I’ve always believed that the best beauty routines are built on a mix of indulgence and practicality—the luxurious conditioner that makes every shower feel like a spa treatment, the lip balm you can’t stop reaching for, or the budget-friendly styling spray that outperforms expectations. Recently, I’ve been rotating through a few staples that check all these boxes. They’re products that not only do the job but make me genuinely look forward to using them. Here’s what has been keeping my hair, skin, and makeup in check.
Hair Care Hero: Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner
With bleached hair, upkeep isn’t optional—it’s survival. I lighten my strands twice a year, which means nourishing treatments are a permanent part of my routine. Alongside my trusted Olaplex sessions, I never skip a post-shower mask or a rich conditioner to keep my hair hydrated and manageable.
The one I keep coming back to is the Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner. Packed with argan and maracuja oils, this formula is as luxurious as it sounds. It restores softness, deeply hydrates, and leaves hair looking glossy instead of brittle. What I love most is that it manages to strengthen while still feeling lightweight, making it perfect for everyday use without weighing hair down.
It’s the kind of product that reminds you why investing in high-quality hair care is always worth it.
(Available on powder.ae.)
Lips: KNC Beauty Supa Balm
If there’s one product I hoard unapologetically, it’s lip balm. You’ll find one in every bag I own, tucked into drawers around the house, and usually an extra in my car. My latest discovery is KNC Beauty’s Supa Balm, and let me just say—it’s earned permanent residency in my rotation.
Available in mint and rose, the balms are beautifully formulated with moringa, cotton, and kukui oils, blended with kokum and shea butters. You need the tiniest amount for a smooth, cushioned feel, and they leave behind the softest whisper of scent and sheen. It’s nourishing without being sticky, subtle but effective—the kind of product you don’t have to think twice about before applying.
(Available at Apotheca Beauty.)
Complexion: YSL Touché Éclat All-In-One Glow Foundation
When my skin is behaving, I reach less for heavy foundations and more for lightweight formulas that let the natural glow shine through. That’s exactly why I adore the YSL Touché Éclat All-In-One Glow Foundation.
It’s the perfect hybrid: part tinted moisturizer, part light foundation. Oil-free and soft-matte, it balances coverage with radiance in a way that feels fresh rather than overly polished. The finish is radiant but never greasy, with just enough pigment to even things out without masking skin completely.
I’ve been using the Honey shade, which blends seamlessly into my complexion and gives that “your skin but better” effect. On good skin days, it’s everything I need.
Everyday Essential: Got2b Glued Extreme Freeze Spray
Not every favorite has to be a splurge, and the Got2b Glued Extreme Freeze Spray proves that affordable doesn’t mean ineffective. I’ve been experimenting with half-up ponytails lately, and this spray has been my secret weapon for keeping everything sleek and tight.
This isn’t the product you’d reach for if you’re after an effortless, tousled look. But if you want serious hold that doesn’t budge, it delivers every time. Best part? It’s budget-friendly and available practically everywhere. Consider it a drugstore gem that rivals pricier styling sprays.
Vegan Beauty Spotlight: 3ina Illuminator
Finally, let’s talk glow. I was recently introduced to 3ina (pronounced “Mina”), a Spanish brand that’s vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. With stores in Ibn Battuta Mall and Deira City Centre, it’s a line worth exploring if you’re curious about conscious beauty brands that don’t compromise on performance.
The standout for me so far has been the Illuminator. The shade is universally flattering and strikes the right balance between subtle and noticeable—pigmented enough to catch the light, yet soft enough for everyday wear. What I love most is its versatility: dab it lightly for a daytime glow or layer it up for a more striking evening look.
It’s a reminder that ethical beauty can still feel luxurious and fun.
Final Thoughts
What ties this lineup together is the balance between everyday practicality and a touch of indulgence. The Oribe conditioner makes hair repair feel like a treat, KNC Beauty’s lip balm is the definition of a simple joy, and YSL’s lightweight foundation gives skin that radiant “lit from within” finish. The Got2b spray proves that some of the best tools can be found at the drugstore, while 3ina’s illuminator adds a mindful, ethical dimension to the routine.
Together, they’ve created a beauty routine that feels balanced, effortless, and—most importantly—fun. Because at the end of the day, beauty should never feel like a chore; it should feel like something you genuinely enjoy.
