Woman This Month - November 2022

Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES

November 2022 | Issue 235

Fashion The Best of Arab Fashion Week

LIFESTYLE An Outdoor Furnishing Wishlist

INTERVIEW Tamar Leek on Being Bahrain Barbie

BEAUTY Skincare and Beauty Essentials

In Her Shoes Supriya Reginald

OPINION Ouiam on Giving Kids Chores Eman Deabil on Personal Branding

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a n i g n i v i L World e i b r a B

PEOPLE | interview

Photo credit: Safa Alaraibi

Adliya’s busy Block 338 is known for its fantastic live entertainment scene. Tamar Leek, better known as Bahrain Barbie, has built a formidable fan base across the Kingdom and is one of the most popular performers in the area.

She chats with Farrah Saville about her musical influences, experience recording an album and her love of Bahrain.

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PEOPLE | interview Where did your passion for music start?

I've always loved music and performance.

However, in the beginning, I didn't think I could sing and was always too shy. I remember being in assembly in school and watching a few of my male classmates perform some rock songs by No Doubt on stage. They asked me before their performance if I would sing with them, but I was too scared to; I was bullied, and didn't want the bullies to pick on me further.

After I left education, I entered ‘BBC1 Dance X’ - a nationwide TV talent show in the UK. I had to sing and dance as part of my audition, so I just had to pluck up the courage and go for it. As it turns out, I could sing and ended up in the top 16 out of 20,000 people that entered nationwide! So, the first time I sang in front of anyone was on national TV… that was certainly one way to get over my fear!

Then, last year, I got asked to perform at a popular tribute festival in Bahrain - 'Tribfest’.

They wanted me to perform as Gwen Stefani with a No Doubt tribute band. It was the most amazing show and the best feeling being able to perform the same song I was too scared to perform in school in front of hundreds of people. I thought: "If only those bullies could see me now!”

Which artist are you inspired by most?

Strong females inspire me with their talent, creative ambition, and great sense of style. My three favourite female icons are Gwen Stefani, Grimes and Nadia Lee Cohen. Musically, I am inspired by the band Deftones; and if I could steal anyone's voice, it would be Lacy Sturm from Flyleaf or Christina Aguilera.

Your band, Reveries, recently launched your album ‘Change in the Retrograde’ in Bahrain; how was it received, and how was the support from the local community?

It was a beautiful, fantastic recording brought to life by 4th Street Recording! I went completely over the top and extra on the launch party, in my usual style.

This album is very dear to me and so I wanted to give it the love and attention it deserved.

I had giant banners, red carpet, coloured lighting displays, cupcakes, a videographer and photographer to capture every moment.

I hired a fantastic live band of session musicians to play the record out, replacing my original Reveries band members for the evening, who all live in Los Angeles.

Outside was a giant life-sized Barbie box that attendees could get inside and have photos in with paparazzi lights flashing. I wore a red H of H custom-made latex-boned Dita Von Teese gown, which she wore on the red carpet. It was five inches too small for me, so I had to have two strong helpers get me into it, and I had to be driven horizontally www.womanthismonth.com

to the gig!

The night was packed with all my friends, fans and supporting musicians. I was inundated with love and it was the best night of my life. I felt very proud of what I had accomplished with Reveries, but mostly I was in awe of the huge response from Bahrain’s community.

What is the process like to record an album?

When I was recording in Los Angeles, my band-mates and I spent many long days writing. We would try to find a rhyming word for what feels like an eternity, find the right synth sound or instrument to record with, or repeat vocals over and over to get the perfect 'take' of a chorus line. Mixing the record has a fine art too.

Usually, I start with a melody in my head or a few words that I want the song direction to go in, and then I start building the sounds around that. If it's a happy song, it can be from a place of euphoric nostalgia or a dream-like fantasy. If it's a sad or heartfelt song, it usually comes from a more personal and vulnerable place, like you are reading a page out of a poetic diary.

One of the ways in which your performances stand out is through your costumes. Can you tell us a bit about that process?

My fashion and style choices are often based around extravagance and avant-garde aesthetics. I love structure and colour, and I like to create monochromatic looks that resemble a doll in a box with synchronised fashion and accessories. I wear human hair wigs because I frequently want to change my hair colour to match my look, like a chameleon. I work with tailors to design my stage looks from scratch. The whole 'Bahrain Barbie' nickname came from people commenting on my aesthetic. I would go past people in the streets of Bahrain and they would yell at me "Barbie!', or ask to take a photo with me. I decided to capitalise on that interest I was getting, and brand myself online as 'Bahrain Barbie' following which my social media following grew rapidly along with my content.

Can you tell us a little more about your performance troupe Dollhouse and your shows?

Dollhouse includes myself and my two fabulous friends from 'Jeff Fit' - Malwina Zawislak from Poland and Isis Conde from Mexico. Both Isis and Malwina are incredibly talented dancers and choreographers with a strong business sense and imagination.

Isis has specialist skills in belly-dance and costume creation, and Malwina in hip-hop and acting. They are the backbone that creates the dynamic production trio with me. We design everything from the costumes to the props, to the choreography in meticulous detail.

