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DUBAI’S WELLNESS WONDERS The Ultimate Spa Experience

Dubai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers, luxurious lifestyle, and extravagant experiences, is a haven for wellness enthusiasts seeking the ultimate spa experience. Amidst the desert landscape and opulent surroundings, Dubai’s spa scene stands out as a blend of traditional Arabian rituals, cutting-edge therapies, modern techniques, and lavish settings that promise a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The city’s spas are nestled within plush hotels, lavish resorts, and standalone wellness centers, each striving to deliver an unparalleled experience.

Holistic Wellness
One of the standout features of Dubai’s spa scene is its emphasis on holistic wellness. Many spas, such as Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah, combine ancient healing practices with contemporary methodologies, catering to both physical and mental rejuvenation. Visitors can indulge in traditional hammams, where skilled therapists perform rituals involving exfoliation, cleansing, and massages using natural oils and fragrances. These experiences not only cleanse the body but help one to relax and detoxify.
The city also boasts spas that specialize in innovative therapies, such as cryotherapy, where individuals are exposed to extremely low temperatures to trigger various health benefits, including pain relief and improved skin conditions. Additionally, Dubai’s spas often offer state-of-the-art facilities like hydrotherapy pools, sensory showers, and relaxation lounges designed to enhance the overall wellness journey.

Talise Ottoman Spa — Jumeriah Zabeel Saray

Skincare Regimen
Many spas in Dubai offer bespoke treatments tailored to individual needs. One can step into the Guerlain Spa at One&Only – The Palm for a personalized massage to alleviate specific muscle tension or a custom skincare regimen targeting unique skin concerns. Guests can expect a tailored experience that caters to their preferences and wellness goals.

Guerlain Spa — One&Only, The Palm

Spas With Picturesque Outdoors
Dubai’s spa landscape is not only diverse in its treatments but also in its settings. From serene oases overlooking the Arabian Gulf to spas nestled within lush gardens or perched atop skyscrapers, each location offers its unique ambiance for a truly immersive experience. For instance, Amara Spa at Park Hyatt is one of the most picturesque resorts in the city. Some spas provide outdoor treatment areas, allowing guests to reconnect with nature while indulging in their wellness journey.

Amara Spa — Park Hayatt

Ambiance and Design
The integration of traditional practices with modern techniques extends beyond the treatments to the spa’s ambiance and design. Many spas incorporate elements of Arabian architecture and aesthetics, using intricate mosaics, soothing colors, and ambient lighting to create a serene atmosphere. Saray Spa at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel honors this tradition with its Silk Route’s caravanserais. Discover Arabesque embellishments at every corner, detailed impressions, and an enticing selection showcasing age-old therapies employing organic remedies. Its primary highlight is the Dead Sea flotation pool, brimming with therapeutic salts from Jordan. This fusion of cultural influences and contemporary luxury adds a distinct charm to the spa experience in Dubai.

Saray Spa — JW Marriott Marquis Hotel

Organic Ingredients
Dubai’s spas prioritize using high-quality natural ingredients in their treatments, further enhancing the holistic experience. Awaken Wellness at Atlantis, The Palm is the perfect place for radiance-boosting facials and nature-themed rituals to try. Guests can immerse themselves in organic products sourced from around the world, from luxurious essential oils to locally sourced herbs and minerals renowned for their healing properties.
Beyond the treatments and facilities, the impeccable service and hospitality offered by Dubai’s spa professionals contribute significantly to the overall experience. Skilled therapists with extensive training ensure that guests receive not only top-notch treatments but also personalized attention and care throughout their spa journey. Dubai stands out as a global hub for wellness seekers, offering an array of spa experiences that combine luxury, tradition, and innovation. From ancient rituals to cutting-edge therapies, the city’s spas provide a holistic haven where individuals can unwind, rejuvenate, and embark on a transformative wellness journey amidst the city’s opulence and charm. Whether visiting for a brief escape or an extended wellness retreat, Dubai’s wellness wonders promise an unforgettable spa experience that nourishes the body, mind, and soul.

