Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder  

Dr. Scholl's Soothing Foot Powder (Link) 

Remedy

Cool your feet in running cold water several times a day and use a foot powder to absorb excess moisture. If you suffer from smelly soles, use an antibacterial wash as well. Dry them well then sprinkle some Johnson&Johnson baby powder or cooling foot powders in your shoes before you put them on.

3) Issue: Blisters

Blisters are more common in the summer. When feet swell, they rub against your shoes, especially against the thongs of flip flops. This causes blisters on the backs of your heels, on the sides of your feet, and in between your toes. 

Compeed's Blister plasters form a protective layer over your blisters and give immediate relief. 

They stay on for a few days while the blister heals (Link) 

Remedy

Try to wear shoes that fit well and keep your feet dry to prevent blisters. While it is better to let your blister heel naturally in open air, it's difficult when you are on vacation and moving around alot. Cover it with a skin coloured plaster with medicated gel inside to heal your blister. 

4) Issue: Tired & Achy Feet

Flip flips and flat shoes have no structure and barely provide enough arch support. Especially if you are walking in them all day touring cities. By the end of the day, feet are usually tired and swollen and it's difficult to stay standing for long. 

Foot Petals Tip Toes Cushions (Link) 

Dr. Scholl's for Her Ball of Foot Cushions (Link) 

Remedy

If you are going to be on your feet all day, wear sneakers rather than open sandals. Put gel support cushions in your shoes and heels to help absorb the shock and protect your feet. If you have time, soak your feet in a hot basin of 1 cup epsom salts and 1 cup of baking soda. Add peppermint oil to cool tired feet or rosemary oil which is anti-fungal. 

Most importantly, try to get a regular pedicure to keep your toe nails sexy and in good shape. One of my favourites in Sugar Urban Nails' Sexy Soles Pedicure (Link). I also highly recommend a regular foot massage to relieve the pressure points in your soles. Use a daily foot moisturizer and have fun with your nailpolish! 

Do you use any special foot products in summer??

Exclusive Summer Interview: Dr. Lamees Hamdan of Shiffa Skin Care

(www.coutts.com)

For this week's Exclusive Summer Interview, I sat down with Dr. Lamees Hamdan. She is the founder and creator of SHIFFA Skincare in Dubai, a company that sells award winning beauty products, and a mother of four young children. This summer, she will be travelling to four countries in four weeks. Read about her fabulous tips to packing light, the amazing SHIFFA products that she will be taking along, and great recommendations of things to do in Paris! 

Where will you be travelling this summer? 

Bodrum to spend Eid with my parents, our farm in France with my in laws, then Paris, then Forte Dei Marmi for a friend's wedding, Lake district in the U.K. and finally London for a friend's birthday party! It was supposed to be a boring summer - funny how things suddenly change!!

How long will you be staying?

4 weeks.

Any plans while there?

In Paris I go to a great Italian restaurant called Cibus on Rue Moliere, L'atelier de Joel Robuchon and  Jean Paul Hevin for chocolates. I love going to the marches for fresh food and flea markets. I will be visiting museums and my favourite, Institute de Monde Arabe. I will also be signing up for a walking tour of the 16eme Arrondissement for its Art Deco Buildings. 

Clockwise from top left: 

Restaurant Cibus (Link) 

L'atelier de Joel Robuchon (Link) 

Jean Paul Hevin (Link) 

Institute de Monde Arabe (Link) 

What will you be shopping for on your vacation?

I will not be doing any serious shopping - I don't like to shop when I am with my kids. I would rather be at a park, a museum, or EuroDisney. I have actually become an online shopper. With so little time, I don't have time to shop around! I love anything that can be customized or monogramed - they make great gifts :)

All of my family members have customized passport holders by Smythson

(These are ABSOLUTELY Fabulous!)

Who will you be travelling with?

Summer is all about family.

What will you pack in your suitcase?

I usually pack very, very light! It's challenging because on this trip I will be on a farm, in a major stylish city with sightseeing and fancy dinners at night, and at a wedding! I will only take 2 bags: one for day and a clutch for evenings and a cashmere lined rain jacket from Loro Piana. 