Our latest project is an Arabic Infusion show for a new nightclub in Adliya. It's a blend of Arabic and Western music, with elements of Middle Eastern-inspired costumes and props.

It will be my first time singing in Arabic, so wish me luck!

What are your thoughts on the live music scene in Bahrain?

I love the community here. They are like family to me. There's less of that 'dog-eat dog' attitude you get when living in a bigger country or city. We are always trying to help each other, supporting artists and bands where we can. However, I do think that since COVID, there has been a decline in valuing artists in Bahrain. Musicians are often underpaid, under-resourced, and undersupported. In addition, they often work with bad sound systems, a lack of sound engineer support and poor equipment installed in the venues.

If you’d like to keep up with Tamar, make sure to follow @BahrainBarbie, @DollhouseBahrain and @tamarmusicofficial.

How did you end up living in Bahrain and how long have you lived here for?

I flew to Bahrain in January of 2018 on a singing contract for 'Hear and Now Entertainment’ as the band manager and lead singer in a five-piece British rock band.

When my contract finished, I flew off to New Jersey to work on my EP, but ended up flying straight back to Bahrain as there is a beautiful community of musicians here that are very supportive. The island has magnetism!

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FASHION

By Farah Baig The 21st Edition of Arab Fashion Week took place this October and featured the spectacular designs of 35 established and upcoming fashion designers. We share our favourite looks from the innovative event which stood out for their attention to detail, impeccable design and overall vision.

Multi-national partners, designers and an array of international media and leaders flocked to Dubai, UAE for the Fall Winter 22/23 Haute Couture and Spring Summer 2023 Ready-to-Wear season of shows which took place at the 21st Edition of the Arab Fashion Week. The spectacular six-day event was held in strategic partnership between the Arab Fashion Council and Dubai Design District (d3) from October 10 to October 15.

The Women’s Arab Fashion Week was divided into three calendars: Fall Winter 22/23 Haute Couture, Spring Summer 2023 Ready-toWear, as well as a series of curated events, staged in the city’s art and fashion pulse of

d3. The fashion shows featured 35 different designers, representing 22 countries. The new and emerging artists from the UAE, the region and further afield took to the runway showcasing phenomenal designs, fortifying Dubai’s presence as a global fashion hub and international reference for the entire industry.

The week was headlined by the one-of-akind collaboration between the world’s most diverse doll, Barbie, and the Lebanese couturier Jean-Louis Sabaji – the first Arab designer to work with the global icon.

The Couture designers who showcased their

collections were Dorota Goldpoint (Poland); Stada Boutique (Romania); Rian Fernandez (Philippines); Maison Mada’en (UK-Jordan); Ilse Jara (Paraguay); Euphoria (UAE); All’s (Belarus); Ivan Young (Malaysia); Humariff (UAE; Maliche (UAE); Kel by Elena Kondratova (Ukraine); Pipatchara (Thailand); Mena Talal (Iraq); Lisa Ju (Indonesia); Erick Bendana (Nicaragua); and Ihab Jiryis (Palestine).

The Ready-to-Wear designers included Lili Blanc (UAE); Poca & Poca (Poland); Yassmin Saleh (Lebanon); Vidhi Wadhwani (India); BHYPE (UAE); Emergency Room (Lebanon); Zardouz (Iran); Born in Exile (Libya); Louzan (UAE); and Slimi Studio (UAE).

Rian Fernandez

In a celebratory explosion of colour, embellishments and innovative techniques, Filipino designer Rian Fernandez ignites a new golden age. Known for his couture looks driven by a love for traditional Filipino artisanal craft, he once again constructs a wardrobe for a modern icon. Elaborate bodices, intricate weaving and sultry tassels embraced the female figure, cocooning the fall winter 2023 woman with the sort of unique flair Rian Fernandez is known for.

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Dorota Goldpoint

Polish designer Dorota Goldpoint took the audience at d3 on a journey through Poland's meadows and orchards via a calming palette. Soft, yet bold, she illustrated the feminine spirit of self-aware and ambitious women, channeling femaleicons of yesteryear such as Greta Garbo, Coco Chanel, Marlene Dietrich, and Audrey Hepburn – all of whom achieved success in a male dominated world. www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION

Michael Cinco

Rising like the mythical phoenix in the desert, Dubai-based couturier Michael Cinco unleashed a fall winter 2023 couture collection like no other.

The Filipino designer who makes red-carpet dreams come true with every artisanal stitch and swathe of satin, once again proved that Dubai is a couture epicenter.

Inspired by the ancient history and culture of Egypt, Cinco built looks that were deeply-rooted in the civilisation’s architecture, aesthetic detail and ancient scriptures. Couture looks were envisaged as architectural masterpieces, lavish in elements from the past.

The show dropped the mic with a modern Cleopatra and Mark Antony in full Egyptian regalia made by artisan hands.