Awaken Wellness — Atlantis, The Palm
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In GT Beauty

Seasons Are Changing And So Are BEAUTY TRENDS

Hina Shah glammed up Sadaf Kanwal keeping in mind the upcoming beauty trends of the spring wedding season. In our conversation with Hina we got to know some of the star makeup products she used to achieve such a beautiful yet glamorous makeup look.

Get the look:

“I did my signature smokey eye look on my most favourite and ever gorgeous Sadaf Sabzwari! I sticked to my signature eye look, which is my personal favourite and also loved by majority of my clients.”

“To create the Smokey look I used Makeup by Mario’s nude palette along with Huda beauty’s rose gold palette.

With spring coming up I experimented with the shades of orange for the lips using my top most favourite lip palette by Makeup by Mario. I mixed a few of my go to lip shades and created this gorgeous shade of tangerine/orange which went perfectly with the look I had in mind.

For the blush I mixed Patrick Ta Beauty’s She’s a doll and Milk makeup’s Werk.

For the rest of the face, I created an uplifted look with the help of my favourite contour palette by Samer Khouzami and finished the look with the highlighter, Diamond Bomb by Fenty Beauty.”

Makeup Artist: Hina Shah (Hina Shah Makeup Lounge)
Muse: Sadaf Kanwal
Wardrobe: Hussain Rehar
Pr: Rubia Moghees

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In GT Beauty

Make-Up Tips with Sehrish Amir

Bridal MUA Sehrish Amir shares her top make up tips with us for wedding season.

What are some make up trends for the upcoming wedding season?

Clients are more inclined towards snatched and lifted looks this season. Though the classic gold eyes and red lips are still in demand nonetheless.

What tips can you give our readers to make their foundation look natural?

My top tip would be to prep your skin. If your canvas is well prepared and you’ve taken good skin care you hardly need foundation.

How do you suggest people protect their natural skin and hair from makeup and styling?

Primer before doing foundation and heat protecting spray before any hairstyling.

What is your go to skincare routine?

My routine is very basic with a Murad face wash and La Mer moisturizer. I exfoliate once a week and use masks at least three times in a month.

What mistakes do most brides make in your opinion?

Most times they want a makeup look that wouldn’t suit their face.

If you could give the brides who come to you advice, what would it be?

Please trust your makeup artist.

What challenges have you faced as an MUA in Pakistan?

Mainly, I’ve found that finding and building a team that can work with your vibe is quite the challenge.

What consists of your every day makeup kit?

A few things that make up my every day makeup kit are:

NARS foundation, MAC mascara, blush, gel eye liner, contour, lipstick and a lip liner.

What are your top 5 foundations?

  • Dior
  • Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
  • Mac Studio Fix Fluid
  • Ester Lauder Double Wear Foundation
  • Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
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In GT Beauty

MAKE-UP TIPS FOR SUMMER

Makeup artist Henna Baig of The Cutting Edge Salon talks to us about her hair and makeup secret

Makeup trends for summer?

The Korean gradient lip tint! It adds enough colour to the lips without making them look outlined and done. Eyes are matte in earthy or neutral shades with individual false lashes and brushed out eyebrows.

What are some tips to make foundation look natural during the summer?

l       Use a low coverage matte foundation (preferably mineral or liquid)

l       Conceal only if and where required

l       Let the weather and the natural skin oils play as highlight, adding extra highlight will only make the face look sweaty.

How do you suggest people protect their natural skin and hair from makeup and styling?

