A run-down of the MAC classics I’ll never give up and the K-beauty finds I’ve discovered since moving to Dubai
One of the things I’ve loved most about moving to Dubai is the sheer amount of beauty on offer: the choice, the industry, and how easy it is to get your hands on so many incredible products. Every time I go to a shop or browse online, I find something I haven’t tried, and I’ve gone down more than one rabbit hole.
This post is a run-down of some favourites, split into two groups. First, the oldies: a couple of MAC products I’ve been wearing for years and can’t imagine my routine without. Then the new finds: a handful of K-beauty and skincare discoveries that have earned their place in the last few months, plus a haircare product I’m very glad I found, which is helping me along on my journey towards better hair health.
The Oldies
MAC Lip Liner in Spice
This is a staple of mine. I’ve been wearing MAC’s Spice lip liner for years. I bought it over four years ago, during a particularly full-on breakup, and I still have the same one. Funny how certain products stay with you through different chapters of life.
The shade is a lovely warm, natural terracotta that gives the lips definition but still looks very natural. I wear it with a little gloss over the top on the days I don’t feel like wearing much makeup. It’s one of those products that makes you look a little more put together without really trying.
MAC Glow Play Blush in So Natural
Another product that’s been in my collection for what feels like forever. The Glow Play blush in So Natural gives the cheeks a soft, believable flush that looks like your own skin.
I love the creamy, bouncy texture. It blends effortlessly and leaves a subtle finish rather than anything powdery or obvious. It’s also one of those shades that works beautifully with a more minimal makeup look.
The New Finds
Bioderma Pigmentbio Foaming Brightening Exfoliating Cleanser
This is my new cleanser. I’d been trying to find something for my body for a while, with the aim of evening out my skin tone, when this was recommended to me. I ended up experimenting with it on my face instead, and now I’m obsessed.
Medicube Zero Pore Pad
A pad-based step that’s become part of my routine. I use it in the evening before bed, swiping it over my face after cleansing and before the rest of my skincare. It’s a quick, easy step, and I like that there’s no fuss: no extra bottles, just a pad. I store mine in the fridge, so they’re lovely and cooling on my face, which feels especially good after a warm day in Dubai.
These are aimed at pores and congestion, and I’ve noticed my skin feeling smoother and my pores looking less obvious.
Numbuzin Niacinamide Pad
Another pad I’m enjoying, this one with niacinamide for brightness and a more even-looking tone. It’s a gentler step than the Medicube, so it works well in the morning. Sometimes I’ll use it instead of a cleanser, which is ideal when I’m short on time or my skin just doesn’t need a full wash.
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
A recent find that’s now earned its place in my routine. It contains retinal, a form of vitamin A, which I’d normally approach with caution around the eyes, but it’s designed for beginners and sensitive skin, and it doesn’t feel harsh or intense on mine. My under-eye area feels hydrated and looks brighter. Because it contains retinal, I use it at night only.
Hada Labo Tokyo Sun Lotion SPF 50
In Dubai, SPF isn’t optional. With this much sun year-round, a good daily sunscreen is the one step I won’t skip, and it only works if you’ll actually wear it, which is why texture matters so much. This one is lightweight and packed with hyaluronic acid, so it feels more like a hydrating lotion than a heavy sunscreen. That makes it easy to wear every day, even when it’s hot.
I really like how it sits under my makeup. It absorbs well and doesn’t leave a greasy layer or pill, and it leaves my skin looking glowy.
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Repair
Hair care is a fairly recent discovery for me. A number of years ago I definitely suffered from blonde blindness, and combined with a lot of hot tongs, my own natural hair paid the price. I’ve worn extensions for years, but I’m now trying to pair them with products that will help my own hair grow. I use this once or twice a week.
So there you have it: my current beauty line-up, from a lip liner that’s outlasted a breakup to pads that live in my fridge. I’m sure there will be a few more additions by the time I write the next one, because Dubai makes it dangerously easy to add to the collection. Tell me what you’re loving right now. As my basket is, as always, open to suggestions.