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FASHION

Erick Bendaña

One of Latin America’s most prominent designers, Erick Bendaña brought the majesty of the Nicaraguan rainforests to the Arabian shores. In a couture collection marked by meticulously placed flora and feather applique, as well as upbeat red carpet looks emblazoned with indigenous spirited motifs and his ‘Arte Pop’ prints, his ‘Celestial’ collection infused the catwalk with a sense of escapism.

Nihan Peker

Showing in Dubai marks a new chapter for Turkish label Nihan Peker to captivate the couture-loving market here. At Arab Fashion Week, her ‘Golden Age’ collection shined a spotlight on the sort of high-end craftsmanship made possible by Turkish artisans and the Eurasian country’s rich heritage.

Kel by Elena Kondratova

The Ukrainian brand that prides itself on having revolutionized wedding and evening fashion, comes to Arab Fashion Week in search of new retail markets due to the ongoing war. But the ongoing turmoil at home didn’t stop its designer Elena Kondratova from injecting d3 with a potent dose of side slits, plunging necklines and modern goth bride details. Made by Ukrainian seamstresses and tailors, the Kel made a splash at Arab Fashion Week with its intricate accessories – warrior princess face masks fashioned with chains, sequined crowns and veils that conjured the mystery of a bygone era and history’s fabled female icons.

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FASHION

Zardouz

Iranian designer Mohammad Amin Pour Eskandarian’s everyday couture boutique in downtown Tehran visually conveys the everyday impact the Middle East’s crisis has on everyday life. At Arab Fashion Week, velvety, floor sweeping dresses fashioned with hoods and fanciful layers were crafted to facilitate a wide range of movement and activities. On an emotional note, the brand said that its embroidered sewing technique infuses each item with a tree-trunk feel, inspiring viewers here to contemplate the world, beyond the fashion industry.

Louzan

Silk abaya-inspired ensembles awash in a palette of Arabian sunset- to-sunrise colors, sashayed down the runway to the tune of heritage soundtrack. The simplicity of the abaya came to the fore, consciously enhanced with sartorial elements like trench collars, fringe details and innovative textiles and prints like polka dot and architectural tile motifs.

POCA & POCA

Frills, fringe, and feathers were the playful elements that made POCA & POCA’s spring summer “Joy” collection captivating in both spirit and design. Created by Karolina Gniewek-Lewicka and co-founder Wiktor Gniewek, the Polish-made brand infused the day-five roster with a palpable dose of levity with every ruffle.

Largely inspired by 50s and 60s fashion, voluminous dresses, blouses with open backs, jumpsuits, and trousers reflected a contemporary, yet timeless new look for a girl who knows how to have fun. www.womanthismonth.com

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FASHION

Yassmin Saleh

One would have to look closely to spot the tattooed motifs embedded within the Yassmin Saleh collection. A form of wearable art, the hand-designed artwork reflecting key issues of our time, has become the hallmark of the sister-duo behind the label. At Arab Fashion Week, eco-conscious goddess looks like flowing bohemian dresses and floorsweeping gowns adorned with organic prints conjured a sense of otherworldliness.

Death by Dolls

London-born, LA-educated Sara Al-Saud’s Death by Dolls runway injected the last day of shows with a Hollywood club vibe. The brand that has dressed megastars like Britney Spears and Beyonce returned to Arab Fashion Week with rule-breaking designs like barely-there bandeau tops and lingerie-inspired ensembles. A child of the punk 80s, Al-Saud continues to stand by her vibrant, bright colours, anything shiny and sparkly, intense textures, even among her more modest looks involving denim jackets and her hijabs.

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Stada Boutique

The Romanian designer behind Stada Boutique, who has also made a splash at New York and London fashion weeks, ushered in a new season of escapism and hope, with red carpet looks featuring a language of crystals, delicate embroidery, 40s era necklines and romantic capes – all of which are fit for a modern icon.

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FASHION

Ilse Jara

Amato

Designer Furne One brought his own light to the runway of d3 through an innovative couture display of darkness. His fall winter 22/23 couture runway show featured an all-black cast of looks characterised by other-worldly-handmade embellishments, -- calling to mind the romanticism of vintage Indian costumery. Turbans, capes, feathered shoulders, and molded armor served as the hallmarks of this collection that pushed conventional barriers.

Paraguay-born designer Ilse Jara’s showcased her sustainable ethos and upscale looks that explored the possibility of merging technological innovations with natural materials and traditional techniques. developing her own DNA through textures.

Intrepid in jungle paradise shades of red and green, fan detailing and long swathes of silk plisse’, Ilse Jara had the last work on the runway of d3.

FIFTYMADE©

With an underground vibe and under the strobing lights of a dark parking lot, the sustainable athleisure wear brand The Giving Movement unfurled its FIFTYMADE© line. The lineup flowed into the night with an urban club vibe, culminating in sporty accessories including boxy totes, shiny hijabs for women and a sneak preview of the brand’s first-ever footwear collection -the Middle East’s first slides with bio-based sugarcane.

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FASHION Malichè Humariff

With its fall winter 2022/23 couture collection, Tamam Humariff drove its connection between the cultures of the Middle East and Russia even further in what came to the limelight as a regal wedding party. Fit for a modern sheikha or princess, the brand’s flair for embellishment catered to her every whim through a renaissance-display of crystals, whimsical hand embroidery and metallicized leaves.