For skin:

  1. Cleanse your face properly and make sure there is no makeup on your face when you go to bed.
  2. Scrub twice a week (at night) followed by a sleep in face mask according to your skin type.
  3. Invest in a good foundation brand that doesn’t clog your pores.
  4. Always use a sunscreen (day time) and moisturizer or any primer before applying foundation.
  5. Use very gentle cleansers to remove eye makeup and work with a very soft hand.
  6. Scrub your lips before going to bed especially if you have been using dark/bright lip colors.
  7. Keep your makeup brushes and sponges clean.

For hair:

  1. Make sure you also prioritise haircare
  2. Always invest in professional hair products like a sulphate free shampoo and a deep conditioning mask.
  3. Use a heat protection serum before styling.
  4. Treat your hair with a protein treatment every weekend.

What is your go-to skincare routine?

I like to cleanse and tone my skin daily. I scrub twice a week at night, followed by a sleep in face mask. Always use sunscreen and moisturizer!

Never sleep with makeup on!

Keep yourself hydrated!

What mistakes do most brides make in your opinion? If you could give the brides who come to you advice, what would it be?

Keep yourself hydrated at all times! Don’t neglect your body and the nutrition and hydration it needs weeks prior to your big day. Also, red is not always the way to go. Brides should look into peaches, off-whites, golds and pinks as they compliment our skin tones. There should be one focus point in the makeup, either glam up the eyes or the lips. Don’t do both! A no makeup look is done with makeup. It doesn’t mean that you use NO makeup.

What challenges have you faced as an MUA in Pakistan?

Clients have these heavily filtered photos and videos saved as makeup inspo where all the brides look like flawless porcelain dolls. It’s impossible to match their unrealistic expectations.

What consists of your everyday makeup kit?

Moisturizer, concealer, mascara, brow gel, lip and cheek tint.

Top 5 foundations?

l       Guerlain

l       NARS

l       Bobbi brown

l       Too faced

l       MAC

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In GT Beauty

Make-Up Tips for Summer

Make-up artist Geena Kashif gives us the best tips for summer

What are some makeup trends for summer?

  1. Clean Makeup look with a focus feature is the hottest summer trend in terms of makeup
  2. Metallic eye shadows
  3. Glass Skin
  4. Bold/glossy lips
  5. Kitten eyeliner
  6. Bronze Skin

What are some tips to make foundation look natural during the summer?

Less is more! Focus more on concealing areas where it is needed, use a sheer foundation, powder on areas where you crease and use a setting spray that holds your makeup in this heat and makes it transfer proof.

How do you suggest people protect their natural skin and hair from makeup and styling?

For skin, make sure to double cleanse your makeup followed by a skincare am and pm routine that should change after every 3 months. Make sure to use SPF daily and exfoliate your skin at least twice in a week.

For hair, I would highly recommend getting a hair mask. Hair oiling is a must and a heat protection spray when you use any hot tools.

What is your go to skincare routine?

My current go to skincare is cleansing my face with the Inkey Oat cleansing balm, The Ordinary Hylaronic Acid Serum, Glow Recipe Plum Plump cream, Clinique all about eyes eye cream, Aveeno Sunscreen SPF 50 followed by Huda beauty silk balm.

What mistakes do most brides make in your opinion?

The biggest mistake most brides do is to not take care of their skin or have a proper skincare routine that works for their skin type. You cannot expect magic to happen on your big day if you just wash your face with soap! Skincare is essential! If anything don’t sleep on SPF, moisturizer and an eye cream.

If you could give the brides who come to you advice, what would it be?

My advice would be to do your homework on how you want to look on your big day. Don’t be shy to have a conversation with your artist, tell them what you like and what suits you and then be open to the artist’s suggestions as well. All this will ensure that your experience is smooth and no time is wasted resulting in a great partnership where it is a win win situation for both the artist and the client.

What challenges have you faced as an MUA in Pakistan?

