Treat for hair
1. Glam treat: Party hair, Dh250 to Dh400, depending on style
Cherry Hair Salon, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
"Not owning a hairdryer meant that party hair was going to be near to impossible for me to create at home. My stylist Fadi and I waded through magazine pages of various 'dos and settled on some gorgeous, big, relaxed curls. I was slightly nervous about the amount of hairspray being used, but the end result saw my locks looking red-carpet ready. I took along a flower that matched the colour of my dress and Fadi worked that into the style. My wash, blowdry and style took just over an hour, which left me bags of time to freshen up my party makeup before my big event."
Party punch: "Apart from feeling like an A-lister all night, I managed to throw some dancefloor shapes without the need for any hair maintenance or tweaking. It was a real pleasure to have my hair down after a sticky summer of up-'dos, and despite my long hair, the body and the bounce remained right through till the next day."
Speed dial: 04-3998838
2. Glam treat: Hair colour makeover, Dh480, including blowdry
Ted Morgan, The Palm Jumeirah
"Feeling pretty bored by my nondescript hairstyle and fading, dull do-it-yourself home-dye colour, the time had come for some drastic action. I was asked to pop into the salon for a skin test a few days before the appointment, which provided a good opportunity to talk to my stylist, Rain, and have a look through the colour charts. I opted for the strongest red possible without having to bleach my hair, which was from the L'Oréal fashion colours range. I got the all-clear on the skin test, so three days later I was in the chair."
Party punch: "Wow! The L'Oréal colours pack a serious colour explosion, which is usually impossible to get on my dark brown hair. The colour is a strong, burgundy, almost-purple red, and my hair feels smooth, silky, and in better condition than it did before the colour. I feel as if my vibrant new hue has given me a fresh lease of life, unleashing my inner fun-spirited disco diva. On Rain's advice, I invested in some quality Redken colour-protecting products and am keeping out of chlorinated pools, which apparently zap red hair dyes in an instant. This will help keep the colour strong and dense straight through to the end of the party season."
Speed dial: 04-4308190
3. Glam treat: Cut, colour and blowdry, Dh600
Vibe, Coral Boutique Hotel Apartment, Barsha
"The salon's nifty valet service meant that I was sitting and chatting to Becci- a senior stylist - in no time. I've had loads of high maintenance highlights and Becci soon gauged thatI was a no-hassle kind of girl.She recommended I take my hair back tomy natural brown and introduce a shortercut with a more versatile fringe. The cutand colour took two and a half hours, but with a well-stocked magazine rack it was hardly any time before I was treated to an incredible blowdry."
Party punch: "My super-straight bangs have been completely frizz-free and being able to wear them to the front or to the side has offered me wearable options for different occasions. The cut has been easy to manage and style - and it is full of shine and bounce. The colour is better suited to my skin tone, which has led to channelling a great sun-kissed look. Best of all, it's less time between appointments and I haven't had any roots to keep in check."
Speed dial: 04-3235077
4. Glam treat: Davines Environmental Detoxifying hair treatment, from Dh100 depending on salon
New Millennium Salon, Bur Dubai
"I was having a dull, lack-lustre moment with my hair, so this treatment was a real pick-me-up. Deep-cleansing for my scalp and ridding my locks of all the toxins they accumulate from pollution, swimming, styling products and general lifestyle hazards, made for a big thumbs up. Starting with a relaxing head massage, the main focus of the treatment is the application of the detoxifying mud pack, which does its job while you sit under a steamer. Once shampooed and conditioned, the energising gel is slathered on. Containing eucalyptus extracts, this gives a long-lasting tingly, cooling feel. After finishing with a blowdry, you're party-ready in just under an hour."
Party punch: "Looking visibly healthier, shinier and more radiant - I'm glad to say that my hair has been my best accessory. I've had more confidence to wear it loose and natural thanks to its glossy new coat. The effects last about a month, which makes it great value for money."
Speed dial: 04-2583232
Treat for your face
5. Glam treat: Eyebrow and eyelash tint, Dh45 for each or book both for Dh80
Tips & Toes, Jumeirah Spinney's
"Not one for plying my lashes with mascara or buying into darkening my eyebrows, it was largely with fear that I sat in the salon chair. I opted for a blue-black tint on my lashes and a light brown tint on my brows. Be clear about what you want, so that you're not shocked by the results. Both treatments last just 30 minutes, and you can expect a totally pain-free experience."
Party punch: "Assured that my eyebrows definitely weren't ‘too dark' I soon came around to liking my face framed with statement-making brows. My lashes were a lot more dramatic than my usual single coat of brown mascara too. Daytime events became a breeze without the fuss of mascara and it was easy shifting to a night soiree - just a dab of volumising mascara really popped open my eyes. You'll get about six weeks' worth of mileage out of tinting - done at the start of the month it'll last through until January."