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Known for its bridal couture, Filipino designer Michel Bernardo showed the UAE crowd what her brand Malichè is capable of beyond the altar. An all-black and white lineup dubbed ‘Tomorrow is Unlimited’ her latest creations came to the fore in an emotional display, borrowing from the glam heydays of the 60s and 70s.

The exaggerated rose served as the hallmark of the collection -- pinned cleverly to the neck and sewn onto sleek black gloves.

Space-age hoods, scuba-tight fitted dresses and cutout bodices spoke to the glamour of a modern era.

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FASHION Vidhi Wadhwani

Like a small Holi Festival of color, Vidhi Wadhwani’s summer 2023 resort collection was an homage to the brand’s artisans. In hyper shades of intense grass green, fuchsia and canary yellow, this latest collection featured mesmerisingly intricate, almost folkloric embroidery techniques that can only be made with patient hands.

BHYPE

In an outdoor football field, BHYPE’s soccer-inspired lineup emblazoned with the FIFA flags of the world, ushered in the upcoming World Cup Qatar festivities.

It’s really no wonder, as the celebrity concept brand, which specializes in vintagestreet fashion is coveted by mega players like Neymar, Marcelo Vieira and Daniel Alves.

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND NOW!

Eman Deabil Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) and Accredited Chartered Manager (CMI) is a regular contributor to Woman This Month and has written invaluable articles including ‘Women’s Path to The Boardroom’. This month, Eman shares her insights on the importance of building a personal brand for young professionals, and shares her three essential steps for getting started.

O

ne of the key messages I’m keen on conveying to my mentees of young professionals is to start building their personal brand early on.

According to Personalbrand.com, “Personal branding is the conscious and intentional effort to create and influence public perception of an individual by positioning them as an authority in their industry, elevating their credibility, and differentiating themselves from the competition, to ultimately advance their career, widen their circle of influence, and have a larger impact.”

In simpler words, your personal brand is the way you define yourself to the public. It’s how you express what you stand for, it’s the approach you’re adopting to influence people and make your voice heard.

Needless to say that the exponential explosion of Social Media (SM) contributed in one way or another in strengthening and accelerating the process of building personal brands – be it positive or negative. However, just to clarify, building your personal brand is not equivalent to being famous on SM – though it’s powerful, it’s just a tool/mean. In fact, it’s quite easy to become famous on SM in absolutely no time; the simplest way is to be awkward and provocative, doing awkward deeds and saying awkward words!

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

Here are three essential steps to building your personal brand: Laying the Foundation

To build your personal brand, you need to start by asking yourself some fundamental questions: Who am I? How can I define myself?

How can I differentiate myself and stand out in the crowd?

If there is one thing that I would like to be known for, what would it be?

Who’s my audience?

To which circles I belong?

Coming up with answers to these questions will help you draw your roadmap and put milestones to eventually reach your desired destination. When you’re clear about where you stand and where you want to be, you know exactly what needs to be done to be there; it’s a transformational journey that requires SMART action plan to accomplish it.

The plan could consist of three main elements: Knowledge, Experience, and Network. Under each element you can define a number of objectives and KPIs to monitor your performance.

Placing the Bricks

To start the building process, it’s essential to acquire the required knowledge, develop and improve the needed skills, bridge the gaps in experience, and grow the network. This can be achieved by leveraging different means: studying, reading, attending events/conferences, participating in voluntary activities, attending professional gatherings, posting, blogging, and seizing every single opportunity to boost your self-confidence – that also includes “dressing to impress”.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The more knowledge you accumulate, the more

confident you will be to voice your opinions and share your thoughts. This in turn will help you gain more trust from your audience.

• Acquiring knowledge has become easy with the

plethora of learning platforms and sources. What’s not easy is accumulating knowledge and building experience, for which you need to roll-up your sleeves and get your hands dirty by not only acquiring knowledge but applying it, maintaining/upgrading it along the way and defending it if required.

• To grow your network, you need to be present at first

– be it physically or digitally. Hijack the circles that are fit for your purpose, assess the value you’re adding and the value you’re gaining from these circles regularly.

As time passes, you’ll be able to observe how your horizon has widened, your network expanded and your views crystalised, and you’ll smoothly switch hats and look at things from different perspectives. You’ll be called by a friend of a friend of another friend to give advice and resolve matters where no alternatives are available!

That’s how strong your brand can be.

Short Story At one of the recent events I attended, one of the attendees introduced me as “one with many professional qualifications”, the hidden message here reflecting how keen and passionate I am to learn new things! Is it something that I wanted myself to be known for? Absolutely. I’ve done the Gallup Strengths Finder assessment a few years earlier and “Learner” was my first strength. Was it easy to collect professional qualifications? Not easy nor quick; it took me 15 years of continuous learning, studying books, clearing exams, obtaining qualifications and applying/maintaining/upgrading the knowledge!