People have a lot of expectations from a makeup artist, they show us photos and videos that are filtered, airbrushed, smoothed and photo shopped to perfection and expect us to make their skin look just like that. The biggest challenge to date is educating the client about texture which is completely normal. Makeup sits on your face, it doesn’t make pores, bumps and fine lines vanish! Makeup will look like makeup! I highly encourage fellow artists to also go easy when editing their photos and videos, let’s normalize and embrace the realness of how makeup looks.

What consists of your every day makeup kit?

Glow recipe dew drops, Tarte Shape Tape concealer, Huda Glowish Luminous Powder, Lancôme Lash Idole Mascara, NARS Orgasm liquid blush, Mac Matte Bronzer, Dior Universal 001 palette, Makeup by Mario lipstick in Rasa.

Top 5 foundations?

  1. Makeup Forever Ultra HD
  2. Huda Faux Filter Stick
  3. Armani Luminous Silk
  4. Massarat Misbah Silk Foundation
  5. Smashbox Studio Skin
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In GT Beauty

HIRA KHAN’s Guide To Effortless Makeup

Makeup artist Hira Khan speaks to us about the DO’s and DON’T’s of makeup

Tell us about the makeup trends for summer?

For summer I always prefer to keep my makeup look clean. Maybe a pop of color on the eyeliner to lift your look or a clean face with a bright lip color.

What are some tips to make foundation look natural during the summer?

Focus on good skin care and your foundation will always look flawless! I also believe in the less is more policy when it comes to applying foundation or concealing. Only cover the problem areas to avoid looking cakey.

How do you suggest people protect their natural skin and hair from makeup and styling?

I’m a strong advocate of being comfortable in your skin, I feel makeup should only be used to enhance not alter. Good skin care should always come first and foremost. The same goes for hair, you need to understand your skin and hair both while making a skin and hair care regime you strictly need to follow. When your skin and hair is healthy from within, you won’t even need much styling or makeup on a daily basis.

What is your go-to skincare routine?

I have a bedtime skincare regime that I always follow. I feel hydration is the key since my skin is a little dry. So my skincare consists of lots of serums and hydrating creams which I keep switching up. I believe having detox water first thing in the morning and keeping a check on your water intake through out the day does wonders. Using a sunblock also helps keep your skin healthy through out if you tend to encounter sun exposure.

What mistakes do most brides make in your opinion? If you could give the brides who come to you some advice, what would it be?

I feel most of the brides I get always want to go for glittery eyes with red lips which I in my opinion, is so cliché. I often find myself trying to convince them to go for something that is customized according to their features. I believe brides should also try to stick to the less is more policy and not go over board with makeup. It’s not essential to get heavy lashes, glittery eyes and red lips on your big day. A subtle smoked out matte eye makeup with muted lips can look so classy too.

What challenges have you faced as an MUA in Pakistan?

I think the constant obsession with looking fairer and expecting makeup artists to literally perform the job of a cosmetic surgeon is the number one struggle. People often tend to forget that makeup is not meant to alter but enhance. We can contour and give illusions but we can’t alter. Beauty makeup has its boundaries and people need to understand that.

What consists of your every day makeup kit?

My eyebrow kit, mascara and a lip tint.

What are your top 5 foundations?

I don’t have any top picks for foundations because I feel there’s just so much variety in skin types and foundations both. I always recommend people to pick the right shade and undertone according to their skin tone. Go for a foundation that suits your skin type/texture. My personal favourite that suits my skin is the Dior Forever Foundation.

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In GT Beauty

BEST DRESSED On our radar this fortnight

We love ourselves a nice slip dress and Minahil is a sight for sore eyes in this one. We love the combination of white boots which adds a little bit of edge to the outfit. Her loose waves and earrings complete the look.

We love Ryan’s smart casual look. She wears a lilac oversized botton-down with cropped pants and heels. She pairs the outfit with chunky gold accessories and wears her hair down. 10/10!

Influencer Salama Hassan looks stunning in this outfit by Zain Hashmi. She pairs the gorgeous outfit with simple makeup and a coral lip. Salama wears her hair straight in a middle part and accessorizes with silver jewelry.