Shoes: 

I will be packing a pair of nude heels by Michel Perry

nude ballet flats by Lanvin (Link)

Chanel jelly slippers

I always pack everything into Victorinox rolled duffle bags (Link)

Never black or red as they are too common 

Summer Dresses:

I love Bottega Venetta for dinners 
Marni works for both daytime and evenings out with heels

What are your summer beauty essentials?

In the summer you need great skin, because makeup is so minimal. I use a Shiffa cleanser, moisturizer, and body lotion and sheer lipstick by Bobbi Brown.

Shiffa Sweetness Body Lotion (Link) 

Shiffa Aromatic Facial Cleanser (Link) 

White Tea Moisturizer (Link)

What do you usually put in your carryon?

My shawl, Vitamin C effervescent tablets, and air popped popcorn to munch on during movies. I always hydrate with chamomile tea, roobois tea, and water during and after my flight. 

I use Shiffa Healing Balm (Link) on the flight on my hands, face, under my eyes, and on my lips.

 It hydrates, removes puffiness, makes my skin glow, and smells divine!

I always carry a small vial of Aya perfume

Any travel tips?

Travel light and enjoy life :)

If you liked this Exclusive Summer Interview, check out others for Nadine Kanso (Link), Ashlie Johnson (Link), Jen Atkin (Link),  Victoria Waller (Link) & Zayan Ghandour (Link) 

My Favourite Face Mists

It's REALLY hot out and every time we go outdoors, our faces get all sweaty and dehydrated. Super unattractive and annoying! The solution? Face mists! They keep you refreshed and cool, calm, hydrate, replenish, and subside skin irritations. They are an instant pick-me-up! A fact I just discovered? They are used by makeup artists for setting makeup and getting dewy faces. 

Most mists come in small, light bottles that can be carried in your handbag to keep you refreshed all day. Go ahead and invest in this beauty product. It'll keep you cool and beautiful all summer! 

Here are a few of my favourites and tips on how to use them properly:

EVIAN Mineral Water Spray (Link)

EVIAN's face mist has always been my favourite- it revives over-heated skin, 

removes perspiration, and keeps your makeup looking fresh throughout the day. 

This spray is the most natural one on the market and is the easiest to find

FRESH Rose Floral Water (Link)

This mist is made from soothing, natural floral water sourced from Grasse in France. It smells DIVINE! 

It is alcohol free and the cooling blend is perfect for prepping skin before serums and creams, setting makeup, or refreshing skin all day. 

LA MER The Mist (Link)

This refreshing mist helps to heal, rebalance, and hydrate dry skin. 

It is perfect for skin that has been exposed to the sun.

It's also La Mer - enough said! 

HOMEMADE Citrus Face Mist 

If the idea of spending money on a face mist seems over indulgent to you, you can easily make one at home. It is just as effective and probably more fresh than a store bought bottle.  

This mist should only be used to cool you down and not over your makeup.

CLICK HERE for a homemade recipe 

TIPS for GETTING MORE out of your face mist:

1. Store your bottle in the fridge so the mist is extra refreshing and cooling on your skin
2. Let the mist sink into your skin for 2 minutes and then blot off the excess
3. To get more out of your face cream, spray mist on your face and immediately put your face cream on top. The moisture from the cream will get locked in.
4. Apply the mist over your makeup. It will remove the powdery feel and give you a healthy, dewy look. 
5. Always hold the spray away from your face like in the pic above

Do you use a face mist? Which brand is your favourite?

Obsession Alert: Lancome Gloss In Love

I have a new beauty obsession that I HAVE to share with you - Lancome In Love Lip glosses (Link)! They are a special summer collection for 2013. They come in 12 majorly addictive colors, are non-sticky, super glossy, super moisturizing, and super soft on the lips. Their colors are so rich that you don't need to apply lipstick - two coats and you have a perfect, shiny pout. They are also infused with a soft fruity-vanilla scent so they even taste good! 