Maintain and Upgrade

Your roadmap, milestones and destination are not necessarily static, being dynamic and adapting to changes along the way is a vital part of the game.

Sometimes you need to alter the roadmap, introduce and/or remove milestones. In fact, in some cases, you need to change the destination itself!

Regular and ad-hoc assessments to your knowledge, experience, and network are essential to keep the ball rolling. You may seek a professional advice or engage a coach or mentor. www.womanthismonth.com

What’s more, one of the young university students approached me once to conduct an interview and she said: “I was searching on Google for project managers in Bahrain and your name came up. It was the first in the list”. This wouldn’t be possible 10 years earlier, it took me time to build that reputation and be the first!

Building a personal brand is essential these days, and very much possible. Be sure to be consistent and leverage all your resources and you are sure to succeed in all that you do.

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BEAUTY | news

THE KIND COLLECTIVE’S MIRACLE PRODUCTS When it comes to maintaining a skincare or make-up routine, it’s best to invest in high-quality double-duty beauty products that serve more than one purpose. These products are cost effective and let us do more with less.

The Australian beauty brand The KIND Collective has created the Hybrid Heroes range which simplifies the everyday make-up routine. This range is made in Australia with 100 percent vegan ingredients consisting of 13 gamechanging products including highperforming bases, nourishing lipsticks, and

lash and brow perfectors. The range is also complemented by bamboo brushes with exceptionally soft vegan bristles.

Our favourite product from the range is the Miracle Glo Skin Serum. This multipurpose serum creates the smooth base of a primer, and the glow of a highlighter, all while nourishing skin with the serum base of Hyaluronic Acid and natural plant botanicals. This fantastic product nourishes your skin with the benefits of Kakadu Plum, Kangaroo Paw, and Vitamin E. Available at www.faces.com.

Glow with these

These fantastic beauty products will have you looking your best this Autumn.

We’re loving the fact that the weather is finally cooling down. If you’re changing up your wardrobe to suit this Autumn weather, chances are you might be in search of great cosmetics and sef-care products too. Farah Baig shares her top beauty essentials this month including a fabulous haircare range, great fragrances and versatile cosmetics.

ENHANCE YOUR EYES WITH CHANEL With Chanel’s SUBLIMAGE, the eyes regain their full expressive power.

Both protected and revitalised with the serum, L’ESSENCE FONDAMENTALE YEUX, they are now also illuminated thanks to the concealer, SUBLIMAGE LE CORRECTEUR YEUX. An exceptional new complexion product, whose unique formula combines the power of SUBLIMAGE skincare with the transformative effects of makeup.

SUBLIMAGE LE CORRECTEUR YEUX combines all the complexion expertise of CHANEL with innovative eye care, for a radiant makeup result and a perfect affinity with the skin. A powerful radiance enhancer, it fades dark circles and softens wrinkles and fine lines, while protecting the sensitive eye area.

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Its exceptional hydrating formula, both light and creamy, melts into the skin to brighten the eyes, instantly and throughout the day.

With fine light-reflecting powders and blurring agents derived from cellulose powder, SUBLIMAGE LE CORRECTEUR YEUX instantly reveals radiant eyes.

LE CORRECTEUR YEUX also helps to preserve skin quality by protecting the fragile eye area from external aggressors. Its complex of hygroscopic agents, capable of retaining water in the surface layers of the skin, provides an immediate feeling of hydration that lasts up to 12 hours.

Available at all leading beauty stockists. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | news

REPAIR DAMAGED HAIR WITH KEMON’S ACTYVA LINE

If you’ve been struggling with damaged hair, we’ve got just the thing for you! Since 1959, the Italian brand Kemon’s has been at the forefront of innovation, providing care and treatment for a multitude of hair problems. Kemon’s Actyva range is designed for the different specific needs of the hair with solutions for problems such as hair loss, thin hair, sensitive scalp, dandruff, oily scalp, coloured hair.

You can stay frizz free and tame curls and baby hairs with Actyva Disciplina, enriched with almond and peach oil available in shampoo, mask and as a cream. For a solution to damaged hair that restores the destroyed disulfide bonds, rebuilding new ones and strengthening the hair structure choose Actyva Nuova Fibra’s shampoo, mask and cream are designed innovatively to restore the strength of hair.

The new standard of beauty is a fine line between science and nature, enhancing the beauty of hair and preserving their harmony with daily beauty and wellness rituals. Kemon’s approach to hair care is as natural, raw, and organic as its ingredients to create a feeling of beauty and well-being.

Available on www.cozmada.com.

THE IRRESISTIBLE WORLD OF SHAMA PERFUMES Shama Perfumes, a pioneering perfumery hailing from Mumbai, brings Dubai an array of aromatic products stemming from the age-old traditions of oudh and Indian heritage. Driven by providing customers with a oneof-its-kind sensory experience through their fragrances and outstanding customer service, Shama is a family business that creates high-quality perfumes at an attainable luxury price.

Home to the finest perfumes, fragrance oils, and oudh, Shama’s Mumbai showroom welcomed Arab tourists and traders who visited the region since 1977. Throughout the 70s, Shama introduced their oudh and oil business to the world, and now with a presence in the GCC, they have expanded their clientele to all of the Middle East.