Shanzay Sheikh turns heads in this Agraani outfit. We love the combination of white and blue — perfect for summer. We love Shanzay’s traditional take on the outfit. Her big jhumkas and silver bangles complete the look.

Sasha turns heads in these saree pants. We’re obessed with this fusion outfit. The silver mukesh, the beautiful border and those classic flared pants are all to die for. Sasha pairs the look with a silver clutch and simple jewelry. Perfect!

Digitally printed sarees are all the rage right now and Ushna Shah looks striking in this white and blue one. Her low blouse and chunky heels go perfectly with the outfit. We especially love her straight her and simple makeup.

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In GT Archives

BEST DRESSED On our radar this fortnight

Ayesha is always super stylish and this look is no different. She wears a red on red outfit by YBQ Designs. The rolled up sleeves, maroon khussas and chunky silver jewelry tie the look together.

Our new fave Instagram influencer Tabeer Chaudhry is right on trend with this look. She picks a bright red cropped top and pairs it with black high-waisted jeans. The red Aldo bag and shades complete the look.

Shahveer and Ayesha look absolutely fab. They’re twinning in this warm nude color for a winter wedding. Ayesha pairs her mukesh saree with gold bangles and light jewelry. While Shahveer pairs his suit with a white shirt and dark brown shoes.

Sarwat Gillani turns heads in this amazing Rastah piece from Intermission V. She looks effortlessly cool as she pairs the look with Adidas all stars and wears her hair down. This is one of our fave looks this fortnight!

Sameera chose a stunning Abhinav Mishra mirror work gharara for her sister’s wedding. She accessorized the look with a big teeka and jhumkas and wore her hair in lose waves. We love her entire look!

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In GT Beauty

BEST DRESSED On our radar this fortnight

Anusheh is the epitome of grace in this Zehra Saleem outfit. We love the combination of gold and silver. She pairs the traditional outfit with modern silver jewelry and silver heels.

Mehak can do no wrong. She turns heads in this deep blue Zola shacket. She styles it with white pants, shoes and white shades. She adds a pop of colour with the green bag. We’re obsessed with her look!

Hania Amir is a sight for sore eyes in this beautiful peach shalwar kameez. She wears her hair straight and long, and accessorizes with gold heels.

Rehmat Ajmal stuns in this perfect holiday dress in Dubai. We love her sweet and simple straight hair and light makeup. 10/10!

Mamia looks fab in this all black look. We love how she layers her leather jacket on top of her leather dress. She ties the look together with thigh high boots.

Natalia is the epitome of cool in this trendy outfit. She pairs an oversized white jacket with nude leggings, a Prada bag and Nikes. The perfect Gen Z outfit, right on trend!

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In Beauty

BEST DRESSED On our radar this fortnight

This saree was such a trendy moment for Zara. We love it when our favourite girls take risks and this one definitely paid off. The bright blue coat paired with the silver saree is practical and stylish — perfect for winter weddings!

Zara Peerzada has stolen the show at numerous occasions and we will always bow down to her but this look was absolutely amazing. No one bares a midriff quite like Zara. Also, how cool is that paranda? We’re obsessed!

Faiza looks stunning in a Sana Safinaz winter shalwar kameez. Her loose waves and middle part go very well with her look. The traditional khussas tie the look together.

Ramina turns heads in this gorgeous monochrome Amber Gohar outfit. She accessorizes the look with oversized shades and white heels. We especially love the sleeked back pony tail.

Shanzay is the epitome of casual chic in this little black dress. She pairs the dress with a cross body Louis Vuitton bag and chunky combat boots. Her red beret adds oomph to the look.

There truly is no fashion mistake Zahra can make. She wows us with her single-colour look and makes a statement with a Burberry scarf and vintage shades.

