gulfnews : Your A-Z of summer beauty

Summer beauty

Stuck in a rut when it comes to your summer beauty routine? We've got the latest buys and treatments licked, so you don't have to worry..

A Aquaporins

Beauty's latest buzz word is based on a Nobel Prize-winning discovery, which identified the tiny molecules in our skin cells that create small channels for water to travel through - known as water porins or aquaporins. Beauty brand Eucerin used this knowledge and developed an ingredient, Gluco-Glycerol, to stimulate these channels and increase the network of our skin cells. The result, a super new hydrating range called Aquaporins Active, which penetrates deep into the epidermal layers of your skin. Available at leading pharmacies, from Dh88 to Dh92

B Brighter skin

According to makeup artist Bobbi Brown, all you need for brighter, smoother skin is to follow her simple four-step routine. Bobbi's new Brightening range includes a Hydration Lotion, Dh253, Intensive Serum, Dh409, a lightweight Moisturising Cream, Dh293, and SPF 50 UV Protection Face Base, Dh189. The range uses Vitamin C to control the production of melanin in your skin and reduce dark spots.

C cut costs

Save dirhams at your next salon visit by logging on to the newly launched lowcostdubai.com website, which has a nifty spa and beauty section covering all the monthly deals for discounted massages, hair cuts, manicures and other beauty treatments.

D deep Clean

Summer wreaks havoc on your skin, which can get oilier as the days go on. Amp up your cleansing routine by booking in for regular Essential Deep Cleansing treatments at Tips & Toes, Dh350 for 90 minutes. Using Pevonia Botanica products, the facial gets tough on grime with an exfoliation, steam and cleansing of clogged pores. The facial finishes with a mask treatment specific to your skin's needs, whether that's dry, sensitive, oily or acne prone. Call 04-3990550.

E exfoliate

Stay on top of your exfoliation regime in the summer months - we love Sisley's Buff and Wash Botanical Facial Gel, Dh385. Great for giving skin a wake-up call every single morning.

F Fake tan

You don't need to bake yourself in the sun for hours or endure the aftermath of a streaky fake tan to get that 'I've just spent a week in the Maldives' glow. Try Rodial Brazilian Tan Daily, Dh190 (available at Boutique 1), which is applied as a daily moisturiser and builds your tan up gradually. It alsohas the added bonus of not staining all of your summer whites!

G Gold

Get the perfect summer eyes by adding lashings of Korres Shimmering Eyeshadow in Sunflower & Evening Primrose, Dh89.

H Handbag essentials

Make dashing from the office to the gym a whole lot easier and pop a packet of Neutrogena Deep Clean Make-Up Remover Wipes, Dh26, into your bag. They take off the day's make-up with just a couple of swipes and get tough on waterproof mascara. They also come in handy when you're heading straight out for work drinks after a long day. Rather than adding makeup on top of makeup, you can cleanly take one lot off and reapply.

I Instant youth

Concerned about the tell-tale signs of ageing? Pop Sephora's Instantly Young wrinkle filler, Dh160, onto your problem areas and in 15 minutes you'll see a radical difference. Best applied after your morning moisturiser.

J Just-fabulous hair

Pay your locks extra attention over the summer months with Ultrabrilliant The Sublime Gold Lotion by Miriam Quevedo, Dh120 to Dh200 (available at Saks Fifth Avenue). Rich in active caviar and Argan oil ingredients, the lotion not only revitalises hair, but thanks to its micronised gold powder, you'll also get great shine.

K Kit

Are you guilty of hoarding beauty products, even when they're way past their use by date? All products have a shelf life, which is made even shorter by Dubai's heat. A good rule to follow is this: Many bathrooms in the UAE don't have air con, and face creams packed with active ingredients don't fair so well in 40 degree heat.

L Lipstick

Chanel has been our go-to brand for lipstick all season. Our current addiction is Rouge Allure in Desirable, Dh162, which is an instant pick-me-up for Sunday mornings.