FLAWLESS MAKEUP IS EASY WITH BEAUTIFECT! Global beauty brand Beautifect is on a mission to improve and ease women’s beauty routines with their innovative, time-saving and perfecting tools. Their long-awaited Beauifect Brush Collection will be your secret to a flawless look! The Beautifect Brush Collection consists of eight pro-level luxury makeup brushes made from super soft, densely packed, premium quality bristles.

Devoted to offering only the highest quality fragrances from around the world, Shama sells an array of products using the finest raw materials from countries including India, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Turkey. The perfumery’s collection boasts of aromas in the form of Kashab Al Oudh, Dehnal Oudh, Attar, Mukhallats, Oudh Ma’attar, and perfume sprays.

Available on www.shama-perfumes.com.

The Beautifect brushes come in three sets: Face Set, Eye Set and Complete Set. The Beautifect Face Set includes a powder brush, blush brush, contour brush and concealer brush. You’ll find that the Beautifect Eye Set includes an eyeshadow lid brush, eyeshadow crease brush and dual end brush. Finally, the Complete Set includes all eight brushes in the conveniently sized Beautifect pouch and is perfectly compact for on the go touch ups.

The collection’s unique shortened handles make storage easier, while being simple to use. The Beautifect Brushes stand out with their signature weighted ends which aids application by balancing the weight for correct pressure giving professional results.

Available on www.beautifect.com. www.womanthismonth.com

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skincare

Revitalising Skincare

If you’ve been dealing with busy days and losing out on some much needed sleep, chances are your skin is feeling (and showing) it too! These fantastic products will nourish your skin and breathe new life into it. Ready? Set. Glow!

WISHFUL’S NEW PILLOWGASM CHERRY GLOW SLEEP MASK

Calling all glow-getters! Make sure you get your hands on the Pillowgasm Cherry Glow Sleep Mask created by none other than the beauty mogul, Huda Kattan! It’s a nourishing and repairing sleep mask that boosts skin radiance, reduces signs of fatigue AND locks in moisture for a glowy, brighter, and plumper complexion by morning!

Pillowgasm is packed with satisfying ingredients that deliver results instantly AND over time! Antioxidant-rich cherry extract helps tired-looking skin appear brighter and glowy, carrot extract works overnight to revitalise the skin while hemp seed oil and adenosine help repair the skin’s barrier and reduce signs of fatigue. Super humectant glycerin creates a barrier to trap moisture in the skin!

SKEYNDOR’S MATTIFYING FOAM-IN-GEL

Known for its “Scientific Skincare”, Skeyndor is the most renowned Spanishowned professional cosmetics company.

Their scientific beauty line includes a wide range of paraben-free products for all skin types and concerns such as cleansers and toners, eye contour creams, creams for all skin types, exfoliants, serums, deep hydration, sleeping oils, anti-gravity lifting, face and neck, and wrinkle corrective treatments.

We love their Mattifying Foam-in-Gel which is an essential deep cleansing product of the EXPERT CLEANSE PRO double cleansing method. It deeply cleanses impurities from the skin without drying it out or damaging it; perfect for combination and oily skin.

Available at www.cozmada.com.

The fragrance-free formula has a unique, 3-phase gel-cream-balm texture that’s deliciously rich without feeling greasy or heavy.

Available at Sephora.

ELIZABETH ARDEN'S YOUTH RESTORING CAPSULES

With over 100 years of creating innovative skincare, Elizabeth Arden is known for its high-quality innovative products that benefit the skin like the youth-restoring Ceramide capsules.

These unique capsules are targeted skin solutions, encapsulated for freshness and formulated for potency.

With a collection of four serum variants, there is a powerhouse ceramide capsule for every skin concern. This includes the Nourishing Advanced Ceramides, Plumping Hyaluronic Acid, Brightening Vitamin C, and Line-Erasing Retinol.

Each potent, single-dose serum is easy to apply and designed to make skincare effortless – simply target, twist and treat.

Available in-store at Debenhams and at www.ounass.com and www.namshi.com

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November 2022

FILORGA’S MESO MASK

The renowned French skincare brand FILORGA has a range of anti-aging skincare formulations which have been developed by aesthetic medicine doctors to tackle everything from skin imperfections to wrinkles. These solutions are a result of solid scientific research, innovative active ingredients, and unique technologies.

FILORGA’s Meso Mask is a smoothing radiance cream mask which illuminates the complexion, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and lessens the signs of fatigue on the skin. This mask can be used on the entire face, eye contour, neck and décolleté.

Available at www.basharacare.com and Ounass. www.womanthismonth.com

bystander

Rotaract Planting Day at RUW

Moving towards having a greener planet, the community driven organization Rotaract Bahrain held a Planting Day at the Royal University for Women.

Fashion Week Paris to Manama

The French Embassy held the opening ceremony of “Fashion Week Paris to Manama” at the French Residence in Hoora under the patronage of the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, HE Aymen Almoayyed and in cooperation with Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

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bystander

Shouting Pink Breast Cancer Awareness The Shouting Pink breast cancer awareness event was held at Vida’s Coast Hall and beach.