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In GT Beauty

10 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IDEAS FOR 2022 By Maryam Raza Mehdi

This year, fill your resolutions list with fun, easy and feel-good goals. These additions to your daily life will keep your mind and body healthy, ease your stress, make your skin glow and help you manage the crazy in your life!

It’s best to start small and gradually inculcate each goal into your daily life. Remember to make a mental note of this – progress isn’t linear. Deciding to be better and challenging yourself is great but don’t forget to have fun along the way!

Here’s a list of a few New Year’s resolutions to help you get started:

1: Start your morning with a stretching routine and intentional breathing: While stretching keeps you flexible and mobile, intentional breathing is a powerful tool that keeps your stress and anxiety in check.

2: Drink plenty of water: Make sure to have at least 8 glasses of water a day! Staying hydrated will have a positive effect on both your physical and mental health.

3: Move more, sit less: Make it a goal to start taking daily walks. A walk in the fresh air will surely boost your mood.

4: Adopt an attitude of gratitude: It has been scientifically proven that people who practice gratitude have stronger immune systems. An attitude of gratitude isn’t adopted overnight — be patient with yourself, and work towards building a conscious mindset to focus on the positives in every situation.

5: Stay in touch with your loved ones: Living through a global pandemic has definitely reiterated the importance of family and friends in our lives. Pick up your phone and make that call; they miss you too!

6: Live simply, consume less and set a monthly budget: You work hard to earn and better your quality of life. Make sure to have fun but don’t forget to be a little more conscious of your spending decisions. Saving is essential when it comes to long-term security.

7: Develop a skincare routine: A skincare routine improves the health of your skin, boosts confidence and slows down ageing – when you take care of yourself and look good, you feel good!

8: Try something new: What’s something that you’ve been wanting to try? Break out of your comfort zone; now is the time to finally do it!

9: Take more frequent breaks: Rest, relaxation and improved sleep is essential for better mental health. Moreover, rest helps increase productivity, improve concentration and reduce stress.

10: Take time to appreciate your accomplishments: Remember to take out 5 minutes every single day to appreciate yourself and everything that you do. Be proud of yourself; you’re doing great!

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In GT Beauty

WHAT’S INSIDE MY CLOSET

Fashion student and influencer Habiba Rahman takes us inside her closet

My personal style in three words

My personal style is comfy, girly and laidback

My favourite creation

I love each and everything I’ve ever made but I think my favourites have to be all the bucket hats I’ve made (just because I wear them so often); and the JW Anderson cardigan I made because it was a labour of love!

My top 5 wardrobe essentials

Sneakers with a platform because I’m tiny

A white chikankaari kurta; I can’t survive summer in Lahore without it. Plus, it can be dressed up or down in so many ways!

A pair of jeans that fit just the way you like it

A plain white tee

A plain white button down in a poplin cotton

My favourite vintage item

Everything I’ve inherited from my Dadi and Nani is so special to me. Recently my Nani gave me the most beautiful fully hand worked saree from her bridal trousseau. The best part is the kaam is all saccha so it looks brand new!

My top 5 shoe essentials

Definitely platform sneakers because they give me a sneaky bit of height!

A pair of Doc Martens; they go with everything ????

Some form of shiny high heels to survive shaadi season

High top Converse are another classic

And of course, a pair of khussas. All my favourites are from Khussa Mahal in Liberty, Lahore

My most prized possession

I don’t have a particular prized possession – it’s important not to get too attached to material things as they come and go.