The Lipgloss has a push-button so there is no need to twist open the cap 

Unlink other glosses, lipgoss doesn't melt on the cap (even after leaving it in the sun)

My favourite perk? While the shine goes after you eat and drink, the color stays on your lips for a LONG time. These glosses have become my ultimate favourite summer beauty essential this year. I'm SO OBSESSED that I have a tube in my beach bag, one in my day bag, and one in my  car just in case! 

Wearing my Gloss in Love in 385 - Under the Spotlight 

Look how glossy my lips are! 

Lancome Gloss in Love comes in 12 shades ranging from sheer to fuschia and orange (Link)

Which shade is your favourite? 

EXCLUSIVE Summer Interview: Celebrity Manicurist Ashlie Johnson

One of my biggest beauty dilemmas during my summer vacations has always been my nails. It is really difficult to find a decent nail parlour in Europe that does as good a job as the ones I am used to in the U.A.E. I always wondered how women keep their manis and pedis looking fresh throughout the summer, especially on beach holidays with all the salt and chlorine! 

For this week's Exclusive Summer Interview, I sat down with Chanel Celebrity Manicurist Ashlie Johnson (Link). She counts Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Mendes, Kate Hudson, and Jessica Alba as clients and does their nails for events and photoshoots. We discussed travelling to beautiful Costa Rica and the products she uses to prolong her manis and pedis. Enjoy :)

Where will you be travelling this summer?

Costa Rica. I've always wanted to visit the rain forest and practice my surfing. It's meant to be the ideal spot. 

Rio Celeste waterfall in Costa Rica's tropical rainforest  

(Source: www.cardelmar.co.uk)

How long will you be staying?

Two weeks

Any plans while there?

I don't think there is much shopping to do in the jungle! I'll mostly be in the water or hopefully exploring the jungle animals and taking photos. I'm not aware of any 'hot-spots' or places to dine at, so meals will be very low key. Fresh and healthy.

If you find shops, what will you be shopping for?

I love to find awesome local jewellery when I go on vacations. It is easy to travel back with them and they make unique gifts for friends. 

Wooden Costa Rican Jewellery

Who will you be travelling with?

I'm going with a great girlfriend of mine who turned me onto paddle boarding last summer. But then we got the bug to surf this summer! There are some great surf camps in Costa Rica so we are hoping to get better :)

Do you usually pack heavy or light?

I went to Paris for my first time in May and I packed heavy but for a beach vacation, I pack light. All you need are swimsuits, coverups, and flipflops. That's what I love about the beach.

What will you pack in your suitcase?

I will pack one swimsuit for each day I'm there. I love to collect them so I have a lot! Light dresses that can work day or night, Ancient Greek sandals, Havaiana Flip flops, some cool necklaces, and definitely my camera. 

Beach Vacation Essentials: (Clockwise from Top Left) 

ZIMMERMAN Oasis Bikini (Link) 

ANCIENT GREEK Sandals (Link)

HAVAIANAS (Link)

KARMA silk dress (Link)

What are your summer beauty essentials?

SUNSCREEN! It's a must- I have light freckled skin and blond hair so I tend to burn. I also pack a big hat to block out the sun. I also can't live without my Sheila Stotts hair brush- nothing will get through the knots without damaging my hair. I also pack L'oreal's Nature Therapy Moisture Conditioner. I have tried every conditioner UNDER THE SUN and this is the only one that leaves my hair shiny and soft even after being in the salt water. 

L'OREAL Nature's Therapy Mega Moisture Nurturing Creme (Link)

SHEILA STOTTS hairbrush (Link) 

Any tips for extending your Manicure and Pedicure in the summer?

I always pack a nail file and Top Coat. If you chip a nail, file it with your nail file and then apply a top coat every 2 to 3 days to keep your polish perfect. I also bring along Dr. Hauschka's Neem nail oil pen. It is a spill-proof way to travel with your nail oil. Apply this each night to keep your nails and skin hydrated. 