Vida Friday Pink Brunch In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain held the fabulous Vida Friday Pink Brunch at Origins Restaurant. A significant portion of proceeds raised through the brunch were donated to Think Pink: Bahrain Breast Cancer Society.

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

KIDS & CHORES!

As parents, we tend to look at enrolling our children into every activity possible in the interest of improving their skills. However, sometimes, instilling a sense of responsibility through chores makes all the difference. Ouiam El Hassani elaborates on the chores you can assign your little ones and how they can benefit when looking at the big picture.

Sometimes parents wonder if they should really give their kids chores. After all, isn't it the parents' responsibility to manage the household? And don't kids need an opportunity to “just be kids” for now because they have the rest of their lives to worry about chores?

Doing chores helps children learn about what they need to do to care for themselves, a home and a family. They learn skills they can use in their adult lives like preparing meals, cleaning, and organising. Parents could definitely use some help when it comes to the piles and piles of laundry and dishes that accumulate and, luckily, kids who do chores are more successful as adults.

It stands to reason that kids who grow up doing chores learn responsibility and develop a work ethic early on in life. They figure out how to get tasks done and realise that messes don't clean themselves, literally and figuratively. However, simple as it may seem, we may be so consumed with the other pressures of parenting that we underestimate the importance of asking kids to help out at home.

It is our tendency as modern day parents to over-protect and over-direct kids, which impedes self-efficacy. Parents should re-think

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and expand their definitions of success; it's not just about getting into a specific college, earning certain test scores, or assuming a certain career path.

Parents can raise successful kids without resorting to over-parenting, and the earlier you start it the better. If kids aren't doing the dishes, it means someone else is doing that for them so they're absolved of the work and lose out on learning that each one of us must contribute for the betterment of the whole.

Why is sweeping the floor and clearing the table so important to kids' well-being in life?

Well, simply put - helping out around the house helps kids feel capable. Doing chores also helps kids feel like they're part of the team.

Pitching in and helping family members is good for them and encourages them to be good citizens.

their shoes and backpacks away when they get home from school. Gradually add new chores to your child's chore list. As chores become more complex, teach them in a step-by-step manner how to do each task. For instance, if a child is expected to put his own clothes away, teach him where to put the clothes and discuss your expectations. Praise their effort and encourage them to keep practicing. Don’t expect perfection.

Of course, there is a balance to be found; we want to teach kids responsibility while still allowing them to be kids. And, to be perfectly frank, sometimes asking kids to help around the house can make getting through your to-do list that much more difficult. Either way, this advice is definitely worth considering!

Preschool children can be given simple chores that involve cleaning up after themselves like picking up their toys each day. They can also start to learn how to clean up their room and put their dishes away after a meal.

Once children begin attending school, their responsibility with chores should increase as well. For example, school-age children can put

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LIFESTYLE | home

r o o d Out e r u All Home Box

The winds of seasonal change have gently started blowing across the island, signalling the time to shift the party outdoors. It doesn’t matter if you have a cosy balcony, medium-sized patio or a large lawn, the beginning of sweater weather must be enjoyed out in the open.

Setting up a table for two or a casual shindig for a bunch of your favourite people is all the more charming in the breezy outdoors.

Here’s an idea of the essentials that you need to make your open-air spaces irresistibly inviting.

WARMTH FOR

THE WINTER

PATIO HEATER

bahrain. desertcart. com

TO PLOP DOWN ON

OUTDOOR POUFS

amazon.com

GARDEN GATHERING

OUTDOOR DINING SET

ubuy.com

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November 2022

www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | home

A SPLASH OF COLOUR

METAL DRAGONFLY ACCENTS

aliexpress.com

FOR THE SNACKABLES PICNIC BASKET

namshi.com

FAIRY LIGHTS

LED LANTERNS

bahrain.desertcart.com

EASY TO USE

LAID BACK

OUTDOOR BLANKET

MELAMINE BOWL

Namshi.com

namshi.com

INVITING WINGED WONDERS BIRD FEEDER

lightinthebox.com

BEE COOL

BEE STRING LIGHTS

amazon.com

LIGHT IT UP

METAL SOLAR LAMP

amazon.com

COSY COCOON

EGG CHAIR

ubuy.com

VERTICALLY VERDANT

PLANT GROWER POCKETS

lightinthebox.com

www.womanthismonth.com

November 2022

101

travel

Exploring BRAZIL! E

xploring a new beautiful location on your own is quite the experience! Solo woman travel is a growing trend in the travel industry. Besides exploring the world on their own, for most of these women it is also about creating awareness for eco-tourism and conservation efforts around the world.

Travelling solo has become a lot more popular after the pandemic. Data from Booking.com* shows that only 14 percent of travellers were going solo pre-pandemic, but by mid-2021 that number had risen to 23 percent, while Google trend data showed that solo travel had risen by a massive 761.15 percent.

Brazil is an amazing country to discover. It is internationally recognised for being a good

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Looking for a new travel destination?