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In GT Beauty

The Busy Girl’s Skincare Routine

Dermatologist, laser specialist and aesthetician Dr. Amna Ahmar of skin clinic Cleo shares her guide to a no-fuss skin routine

Step 1: Sunblock
The first, most important step is the use of sunblock. I’m sure you hear this a lot and to be honest, it is the most important skincare step — one you should never miss! It’s never too late or too early to start add it to your routine. In my opinion, any sunblock should work fine but my favorites include: Cleo Sun Screen, Neutrogena sunblock , Neobrella sunblock, Supergoop, and Shesidox

Step 2: Double Cleanse
Due to the high level of pollution in Pakistan, our skin needs a deep cleanse daily. We’re exposed to smog, dirt and dust all day. The sebum builds up under our masks too. A double cleanse takes literally 2 minutes! Wipe off all the gook on your skin with a Micellar water, followed by a Face Wash. We offer 2 face washed in The Skin Theory products: Acne Wash for oily/acne prone skin and Va Va Voom Face Wash for dry to combination skin.

Step 3: Moisture
No matter what type of skin you have, whether its oily, dry or combination, needs that extra dose of hydration. The artificial environment we live in dries up our skin. Try finding a non-comedogenic, light weight moisturizer. My top favorites would be Cleo Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser, Cleo Moisturiser, CeraVe moisturizer and Physiogel lotion.

Step 4: Skin Nutrition
Identify your skin’s need. If you think your skin is dull and lacks glow, add Vitamin C to your regime. If you have acne prone or oily skin, the daily niacinamide serum is the way to go. If you have started noticing irregular texture and wrinkles, incorporate retinol.

Lastly, always remember to apply product on your lips and neck as well!

Start with a single step and gradually build a regular skincare routine. Even though you might see social media full of complicated routines and different serums, the trick is to keep it simple and be regular!

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In GT Beauty

SKINDEEP: WITH DR NUMERAH ALI

What do you feel is unique about your perspective on skincare, and how has it evolved since you started your career? 

I believe that only medical grade skincare can help to maintain a good healthy skin; this perspective evolved slowly, after having worked with many such brands over the years. I’ve noticed phenomenal results using the correct medical grade products for your skin.

What inspired you to pursue this career?

Seeing many people with a lot of skincare issues and not enough knowledge of how to address them inspired me to start this as a career. It really makes me happy to see someone achieve some confidence by just eliminating few skin issues they have.

Is there really an easy way to achieve glowing skin?

I won’t say it’s easy, because you have to be very patient and consistent. Consistency is the key to achieving glowing skin.

How soon should one start considering treatments like botox or derma fillers? 

I suggest to start with other bio-stimulating treatments to help build collagen and then if you feel there’s still something lacking, then we can go down that route.

What beauty and skin care products can’t you live without?

I can’t live without sunscreen, moisturiser and a good hydrating serum. In beauty products I love using the Nars lip balm and mascara.

What’s your own daily skincare regimen like? 

I’m very consistent with my skincare routine. I use the Age Kit from pHformula along with SPF and Hydraserum. I also incorporate different masks.

What’s the best skincare advice you’ve ever received?

Always use medical grade products and remove your makeup before sleeping.

What’s your idea of beauty? Is there a definition you live by?

For me beauty is feeling confident in your own skin and not trying to achieve something which is artificial.

I believe living a healthy, positive lifestyle will automatically create beauty around you.

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In GT Beauty

SKIN DEEP WITH DR. AMNA AHMAR

What is your perspective on skincare?

Every skin is unique and needs its own kind of care. I believe selecting a regimen needs professional guidance and supervision. Nowadays people experiment with many ingredients and unfortunately the majority of them face reactions. Have your dermatoogist suggest a plan and have him/her guide you about what your skin concerns are and how you should be handling them.

One should start slow and gradually build up.

What inspired you to create your own product line?

My product line is a clinical solution to skin problems. I always wanted to add ingredients like lactic acid, niacinamide and arbutin etc., and I found it very difficult to find them in our dermatological brands, hence I developed a line to provide my patients with the best ingredients.

I also wanted graded strength-a milder version for sensitive skin and a stronger one for mature skin. The Skin Theory has a wide range of products with various strengths for every condition accordingly.

Is there really an easy way to achieve glowing skin?