M Mask it

Book your hair in for a Toni & Guy Label.M Intensive Mask. Pumped full of hydrating and healing properties, the masks shea butter and Cupuau (Amazonian fruit) ingredients revive dull, dry locks and conditions hair. Opt for an in-salon treatment for Dh100 and receive a head massage at the same time or to take home the mask costs Dh86. Call 04-2868919.

N No worries

Take the stress out of your next beach holiday by booking yourself in for SensAsia's Combined Colon and Cellulite program, Dh2,850. This two week deep detoxification plan will help you lose those last few pounds, shed unwanted water retention and firm up your skin, so you don't have to panic about baring all in your bikini. Call 04-3498850

O Over-the-counter advice

Want advice on the products you should be using for your skin but don't have the money to splash on a dermatologist? Then head to the new Elemis counter at Debenhams, Mirdiff City Centre, where you can get a free 15-minute consultation in the dedicated SkinLab. A facial mapping analysis will help determine your skin problems, which is then followed by a personalised skin prescription to recommend solution-driven products.

P Protect

Manage long locks with Herbal Essence Beautiful Ends Shampoo and Conditioner, Dh14 each. Using a conditioning formula, the range works to fix damaged split ends, keeping your hair tips healthy and frizz free.

Q Quick fix

Every woman should have an emergency tube of Eve Lom's Rescue Mask, Dhxxx, in her beauty cupboard. This clay-based mask is a life-saver for stressed out skin - absorbing excess oil, reducing puffiness, calming and re-hydrating. Perfect after a long-haul flight or too many late nights.

R regenerate

For skin that looks really alive, try La Mer's Regenerating Serum, Dhxxx. Within just a few days your skin will start to show massive improvement, looking more even toned and radiant. Just one squeeze of the pipette both morning and night will do the trick.

S Sophisticated eyes

If you can't get through summer without your classic smoky eye, then opt for Estée Lauder's new Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Black Smoke, Dh197. With four lush colours ranging from an elegant light grey, through to dark charcoal and black, you'll ease from a morning meeting to evening drinks.

T Tangerine

Spice up your scent shelf with the zesty Tangerine Vert fragrance by Miller Harris, Dh405, available at Harvey Nichols. A fruity blend of Sicilian green tangerine, grapefruit and lemon is perfect for the summer months. You can even share it with your man.

Ultra lashes

Give lashes the ultimate lengthening makeover by coating them in Bourjois Elastic Mascara, Dh67. Containing hevea (a plant used in rubber), gum arabic and patented polymers, lashes are extended by up to 130 per cent.

V Va-voom nails

Played it safe with nude nails so far this season? Add a vibrant pop of colour with Mac's Nail Lacquer in Scorcher, Dh59

W Wash

Go old-school and switch your shower gel for this Clarins Gentle Soap, Dh95. Containing 99 per cent natural ingredients, its organic hazelnut oil and shea butter are a real treat for your face and body.

X Xtra glow

Reach for Pixi's Lumi Lux Bronzer, Dh119, for extra sparkly skin this summer. Use the four shades individually to highlight brows and cheekbones or blend together for a healthy all-over radiant glow.

Y Yawn

Lack of sleep equals bad skin. Fact. We all know it, yet regularly abuse the eight-hour-a-night golden rule. The skin repairs itself during our down time. The body produces more proteins when we sleep, which then go on to rejuvenate our cells, in turn regenerating our skin. It's simple logic, costs nothing and is instantly effective. Just asks supermodel Claudia Schiffer, who makes a point of getting 12 hours a night and at 39 is still walking down the runway for Louis Vuitton.

Z Zen beauty lounge

Put a visit to Dubai's first eco salon on your to-do list this summer. Using toxic-free, vegan, organic products, you'll definitely get to channel some of your inner green goddess. Try the Eco Glow Body Scrub, Dh275, to slough away dead skin and boost circulation - great as a pre-holiday treat. Call 04-4343017.