Whether travelling solo or with friends, here are five must-visit destinations in the oh-so-picturesque Brazil!

host for those looking to have great experiences travelling alone. With police departments specialised in serving tourists in cities including Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, Florianópolis and Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil offers solo travellers a fantastic sense of security.

Although Brazil is a great destination to visit year around, some of the biggest carnival celebrations in the world happen in Brazil from December to March. Select airlines in the Middle East offer direct flights to Rio de Janeiro too.

Here are five must-visit destinations in Brazil for solo woman travellers looking to connect with nature or groups of friends looking for adventure:

1- For the culture enthusiast - Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in South America and is known for its beautiful beaches, carnival, its samba culture, soaring mountains and landmarks. It is home to some of the friendliest people and is a multicultural society with numerous iconic structures. Enjoy spectacular views of the city from the Sugarloaf Mountain, a popular landmark that attracts over one million visitors each year.

Copacabana Beach is another tourist favourite as you get to enjoy sunbathing and water sports during the day and enjoy the buzzing nightlife in the beachfront bars.

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2- For the adventure seeker

travel

Manaus

For the brave-hearted, Manaus is the gateway to the glorious Amazon Rainforest. Explore the vast ecosystem by staying at the luxurious Amazon Lodges. Tailor-made packages and excursions designed by travel experts are available to explore the wilderness safely, making it the ideal vacation spot for a solo traveller or a group of women seeking adventure and excitement.

3- For the outdoor lover Florianópolis

Florianopolis is one of the safest cities in South America.

This tranquil island fulfills all the requirements for an unforgettable girl’s getaway, from breath-taking coastlines and natural beauty to lounges and sporting events. At night, Florianópolis evolves into a location to relax and interact with other free-spirited people. During the day, it is fantastic for being outdoors with hiking trails, surfing, and other daring activities. The destination is perfect for a girl’s getaway.

4- For the nature devotee Foz do Iguaçu

The Iguacu Falls, the most picturesque waterfall in the world, is in Foz do Iguaçu, one of Brazil’s enchanting places. One of the most favoured tourist destinations is the Iguaçu National Park, which is undoubtedly a once-ina-lifetime experience. The perfect destination for women to shop, explore, and eat their hearts out, Foz do Iguaçu offers endless experiences.

5- For the explorer at heart Fernando de Noronha

The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a delicate ecosystem. It is an idealistic escape to detox, reconnect and is considered Brazil’s most paradisiacal island. It features pearly white serene beaches, turquoise oceans, and spectacular granite backdrops perfect for nature lovers looking for hiking trails, boat trips, snorkelling, surfing, and other outdoor adventures. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, Sancho Bay has crystal-clear emeraldgreen waters, and visibility is perfect to watch marine life.

This information is courtesy of the Brazilian Tourist Board (Embratur). If you would like to visit Brazil and are in need of additional information, visit www. visitbrasil.com.br or follow @visitbrasil on Instagram. www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2022 103

bystander

ahrain Indonesia Business and Friendship Society held a Fashion Show and Bazaar at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Fashion Show and Bazaar BHotel, Residence & Spa. The event was attended by members of the media, invited guests and fashion aficionados.

ancer Care Group in collaboration with Bahrain Cancer Society held a Walkathon at Water Garden City Cancer Care Group Walkathon CSeef where participants walked a distance of four km with the goal of raising awareness of Breast Cancer.

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In Her Shoes

last word

The Kingdom of Bahrain has no shortage of phenomenal women. This month, we had the absolute pleasure of meeting Supriya Reginald, a true people person who is aptly the HR Manager at The Foundry. She describes herself as a “combination of every Disney characters’ quirky traits”, and given her bubbly personality, we can see why! Let’s take a walk in her shoes.

What are you most grateful for today?

Name three things you can’t live without?

I’m grateful for everything I’ve accomplished.

My mum’s blessings My sister’s support My fiancé's love

Name a song that always gets you dancing.

Gene Kelly’s ‘Singing In The Rain.’

What’s your favourite movie?

City Lights! One of Chaplin’s greatest masterpieces.

If you had to eat the same three-course meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it consist of?

Supriya Reginald

Oh the horror! Quite the predicament to be indefinitely limited to a three-course meal. Alright, Mom’s Mutton Biryani, Beetroot Salad and Rasmalai.

What’s your dream holiday destination?

Any tropical island! Being stranded on one might actually be a dream come true.

What’s your life motto?

“No stones are thrown at a fruitless tree.” It means that if you face hardship, it’s because you’re doing something worthwhile. www.womanthismonth.com

Name a skill you’d like to learn.

Being able to walk without tripping on thin air. #PracticingSince1991

Since you grew up here, what’s the thing you love most about Bahrain?

It never ceases to give me a homely sensation.

This dot on the map is home… it always will be.

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advertisers index

bahrainthismonth.com Now you’ve seen your regular issue, which we hope you enjoyed, make sure to check out our websites and social media for daily updates of what’s happening across the Kingdom. You can find us at:

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womanthismonth.com womanthismonth

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