A surface that is smooth and taut will reflect light and glow naturally. In order for skin to do that, you should focus on keeping your skin smooth. Smoothness is achieved with a cleansing routine and exfoliation (at least once a week). Retinol and ingredients such as lactic acid also help. To keep the skin tight one needs excellent sun protection, with SPF and antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin C. Simply said, glowing skin requires a regular habit of applying sunblock and a carefully planned regimen.

How soon should one start considering treatments like Botox or derma fillers?

Treatments like fillers and Botox are done depending on the skin’s condition and its requirement. Sometimes it’s also done for prevention. Ideally, I prefer meeting clients and then creating a step-by-step plan for them based on their situation.

What beauty and skin care products can you not live without?

My holy grail is sunblock. Apart from that Va Va Voom Wash, Beam Me Up, Hyaluronic Moisturiser, Skintinni and the Vitamin C Brightening Serum-all by The Skin Theory.

What’s your own daily skincare regime like?

The products above are my daily routine. I add The Glow Toner once a week, which is a mild Glycolic Acid peel

What’s your idea of beauty? Is there a definition you live by?

For me beauty is in what makes you smile with confidence.

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In GT Beauty

SECOND TO NONE: RAMSHA

Share five fun attributes about yourself

I’m an introvert

I can be moody

I love video games

I love animals

I’m a hoarder

How did you start your career?

I started with commercials three years ago. The rest as they say, is history.

Why do you think your drama serial Kaisa Hai Naseeban has drawn so much attention?

No woman chooses a life of pain. The drama serial sheds light on an issue that is close to many Pakistani households. Since the day our first promo aired, people began sending me messages and sharing stories on social media of women with experiences similar to my character Mariam. It’s the realistic portrayal that has captivated audiences.

You’ve receieved criticism for playing a victim at a time when females are in dire need of strong, powerful roles. How do you respond to that?

The drama serial narrates Mariam’s journey. She’s a typical, middle-class Pakistani girl who involuntarily agrees to her parents’ decision of marrying her first cousin in Malaysia. To her, this marriage signifies a picture-perfect future. However, that’s not the case. Many young girls are brought up with the belief that marriages are forever and it’s incumbent upon them to always please their husbands and in-laws. It takes time for my character Mariam to fight back and find her footing. If you watch the drama serial, you would see how she manages to save herself from a horrible marriage. If that’s not showing a strong, powerful character, what is?

What intrigued you about this project?

It was a no-brainer, considering it’s a real story and sends a strong message to everyone about marital abuse. It’s wrong of parents to marry off their daughters without knowing the other family properly, especially if they’re abroad.

What’s next in store for you?

I’ve just signed a rom-com opposite Ahsan Khan.

How do you choose scripts?

I base my decision on whether the script appeals to me or not. If it excites me, I go for it and let the team know.

I only sign scripts that speak to me personally. God has been very generous with the kind of projects I’ve landed so far and how the audience has received them.

What are your thoughts on the emerging concept of web series in Pakistan?

While I haven’t signed a web series project yet, it’s a great platform to share alternative stories that the television audience is not ready for. Even our conventional drama serials have massive following online. Almost every episode of Kaisa Hai Naseeban took YouTube in Pakistan by storm and received millions of views. As actors and content creators, it’s to our benefit if we are accepting of this change.

What secret can you share about the entertainment business?

There isn’t any secret. Everything is out there.

Do you find today’s media invasive?

To a certain extent, yes. However, one needs to know where to draw the line. The media is inept to figure out everything on its own. It also depends on how much you put out on social media for people to see and talk about.

How do you approach a rough situation?

I try to forget about it, so it’s easy for me to move on.

Describe your personal style.

I enjoy sticking to the basics. Fashion needs to be personal and comfortable in my opinion.

Is marriage on the cards?

Right now my only priorities are family and work. Life’s good!

Photography:

Raza Jeff

Makeup:

Kami Bhatti by AList Salon

Location:

A List Salon

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