Dr. Hauschka's Neem nail oil pen (Link)

What's your preferred nail polish color this summer?
Chanel's Azure polish for summer- it looks just like the reflection of the sea!

CHANEL Azure Nailpolish 

Any Travel Tips?

Always make sure that whatever you pack, you can carry yourself. There is nothing worse than not being able to get your bag on a plane or train when in a mad rush. Also, keep your travel info and documents in an easy access compartment in your bag. You don't want to waste time searching for things like your passport! 

If you enjoyed this week's Exclusive Summer Interview- check out Jen Atkin's interview last week (Link Here). She is a celebrity hairstylist who works closely with Ashlie Johnson :)

EXCLUSIVE Summer Interview: Celebrity HairStylist Jen Atkin

It's no secret that celebrities look better than the rest of us and spend a big portion of their time travelling. Ever wonder how they stay looking so amazing? Who better than to ask their team of beauty stylists how to look fabulous while travelling? They are constantly jetting from one celebrity, photo shoot, and job to the next and have all the answers! :)

This week's Exclusive Summer Interview is with celebrity Hairstylist Jen Atkin who works for the Wall Group in LA and NYC (Link). She is responsible for the amazing hairstyles of the who's who in Hollywood for every single awards show and event. She counts Sophia Vergara, the Kardashians, and Jessica Alba as not only her clients, but close friends. We discussed her travel beauty essentials and how she arrives to her destinations looking fresh and rested!

Where will you be travelling this summer?
Bali at the end of Summer. My boyfriend Mike Rosenthal is a photographer and will be working on Top Model Asia. I want to go visit :)

How long will you be staying?
One week

Any Plans while there?
Lots of sleeping, working out (I'm an LA girl), Reading Grace Coddington's book (Creative Director of American Vogue), Mindy Kaling's book, and cleansing. I don't like to eat alot on vacation because it helps with the jetlag.

What will you shop for?
Only flip flips and hats! I usually shop in LA, NYC, or Miami while I'm there for work. I need a vacation from shopping!!

Who will you be travelling with? Friends or family?
Just me and my man :)

Do you usually pack heavy or light?
We went to Croatia, Greece, and Italy last summer and I packed so light you wouldn't believe it! I never travel without my Rimowa Suitcases.

RIMOWA Luggage (Link)

What will you pack in your suitcase?
Lots of Bikinis! Believe it or not, but I actually like to wear a lot of my clients' lines. Charlotte Ronson, Sofia Vergara for KMART workout gear, Kardashian Kollection dresses, shoes and accessories by Rachel Zoe, and ALC EVERYTHING!

From Left:

Charlotte Ronson dress (Link)

 Sophia Vergara for KMART sweatpants (Link)

ALC Rolston Dress (Link)

What are your beauty essentials?

Charlotte Ronson Body Bronzer (Link) 

CLEAR Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy tubes to bring my hair back to life (Link)

DR. LIPMAN Be Well Cleanse helps me detox every other month (Link) 

ORIBE Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil for those days by the pool (Link) 

SKINCEUTICALS SPF for my face (Link)

What will you pack in your carryon on the flight?

I have a whole flight beauty regime as I fly so often. I start with my By Terry Rose Baume to nourish and regenerate my lips, then an SK-II Face mask to keep me hydrated, my Sephora Cuticle Pen to hydrate my nails, and eye mask. Before I land, I use a SkinCeutical B5 Complex all over my face to give me a glow. 

Clockwise from Top Left: 

BY TERRY Baume De Rose SPF 15 (Link) 

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask (Link)

SEPHORA COLLECTION Cuticle Pen (Link)

SKINCEUTICALS Hydrating B5 Gel (Link)

Any Travel Tips?

If you can help it, don't eat on the plane. Plane food is so full of sodium that it makes you bloated. Bring your own food, like a packet of oatmeal if possible. I swear by Donoryml sleeping pills which I buy in Paris pharmacies. They help me sleep every flight and get on the time zone of wherever I have landed. A workout always helps me to fight jet lag.