Speed dial: 04-3492918
6. Glam treat: Teeth whitening, Dh1,500
Dr Philipe Tardieu, Alabama Dental Centre
"Fifteen years of smoking and compulsive consumption of tea and coffee has left my pearly whites not so pearly. This may not be noticeable to the naked objective eye, but when I hold them up against the gleaming smiles of Hollywood, my teeth leave a lot to be desired. I booked a consultation with Dr Philippe, who has authored dental books and devised new methods of dental treatment, which are now being taught around the globe. In the first appointment, Dr Philippe explained the whitening process, which involves wearing gum shields containing a bleaching agent for 30 minutes a day for eight days. He took impressions of my teeth, to make the gum shields and suggested I have a quick cleaning treatment (Dh500), to maximise the whitening effect. At the second appointment, Dr Philippe handed over the gum shields along with a box of syringes containing the magic stuff."
Party punch: "After the first gum shield session, my teeth were already noticeably whiter. Eight days later, my teeth were still pearly and sparkly. The whitening effect lasts for eight months and I can keep my gum shields, so if I want to whiten them again later, all I have to do is buy more ointment."
Speed dial: 04-3948222
7. Glam treat: Eyelash Extension, Dh300 for initial set, Dh150 for refills
The Nail Lounge, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
"It took around an hour for the individual lashes to be glued onto my original lashes. I did feel a slight burning sensation towards the end of the treatment, but it wasn't painful at all. The puff of the hairdryer on my lashes at the end of the session to help the glue dry felt really weird! If you have a big event, you should have this done a couple of days before, because you need to wait 24 hours before applying mascara."
Party punch: "The less you rub, the longer your lashes will last, so if you're careful - especially when removing makeup - they can last up to four weeks. Great if you have several events to attend in the month! The lashes are natural enough for every day, but coupled with plumping mascara at night, these babies deliver a wham-bam effect."
Speed dial: 02-6816333
8. Glam treat: Vitamin C Energy Boosterfacial, Dh150
Beautiful Times Salon, Khalid Bin Walid Road, Bur Dubai
"Being someone that would usually choose a massage over a facial, I was reminded just how fantastic it feels to revive and treat my desert-dry skin. Therapist Sylvia applied a scrub that was so mild that even my über sensitive face loved it - all the products are sourced from France and are heavily packed with Vitamin C. I could feel the Vitamin C sinking into my pores accompanied by a slight tingling sensation that I just knew was revving up all those tired cells under the surface of my skin. After the scrub there was a face mask which stayed on for about five minutes, then a thorough clean, a moisturise and of course the all-important sun block."
Party punch: "I was left with a radiant glow, hydrated, firmer and tighter skin that made applying my evening makeup a breeze. There was no oiliness and because of the smell of the citrus throughout the treatment, I didn't leave the salon craving a nap like I do after most treatments. I felt very energised and ready for the night ahead!"
Speed dial: 04-3529966
9. Glam treat: Bobbi Brown Beauty Class, Dh500 (redeemable in products)
Bobbi Brown makeup counter, Harvey Nichols (and all Bobbi Brown locations)
"During my makeup lesson with Bobbi Brown's regional makeup artist, Diana, I shockingly discovered that I have been doing my makeup all wrong for over 15 years! It didn't take Diana long to put me on the right path and soon we were talking slightly pink concealer to hide my blue undertones; that the shade of blush that you chose is paramount; and metallic shadow on the eyes can absolutely make or break your party look!"
Party punch: "I left the Bobbi Brown counter feeling like a superstar. My makeup didn't feel heavy and after 90 minutes of applying powders, glosses and blushes I was ready to hit the town. What I loved most about this experience is that I learnt how to apply my makeup from scratch. First Diana hydrated my skin, then she created a very natural base (for daytime wear) that I could build on by dramatising my eyes to create my glam party look. While my makeover only lasted one night, the tips and tricks I picked up will last a lifetime."
Speed dial: 04-4098888
Treat for your body
10. Glam treat: Fake Bake tan, Dh350
Sisters Beauty Lounge, Dubai Mall
"After a quick body scrub and a dollop of moisturiser on my dry areas - knees, feet and elbows - my beauty therapist Luisa applied the magical tanning lotion. Pay extra attention to moisturising the ankle areas as they have a tendency to get clogged with lotion. Using a large, padded glove Luisa spread the lotion evenly over my skin. By the time she was applying Fake Bake to my arms, I could already see my previously ghost-like legs warming up into a soft, golden bronze. The treatment took about 90 minutes in total - easily worked into a long lunch."
Party punch: "Tanned and glowing, I dug out every white piece of clothing from my wardrobe to parade my new bronzed colour. The effect was very natural and not at all orange. The tan lasted around ten days, of which I managed to pull off three events sans leggings or tights. As the tan wore off, it was easy to scrub off any leftover residue with an exfoliator."
Speed dial: 04-3398500
11. Glam treat: Thai Herbal body scrub, Dh450
Thai Privilege Spa, Al Wasl Road
"From the minute I stepped foot into the spa, I knew I was about to be indulged: it smelt so good that I was slightly reluctant to even leave the waiting room. I was treated to a complimentary foot bath (standard with all treatments) and led upstairs to my therapy room. My treatment was a head-to-toe body scrub using crushed tamarind seeds to slough off dead skin cells. After a quick shower I then had a lavender-infused massage, which left me wishing that the 90 minutes would never end."
Party punch: "My baby soft skin and my re-energised body left me feeling ready to sparkle at any party. Not only did I smell great, but I was able to wear my LBD, safe in the knowledge that my skin was glowing. I had this treat on a Thursday after work - a great finish to a tough week and a fabulous start to a party-heavy weekend."
Speed dial: 04-3489679
12. Glam treat: Full body waxing, Dh400
Sparkle Beauty & Wellness, Dubai Mall
"Sparkle is nestled within the Super-Care Pharmacy at Dubai Mall - it's not the easiest place to find - and has a no frills, no fuss attitude. There are no robes and don't expect five-star décor, but the treatment is professionally conducted and fairly pain-free(if there is such a thing in waxing). My technician put me at ease immediately and used a home-made fruit wax which smelled good enough to eat. The post-waxing treatment was equally soothing and involved a head-to-toe oil massage ensuring that my skin felt smooth and perfectly pampered."
Party punch: "With the added bonus of being cost effective, the full body wax treatment at Sparkles also assures long lasting results and sails you safely through the festive season de-fuzzed and fancy free!"
Speed dial: 050-3718580
Treat for your nails and feet
13. Glam treat: Paraffin Wax for hands and feet, Dh70
Akura Spa, The Aviation Club
"I didn't even have time to tuck into a good read before I was being whisked away to start my treatment. With rings removed from fingers, my therapist had everything laid out ready to dip and wrap my hands and feet in one swift movement. The paraffin wax had been gently warmed, and with two dunks per hand and foot, they were soon wrapped in cling-film and I was given mitts to wear over my hands. This helped my skin soak up the moisturising properties of the Vitamin E-rich wax, but meant that I did get a tad warm."
Party punch: "In just 15 minutes my hands and feet came up super-smooth. You're literally ‘done' as the wax starts to peels off, and with no post-moisturiser needed, it's straight back on with the shoes and off you go. This would be a great treatment to have before a manicure and pedicure - if you're going to be making your nails pretty, you might as well make them peep-toe-soft too."
Speed dial: 04-2824122
14. Glam treat: Nail Art with manicure and pedicure, Dh130
Mayumi Salon and Spa, Satwa
"It's always fun to experiment and try something new with your nails, especially when it comes to nail art. The treatment begins with a manicure and pedicure so that your hands and feet are in tip-top condition. While the pampering session is in process you select the base, nail art colours and the print. The options are plenty so make sure you have something in mind before you go completely wacky with your nails. I chose a pink base with a white flower and blue butterfly print."
Party punch: "Considering I always opt for the classic colour of the season, I was more than happy with the results. It's hassle-free, no nail extensions and fun. As for durability, the art can last for a month depending on your day-to-day activities."
Speed dial: 04-3456799
15. Glam treat: Pedicure de Bastien, Dh430
mani pedi cure salon, the palace at One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai
"If you're planning to bare your feet in strappy sandals this season, you have to factor this pedicure into your pre-party beauty package. Administered by a qualified chiropodist -trained by the foot king Bastien Gonzalez himself - this hour-long treatment is completely different to your standard nail parlour pedi. The therapist uses a dentist-style electric drill and a chamois buffer to turn polish-yellowed toe nails pretty pink and a surgical blade to painlessly slice away dry, hardened skin. Being a pedicure purist, Bastien prefers to leave nails unpolished."
Party punch: "If you have this treatment in the first week of December, it'll see you right through Christmas to New Year's Eve. The nail buffing lasts 30 days, and if you follow your therapist's advice and spend a little time each evening massaging a water-based moisturiser into your feet, they should stay looking perfect for as long."
Speed dial: 04-3999999
